The Palau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) completed its first week-long spay/neuter animal clinic at its new location at the former T&O Building – Top Side on February 15.
The medical services were provided by Dr. James Speir, who agreed to come to Palau to provide the much needed spay and neuter services and other important pet surgeries and vaccinations.
PAWS successfully treated nearly 100 animals in one week including four complicated orthopedic surgeries. Thirty-six cats were spayed or neutered, as well as 26 dogs, and 26 animals were provided important checkups and vaccinations along with other treatments for various wounds and ailments. According to PAWS President, Nik Ngirailild, “the clinic was a tremendous success and hopefully the first of many to come.”
PAWS is a community-based organization dedicated to providing every Palau animal with exceptional care and a loving home. Together with community volunteers and our government partners, PAWS has been providing quality pet services and animal protection for 18 years. PAWS is a Palau incorporated non-profit corporation relying most significantly on generous donations from the public and the assistance of its volunteer force. According to PAWS founder and leading board member, Lori Colin, PAWS is devoted “to give a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves” and with support PAWS “delivers that service to our furry four legged friends through its vision, values and policies.”
PAWS extends its appreciation to Koror State Governor Franco Gibbons, Director Jose Ise, Lilian Nakasone, and members of the Koror State Animal Clinic for their support and assistance, most especially Sherman Sato and Paul Eberdong for their medical assistance, along with the exceptional volunteer services of Mr. Shaeik Shahbaz. PAWS also thanks KSG for the loan of essential medical equipment.
A special thanks goes out to the PAWS community volunteers who devoted their time, effort and donations to a successful clinic, including Wayne & Kiki Adelbai, Claudia Schuaars, Susuan Toribiong, Honorable Judge Materne, Carol Hsu, Kaylee Giramur, Anthony Asi, Torsten Schaudt, Biota Consulting, Sam Scott, Coral Reef Research Foundation, Claire Harvey, Rachel Dimitruk, and a special thanks to Tamara Hutzler whose generous financial support provided the airfare and accommodations for Dr. Speir. PAWS also wants to extend a singular thank you and acknowledgment of support and important assistance of Mara Van Tassel, Erika Hansen and James Lyons for their assistance in making the PAWS office a warm and inviting place, and also to Surangel & Sons for their donation of a tent and chairs to facilitate the clinic.
PAWS relies principally on volunteers and donations to provide animal services. If you would like to volunteer your time or provide financial assistance to PAWS please contact us at 775-PAWS(7297), by email at pawspalau@gmail.com, or visit our Facebook page, @PAWSPALAU. Everyone is welcome to join PAWS in its effort to help the animals of Palau and your assistance is greatly appreciated. (Meresbang Matagolai/PR)