Rafael Oliver Diaz

As we enter this new year I would like to reflect upon a loss in the previous.

If you have visited the Spanky Project website you most likely have read about my first encounter with

Rafael Oliver Diaz.

Oliver was born in Havana, May 20th, 1915. As an Agricultural Engineer he held different positions in that field until his retirement. Oliver was also a professor at the University of Havana, where he taught Biological Sciences and microbiology.

Rafael Oliver Diaz was founder of the Cuban Association for the Protection of Animals and Plants (ANIPLANT). On the 19th of February, 1987 the group was formed with the aim to protect animals and plants.

Plans are in the works for a fitting memorial marker to be located at Oliver's place of rest, which is the Colon Cemetery in Havana.

Goodbye dear friend.
I'm sure you had a warm welcome at the Rainbow Bridge.

The announcement of Oliver's passing was reported September 2nd by
Radio Guantanamo.

It's better to give ...

Having been a rescue myself I know what it's like to be held in a shelter.
We count the hours, days and even months until someone -- hopefully-- comes to take us home.
With hope we wait.

What can help pass the time is a new toy.
I know!!
Especially if I can help it make lots of noise.

Recently my pack went through the closet and to our surprise (not) there was an abundance of brand new toys ...
some of which could make a joyous noise.

Knowing that my shelter friends would appreciate these, we went for a drive.
After all, how many toys does one mutt need?

The
Quinte Humane Society
was our destination.
Located in Belleville, Ontario, this is the shelter from where my pack adopted Spanky.

My Mom made the delivery for me.


I would have done it myself but there was an outbreak of kennel cough.
It was best I stay in the car as I have a big road trip coming up.
MEXICO !!!!

As the new year approaches extend a paw and aid your local furry friends.

by
Ms. Skeeter Mudhen

Cycle 4 Strays

A few months ago I was contacted by a gentleman named Davide Ulivieri of
Cycle 4 Strays.
Davide was interested in the work of the Spanky Project in Cuba.

Cycle 4 Strays Mission Statement:
A non competitive fund raising event, Cycle 4 Strays is dedicated to advancing the rights of homeless companion animals in developing nations.
By pedaling with no support vehicles, we wish to duplicate the hardships that strays experience on a daily basis throughout their lives, educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the need to be compassionate towards unwanted animals.
Our outreach programs refute violent methods of dog and cat population control, promoting spay and neuter instead as the only viable, long term solution to the tragedy of homeless pets.

The idea of Cycle4Strays was spawned in early 2009.
Click hear to read of the genesis.

Upon further discussion Davide asked if there would be interest in a Cycle4Strays event being held in Cuba. More on this later.

In January 2010 Davide will be cycling from Kanab,Utah to San Jose, Costa Rica in support of the McKee Project and our furry friends.
Read about 2010 ride.

I urge you to support Davide on his ride in support of our furry friends and the
McKee Foundation.

Donations are accepted at First Giving.

Campaña en Centro Habana.

Dra.Magaly is the Director of the Colon Clinic in Centro Habana.
The joint and cooperative efforts of her clinic, Grupo Dulce Maria Loynaz
and the Spanky Project allows for free sterilization clinics to be held on a near monthly basis.

Colon is one of two (soon to be three) clinics that the
Spanky Project is working with.

Cats and dogs arrive in various forms of conveyance.

An important part of the program in Cuba involves education.
While the caregivers are waiting materials are provided to expand awareness
on the topic of animal care and welfare.

A history ...

and examination ...

...take place before each procedure.

The procedure is often completed in less than 15 minutes

Once the ear is tattooed all that is left is..

...post op and few zzzzzzzzzzz's

Another campaña completed.

Thanks go to the whole gang for their caring and dedication.
Also thanks go to those that have sponsored a spay.

Yo Quiero No Mas!

Today is a sad day in dogdom.
The most famous Taco Bell spokesdog has died at the age of fifteen.
Gidget, helped make famous the slogans ...
"Yo quiero Taco Bell"
y
"Drop the chalupa"

In her hay day she traveled in limos and flew on corporate jets.
She even had the occasion to opened the New York Stock Exchange.
It has been reported that some Hipanic watchdogs protested that the commercial promoted stereotype and demanded they be removed from air.



Adios Gidget !

Canadian Chihuahua Rescue and Transport
British Chihuahua Rescue Association
Chihuahaua Rescue USA
Chihuahua Rescue Transport CRT

Wish List Wednesday

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have delivered needed supplies to Cuba.

Although I haul big bags of supplies every trip...
every delivery is important no matter how small.

Flying with Cubana, one can check two bags of 23kg each.
With a 46 kg limit...

...you can even carry a gallon of medicated shampoo.

Please give some consideration to setting aside a small portion of you weight allowance to aid the Cubans that are supporting animal welfare.
Dogs, cats, horse....
Havana, Trinidad, Camagüey and Varadero...
I can provide you with convenient drop off locations.

Wish Lists

email

Delivering The Goods

It was a good day today.
With the assistance of my friend Justo it was off to Vedado with the latest donations.
Waiting for us at Amparo’s were members of Dulce Maria Loynaz.

All arriving supplies are listed and checked by a veterinarian...

Before we go to the clinic a list is prepared which will be signed by the clinic director.
 A detailed paper trail is mandatory for all donations

On this trip I brought anesthetic enough for around 100 spay/neuters depending on size. This anesthetic was purchased with donations received at the Spanky Project blog.

This morning we will deliver anesthetic for a campaña to be held in Centro Habana.

Dra.Magaly (LEFT) is the director of the Colon Clinic in Centro Habana.