For the past month we have had the pleasure of volunteering at the Grenada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA), the only animal clinic and veterinary office that helps the pet owners of Grenada, as well as providing services to all of the unhoused domestic animals as well. GSPCA is a high-quality clinic that provides spay and neuter services, surgeries, and illness care when animals need it most. We have seen full time dedicated staff, as well as students who are gaining hands on experience while finishing their degrees at St George’s University, School of Veterinary Medicine, in addition to weekly volunteers who come in to help care for the animals.
We have seen many different animal clinics and shelters in the Caribbean, but this one is especially well run, and it’s been a great experience getting to know the people who work there, and the animals they care for. As usual, there are a fair number of puppies and kittens who get taken in, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, and then adopted out (in island, or off).
There are mature animals who have been brought it as strays, but would prefer to be house pets, that are also spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and cared for until adoptions, and there is also a population of community cats who are spayed, but because they are feral, choose to remain living outside the clinic, but near enough for feedings and care if necessary.
This is a clinic that meets animals where they are, and offers help wherever they can. They also provide the crucial and difficult gift of helping animals with traumatic injuries or illnesses with a peaceful and non-painful passing.
Paul and I have been coming in every Wednesday morning by taking the bus to town, and then walking the last leg. Boyo is in charge of the yard and helps keep the whole place running on schedule, while the veterinarians provide medical care. Volunteers assist Boyo with walking the dogs so they get to stretch their legs and potty outside, cleaning and sanitizing dishes for food and water, cleaning and sanitizing kennels, giving baths to animals to treat skin conditions, cleaning the cattery and feeding the indoor kitties, and folding the never-ending supply of laundry that goes through every animal care facility. Paul and I were big fans of Boyo, who is hardworking throughout the humid days, but who always had a moment to teach us something or to help us out. He was the definition of kinetic energy, always on the move with a big job to do, but still had time for a laugh and smile. The dogs went wild with wags to see him.
Paul and I have our favorite animals that we visit with, including Nemo- a block headed big dog with some sad scarring around his neck. Nemo is the kind of dog who’s not so interested in going on long walks, but is very definitely interested in rolling around on the grass like a big goof. He’s also a very good boy during bath time, and enjoys scritches and getting rinsed off to cool down. A gem of a dog who is often overlooked because of his large stature, I can’t stress enough what a lover this dog is. He would love nothing more than to put his blockhead in your lap and drool at you adoringly.
I also love Jemima, a .6 kilo baby kitten who is too small to be amongst the other indoor kittens (although she has since graduated to gen-pop). She has endless energy and a sweet pounce, with a purr that melts even the non-cat fans.. There are also two sisters, Iris and Blossom, kittens who came in with eye infections. They now have one eye between the two of them, but these kittens are the most acrobatic and fun loving gals I’ve ever seen. If we were land based I’d be tempted to scoop them up, because they can cuddle and purr in your arms like no one’s business.
I also love visiting with all the indoor cats. They climb and pounce, purr in your arms and jump on each other, pounce at bugs and toys, and are just in general the cream of the crop of purrfection. Although its sweaty work cleaning out the cattery, it’s a task I relish doing because I have cats and kittens swatting for my attention and purring in my arms when I take a short break. And I feel so fulfilled leaving them with a clean floor and litter box, a full food dish, and sleepy for an afternoon nap.
The GSPCA is located next to the botanical gardens, so its easy to take the dogs from the kennels out to walk in the grass. They love to try to snitch mangos off the ground. Every time we have volunteered here, we have left feeling happy and fulfilled. I highly recommend any visitors or residents to Grenada spend a morning or afternoon to help them with their mission of loving animals, and being responsible owners.
Any one not on the island of Grenada can always donate money or gifts through their amazon wish list here. They are a clinic that is doing its absolutely best to serve the people and animals of Grenada, while running on a tight budget and with very limited resources. The people there bring such dedication and professionalism, with kindness for the animals they treat.
Paul and Lindsay
more cute pics below!
TIBURON MARINO 