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SCA thanks community’s support
A boy plays with a puppy while waiting for his parents to process the adoption of their new dog in the Free Adoption Week program of Saipan Cares for Animals over the weekend at the animal shelter in Lower Base. (Jon Perez)
The Saipan Cares for Animals is thanking members of the community who became new pet owners after their two-day Free Adoption program held over the weekend at the animal shelter in Lower Base.
SCA president Jason Hudy said that 15 dogs have been adopted in the first two hours of Saturday alone. In total, 33 dogs were adopted on Saturday. As of press time on Sunday, only 27 dogs remain with six awaiting their new owners to pick them up.
“It was an outstanding reception by the community. It was everything that we hoped for. It is happy to see the new pet owners playing with their dogs,” said Hudy.
“Thank you to all the new pet owners. What was especially wonderful was to see people weren’t coming for guard dogs but for pets, which they want to become wonderful additions to their families,” he added.
One female dog, which was pregnant when caught by the staff of the Saipan Mayor’s Animal Control Office, also gave birth to eight puppies.
“But they are not yet up for adoption. They are still too young and are still being breastfed by the mother,” Hudy added.
“We were wishing that all of the dogs got adopted but we are not expecting it to happen. We just wanted to lessen their number since we only have 40 kennels and we’re over capacity.”
The Free Adoption project was a joint effort by SCA and the Saipan Mayor’s Office under Mayor David M. Apatang. SCA paid for each dog’s $20 adoption fee, while new owners paid the $6 licensing and registration fees per year. All dogs adopted have been spayed, neutered, and vaccinated.
Guam veterinarians Dr. Jennifer Landis and technician Bambi Leone assisted SCA, local animal volunteers and staff of the Saipan Mayor’s Animal Control Office with the spay and neuter program.
Spencer Merchadesch, Rodney Babauta, Lee Mark Deleon Guerrero, Ton Leon Guerrero and Jaime Toytoy are the staff of the Saipan Mayor’s Animal Control Office. They have been patrolling the streets and catching stray dogs.
