Two years of caring for Saipan’s animals

You can visit www.SaipanCaresforAnimals.com, or “Saipan Cares for Animals” on Facebook to learn more. Both sites have directions to the community outreach center in As Gonno. (SAIPAN CARES FOR ANIMALS)

Dogs suffering from tick disease, worms, infections, mange, and malnutrition are brought back from the edge of death.

Cats who don’t trust humans are transformed into wonderful lap cats.

Children learn proper care for their pets.

Hundreds of happy, healthy animals are adopted.

Two years ago, Saipan’s animal welfare group, called Saipan Cares for Animals, was created by Jason Hudy with help from the Humane Society International and a group called Animal Balance.

Within these past two years, the group has had its ups and downs, but today continues to strive to improve the life of every animal on Saipan through sterilization, medication, and socialization.

“One of our biggest advances in the past two years has been the opening of the ‘Saipan Cares for Animals Community Outreach Center’ in As Gonno,” said Beth Pliscou, president of SCA. “From this facility we’ve been able to adopt out dogs and cats, socialize and rehabilitate animals that were near death, and provide basic, low-cost animal care for Saipan’s residents and their pets.”

“One of the aspects I’m most proud of is our adoptions,” said Hudy, a volunteer with SCA. “When Saipan Cares was created, there was no adoption process on Saipan, and most animals that were abandoned by owners, or found on the road, were euthanized. Today, SCA has helped to adopt out over 500 animals, animals that have been given a second chance at life. And families have received wonderful socialized pets that brighten their days. It’s a win-win for everyone!”

The group originally began by assisting the Saipan Mayor’s Office with its animal program, and has since grown to the point where branching off on their own has meant being able to help more animals.

“Today, we offer basic medical care for Saipan’s animals that is very affordable for all pet owners,” said Pliscou. “We’ve been able to assist thousands of animals on our island to live a better quality of life with our services! We’ve even taken trips to Tinian to help the animals there as well!”

The organization continues to grow and reach more of Saipan, said Hudy. “We’ve hosted school groups to educate them on the proper care for animals, so future generations will know how to take care of their pets. …The number one thing we are currently in need of is volunteers to help. If any animal lovers on Saipan want to volunteer, we always need help to care for our bundles of joy.”

The SCA Community Outreach Center offers medical care, and hosts up to 15 injured, ill, abused and/or neglected animals that they are rehabilitating and making well for adoption.

“I love seeing the turnaround in our animals,” said Pliscou. “We have animals that come to us very scared, or worse, abused by humans. We have dogs come to us totally infested with ticks and barely able to walk. We have cats come to us who have been mistreated and have no reason to trust humans. And, while we can’t save every animal, in so many cases we’ve seen miraculous changes in animals that go on to live great lives, and that’s what keeps us going.”

“So, here is what SCA can do for you, and what you can do for SCA,” said Hudy. “First, if you are looking to adopt a wonderful, healthy new pet, please come visit us at the outreach center! Directions are on our website and Facebook page, or give us a call. Second, if your animals needs medical care, come by. We offer basic medical care at affordable prices! Third, if you feel so inclined to donate, monetary or goods donations are most needed and welcomed. You can donate to our GoFundMe page on our website or Facebook page. And finally, if you are looking to help out Saipan’s animals, we are in need of volunteers to love and care for our little ones. I promise you’ll leave SCA feeling great about the help you provide!”

You can visit www.SaipanCaresforAnimals.com, or “Saipan Cares for Animals” on Facebook to learn more. Both sites have directions to the community outreach center in As Gonno.

Both sites also have a link to a “GoFundMe” page. Saipan Cares for Animals receives no government assistance or grants, and operates entirely out of the generosity of donations. If you’d like to donate to keep the group in existence, do so on the GoFundMe page.

If you’d like to volunteer, you can contact SCA on the website, Facebook fan page, or call Pliscou at 285-5448.

“In two years, SCA has made a difference in the quality of lives for animals on Saipan. This is your community animal clinic and rescue and only you, Saipan’s​ residents, are keeping it up and running. We look forward to continuing to serve the animals and the community in the upcoming year,” added Pliscou. (PR)