‘Everyone needs a second chance’

Pliscou

Shortly after moving to Saipan in 2012, Beth Pliscou realized that, as much as she loves the islands, she could not be at peace unless she did something to help the homeless, injured, and deceased animals that she sees every day.

That impetus led to the creation of non-profit group Saipan Cares for Animals and, for the fortunate ones that have been found, healed, and rescued, Pliscou gave these dogs and cats a second chance at life.

“Saipan Cares for Animals is a dedicated group of volunteers whose mission is to improve the life of every animal on Saipan through sterilization, medication, and socialization. We do this by helping the animals directly and offering the community low-cost pet care services,” Pliscou said.

“The overpopulation of dogs and cats on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota is a huge but fixable problem. This can only be accomplished by spay/neuter. Killing them one by one, which is Saipan’s history, clearly doesn’t work. I’m motivated to do the work that I do and lower this overpopulation problem every time I see an animal suffering, which is every day,” Pliscou added.

People can actually get in touch with Pliscou anytime of the day for quick advice or emergency situations pertaining to dogs or cats. She drives a 4×4 car that is full of medical supplies and she would do house calls or hit the brakes when she spots an injured animal while driving around.

“My life revolves around SCA. …Saipan Cares for Animals is run by strong, loving, and fearless women. I could never have accomplished what we have in the past four years alone without my SCA partner, Yumi Brundidge, who keeps everything running beautifully,” she said.

“I depend on her and she does not fail me. SCA would not be where it is now without her and I like to think that Yumi and I together are superwomen,” she added.

SCA currently houses 150 dogs and cats. When you visit SCA, every animal there are lively and in good health. “I have just one big goal right now and that is to get a grant. It is a daily struggle to purchase enough food and medication for our rescue animals,” Pliscou said

“I don’t want to raise our prices for the community clinic but quite often we do not have the funds to purchase medicine that our clients need. I would also like to pay our staff what they are deserving and I am hopeful that a grant will solve these problems,” Pliscou added.

She pointed out that it is a proven fact that pets help their owners live a healthier life, both emotionally and physically. “I want people to leave our clinic knowing how they can care for their pet and, in return, their healthy, devoted pet will care for them.”

“I hope after visiting SCA rescue/clinic, people will feel empathy for and gain knowledge that will help the suffering homeless dogs and cats. I believe it is very important to help those that cannot help themselves, both as an individual and as a community,” she added.