I've had several people ask me about the wishlist items because there's odd supplies listed like duct tape, sharpies, and Ziplocs. What do they use those for? The team has proven to be very resourceful in dealing with so many animals in the field by figuring out ways to ID, document, and trap and release their furry patients by using these items.
I reached out to Audrey (an amazing volunteer in California) who's done a few mission trips herself. She explains that the duct tape is used to ID the dogs and cats as they come in (both strays and pets). By using duct tape, they're able to keep track of each animal. Every animal gets a number and that number goes on a piece of duct tape (by using Sharpies) just before they go in for their health check (and on to anesthesia). The same number goes on their paperwork and in the case of street animals, another on duct tape on their holding cage. This also helps them return feral cats to their colony once they are recovered. "It's important that they go back to their "home and not just anywhere," Audrey she says.
Ziplocs are another part of keeping every animal safe. Once their weight is determined to draw up the appropriate volume of anesthetics, pain medication, anti-parasite medications, all their paperwork goes into a Ziploc along with their medications. The Ziploc stays with them throughout the entire process (the bag is also numbered with a Sharpie). This ensures that they get the correct dosages and everything stays clean and dry. It's important they remain safe and get good care.
When it comes to something like Ziplocs, I take these for granted because can find them anywhere, but that's not the case in Cuba. If you would like to help us with our mission, please consider sending us supplies though Amazon that will fill up our suitcase for The Spanky Project. We leave July 11 from Ft. Lauderdale. No gift is too small. We thank you for your kindness and so do the furry paws.
