Local Veterinarian Makes a Difference
By Pamela Hall
The Ashland Beacon
As pet lovers and owners, we consider our fur babies or feather or reptilian members of the family much like our children. We are diligent in tending to their care, well-being, and health needs because we love them. We feed and water them when they are hungry and thirsty, show them love and affection, and take them to the veterinarian when they are ill.
Pet owners across the world feel no differently about their pets. However, imagine if you lived in a place where consistent veterinary care was not available. Imagine if your beloved pet was ill, but no medical service was available. Such is the case on the Pacific island of Saipan, a U.S. Territory.
Last month, Dr. M. J. Wixsom, a local veterinarian, traveled to Saipan to make a difference in the lives of the animals on the island. Her two-week visit was sponsored by a non-profit group called Boonie Babies. The organization rescues boonie dogs and places them with foster homes or assists in the adoption of the animals.
According to www.booniebabiessaipan.com, many combat dogs were used to help sniff out enemy soldiers during WWII and were left on the island when the war ended. Through the years, the dogs, of which there were many different breeds, crossbred with each other until their distinctive breeds were unrecognizable. Thus, boonie dogs, a breed now all their own called American Village Dogs, came into existence. They come in all shapes, colors and sizes and roam the island living on whatever scraps they can find. Most are homeless, starving, and in poor health. They suffer from mange and are covered with ticks. Since there is not a certified veterinarian in the whole of Saipan, the animals lack treatment. Sterilization is desperately needed to help ease the overpopulation problem of the animals.
Boonie Babies was able to sponsor Dr. Wixsom, who spent two weeks performing spays and neuters, along with other medical treatments on animals brought to the clinic. She was assisted by a former Coast Guard Academy classmate and veterinarian technician, Kathy Hamblett from Alaska. The two worked harder each day than they were contracted due to so many animals needing care.
The contracted schedule each day was from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., but they usually didn’t finish until at least 4:30, sometimes 6:30 or 7:30.
“They were flying in animals from nearby islands,” Dr. Wixsom explained, “so we hardly had any downtime. They don’t often get skilled, experienced small animal veterinarians to come there, so they wanted to make use of the time we were with them. Sometimes it’s three to six months before they get another veterinarian.”
Dr. Wixsom was able to take a portable ultrasound machine and an otoscope with her which enabled her to do more than just routine spays and neuters. However, the lack of medications and other needed instruments caused limitations that unfortunately didn’t always ensure a positive outcome.
For example, an ultrasound was performed on one dog that came to the clinic and a mass was revealed. Dr. Wixsom did surgery to remove the mass but once inside, it was determined that the cancer was too far gone. The owner had Wixsom euthanize his pet while still under anesthesia.
Another dog was diagnosed with diabetes, but there was no insulin for dogs available. The dog died before they were able to get the needed medicine.
“If there had been insulin there, I think I could have saved the dog’s life,” Dr. Wixsom sadly remarked.
One animal she was able to help to a certain degree was a cockatoo. The bird had broken its leg in Feb., and there was no veterinarian available for treatment. Of course, the leg hasn’t healed properly. However, Dr. Wixsom was able to teach the owner some husbandry techniques for the leg to help it heal better and enable the bird to live longer.
“I’m the type of person that wants everything fixed and well,” Dr. Wixsom explained. “The parts that we weren’t able to fix still bother me.”
Although there was very little free time, Dr. Wixsom was able to do a bit of sightseeing and also go scuba diving while in Saipan. In fact, she was able to get certified as a scuba diver while there.
As for the cultural differences, she explained that although many things were familiar, a lot of things were very different. The food was a mix of Japanese, Chinese and Philippine cuisine.
“And really weird American food,” she added with a laugh. “The grilled octopus and sushi were not really to my liking.”
Although the work was hard and the days were long, it was rewarding to know that it was making a difference for the animal population in Saipan.
“I met some wonderful people there,” Dr. Wixsom said, “however, the bottom line is that without the continuous care of a veterinarian, animal care suffers.”
Saipan and the boonie dogs certainly prove that statement to be true. Thank you Dr. Wixsom for making a difference.
