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I clearly remember a little boy walking hand in hand with his dad and his German shepard mix down the narrow road along the lake towards the clinic.It was day 2 of a volunteer mission in Panajachel, Guatemala. We were just getting underway for another long day of spay and neuter surgeries. The hope in that little boy’s eyes, that finally someone from a far away part of the world had come to save the day, to cure his beloved pet of his problem, gave me a sense of real worth and the real reason why I traveled to this small town on the edge of Lago Atitlan.
But never did I feel so helpless and discouraged when all he wanted was for me to make it possible for his dog to see again. That look of hope quickly turned to despair as his head dropped and tears appeared. The best I could do was to tell his dad that although the dog was blind, he was healthy, well loved, and that his son was lucky to have such a dog. That moment in time broke my heart and it will stick with me forever. For me it exemplified both the futility and the ineptness of life but the importance of why a nonprofit organization such as GeoVeterinary International is founded.
Throughout the world, particularly in underserved areas, there are many animals suffering preventable illnesses and living only short lives. Each effort to educate, to reduce roaming populations, and to vaccinate against disease such as rabies is important to the welfare of both pets and humans. Each campaign or clinic in a community filled with animals in need does make a difference.
I could not cure a little boy’s dog of blindness, but the presence of me along with a group of caring volunteers from a distant place gave a small town hope and inspiration that they can be part of improving the level of veterinary care for their pets, diminishing the numbers in the streets, and continuing the effort. GeoVeterinary International has created an opportunity for you to contribute, to help better a life, to touch a heart, and in the end to be a small part in this incredible effort!
One nonprofit gives to another, the side story of our trip.
During the GeoVets trip to Cambodia our group of 9 individuals spent the day with Paren, a full time teacher at the Bridge of Life School in the floating village of Kompong Khleang. On this day he was our guide and connection to the Khmer way of life. By day’s end, we were amazed, educated, and certainly humbled.
Prior to our arrival at river’s edge stops were made on the roadside to eat delicious sticky rice, savor a fresh sugar cane drink, and bravely sample some cultural food items in the market. Within an hour’s drive our taste of Khmer culture continued as we entered the quiet meandering muddy waters of the floating village. Divided into 2 long slender wood boots, powered by diesel outboard motors, the GeoVets team weaved through villages of stilted homes rising from the water’s edge from where people raise families and fish the river beneath. Incredible to think how your home has no land below, and the only means of getting anywhere is by a small boat!
One such dwelling was the family home of Paren that had been converted in a school, the Bridge of Life School. An open room with no desks, only a chalkboard and long knee high level benches, is where Paren gathers over 60 local children to teach them mathematics, the English language, and important life skills. We were impressed by such a task, his dedication to his community, the degree of unselfishness, and how lucky we have been in our own lives.
To make a long story short, later in the week, following the 3 day GeoVets teaching clinic, nine bottles of injectable anesthesia, each costing GeoVets $70, remained unused. Because the anesthetic is a scheduled drug, and therefore not permitted to be transported home to the U.S., GeoVets decided to discount each down to $30 to sell to our Khmer colleagues (course participants). In this way they would be able to use it in their own clinics, providing a more safe and pain-free experience for their own surgery patients. In addition what better to do with the money than return it to the Cambodian community! GeoVets donated it to the Bridge of Life School as a kind gesture to a population in need. (Please read the letter of gratitude from Edward Roohan, the founder of the nonprofit Bridge of Life School.)
GeoVets first clinic, a success! Cambodia Nov. 2016
The seed has been planted! GeoVeterinary International, Inc. represented by nine individuals (4 doctors, 1 technician, & 4 assistants) conducted their very first official volunteer campaign, occurring in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a river city of almost 250,000 very near the UNESCO World Heritage site of Angkor Wat. The focus, unlike the high volume spay/neuter clinics Dr. Zulty has been involved in the past, was not about the number of animals to be sterilized but the hands-on real life training of local veterinary doctors and veterinary students – an impact considered further reaching and more lasting in a place underserved by quality veterinary care.
The campaign was a result of a year-long effort planned by Dr. Joe Zulty with Martin de Porres and Brett Elsley of Cambodia Pet Network, Dr. Siraya Chunekamrai of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and Drs. Nop RInda and Meas Sothy of the Cambodia Veterinary Medical Association. A total 19 doctors and 10 veterinary students were trained over 3 days by the GeoVets team on how to perform medical exams, place intravenous catheters, intubate airways, perform anesthesia, and do spay/neuter surgical procedures on dogs and cats. Photos only show you so much! The doctors and students were like sponges, eager to learn and improve their clinical and surgical skills and become more confident, translating to better care of animals in their home communities.
In addition to the teaching clinic, the GeoVets team spent a day at local pagodas in Siem Reap to vaccinate over 150 dogs and cats for rabies! All were dewormed and treated for fleas and ticks. Another 50 dogs and cats were vaccinated for rabies during our 10 day stay. Rabies is a major problem in Cambodia. Many people die as a result of a bite from a rabid dog. Massive education efforts and countrywide rabies vaccine clinics for dogs are needed for a healthier, safer, and more dog friendly country. GeoVets hopes to contribute again!
This incredible 1st clinic by GeoVets was a success indeed in the eyes of our team, in the minds of the participants, and in the hearts of the community. There was a true sense of pride and job well done shared between the GeoVets team and our Khmer colleagues. Much praise goes to Martin and Brett for initially paving the way, for Dr. Siraya for her collaboration with me in setting up the clinic, and Dr. Rinda who served as my right hand from the introductory minutes on day 1 to the end when each course participant was handed a certificate of completion. I also need to mention and graciously thank the following individuals:
Nicole Kramer– expat from Tasmania; who was the unsung heroine having been our devoted hostess who helped with anything, took us on a cool bike adventure, and became our good friend through sincerity and great conversation.
Jorge Rodriquez – expat from Puerto Rico, the photographer of insects, a true artist and scientist with a good soul.
Josette Vanneur – expat from Belgium, founder of Siem Reap Pagoda Cats; a woman of such elegance and passion for the innocent animals in need of good place to sleep at night.
Jessica Leigh – expat from Australia, a veterinary technician who runs the Siem Reap Mobile Pet Care; who provided much needed technical help during the clinics, and who has very good skills along with an ambition to raise the level of veterinary care in Cambodia.
Dr. Trish Johansen – expat from New Zealand, owner of Siem Reap Veterinary Care; who provided good advice to GeoVets in the preparation and conduction of the clinic.
Mr. Sary Pann - founder of The Happy Horse Ranch Farm; who graciously provided his site for GeoVets 1st day of the teaching clinic, a jovial man who made us feel comfortable and very welcome.
Dr. Chamnan of Phnom Penh Animal Welfare Society, who assisted with translation and teaching, who took time from her busy practice in Phnom Penh, and with whom GeoVets is so appreciative.
Jen Cartmill - a volunteer with Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary; who spent a scorching hot day with us on the grounds of a special place set aside for rescued elephants, small primates, and ridgeback dogs.
Tommy Bekaert and the staff at Rambutan Hotel/Resort in Siem Reap; right in town, clean, comfortable, relaxing, great pool, great free breakfasts and foot massages!
Sokna -our tuk tuk driver; who my son Zak and I became good friends with last year, who this year provided us with free transportation, and again imparted in us what is important in life: family, friends, kindness.
GeoVets team members:
Dr. Glenn Yovino and wife Bethany; Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital, South Thomaston, Maine
Dr. Ann Bittaker and husband Joe; Douglas Blvd. Veterinary Clinic, Roseville, California
Dr. Elianne Amstalden and husband Tommy; Belvedere Veterinary Center, Baltimore, Maryland
Technician Lauren Scott; Parkville Animal Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland
Dr. Joe Zulty and son Zak; Essex Middle River Veterinary Center, Baltimore, Maryland
GeoVets trip February 2017 to Sosua, Dominican Republic - 200 surgeries, happy faces, and a fantastic new connection!
Just a month ago, GeoVeterinary International met in Sosua to once again (last year was an unofficial first clinic – also a success!) team up with Judy Liggio of AAAS , her hard-working team of ex-patriots, and Dr. Giselle Santos of Hacienda Urbana Veterinaria, likely the best veterinarian on the island. This spay/neuter clinic was again not about quantity but quality. Utmost to us was that every animal undergoes a safe clean procedure and recovers without complications. Numbers are good, but 100% happy faces and good local relationships are more important.
At this year’s clinic we had the pleasure to work alongside Save Our Scruff, a volunteer group out of Toronto, Canada. Their mission is to rescue dogs in need and to place them in forever homes. To date, they have successfully transported over 600 dogs from overseas locations! SOS fulfilled yet another role, merging with us for 3 days to handle incoming patients and taking care of recovery. Tirelessly they worked alongside those on the surgical side to make the event a great success. Indeed it became a seamless and synergistic relationship, one that both GeoVets and SOS plan to build on in the future. Already there is collaboration for a spay/neuter clinic to Costa Rica.
Of note, Save Our Scruff team leader Cynthia Vuchev stated that the Sosua spay/neuter clinic of 200 surgeries equates to a reduction of 13,154,488 unwanted births in 6 years time! Certainly a dent in pet overpopulation!
With much overdue praise and thanks for true volunteerism, I need to mention the individuals, all ex-patriots residing in Sosua, who give their time and talents to not only support, but make this clinic happen! I call them Judy’s team, many of whom I have had the pleasure of working alongside in spay/neuter clinics, sponsored by World Vets and now GeoVets, as well as in several half-day operatives in Judy’s clinic over the years.
Judy's Team:
Jim & Carol – Thank you Jim for your electrician capabilities, the rewiring of the clinic site. Thank you Carol for your sweetness filling in the gaps.
Carl Chaffee – Thank you for your tremendous organizational help and your calming effect.
Stephanie, Marnie, Louise, & Carl Hackman – Thank you for tending to the anesthetized patients, the surgeons, and making sure each and every surgery was a success.
Sandy Wilkins –Thank you for traveling all the way from Michigan to visit Judy, and providing your technical expertise in the feline surgical area.
Francine, Marina, & Dieter- Thank you for preparing the pre-op injections, as always paying meticulous attention to detail and correct dosing.
Carolyn & Barbara – Thank you for assisting in the recovery area, proving lots of TLC and dry warm blankets.
Janet and daughter– Thank you for laboring continuously to make sure every surgical instrument was cleaned, sterilized, and quickly back in the hands of the surgeons.
Barbi – Thank you for the incredible food station providing a nonstop supply of goodies, coffee, cold drinks, and lunches.
Cindy – Thank you for cooking all the delicious food for the food station; your lunches were the best!
SOS team members:
Laura B. (founder of SOS), Jenna B., Paulina, Taylor, Eri, Jenna W., Lisa, Allan, Laura H. & Cynthia – all young, ambitious, really nice, and incredibly resourceful; Thank you for smoothly running admissions and thank you for your caring vigilance in recovery. Toronto can be proud!
GeoVets team members:
Dr. Glenn Yovino and wife Bethany, of Maine
Dr. Ann Bittaker, husband Joe and son Tyler, of California
Dr. David Kovalik and wife Barb, of Virginia
Dr. Cecie Couture, of Massachusetts
Dr. Kathy Reilly, of New Hampshire - Thank you for joining GeoVets for the 1st time; welcome indeed!
Dr. Susanne Vogler, of Germany
Dr. Jim Zulty (PhD) and daughter Dr. Mary Zulty (DO), of Maryland
Dr. Joe Zulty and wife Kathy, of Maryland
Veterinary technicians Denise Meredith & Liz Edwards, of Virginia – Thank you for participating in your first volunteer mission overseas. Please do it again! The burden of a clinic’s success is always on the shoulders of technicians prepping each dog with an IV catheter and endotracheal tube with efficiency and promptness. You both did very well! You even took the time to teach my wife Kathy how to place IV catheters. It was a special moment for me to see her doing so. Your efforts made me proud of the clinic and a proud husband!
As founder of GeoVeterinary International, Inc. , I am pleased with our first year of operation, from the teaching clinic in Cambodia and now a quality spay/neuter clinic in Sosua. With each event we grow and make valuable connections, yet there is so much more to do. The dogs and cats of the world await our help.
Cusco, Peru
November 2017
Teach them how to fish…. Thanks to the GeoVets team along with our 3 veterinary partners Drs. Carmen, Luisa and Mauge in Cusco, 20 course participants were exposed to 3 full days of training on how to perform a safe spay or neuter surgery. The importance of physical exam, anesthetic methods, sterile technique, proper intubation, IV catheter placement, and post-op care were all part of the program to enhance the skills and surgical comfort level of senior veterinary students and local veterinarians.
In the process over 70 animals, mostly client owned but some street dogs, were successfully sterilized at the BunnyVet veterinary clinic, owned and operated by Dr. Carmen. Under the roof of her newly renovated garage, on 5 well-lighted surgical tables, GeoVeterinary International and our partners from Peru carried out a well-coordinated effort to empower local doctors to become even better, in turn improving the care for animals in communities elsewhere in the world.
Thank you…
Dr. Carmen Janell Caceres Cabezas (and your family for providing your home and your clinic as the perfect setting for the clinic), Dr. LuisaPuchuri Corilla, and Dr. Maria (Mauge) Eugenia Caceres Pena……. for helping Dr. Joe Zulty with the original concept of the clinic, the months of preparation, the delicious lunches, the 3 days of running the event, and most of all introducing us to many rising veterinary stars in Peru, inclusive of Frecia, Fabiola and Pablo!!!
GeoVets members, thank you….
Dr. Glenn Yovino, Dr. Elianne Amstalden, and Dr. Vanessa Lanzetti for teaching and sharing your valuable experiences and knowledge.
Technicians Marcus Stader, Miranda Worthington, and Julie Diaz, Dr. Mary Zulty (human medical resident) for vigilance of anesthetized patients and demonstrating your fine skills.
Bethany Yovino for tirelessly managing postop recovery.
Hannah Yovino, Jorge Mesa Mora, Dr. Jim Zulty (PhD pharmacist), Zak Zulty for filling in wherever and without complaint.
Tommy Amstalden for also filling in wherever, and for staying up until midnight (with Jorge) the night before the clinic to outfit 5 surgical tables with the best illumination ever.
Sosua, Dominican Republic
April 2018
GeoVeterinary International completed another successful clinic in Sosua, Dominican Republic with Save Our Scruff (SOS) of Toronto, Judy Liggio of the Asociacion de Amigos por los Animales de Sosua (AAAS), and Dr. Giselle Santos of Hacienda Urbana Veterinaria. We had 5 surgery tables going for 3 days! Again, it was not about numbers but the quality of surgery and trying our best to make sure everyone goes home happy and healthy. A total of 143 surgeries were performed, including one amputation, with 25 dogs rescued and getting forever homes in Canada! This year we had quite the team - 18 from the US representing GeoVets (including 2nd year University of Glasgow veterinary students Colleen Zulty, Alle Dann, Molly Kulbaski, & Cecilia Krogegaard-Sanchez), 14 from Toronto representing SOS, ex-patriots from AAAS, and of course Dr. Giselle.
After the busy 3 days of the clinic, a few of us went home, some went to Cabarete to sun and kite board, and the rest of us drove to the mountains of Jarabacoa. The camaraderie and the benevolence of everyone involved was exceptional, as usual! What another fantastic trip to DR! (A very special thanks to photographer Megan Ewing of ME Creative at www.mecreative.ca)
(On a sad note, I would like to include here a heart-felt tribute to Ruby and a little girl named Priscilla who loved her so much. Ruby was one of the regular dogs who resided on the grounds of Hotel Tropix where most of us stay when in the Dominican Republic. Ruby was always there to enjoy someone’s company, endear herself to you for leftovers or a gentle petting, all the while living a great life as a very loved pet.
Ruby had on ongoing problem with straining to urinate. After several days of constant squatting, much discomfort, and bloody urine, GeoVets carried her to the clinic for surgical exploration in hopes of a fix. Instead we found a non-resectable cancerous mass obstructing the flow of urine from her bladder. While still under anesthesia, with the consent of her owners, the tough decision was made.
At that quiet moment, I suspect that we all were reflecting on the fragility of life, expressing our grief, but feeling gratefully connected to the wondrous bond we share with our pets. Personally, I beat myself up with the thought of little Priscilla tearing up when Ruby left the driveway that morning and then us not being able to return later with her companion. I hope one day she understands.)
Sosua “mini” teaching clinic
January 2019
Three days of hands on surgical experience under the tutelage of Dr. Joe Zulty (wearing white hat, of Essex Middle River Veterinary Center in Baltimore) and Dr. Giselle Santos (of Hacienda Urbana Veterinaria in Santiago, RD) at the AAAS clinic of Judy Liggio in Sosua gave 5 very ambitious students an opportunity to hone their skills and help support needed veterinary care in the local community.
Veterinary students Colleen Zulty, Alle Dann, and Mady Loughlin from the University of Glasgow “got their hands dirty” performing surgical neuters and spays on dogs from start to finish. They placed IV catheters, intubated, and surgerized! All did very well and all gained valuable experience. Dominican students Paola Paulino and Elinelsi Garcia joined the group on day 3 to help and to learn as well. They too were excellent, conscientious, and attentive to detail.
The success of the “mini” clinic is shared by the following individuals:
My twin brother Jim Zulty and my wife Kathy Zulty, who were by our sides the entire time filling in all the unsung gaps during the 3 days.
Judy Liggio for the use of her clinic, her help in its function and organization, and her unending desire to make a difference for animals in Sosua.
Technicians Steph Staple, Deanne Evans, Dee Morrison, and medical nurse Sarah (from Connecticut) for prepping patients and maintaining a safe and good plane of anesthesia.
Robin Dandinel for supplying incredible lunches and courteous transportation to and from Hotel Tropix, and a full stack of her children's book My Name is Angel.
Vera and Carol, very distinguished expat ladies who always show up and provide the tender care in postop recovery.
Carl Chaffee for his hospitality and conversation at poolside at the Tropix.
Nicole Bleck for wonderfully taking and generously providing the photos!
After 3 days of veterinary medicine, the GeoVets team headed to Samana for 4 days of relaxation in the calm warm waters of El Valle and Las Terrenas. In total, it was another great trip!
Peru trip, April 2019. It’s all good!
This was our second 3 day teaching clinic at BunnyVet in Cusco. (First one took place 2 years ago in November 2017.) Again it was very successful, this time with 11 ambitious students from 2 veterinary universities in Peru (UNSAAC, UNAMAD) who were eager to learn, improve their skills, and become more comfortable with doing surgery, intubating, placing IV catheters, and recovering patients. Much thanks goes to Dra. Carmen for helping me plan then orchestrate this event! The garage at BunnyVet again provided the perfect venue. Thanks especially to Dra. Carmen Cabezas and Dra. MaugePena, two of the best young veterinarians in Cusco, for teaching alongside Drs. Elianne Amstalden and myself, from Baltimore, head veterinary technician Miranda Worthington from Washington DC, and Dr. Susanne Vogler, who traveled all the way from Germany. Equally I am grateful for colleagues of Dras. Carmen and Mauge, Dr. Pablo and Dra. Fabiola, Flor and Cintya the assistants at BunnyVet, Petra and Ulises of Patas Felices del Valle Sagrado in Arin , and finally and most importantly GeoVets team members Tommy Amstalden, Jim Zulty, Dr. Mary Zulty, Zak Zulty, and Emily Plumb. Forty-nine animals received expert surgery under watchful and learning hands and eyes.
Two days later, the hard work continued at a town hall building in Arin about 1 hour drive away in Urubamba. Here Petra, originally from Switzerland, along with her partner Ulises helped organize a one day spay/neuter for the community. Just shy of 50 dogs and cats were sterilized. Number 50 was a black cat that escaped Zak’s restraint after turning “inside out”. Next clinic I suppose!
Honestly, we are lucky to travel and lend a hand in making the world a little bit better for animals and people. GeoVets values each and every teaching moment, the good that we do, and the dear friends in foreign places that join us in the effort!
This trip to Cusco was even more special. In part due to significant donations from the twins Drs. JIm and Joe Zulty, GeoVets was able to donate a brand new gas anesthetic machine to the doctors of Cusco, Dras. Carmen and Mauge. This means better and safer anesthesia especially for older or infirmed pets, or for longer more complicated surgeries. The first patient to go under gas was a mature spayed female dog who still was coming into heat. The steady level of isoflurane and oxygen gave us the confidence to successfully perform the meticulous search and removal of remnant ovarian tissue.
2nd annual Sosua “mini” teaching clinic January 2020
Again! Under the supervision of Drs. Joe Zulty (Baltimore, Maryland, USA) and Giselle Santos (Santiago, Dominican Republic), veterinary students and technicians were given the opportunity, over 2 days, to experience surgical preparation (administration of anesthetics, IV catheter placement, endotracheal intubation) and surgery first hand! A total of 42 owned and stray dogs and cats were spayed or neutered, inclusive of one full term pregnant dog that had a C-section with all pups surviving!
In total 10 students participated:
Colleen Zulty and Grace Hipskind from the USA, both veterinary students at the University of Glasgow, Scotland;
From the Dominican Republic – Angel Pichardo, Melina Salcedo, Andy Ceballos, Carmen Pichardo, Osvaldo Cruz, Christian Suarez, Paola Paulino, and Robert Cespedes
Special thanks to Judy Liggio for the use of her clinic and the coffee, my wife Kathy and brother Jim for filling in the gaps, Steph Staples for monitoring anesthesia, and for our newest helper Kevin Lea who not only managed the reception area but proved his love of animals. Without the support of these unsung heroes the clinic would not have been so successful!
Also thanks to the individuals who donated $75 for a dog spay, $50 for a dog neuter, or $25 for a cat spay/neuter at a GeoVets fundraiser held at Farmacia microbrewery in Maryland. Good friend Patti Cole coined the terms “ball buster” for a neuter and “tube twister” for a spay! Your creativity paid off!
Patti & Mel Cole Ryan Goodhues Matt Ballew Roberta & Bob Iber
Scott Goodhue Kate Erlanger Paul Chiamulera Pete Snyder Dr. Shawn Budge
Phnom Penh, Cambodia teaching clinic March 2020 - regrettably postponed but the future awaits our return!
Much to our disappointment but for a good reason (COVID-19), GeoVeterinary International, Inc. along with our partner Save Our Scruff (SOS) from Toronto, needed to cancel our teaching clinic in Phnom Penh scheduled for March 6,7, and 8. Our team of over 20 volunteers nontheless were prepared and willing to travel a long distance for the purpose to train local veterinarians in surgery and to vaccinate many dogs for rabies.
Although we "no-showed", the almost one year of communications with Animal Rescue of Cambodia and Dr. Chamnan has lead to a strong relationship with an open raincheck for a future clinic! And although we were not present, over $700 was contributed by GeoVets for anesthesia drugs, and over $300 was contributed by SOS for rabies vaccines. Every little bit helps!
We look ahead to our next trip to Cambodia!
"Mini-One day" Clinic in Sosua, December 2020
Due to ongoing COVID crisis, just a handful of us were able to make the trip to the Dominican Republic. Dr. Joe Zulty, brother Jim, daughters Katie and Mary, and Katie's fiance Thomas departed from Baltimore Washington International airport with a connecting flight from Miami with wearing N95 masks and socially distancing when necessary. We all tested negative for the COVID virus before we left then several days once home. Fortunately the amount of COVID infection on northern side of the Dominican Republic in the town of Sosua was negligible compared to what was concurrent in the USA.
Fortunately also, our team was able to accomplish a one day clinic at Judy Liggio with the help of her and expat Steph Staples of Canada. We performed 9 surgeries (mostly spays and neuters), and 9 medical consults. Just a "drop in the bucket" but well appreciated since the untimely death of Dr. Bob the beloved local veterinarian (see tribute on GeoVets facebook). It was a good feeling to lend Judy a hand, especially now.
Another "Mini" Clinic in Sosua, June 2021
The Zulty family, including brother Jim, sister Jill, me (Dr. Joe), niece Dr. Mary, and my wife Kathy (not in photo) spent a week relaxing in Sosua then Las Terrenas. While in DR we spent a half day at Judy Liggio's clinic to neuter 2 dogs, spay 2 cats, and do some consults. Thanks to Steph Staples for providing technical support. GeoVets is anxious to get back to doing larger surgery/teaching clinics here and elsewhere in the world....once COVID is under control!
One day clinic in Sosua, Dominican Republic January 8, 2022
A team of four, including twin brothers Joe and Jim Zulty, as well as first timers Drs. Heather Preston and Stacey Hicks - both of Baltimore, Maryland, braved the ongoing, yet hopefully diminishing, COVID pandemia to provide some well-needed veterinary work in the Dominican Republic.
Under beautiful sunny skies and warm weather, along with expat help from Judy Liggio, Steph Staples, Robyn Bandinel, Jana of Janadominicandogs, and others, the GeoVets team successfully spayed/neutered 16 animals, surgically debrided a chronic wound, and performed 3 medical consults.
Our newest members, Dr. Heather Preston and Dr. Stacey Hicks performed very well demonstrating good skill and true passion for helping GeoVets make a difference in the life of a pet. Both look forward to becoming integral in future events!
"Keeping it Local!" Sacred Heart of Jesus Baltimore, Maryland May 21, 2022
This was our first "intra-country" free clinic, performed on a very hot day on the church grounds of the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Baltimore City. GeoVets partnered with BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) to administer vaccines, microchips, medical treatments and advice to well over 200 community pet owners, mostly hispanic, in need!
The GeoVets team was comprised of Drs. Joe Zulty, Heather Preston, Stacey Hicks, and Ashkon Beizavi; technicians Miranda Worthington and LeAnn Alix; and assistants Nikki Free, Emily Plumb, Thomas Galvin, and Zulty family members Kathy, Jim, Dr. Mary, Zak, and Katie.
The GeoVets team will reconvene at a future date (at BARCS' new facility) to do, at no charge, over 40 neuters and spays planned as a consequence!
When in Sosua, Why Not? 2022
During a quick get away, twins Jim and Joe Zulty still managed to provide some free veterinary services on behalf of GeoVets! One dog was neutered and another examined. Thank you Judy Liggio, Steph Staples, and Jana Helbig for your help!
Surgery Day at BARCS (Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter) June 2022
The GeoVets team completed 45 spays/neuters on a Saturday at BARCS! The dogs and cats belonged to Baltimore latino community members who came to our free vaccine/microchip/treatment clinic one month ago at the Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Highlandtown.
With the help of the BARCS team, headed by Dana Hersl and Kaitlyn Thomas, GeoVets’ members Drs. Joe Zulty, Heather Preston, Stacey Hicks and Ashkon Beizavi, as well as vet technicians Miranda Worthington, Michelle Laughrige and Kristin Hunter, and photographer Eric, successfully accomplished all the surgeries within a 6 hour period.
Thank you BARCS for allowing GeoVets the opportunity to utilize your state of the art surgery facility! Thank you for making this a cost-free event for many undeserved pet loving people in the latino community!
One Day Spay/Neuter Clinic, Urubamba, Peru October 2022
A team consisting of Drs. Joe & Jim Zulty, and Drs. Colleen Zulty and Alle Dann - both 2021 graduates of the University of Glasgow, joined efforts with our Pervian colleagues Drs. Carmen, Mauge, Fabiola, Andrea and Pablo; and vet assistant Cinthia, to spay/neuter 45 dogs/cats in the beautiful town of Arin, located at foothills of the Sacred Valley in Urubamba. This one day clinic would not have been possible without the help and organization of two local residents, Petra and Ulysses, whose compassion and service to animals in need is notable.
2nd community clinic at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore, November 19, 2022
GeoVets along with BARCS held another outdoor clinic, this time a bit colder, but all free to the local community in need of veterinary care! Over 150 pets received vaccines, microchips and minor medical care, with 30 spay/neuter surgeries planned for a later date.
Word on the street, due to the incredible success of this collaborative effort, is that this clinic will become a biannual event!
Follow-up Surgery Day at BARCS, January 7, 2023
Twenty nine pets were spayed and neutered, thanks to technician Michelle Laughrige, Drs. Zulty, Preston and Hicks of GeoVets, along with technician Amanda Anastalski and her team at BARCS!!!!
Milo, Nala, Oreo, Sisi, Coby, Leo, Titi, Uno, Runaway, Luna, Leo, Neives, Blacky, Oddie, Luna, Manchitas, Osito, Pantera, Fifi, Mini, Ely, Kia, Smokie (photo), Tati, Buddy, Sasy, Susy, & 2 more all now are healthier pets!
3rd Community Clinic at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore, September 30th 2023
Four days spay/neuter campaign in Nicaragua March 2024
FOUR days, over FOUR hundred animals surgerized, and FOUR jubilant team members!!!! GeoVets and AproVet Nicaragua combined forces to spay/neuter 491 animals, 2 days at the veterinary school in Managua then 2 days at Dr. Lester's teaching clinic in Granada.
Thank you Dr. Lester and the AproVet team. Thank you Dr. Pam from NJ, Dr. Sarah from Canada, and the GeoVets team from Maryland, South Carolina, North Carolina and Colorado - Drs. Alle, Colleen, & Grace, & vet tech La'el (in photo below jumping); Drs. Heather, Jessica, & Joe; vet tech Kristin, assistants Dr. Jim, AJ, Zak, & Emily.
4th Community Clinic at Sacred Heart of Jesus in Baltimore, July 6th, 2024
It was hot! But it was another very good day for the community in need! A total of 168 animals were examined, vaccinated, microchipped and medicated due to the collaborative efforts of GeoVets, BARCS, and Charm City Companions.
Contributing to the GeoVets team were staff of Essex Middle River Veterinary Center (Dr. Franchini, Dr. Stoll, Dr. Carmichael; techs Kate, Steph, Bri & Fran; assistant Beth); vet tech Karen of Vet. Neurology at PETER, vet tech Kristin of VEG; Dr. Kovalik and wife Barb of ZukoSaurus Inc., and members of the Zulty family - Dr. Joe, Kathy, Zak, Emily, Katie, Dr. Jim, Dr. Mary, and Jill.
Events like these make us all better human beings. We look forward to doing more!
Proyecto 300
Although we did not accomplish a total of 300, we are proud that all 275 pets were safely spayed/neutered and returned healthy to their owners. Our dedication to quality surgery and recovery of each and everyone of our patients is what counts the most.
In the Sacred Inca Valley of Peru, in the town of Pisac, a team of 29 GeoVeterinary volunteers from the United States, with one from Germany, collaborated with our Peruvian partners from Urubamba and Cusco to successfully complete three days of spay/neuter operations for the local community.
We would like to express our overwhelming gratitude to everyone on the team.
The doctors at 11 surgery tables: Drs, Glenn Yovino, Erin Rollins, Colleen Zulty, Susanne Vogler, Dave Kovalik, Lisa Zakai, Carmen Cabezas, Fabiola Corrales , Mauge Caceres , Steve Kruzenski, Jessica Francini, Stacey Hicks and Heather Preston.
The technicians/assistants who prepared and monitored the patients: Karen Harkins, Julia Kowalczyk, Michelle Laughrige, Diane Hoch, Stacy Bettler, Drew Simmons, Annebelle Bouchard, Barb Harris, Kate Gephardt, and Andrea Romero.
Those who worked the recovery area: Under the direction of Dr. Mary Zulty (human pulmonologist/critical care), Boo Yovino, Laurie Rich, and Dr. Pablo Mejia (who provided his ultrasound expertise to address any complications and prevent any mortalities!)
All anesthetic medications safely prepared and labeled by pharmacist Dr. Jim Zulty.
The instrument sterilization area managed by Steve Gleason and Stuart Rich.
The ‘frontlines' where animals were restrained, sedated and then carried to the 2nd floor surgical area by the pre-op team of Dr. Grace Hipskind, Eric Smith, Eric Pantleo, local assistants Camilla and David, and Dr. Joe Zulty.
Credit for the advertisement of the campaign, the coordination with the local community and government agency (to find such an incredible venue), and taking control of all the nuances of running such a campaign: Petra Zuckerstein and Ulises.
Thanks to La Pension Alemana in Cusco, and Lizzy Wasi in Urubamba, who both provided our team with wonderful accommodations, seamless transportation, and incredible adventure opportunities on our “off day”. The close-out fiesta dinner of typical Peruvian food was held on the spectacular grounds of Lizzi Wasi with the Andes mountains as backdrop. llamas in the yard, and open fire pits.
This three day clinic was GeoVeterinary International’s biggest clinic to date! It has been a dream to accomplish, requiring a year’s worth of communications, supply purchases, and occasional stress endured by Petra of Urubamba, Dr. Carmen of BunnyVet in Cusco, and myself, a hemisphere away, Dr. Joe Zulty.
A final thanks to our principal contributors (over $1,000) for their financial support - VetCor, Dr. Meredith Robbins of Florida, and David & Mary Rommel of Virginia.
