You Want Awards? We've Got Awards!

As I ponder the "Top Ten Awards" we give to special activists, I realized I had failed to thank PamperYourDog.com for awarding us with a tremendous honor.

by PamperYourDog.  See list of top 25 Dog Blogs.  2012

I don't throw my hat in the ring for well known awards such as the Petties or the Blog Paws Social Media Awards.  I am humble about any success Amazon CARES reaches in the social media world.  Yet recently, a person I greatly admire, asked me to write a guest blog about a Social Media topic!


I almost felt compelled to prove myself worthy.  So I am bragging this week.  I am only one of many social media mavens.  Just check out my Blog Roll!  Without further ceremony, here are some of the accolades Amazon CARES has received.

• 22 Must-Circle Nonprofits on Google+. 2012 by the blog "Nonprofit Tech 2.0: A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits".

• Lewis Humphries wrote an article "Why Google+ Could Emerge as the Key Tool for Nonprofits in 2012."  He wrote:

Amazon Cares provides a further example of best practice when it comes to using Google+, especially in terms of boasting a strategic and integrated approach to communicating with different audiences. While linking prolifically between alternative social media sites to create an extremely interactive network, the nonprofit also pays specific attention to the benefits of Google+ by using tailored imagery and detailed posts to inform its volunteers and benefactors. The Amazon Care Google+ page is a testament to engaging in constant and well-thought out interaction, and proves the value of assessing each social media tool on its individual merit.

• Amazon CARES is one of 30 Favorite Nonprofits for 2010 by the blog "Nonprofit Tech 2.0: A Social Media Guide for Nonprofits". 2010

• "Top 12 Unique Causes to Follow on Twitter" 2009 by TwitTip  

• "Top 10 Causes on Twitter" 2009  (See original link)

• Molly Mednikow, Life-Time Volunteer Award from the Presidential Service Award program.  2009

• Molly Mednikow, Charities in Focus International Photography Exhibition, Honorable Mention.  See Photo.  2007

• Molly Mednikow, Doris Day Animal League "Kindred Spirit " Award.  See Award.  2006

2006
Photo 1:  Fresia
Photo 2:  Street Dog

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Milestone: Lawyers Join Fight Against Animal Cruelty

This article appeared in the Region daily newspaper on July 20, 2012.  The original story in Spanish is here.  (Imperfect translation from Spanish by Molly Mednikow)


Bruno Antoine commented "This agreement marks an important step for animal lovers and particularly by the NGO CARES, which has always sought the implementation and enforcement of laws regarding the protection of domestic and wild animals."


Amazon Cares & Bar Association Join Forces For Animal Welfare


The not-for-profit Amazon CARES Peru, headed by Frenchman Bruno Antoine is devoted to the care and protection of domestic animals and wild animals.  


They have formed a strategic alliance with the Bar Association of Loreto, now under the leadership of Dr. Walter Alva Cambero.  This alliance is for the sole purpose of defending and protecting animal rights.  Animal abuse includes a range of behaviors in people who intentionally cause unnecessary pain, suffering or distress to animals, including the murder of animals.



Statistics show that every year, an increased  number of animals will be victims of abuse directly or indirectly.  This could be neglect of basic care or the failure to provide shelter, food, adequate veterinary care, etc....


Taking all these facts into account is the reason these two prestigious institutions are joining forces to stop the abuse of animals, who are victims without a voice.


The Bar Association of Loreto and the NGO AMAZON CARES have developed a statement to make their position clear on these facts, seeking to raise awareness that animal abuse is a crime and therefore is punishable by law.


Therefore, the Bar Association, through its professionals in the Law, express anger about the mistreatment of domestic and wild animals.


If you know of any animal abuse case, report it to the offices of Amazon CARES, Pevas Street No. 184 or by calling 23 21 -30. 

Bloggers United: How Amazon CARES is Making a Difference for Animals

Since the start of Amazon Community Animal Rescue, Education and Safety (2004), we have fought uphill battles with authorities and the public due to ignorance and lack of cultural importance placed on domestic animals.  It is so amazing to see how far we have come!

In one week I will depart for Peru, and within 2 weeks I will be joined by a multi-cultural group of volunteers - from Australia, Canada, Asia, Great Britain and the United States.

Dr. Luis & Dr. Kyle Perrin work in a mobile s/n clinic.

Over a two week period our team will be traveling to remote jungle villages where no Veterinarians exist, and knowledge of basic hygiene and personal health care is minimal.  How could these villagers expect to understand what their dog or cat needs?

Whereas some organizations will "drop in" to an area and perform many spay and neuter surgeries, I am proud to claim a small corner of the world where the need is great.  Animal population control is not achieved by spaying/neutering animals over a two week period.  However, Amazon CARES spays and neuters animals all year long.  When we visit jungle villages, we return to visit them the next year.  For super remote locations such as Requena, one of our August destinations, we return every other year.

We have seen substantial changes in the stray animal populations.  The population is greatly reduced, and the roaming animals that we have captured and released live in healthier conditions.

Our humane education programs are also vital to our long-term success.

All in all, Amazon CARES plays a vital role in rescuing animals and preventing unborn litters in our region.  We are truly NO-KILL in every sense of the word.

A cat is well-loved in her new home.

This year, as many know, we almost had to close our doors after our kennels were destroyed by flooding.  Thankfully, donors made sure that didn't happen!  We began to promote adoption heavily with weekly TV appearances, and in 2012 we have adopted out 71 dogs and cats SO FAR...!  Last weekend volunteers spanned out through Iquitos to do follow up adoption checks on animals adopted in 2011 and 2012.  There were no misfires.  Not even one!  That is incredible!

This is a Blog Hop!  See below for the linky list!

TOP TEN AWARD: Dr. Luis Baselly Cueva

I continue to receive wonderful comments from our volunteers about our highly skilled Veterinarian, Luis Baselly Cueva.  For over seven months, Luis has served as the sole veterinarian for Amazon CARES in Peru.  That means, few days off, no vacation days, no sick days.  We hope to add to our staff soon so that Luis can obtain some relief from his hard work.  The Amazon CARES clinic is open 8 AM - 8 PM with a three hour siesta between 1-4 PM.


During our spay/neuter campaigns, Luis must work without a day off.  Yet he manages to do so with a smile!

Luis truly loves our cause and the philosophies we promote.  I am writing today so that Luis knows that he is one of my heroes for his dedication to CARES and multiple animal causes. 


An AmazonCARES employee has never received this honor, and all are worthy.  Today I am awarding Luis one of our Top 10 Activists of the Year Award. Here is a list of previous honorees.


On a personal note Luis, I officially apologize for ever having complained about your aftershave.


Congratulations and thank you for your hard work!


Molly Mednikow

Wordless Wednesday: Weekend Rescues of newborn litters

In the aftermath of the massive flooding suffered by the Amazon Region of Peru in March and April, many animals were abandoned by their owners who were forced to evacuate their homes. 


















Over the weekend Amazon CARES rescued two litters and their Mom's.  Both litters were born on the street.  Despite a lack of space, we have taken in all of the animals and are ensuring their survival.

October Vet Trip to Colombian Border Promises Amazing Eco-Tourism!

The last Veterinary volunteer trip of the year will occur during two weeks between October 20 and November 4, 2012.  This is a most exciting trip, as we are traveling to a border town, Caballo Cocha, that sits across the river from Colombia.  We will be working to reduce overpopulation of domestic animals and treating animals and humans for parasites and teaching humane education classes.  Yet the nature of the location is significant.  Eco-tourism opportunities abound!  Expect to see pink and grey dolphins, beautiful exotic birds, and many other species of animals and plants!


We seek 

• 5 Licensed Veterinarians
• 4 Vet Nurses or Vet Techs
• 1 Videographer Volunteer
• 1 Writer Volunteer

Apply Soon!  If you can not attend, consider donating to our Veterinary Scholarship Fund.  Your company can also sponsor a Vet Trip overall for as little as $500!  Learn more about the benefits we provided to iLoveDog's, Inc. here.

Apply Now! Scholarship Fund

If you are interested in a 2013 trip, consider becoming a Trip Leader and plan a trip that suits your schedule!  As a Trip Leader you will help us recruit professionals to volunteer in exchange for 50% off the trip fee!

The October trip will cost $850, and is all inclusive of meals, lodging with some exceptions.  See our website for more details.  Feel free to post questions in our FAQ section as well!

Veterinary Scholarships for August Trip! Apply today!

2012 has been a challenging year for Amazon CARES.  Earlier this year we thought we would not survive following massive flooding that destroyed our animal shelter.  Thankfully, generous donors saved CARES.
However, in dealing with the rebuilding, I failed to adequately promote one of our most exciting Vet Volunteer Trips!  


We are desperate for 2-3 Licensed Veterinarians.  All student and Vet Nurse positions are filled.  Another exciting component of this trip is the addition of animal journalist Mary Haight and filmmakers from Holland!


Trip scholarships are available.  Please consider joining us, and PLEASE share this email with other Veterinary professionals!

Our next trip is Saturday, October 20, 2012 – Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012, a three week trip that will take us on a beautiful route to the Brazilian border!

About the Trip August 11-26, 2012       This exciting trip includes several days of mobile spay/neuter clinics in the Punchana neighborhood of Iquitos, Peru.  Then we will travel to Nauta and work for several days.  En route to Nauta we'll be visiting the Manatee Rescue Center.  after a few days of work and eco-tourism in Nauta, we're off by speed boat to Requena! Requena is one of the most remote places we serve, and it is close to the Brazilian border.  Eco-tourism opportunities galore!  To ensure they have a sustainable animal population control program we make sure to visit Requena at least every other year.		Support our Scholarship Fund One of the obstacles in attracting volunteers to the Amazon is the very high cost of airfare to Lima, and then on to Iquitos. Even if you can not attend one of our trips, please consider donating a financial gift or a gift of airline miles to one of our worthy Veterinary Volunteers seeking sponsorship. Our charity is too small to be a part of a major airline's mile donation program, but if you have miles to spare, please contact molly@amazoncares.org.  Don't let your miles expire when a charity really needs them! Your company can also sponsor a Vet Trip overall for as little as $500!  Learn more about the benefits we provided to iLoveDog's, Inc. here.
Apply Now!		Scholarship Fund

By the Numbers: June Veterinary Volunteer Jungle Trip

The June 17-July 1, 2012 volunteer trip has wrapped up.  We hosted 2 South African Veterinarians, Jackie Terblanche and Kyle Perrin and Russian Veterinary Assistant Yelena Poveda.

This was a small crew that worked hard in Iquitos and in the jungle. 


In total:

• 102 animals were spayed/neutered; 
• 141 animals received non-surgical treatments;
• 126 Albendazole anti-parasite pills were distributed to people living in river communities.

We owe much gratitude to the Fondation Brigitte Bardot and Embrace Pet Insurance for their continued support of our Veterinary campaigns.

June Trip Success. Vets Needed for August!

Bruno Antoine, Director of CARES Peru, welcomes Veterinary Volunteers to our Iquitos based clinic.

On the heels of the June Veterinary trip ending, we have a great itinerary planned for our August Veterinary Trip.  See details and a map of destinations on the trip page of our website.

All placements are full except for VETERINARIANS.  We urgently need licensed Veterinarians for this amazing trip, August 11-26.  Due to our urgent need, we can offer discounts on the trip fee.  If you are a Veterinarian, or know of one that might be interested, please share this blog with them.  For thoughts on the June trip, keep reading...