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Angels from Michigan
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VIDAS makes new friends each and every time we have a clinic, and this July was no exception. This time we had the very fortunate pleasure of meeting Dale and Marilyn from Michigan. Dale and Marilyn have vacationed in Playa del Carmen for many years and have always been friends to the animals there. Marilyn carries cat food with her everywhere to feed the hungry local cats. The locals know them as the “Angels to the Animals” and never has a nickname been so fitting.
Marilyn contacted VIDAS several weeks before the clinic to ask if it would be alright if they flew down for the week to volunteer at the clinic. They were not veterinarians, just animal lovers and wanted to pitch in to help the animals of Playa del Carmen. “Of course, we would love to have some help!” was my response. I secretly didn’t believe that they’d actually show up. Was I ever wrong! Dale and Marilyn not only showed up to pitch in, but came EVERY DAY to our clinic and worked tirelessly in the heat and dirt recovering animals after surgery. Every time I walked into the recovery room, they were there - hard at work, picking off ticks, cleaning ears, cuddling puppies and making sure our patients were comforted and safe as they awoke after surgery. When I came by, I always received a big smile and a story about a dog or an owner - told as though they were having the time of their lives. Our entire crew was in awe every day over their endless energy, enthusiasm and pure love of the animals.
For example, one dog’s hair was so matted that it hardly had any hair that wasn’t part of a big hair mat. Our Marilyn sat and combed diligently while the dog awoke from surgery. By the time she finished, the dog looked completely different – all pretty and mat free! Imagine how much better that dog must have felt without all those hair mats! Another tiny puppy was too small for surgery, but was so covered with fleas that Dale couldn’t let it go without help. He gave that tiny puppy a bath in a tupperware container! The puppy felt so much better and went home flea-free!!
Dale and Marilyn, how can we ever thank you enough for taking a week from your busy lives to dedicate to the animals. You are both an absolute pleasure to be near and your kind-hearted giving nature is an inspiration to us all. You will always be our Michigan Angels!
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