Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit

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Tanzanian Border

Category: Dogs | Date: Aug 21 2007 | By: admin

We have been vaccinating domestic dogs along the escarpment (wildlife reserve boundary) and today we are happy to announce that we now reached the Tanzanian border! Total number of dogs soared up to 1,250 as of today, too! We had extremely busy day yesterday when Kalenjin guys brought 200 dogs to the vaccination point. Most of the dogs are leashed using sisal rope, others with vine, wire, piece of cloth or bicycle chains.

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Vaccination point in Angata town

On the first day of vaccination at Angata town, I raised my voice at the dog owner who strangled his dog by both hands, lifting a 20kg dog by its neck when it was gasping for air. I showed the crowd how to handle the dog gently without spooking so that it would not retaliate and bite. After being shown how to handle the dog gently, I was so happy to see that the guy who initially strangled his dog was trying to calm down his dog by petting and speaking to the dog! (and the dog was calming down too!) Now in Angata town, children who brought their puppy by grasping its neck (similar to how they carry chicken) are now bringing me the puppies by cuddling them.

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Children cuddling their puppies

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Puppies brought inside the cooking oil container

13 Responses to “Tanzanian Border”

Lisa, on 21 Aug 2007

Wow, you have your work cut out for you. I’m sure your very glad to have the busy days. It shows that people really care and want to do their best. Good luck and thanks for all your hard work. Lisa, California

Chelsea, on 21 Aug 2007

Hi,
I wanted to say thank you to you for all the hard work you are doing over there. I am a dog lover and have 3 of my own and to know that you are saving the dogs lives and the lives of many other animals (and people) brings tears to my eyes. I am sure your work is hard, very tiring and overwhelming. Even if the people there do not express their thanks remember you are doing a lot of good and with out you there would be a lot more devastation in that land. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and prosper you for all your hard work. He smiles when he sees all that you have done. :)

Wanda, on 21 Aug 2007

How amazing that they just don’t understand how to talk to and handle the dogs — I guess they are used to treating all animals the same - you are brave and caring and I feel for each and everyone of you for what you do over there - thank you!!

Samantha, on 22 Aug 2007

Brilliant work Asuka. Glad to see you are blogging again!

Cecile, on 22 Aug 2007

Asuka, where did you go to vet school? How is it that you are working in Africa? What an experience for you! In the photos, the dogs look worm infested. It’s a huge problem for the people there I know, so even worse problem for the dogs I imagine…along with the distemper & rabies!!!!! You must be exhausted at the end of every day! Do you always have someone working with you? Do you feel safe always? Do you wear any kind of shielding on your arms to protect you from bites? I admire what you are doing.

asuka, on 22 Aug 2007

Lisa-

Busy days are great! I am always happy to see community where people are willing to take intiative to help around.

asuka, on 22 Aug 2007

Chelsea-

Thank you for your kind words, it means a lot to me!

asuka, on 22 Aug 2007

Wanda-

Most people in Kenya find it funny when mzungu (white person) is talking to their dog or cat and it is no exception here in Maasai land. People sing and play flute when they are herding their cattle, and some Maasai sooth their dog by calling its name, but that is definately not a majority.

asuka, on 22 Aug 2007

Samantha-

Yes, I finally got my laptop issue sorted out. Thank you for your support, as always!

asuka, on 22 Aug 2007

Cecile-

I graduated from University of Nairobi, so I am Kenyan made vet. I wanted to work in Africa so I studied here.

Most of the dogs are very sturdy and do not get that much affected by worms (majority of them are not wormed) and the skinny dogs are female which have been getting pregnant since 6 month old when they are not fully grown. Not to forget to mention that they are getting mated at every single estrus cycle, thus not having enough time to rebuild their body condition after puppies are weaned. Problem is lack of control on reproduction. The males are well built and much more healthier looking.

I have a dog handler and also work with Mara Conservancy community scouts. I dont have shielding on my arms, just my jacket and boots are good enough, but I must say I really want a dog catcher and a net for capturing crazy dogs.

Lauren, on 22 Aug 2007

I’m glad that you had a better day today! You are doing so much good by educating people about how to care for their dogs. I have to say that this entire Wildlife Direct web site is highly addictive! Thank you for the posts.

asuka, on 23 Aug 2007

Lauren-
Yes, eduction is the key!

Global Voices Online » Tanzania: Mobile Veterinary Unit, on 28 Aug 2007

[…] When Mara Mobile Veterinary Unit reached Tanzania: “We have been vaccinating domestic dogs along the escarpment (wildlife reserve boundary) and today we are happy to announce that we now reached the Tanzanian border! Total number of dogs soared up to 1,250 as of today, too!” Share This […]

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