Pet of the week, Canella the smiling dog

Here’s “Canella,” the Smiling Dog of the Bonaire Animal shelter. When she’s happy she not only wags her tail but pulls back her lips and truly smiles. Unfortunately we couldn’t capture that smile with the camera but we saw it for sure! And not only that but the mighty Canella recently delivered eight pups – four girls and four boys- and she’s proved to be a perfect mother.

Mom and pups were brought into the Shelter when the pups’ eyes were still closed. Now they are all alert and robust and Canella will soon be on to her own life when the pups are old enough and she has had her sterilization. This brown beauty is about one and a half years old.  She’s healthy, sleek and of course has a happy, smiling face!

You may meet Canella and the other cats and dogs up for adoption at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am – 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- April 13-27, 2012

Melody received her award, a golden pooper scooper, from Shelter Manager Marlies

At a party aboard the Good Return recently the staff and volunteers from the Shelter got together to say goodbye to two very important people who have done outstanding work with the Shelter while they’ve been on the island. Both will be sorely missed. (note: awards ideas came from Jane and Jim Madden).

Melody Hamilton has been considered a “Queen of Cats” since she’s been a very faithful volunteer in the cat cage beginning in 1999, hardly missing a day. It was a very tearful Melody who received her award, a golden pooper scooper, from Shelter Manager Marlies.

Renata Sanders has been an inspiration for the Shelter in the five years she’s been living and working on the island. She came up with the idea and organized the very popular and lucrative book fairs and flea market. It was she also who put together the weekly Saturday Pakus di Pruga (flea market) in Playa which has been a great moneymaker for the Shelter.

Renata was awarded a golden cash box from chairman of the Shelter board, Paul Wichers

Renata was awarded a golden cash box from chairman of the Shelter board, Paul Wichers, for her devoted work. The next Book Fair/Flea Market at the Shelter on May 5 will be her last one before she leaves the island.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- April 13-27, 2012

Kitten Lola

“Spring has sprung, the grass is ris….I wonder where dem kittens is?”….Well, that’s not quite how the poem goes but the “kittens is” at the Bonaire Animal Shelter! It’s spring and it’s kitten season. It’s the Spring Kitten Blowout Event!

The Shelter has a huge selection of new arrivals. All new makes, models, sizes and colors! Over 15 models to choose from. There are big ones, small ones, striped ones, spotted ones, long haired ones, short haired ones. You name it they’ve got it!

Nelson and brother Nathan

They all come fully equipped with current vaccinations and warranty for future sterilization at the appropriate (mile)age included in the adoption fee.

There’s no better time to rev up your life and your home  with a brand new kitten (or two!). Trade in your uneventful days and nights for months of a top-of-the-line feline entertainment center.

Treat yourself to years of luxurious soft fur and unequaled love and companionship from one of these new beauties.

Come by the Kitten Showroom at the Bonaire Animal Shelter, Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. …and drive a new kitten(s) home today!

Bonaire Reporter- March 30-April 13, 2012, story by Jane Madden Disko,

Today april 4 is WORLD STRAY ANIMAL DAY.
Stray Animals Day ambassador is Cesar Millan. Cesar Millan supports April 4 Stray Animals Day.
For the official ‘Stray Animals Day video’ they have used a lot of seconds of the videos of the Animal Shelter Bonaire! Take a look at from second 0:20 till 0:22 and from 0:27 to 0:45. Bonaire and its animals are world famous!

Pet of the week: Emma

It’s puppy time again at the Bonaire Animal Shelter and one of the cutest is “Emma.” She’s a true “Bonairean Ridgeback” and such a darling pup. Emma is about three months old and based on her current personality she should grow up to be a perfect companion and watch dog. She’s full of fun and loves people. Her short, easy-to-care-for coat gives her a sleek and smart look, showing off that distinctive ridgeback hairstyle. She’s a dog to enjoy right now while she’s still young and impressionable. As are all the other adoptees at the Shelter.

Emma has been checked out by the vet, given her shots and will be sterilized when she’s old enough. See her at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Bon Doet, a celebration of the volunteerism so prevalent on Bonaire. Join Bon Doet and be a volunteer for 1 day on Saturday 17 March 2012

Marlies and Bert

Bert,” being hugged by Shelter manager Marlies, is a mystery dog. The Shelter staff knows nothing about his history – who his parents were, where he came from – because he was found in the Kouchi pa Bestia (drop off kennel) outside the gate of the Shelter. But this wire haired pup was immediately welcomed as he looks like a younger version of one of the full time Shelter resident dogs, “Charlie.”That was good news for Bert, especially when he had his check up with the vet and found to be in good health and would be put up for adoption.

He’s about five months old and he should grow up to be a big dog. Another nice thing is that Bert is a mellow and very gentle dog, not in the least hyper, and would be good with children. Just looking at him and that funny face.

Story and Photo by Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- Jan. 20-Feb. 3, 2012