Shelter news

Posted on January 19, 2012 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

This last year, 2011, 800 animals were brought into the Shelter (65% dogs and 35% cats). There were 208 adoptions and 30 animals were reunited with their owners. (So you know who to call if you lose your cat or dog.)

The year before, in 2010, there were 217 adoptions. Of the animals brought in 75% were dogs and 25% cats. Compared to 2010, this last year, 2011, there were fewer dogs in the Shelter. The Shelter staff believes this has to do with the free sterilization program. That program will continue in 2012 and they will focus more on the free sterilization of cats.

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

Kouchi pa Bestia at the Animal Shelter Bonaire

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Marlies in Current Activities | Comments Off

Kouchi pa Bestia

Did you know that you can drop off unwanted, stray or found cats or dogs at the Bonaire Animal Shelter at any time of the day or night, no questions asked? There’s an animal cage (Kouchi pa Bestia) right outside the Shelter gate. It has two separate compartments with water bowls and it’s checked every few hours during the day.

The Shelter receives an average of 1,200 animals each year and the idea is to make it easy as possible for people to put the animals there rather than dump them in the mondi or by the side of the road.

Shelter Animals Are All Smiles Thanks To All Denture Lab!

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Marlies in Sponsors & Friends | Comments Off

All Denture Lab sponsors washing machine

Thanks to the tremendous generosity of All Denture Lab, the Shelter is now the proud owner of a brand new, fully automatic Maytag washing machine. The Bonaire Animal Shelter and its residents sends a huge, smiling THANK YOU to All Denture Lab. Additional thanks also to Bonaire Superstore for a nice discount on the purchase price.

Shelter Alert: Volunteers Needed!!!

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Shelter Alert: There is a big need right now for volunteers to come in and socialize with the animals. The cats love having people around to cuddle them and play with them. The dogs would like to have someone to walk them on a leash, maybe teach them how to sit and just have fun. If you can spare a few hours, call the Shelter at 717-4989. You’d be doing a great service – and have a good time as well! The Shelter is on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm.
The Shelter is on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter- July 8-22, 2011

Thank you Carla van Viegen

Posted on February 15, 2011 by Marlies in Sponsors & Friends | Comments Off

Bonaire visitor Carla van Viegen made a generous donation to the Animal Shelter Bonaire.

In daily life Carla works for the Party of the Animals. (in Dutch: ‘Partij voor de Dieren’). This is a Dutch political party whose highest priority is animal welfare and the respectful treatment of animals.

During her stay on the island Carla visited the Animal Shelter Bonaire and made a big donation!

Thank you Carla!

February 5: Book and Fleamarket at Animal Shelter Bonaire

Posted on January 16, 2011 by Marlies in News | 1 Comment

Saturday, February 5, From 11 am to 5 pm the Shelter will have another of their very popular and successful Flea and Book Markets. All the proceeds go to helping to keep the Shelter open for unwanted cats and dogs.

While having a drink or snack, you can take your time to look around between the many, many items that are for sale, to see if there is something you like and can buy for little money.

Violet, the shelters mole dog

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Violet is small Bonairean dachshund. She is a short-legged animal that likes to dig holes in mudd. She’s a real mole dog!

Update Flea market

Posted on August 29, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Volunteer Queentje took care of the bar and the money - she did a great job

Shelter Staff member, Greta Kooistra writes that the Animal Shelter Flea Market on Saturday, August 14, earned NAƒ 2.500 with the sale of books, household items and clothes. And NAƒ 168 was donated. All this money goes to help keep our Shelter open for homeless cats and dogs.

Old friends met, new people made friends, the animals were delighted with all the attention and five dogs and five cats found loving homes so it was a  wonderful day for everyone!

Thanks to all who participated and especially to all those volunteers who got all the hundreds and hundreds of items organized and together and managed the day!

L. D./Greta Kooistra, Bonaire Reporter- Aug. 27-Sept. 10, 2010.

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Eva-Lisa, gave the contents of her piggy bank to Marlies for the Shelter

Reminder : Bookmarket on August 14 at the Animal Shelter Bonaire

Posted on August 11, 2010 by Marlies in Current Activities, News | 1 Comment

Next Saturday, August 14. From 11 am to 5 pm the Shelter will have another of their very popular and successful Book- and Flea Markets. All the proceeds go to helping to keep the Shelter open for unwanted cats and dogs. We saw just a few of the items that will be for sale: books, carpets, bric a brac, kitchen items, clothes, mugs, puzzles, games, DVDs, CDs, even a walker!

All the funds raised will benefit the Animal Shelter. And, of course, all the shelter animals will be there and you may find a dog or cat that you would like to adopt!

Please pass by and browse, buy, eat, drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Giant Book Fair and Flea Market, Saturday,  August 14, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 26 Kaminda Lagun. Don’t miss it!

Ronald, the big black dog at the Shelter Bonaire

Posted on June 18, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

Ronald, the big black dog in the photo, looks like a mellow guy and he is with those he loves. But watch out if someone comes along with bad intentions! He turns into a  very efficient watch dog. Ronald is about a year and a half and was brought into the Bonaire Animal Shelter because his owner was moving to a place where no pets are allowed.

What a pleasant and smart dog, and he’s friendly and affectionate too. You have to meet him in person to really see what a great animal he is. He’s healthy, having been checked out by the vet, has had his shots, tests, worming and even his sterilization already.

He’s ready to go to someone who will treat him with the love and respect he deserves. You may meet him at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Bonaire Reporter – June 18– July 2, 2010, Story & photo by Laura DeSalvo

500 Animals Sterilized Free!

Posted on April 22, 2010 by Marlies in News | 1 Comment

Mrs. Silda Beaumont from Amboina and her dog Kisha

The 500th sterilization of dogs and cats on Bonaire is a fact! In May 2009 the Bonaire Animal Shelter started a big project called “Bonny Superdog.” The goal was to sterilize 500 dogs and cats for free. The owner doesn’t have to pay. In this way, the Shelter wanted to contribute towards solving the overpopulation of dogs and cats problem on the island. Too many animals cause a variety of problems for people and the animals: the animals roam around, they are not fed, they get sick or hurt and they become aggressive. Consequently, too many animals have to be euthanized every year… a sad and unacceptable fact.

Number 500 – Kisha from Amboina
Number 500 was Kisha, a dog owned by Mrs. Silda Beaumont from Amboina. Kisha is a female dog of about two years old and she’s had some very beautiful puppies. “I don’t want her to have anymore puppies and that’s why I had her sterilized,” Mrs. Beaumont says. “I made the appointment with the veterinarian myself and then I called the people from the Shelter who came to pick her up, and after the operation they brought her back. She’s doing great. I love animals; to me an animal is just like a person, a child. The love I feel for a child, I feel for an animal too. 

Bonny the Superdog

Since 2002
In 2002 the Animal Shelter set up a fund for free sterilization. Ever since then, pet owners can have their dog or cat sterilized for free. The Shelter pays the bill. In 2004 the Shelter organized a special campaign during which foreign veterinarians sterilized Bonaire’s cats and dogs for free. In two weeks’ time about 250 animals were neutered and spayed. After those two weeks the campaign went on and the local vets took care of the sterilization.

Bonny the Superdog
However, the Animal Shelter felt things weren’t moving fast enough. The island was still overloaded with stray dogs and cats and an excessive amount of animals were being brought into the Shelter. An extra boost was needed. And so, the project of Bonny Superdog was born. The Shelter sought a lot of publicity to make pet owners aware of the Bonny Superdog campaign. All over the island posters were hung by volunteers and, thanks to WEB NV, flyers were delivered to each and every house on Bonaire. Also radio and TV commercials were broadcast and the Shelter put ads in the local papers and people could inform themselves through the website of the Shelter – www.animalshelterbonaire.com.

The Campaign Continues
So far, the campaign has been very successful. Pet owners can still have their dogs and cats sterilized for free. And… every pet owner gets a T-shirt and a bumper sticker as well. Call for more information: the veterinarians at 717-4255 or 717-3338 or the Shelter at 717-4989

Volunteers needed

Posted on April 17, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

The Shelter is looking for volunteers to help with the cleaning and feeding duties. There are many different types of animals that all require different feeding and cleaning. They are also looking for handypersons and gardeners. Because dog and cat care is the priority at the Shelter minor repair work and gardening may go neglected. Your hard work will be much appreciated by the staff and volunteers.

Ideally, they are looking for people to help on a weekly basis, but if you have time only to help fortnightly or once a month, then still please contact them. They are very short of volunteers now and any time you could offer for the rescue animals would be very much appreciated.

Call the Shelter at 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter, April 9-23, 2010

Pioneer vet back

Posted on March 18, 2010 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Six years after Canadian veterinarian Dr. Cheryl Yuill participated in the Bonaire Animal Shelter’s first free sterilization program in 2004, she returned to Bonaire.
Accompanied by Canadian veterinarian Dr. Mary Lovie who owns a house on Bonaire and who started the whole campaign up at the time, she visited the Shelter. “I’m glad to see so much has changed,”

Left to right: Dr. Mary Lovie, Dr. Cheryl Yuill, Shelter employee Kenneth Piar and Shelter manager Marlies Tiepel

Dr. Yuill says. “There are far fewer stray dogs on the street and the public awareness has become so much better. Several people have come up to me when they heard I was part of the first sterilization program to tell me very proudly that their dog was sterilized! I am also very impressed with the little house the Shelter has built outside their gate for people to put their unwanted animals or animals they’ve found. It’s nicer than the one we have at the shelter I work with in Canada. There we get about 2,500 cats and 1,000 dogs a year that people cannot take care of anymore. Many of those animals are adopted out, but it’s not a no-kill shelter; we also euthanize animals.

In Canada I own and work at the Blue Cross Animal Hospital, in Kitchener, Ontario, and it was my colleague, Dr. Mary Lovie, who took the initiative for the sterilization campaign in 2004.

“I came to Bonaire in 2000 to dive,” Dr. Mary Lovie says, “and in my spare time I looked up the Animal Shelter and I had a conversation with Jurrie, who was the manager in those days, about all the strays downtown and was anything done about them. I offered my services to Jurrie and he took me to Hans and Etty Lambeek, the  veterinarian couple who were then running the animal clinic at Kaminda Lagun. They were very interested when they heard I’d organized similar sterilization projects in other  parts of the world. So, we had several meetings in the following years and in 2004 we hit it off: the two Dutch vets, three American vets and Cheryl and me from Canada. We all brought our own instruments and all the other supplies, and Hans and Etty brought the drugs. From October 14th till October 31st we sterilized 302 animals and it continued after we left.

In conclusion: We’re very happy to see the island has picked up on our program, and it’s heartwarming to see the benefits. We’re highly impressed with the new sterilization campaign the Animal Shelter started last year in May. They’ve sterilized almost 500 animals. It’s been very good progress.  Amazing!”

Greta Kooistra, Bonaire Reporter, March 19- April 9, 2010

Sylvie, the cat

Posted on March 17, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

Here’s a story with a happy ending. “Sylvie” the cat was found on the street on New Year’s Eve. She was lost, terrified and miserable. She was brought into the Bonaire Animal Shelter by a Good Samaritan and put in a separate cage as she was too scared  to even be with other animals. But over the weeks with the love and attention of the Shelter staff and volunteers, little by little she became tame and relaxed and could be put in the Cat Cage. Now she’s a very affectionate and friendly cat who has become a favorite with the staff. What a transformation!

Sylvie is about nine months old; she’s been checked out by the vet and given her shots and tests and is ready to go to a good home. However, Sylvie should be adopted as an “only cat” as she still prefers not being around other cats. The NAƒ 75 cat adoption fee covers all this – a healthy and social cat – plus sterilization. You may see Sylvie at the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through  Saturday,9 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

Laura DeSalvo, Bonaire Reporter, March 19- April 9, 2010

Roly poly, happy puppy Jeroen

Posted on February 23, 2010 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

One picture can be worth a thousand words!

He’s a roly poly, happy puppy now, but little “Jeroen” had a very sad beginning to his life. He was almost run over by a car when he was just five weeks old, but a good Samaritan found him and brought him into the Bonaire Animal Shelter.

Because he was so young and frail he had to go home to live with Shelter Director Marlies who had to feed him by hand. But now at seven weeks he’s one of the cutest puppies we’ve ever seen. Who would not agree? He’s like a wooly little bear with a wonderful disposition and attitude towards life. He’s been checked out by the vet, wormed, had his shots and will be sterilized when he’s old enough. The dog adoption fee of NAƒ 105 covers all of this and you may always be assured to getting a healthy and well adjusted and social animal from the Shelter.

YSF with little secret

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

YSF (young sterilized female) seeks someone to appreciate her calm, loving temperament,regal beauty… and who enjoys watching Animal Planet. My best feature is my extraordinary calico markings. My little secret is that I love to play with little balls and catnip toys

World Animal Day – October 4: Big Party at Parke Publiko!

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

The grandchildren of “Nachi” and Sabina Nicolaas from Nort di Salina visit the cat cage at the Shelter

Everywhere around the world October 4th is celebrated as the day that people give extra attention to their animals.
It’s like Valentine’s Day for the animals! All year long they give us unconditional love and this one day we get the opportunity to show them how much we appreciate it.

On Sunday, October 4th, the Animal Shelter of Bonaire is organizing a big party at the Parke Publiko – the playground of the We Dare to Care Foundation – behind the hospital. There will be a huge book market from 2 to 6 pm and from 4 pm we’re going to party!

Everyone can bring their pet and get a free consultation from a veterinarian. There will be a live demonstration of dog training by Bon Barking and people can visit the stands of all the organizations involved in animal care on the island.

Madelief loves cats

For children there will be all kinds of games and a drawing contest, and the best drawings will be printed on a T-shirt, and Magic Ed will be there with his bouncer,
cotton candy and popcorn! Every pet owner can participate in a contest. Just bring your favorite pet and a jury will tell you why your pet is the sweetest, the best taken care of and the most beautiful pet in the whole wide world! And if you favorite pet is a horse, a pig or a mouse and you can’t bring it,  show the jury a picture.

There are lots of prizes to win: A trip with the Aqua Space for two persons, an hour’s land sailing for two, a kayak tour through the mangroves for two people, lots of T-shirts, a four-hour tour with a STINAPA Ranger, a try out dive for two people at Dive Friends Bonaire, an animal package and two tickets for the Butterfly Farm. Warehouse Bonaire is giving away a check worth NAƒ. 200- and Cultimara offers one minute of free shopping.

You love animals? You’re invited to the party!

Where: Parke Publiko, behind the hospital.
When: Sunday, October 4th.
Time: Book market from 2 to 6 pm.
Party from 4 to 6 pm.
Info: Animal Shelter Bonaire, phone 717-4989

Pet personals

Posted on October 02, 2009 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Want to meet the pet of your dreams? Then check out the dogs and cats at the shelter. They were especially selected by the staff of the Bonaire Animal Shelter for their fine qualities. See them and the other adoptees at the Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 to 1 and 3 to 5. Tel. 717-4989

Pup Dorothy is an example to us all

Posted on June 19, 2009 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | Comments Off

This little white pup, “Dorothy,” can be an example to us all.
She had a very traumatic experience when some young children threw her into an area where some big dogs attacked her, taking a nice chunk out of her hind quarters. The misguided children thought it was fun.

Luckily a good Samaritan in the neighborhood saw the incident and saved her. The good news is that despite this scary experience Dorothy is a sweet, affectionate, and very trusting pup who just aims to please. She’s a people lover. Dorothy is only about two and a half months and about four or five kilos. She’s a tiny little lady who will stay that way. She’s had her checkup by the vet, tests, worming and shots and will be sterilized when she’s old enough.

L.D. Bonaire Reporter- June 19-July 5, 2009

One of the prettiest kitties on Bonaire

Posted on June 05, 2009 by Marlies in Pet of the Week | 1 Comment

One of the prettiest kitties on Bonaire is little “Tiger” and she has a stunning personality to go with her good looks. Tiger has an unusual coat with stripes and swirls of white, copper and grey fur that’s soft and very easy to stroke. Tiger was brought to the Shelter because the temporary home for her can’t accommodate her because some of the visitors there are allergic to cats.

This cat even gets along well with some gentle dogs. In fact, the dog that she played with so well at her temporary home is very sad and lonesome since she left. So here’s an opportunity for someone to adopt a very special kitten who’s only three months old and who has been proven to be a great companion not only to people but to certain well behaved dogs. Of course, Tiger is in the best of health, having had her tests, worming and shots. She’ll be sterilized when she’s old enough. The adoption fee of NAƒ 75 includes all that.

You may meet Tiger and the other pets up for adoption at the Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road, open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm, 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

L.D. Bonaire Reporter – June 5-19, 2009

Giant Book Fair and Flea Market on Saturday, March 28

Posted on March 08, 2009 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

The Bonaire Animal Shelter will hold a Giant Book Fair and Flea Market on Saturday, March 28 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the shelter located at 26 Kaminda Lagun. Thousands of books, in English and Dutch, will be available for only 2 guilders each or less. You can choose from fiction, classics, reference books, manuals, children’s books, hardcover or paperback.

There will also be thousands of flea market items ranging from clothing and household goods to paintings and children’s items. Drinks and snacks will be available during the fair and you can also shop in the Shelter Gift Shop for all sorts of items for your pet.

All the funds raised will benefit the Animal Shelter. And, of course, all the shelter animals will be there and you may find a dog or cat that you would like to adopt!

Please pass by and browse, buy, eat, drink and enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Giant Book Fair and Flea Market, Saturday, March 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 26 Kaminda Lagun. Don’t miss it!

186 adoptions in 2008

Posted on January 16, 2009 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Last year there were a total of 186 adoptions of dogs and cats. That’s an increase over 2007 when there were 165. That’s an even bigger increase from the early days of 2002 when there were only 90 adoptions for the whole year. The Bonaire Animal Shelter on the Lagoen Road is open Monday through Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm and 3 to 5 pm. Tel. 717-4989.

L.D. Bonaire Reporter Janauary 16 – February 13, 2009

Christmas is coming

Posted on December 05, 2008 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Christmas is coming and a perfect gift that can make everyone happy is a Bonaire Animal Shelter T-shirt. They’re NAƒ 12 for kids. Tank tops are NAƒ 15 and Tees are NAƒ 22. There’s a fine selection at the Shelter itself, at Carib Inn and on cruise ship days (see Happenings section) they’re sold at the Animal Shelter stand at the crafts market at Wilhelmina Park.

According to the staff at the Shelter, gift giving should not include animals – as the gift. People need to pick out their own pets and although the thought might be nice it’s not fair to the pet or the person who receives it. Choosing a pet is a serious and responsible matter and the owner must be ready and able to take on the training and care of a new dog or cat. There have been cases at the Shelter where a pet was given to someone who couldn’t do that and the pet had to be returned; stress for all, especially the pet.

L.D. Bonaire Reporter December 5-19, 2008

Animal Shelter Volunteers Meet

Posted on February 22, 2008 by Marlies in News | Comments Off

Last weekend some of the volunteers from Bonaire’s Animal Shelter got together with the staff and board of directors for drinks and camaraderie at Roomers (formerly The Great Escape). Keep up the good work, guys, helping to keep the Shelter a loving place for unwanted cats and dogs.

Bonaire Reporter, February 22 -March 7, 2008