Restore Global is proud to partner with SPCAI as they continue to "advance the safety and well-being of animals," as stated in their mission. In this blog post, we'd love to highlight just some of the ways that SPCAI is impacting the world, and also, how Restore Global is helping them do so.
Operation Baghdad Pups has been a major project for SPCAI over the past 11 years. Executive Director Meredith Ayan and her team have been working since 2008 to give veterinary care and safe transport to animals who have befriended our troops during their deployment. Although the project may be challenging, the reward is worth every obstacle. Bringing home animals that have comforted our troops in hardship help our troops feel more at peace when adjusting back into home life. Since the start, SPCAI been able to bring over 1000 animals home to their forever family. Even though this work began in Iraq, it has become a worldwide effort, and now all troops can request their furry best friend be transported home.
Because one project just couldn't be enough, SPCAI decided to take it one step further while spending time in Iraq. The friendship, knowledge, and communication between local government and SPCAI has created a better understanding about the way that animals should be treated. Before SPCAI education on how to humanely control the animal population, one man would go and, as directed by the government, shoot the overpopulation of animals to help control it. Through the education of SPCAI, the local government in Iraq has agreed to open a spay and neuter clinic to safely decrease this overpopulation. Local vet connections have agreed to help with this project, and thanks to open minds and open hearts, the animal population in Iraq will be safely controlled.
However, SPCAI's work in Iraq isn't the only thing worth noting. Their work to distribute supplies to vet clinics all over the world is really where Restore Global and SPCAI can make an impactful partnership. SPCAI has been able to ship large amounts of syringes, broad spectrum antibiotics, and protection gear for vets all over the world; however, what is always needed and most difficult to ship are things like spay/neuter packages, collars and leashes, humane traps, and most of all vaccines. Because of the nature of these items and the difficulty to locate them in large quantities, these products have been unavailable to SPCAI. With the help of Restore Global, SPCAI will now have access to these once inaccessible items.
If you've ever wondered how to get involved with SPCAI or how best to support them, Meredith encourages you to, "be aware of the things going on around you and advocate for these animals. If you see an animal in an unsafe situation or in need, speak out." Don't let the next person who comes along take the lead. Be proactive in making sure that all animals get the proper love and care that they deserve.
We're so excited to work together with SPCAI to create a better environment and a better life for animals all over the world. Please continue to watch both of us grow as we continue to tell our story together.