Team Roatan 2009 worldvets.org

Today those of us who are volunteering on this trip enjoyed two new experiences among the many we are amassing on this already amazing adventure. We got to see the veterinarians and technicians of World Vets in two hours transform a school science lab into a fully functional clinic that we expect will allow for the treatment of as many as 500 dogs and cats over the next three days. Even more exciting, we got to meet the schoolchildren of Roatan. The students of the Roatan Bilingual School in Coxen Hole listened intently as Dr. Winnie and Dr. Tom explained about World Vets, the clinic and the importance of caring for animals, including spaying and neutering. Many of the children already knew that pet overpopulation is a problem on the island. Dozens raised their hands to get a free leash so their parents could bring their dogs back to the clinic for treatment. During their lunch time, the youngsters swarmed the clinic, craning their necks to see in through the door. They also posed for pictures and asked wonderful questions about what will be happening over the next few days. George, an older student, has plans to become a veterinarian. We hope he and others at the school will have a chance to volunteer and to observe as the pets of Roatan get needed care. We’re all excited about getting the clinic up and running. As a lay volunteer, I hope I won’t get in the way and that in some small way I’ll be able to make a difference in the lives of the pets and the people of Roatan.
After lunch, 15 of us board a bus for Gumbalimba Park for a tour of the rainforest and a zipline trip through its canopy. Heights and I typically don’t get along, but once strapped into the harness and clipped onto the cable, I give in to the thrill and zip with abandon. Until the first tree comes into focus, at which point I grab the cable with my gloved right and brake for all I’m worth. I skid to a stop an embarrassing eight feet from the landing platform. My tail between my harnessed legs, I spin around on the line, like a rotisserie chicken, and pull myself, hand over hand, the last few feet. Zip line No. 2 goes better, and the rest of the trip is a blast, zipping tree to tree with the expanse of green below. Everyone seems to have a great experience. It turns out zipping is a real trip.
The excursion ends with a tour of the park, where monkeys roam the trees, showing off their natural zip-lining skills, and Macaws and other parrots squawk their unmistakable calls. I must say, you haven’t lived till you’ve had a spider monkey stroke your scalp as he munches sunflower seeds beside your ear.
The bus trip back to Lawson’s Rock is quiet as another full day draws to a close, later to be capped off by Matt’s sautéed shrimp and Jerry’s grilled red snapper. The bond between the members of this team is growing stronger with each savory bite and each new experience. Dennis

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