If anyone needs a break from diving, windsurfing, eating, etc --- consider a visit to the Animal Shelter to spend time with their cats or dogs (or both). Volunteers are needed to "socialize" the animals, and I can attest to the need, and how good it feels to help out there.

For the last week or so, I've been going for an hour or so daily to work with the cats, and have watched three kittens go from scared and hissing to purring. One has been adopted, one is definitely ready for a new family, and one is still stand-offishing -- but making good progress. It feels so good!! They've even learned to play...

So, if you miss your animal(s) at home, such a little affection from the ones who need you here. I'm only a cat person, but they have lots of dogs who need some attention, and the wonderful people working there just don't have the time they need.

They're on the road to Lagoen (on the right hand side), and are open Mon-Fri 10 - 2 and Saturday 10- 1. If you want more details, or want to go with me, you can email me here on Bonaire at: info@bonairetownhomes.com
Josie

Thanks Josie. Maybe we'll see you in 2 weeks. We always make a couple of trips.

Also, http://www.bonaireanimalshelter.org/ tells a little more about the shelter. And, coming soon will be a map and I'll use your directions as a start.

Bea

We went twice last year and will spend more time there this December. I had so much fun playing with the puppies. They mobbed me and covered me with kisses!

Just to put in my $.02 worth: This is the best run animal shelter I've seen anywhere and deserves lots of support.

Map and more info at Bonwiki:Animal Shelter.

Hello. The shelter is open 8-1, 3-5 Mon-Sat. I am a volunteer there, and it is very rewarding. I would like to encourage everyone to help in whatever way you can. www.supportbonaire.com has information and you can donate via credit card. The shelter's website is http://www.animalshelterbonaire.com/
There you can see pictures and read stories.

My husband and I stopped by to visit the shelter while on Bonaire in May. We were so impressed with how well run the shelter is. The animals all looked happy and healthy. And the volunteers were so welcoming to us. We spent a lot of time talking with Jane Madden, who before we came to Bonaire had made us aware of what the shelter specifically needed at that time, she is wonderful. My husband and I were blessed with the opportunity to travel to Bonaire this year, something we had talked about for 3 years. So it was the least we could do to give back to the island in whatever way we could. We love animals so helping the shelter was perfect for us. I encourage everyone to bring something extra in their luggage for the shelter. They will appreciate it. And the animals appreciate the attention you bring.

Amanda:

Thanks for your support of the shelter!! It really is a quality organization involved in an important mission.

Let me throw my thoughts in as well. I have been helping out on Tues/Thurs for this trip and it is amazing! The animals really thrive on attention. I will post some shelter pictures this week so you can all see how great the place is. Hopefully we can generate some more volunteers but more importantly...let's get some critters adopted!!! The shelter will help you figure out how to get the animals back home.

I have some shelter pics, but have no clue how to post them in a thread. I'd be willing to send them to someone who easily could.

I would have liked to bring Fiona the cat back home with me, she was a real sweetheart. But I already have 3 cats and 2 was my "limit".

april, send them to the moderators at moderators @ bonairetalk.com (without the spaces obviously)