Travels in Grants

I've lived with aliens most of my life. I didn't recognize it as a child but later I saw them looking in my eyes and making strange sounds to communicate. Although nonhuman, some would run to greet me while another group pretended, I wasn't there. One of the 'I couldn't care less' group was injured, so a trip to Milan.

Doctor Gordon Merayo is an energetic serious man born and raised in Milan, and a graduate of Grants High School who went on to get a Bachelor of Science cum laude from Arizona and a Doctorate from Washington State. He began a solo practice here 12 years ago. As a youngster, he was inspired when he worked for the Andersons and realized his gifts in dealing with animals. He has been on a mission to Argentina and was an associate vet for six years in Arizona. So hopefully he knew what he was getting into. His office is constantly busy with people coming in and out, phones that never stop ringing, medical and surgical problems with large and small animals and referrals from vets in Gallup and Albuquerque. I really don't know how he's able to handle this Herculean work load. He does have some helpful staff, for example Santana, the young woman at the front desk, is probably a Zen Master as she manages to keep a calm efficient manner in the face of chaos.

Often visits are for neutering and cancers of the skin and lymphomas. Helpful tips: if you start to notice a change in your pet's behavior, better to call for an appointment than to wait for an emergency visit; in the summer, don't keep a pet in the car, even with the windows open, don't walk a brachycephalic breed [smashed in noses, like bulldogs or pugs]] in the hottest time of the day.

I'm uncertain about the roles of Game and Fish, Forest Service, Animal Control, Animal Care Center, the police and the sheriff's office in dealing with animals in the summer, don't keep a pet in the car, even with the windows open; don't walk a brachycephalic breed [smashed in noses, like bulldogs or pugs] in the hottest time of the day.

So, a visit to the Animal Care Center on Sakelares [open from 10-3, Mon. to Friday]. Officer Trish Aires was kind enough to give me a tour. She was a volunteer for seven years before joining the Grants Police Department. There should be four officers for Grants [only two at present], one for Milan and one for the County. They pick up strays but she also works at the Center to vaccinate, deworm, process adoptions, run the front desk, answer the phones, clean 20 kennels each day if help doesn't show up [her associate Juan Lopez would clean the other 20]. Ideally the center would have 40 animals but presently has 145 with two to four in each kennel spread all over the placeeven dog runs and poorly ventilated areas. That could potentially lead to transmission of respiratory problems or ringworm or other problems. Our Dr. Merayo is the primary source of medical help, although Dr. Carla Sand from Thoreau had volunteered occasionally. There are also some foster parents [Officer Alires has several animals at home, some needing four-hour feedings day and night]. And our County has an agreement with Valencia County to take up to five animals a month at $50/day ×3, then they belong to Valencia, unless picked up by their owner who has to pay the fees.

The situation is truly pathetic. I asked Officer Alires why she continues to work there - 'I love animals. They come here so scared, often abused and suffering when on the street after their owners abandon them. They are so sad, always looking to see if their owners are coming for them. They still love the humans they were with. It's not their fault to be homeless and uncared for. We're here to help the owners--maybe with some donated food or extra pallets for fences or just advice.

If they can no longer care of them, hopefully a friend or family member will take the pet. In order to adopt, $50 covers neutering, Rabies and a microchip.

The community can help by becoming foster parents or donating sheets, rags, blankets, toys [without small detachable parts like plastic eyes], bleach, Lysol spray, dish and laundry soap, canned cat food (good for giving medicine]. Our vet has an animal fund for donations to cover some of the medical costs. Buying their shirts and name tags helped to buy door stops but they still need help with fencing, building shelters, and walking dogs. Fund raising goes into the city's general fund unless a non-profit was formed that would contribute to the care center.

Today's lesson: Even heroes need help.

Joan Klonowski