Olivia Jones, a veterinary technician who came from Germany with our European Solidarity Corps project, returned to her hometown after a month of volunteering service. Olivia took on the care of sick, weak, disabled and orphaned cats and dogs in the Sinop and Gerze shelters and the ones under our protection.
In the shelters, she contributed her surgical skills at the local animal shelter clinics by assisting in the sterilization of over 30 cats and dogs. She provided wellness exams and treatments, such as wound repair and infection remediation. At the Gerze shelter, she provided comprehensive neonatal care for puppies and kittens, including parasite prevention, vaccination, and the treatment of infections. This involved closely monitoring their health, ensuring proper nutrition, and administering treatments to support their immune systems and overall development during their critical early life stages.
She conducted medical wellness examinations and created a comprehensive medical history database for all 66 cats at the sanctuary and volunteer house. Additionally, Olivia with the other volunteers created and executed treatment plans for 10 cats suffering from chronic respiratory infections at the sanctuary. At the volunteer house, she attended to 10 cats, including one pregnant and three FIP-positive patients, providing them with medication, enrichment, feeding, and cleaning. She also cared for a new-born kitten requiring critical care, including around-the clock feedings, warming, and stimulation. Post-operative overnight care was another significant part of her role, where she ensured the proper recovery of 10 cats after surgery and evaluated their fitness to return to the sanctuary.
She focused on building trust and positive relationships with the local community. To the best of her ability, she took the opportunity to inform them of the benefits of sterilization and vaccinations for street animals.
Through her volunteering, she gained far more in return. She significantly expanded her veterinary surgical and treatment skills. Olivia also had a chance to gain experience on collaborating effectively with the other volunteers from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. She gained a greater appreciation for teamwork and became a more effective collaborator as a result. Overall, this experience has not only enhanced her personal growth but has also deepened her understanding of diverse perspectives.
We would like to thank Olivia for all her efforts for our homeless friends.