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If you would like to view dozens of photos from this McKee Project campaign please visit our Facebook page. This news article below was taken from The Costa Rica Star and republished here with permission.

Playa Zancudo, Costa Rica – September 2, 2013 – In keeping with the philosophy of the Zancudo Lodge in giving back to local communities, this past week, the McKee Project – a NGO non-profit teaching organization providing spay and neuter surgery training to Latin American veterinarians – completed 2 rural spay and neuter clinics in the Southern Pacific region of Costa Rica. This would not have been possible without the full support of the Zancudo Lodge, Dr Eduardo Bitter, DVM and Sansa Regional Airlines, Dr Andes Tello, DVM, and many dedicated volunteers from Zancudo (it takes a village to ensure change).

Over a period of two days, the McKee Project conducted 70 spay and neuter procedures. The McKee Project team members and volunteers worked at a pace of 15 hours per day, they were directed by Dr. Bitter, a veterinarian who has served the needs of the community in Escazu, Costa Rica since 1978. Dr. Bitter (photo above) is one of the most respected veterinarians in the Central Valley, and his clinic welcomes English and Portuguese-speaking owners of companion animals. Prior to the flight to Golfito, Dr. Bitter set the tone by reminding the team members to allow patience and kindness into their hearts during the campaign; his great words of advice were very valuable.

Assisting Dr. Bitter was Edwin, a hard-working Nicaraguan whose compassion for the quality of life of companion animals has been essential for the McKee Project. The team set up the clinic on the property of the Agua Vida Surf School and Lodge in Playa Pilon. This beach community was very interested in the spay and neuter clinic, and many of them who did not have any money for donations to spay and neuter their companion animals, so they provided fresh pipas (young coconuts) and food instead.

In Playa Pavones, the spay and neuter clinic was held under a tent, and the community was very friendly and welcoming. Just as in Playa Pilon, the McKee Project team members were showered with smiles and kindness.

This successful campaign would not have been possible without the generosity of the Zancudo Lodge and Sansa Arlines. Greg and Goldine, owners of the Zancudo Lodge, are longtime supporters of the McKee Project, and they really shone by hosting the team. They also provided food and transportation to the coastal communities. The Zancudo Lodge is a favorite among sport fishing enthusiasts who travel to Costa Rica, and their world-class restaurant is managed by a well-trained chef who is among the best in Costa Rica.

Air transportation from Base 2 of the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) to Golfito was kindly provided by Sansa Airlines. The flight was smooth and scenic, the aircraft was modern, and the crew was extremely friendly and professional.

Very important objectives of the McKee Project strategy were accomplished in the Pavones and Pilon Rural Clinics: demonstrating the importance of community support of spay neuter clinics, as a means to promoting good animal heath and responsible pet ownership.

The McKee Project wants to thank everyone involved in making this campaign a success. In exceptional circumstances the McKee Project will assist rural communities that have no local veterinary spay and neuter services or community volunteers.

If you support animal welfare through spay and neuter, please consider liking the McKee Project on Facebook.