Board of Directors / Departments / Get to Know Our Amigos de Animales Family

Your Name: Jane Pahler

Your position/title with AdA: Animal Recovery Supervisor and Volunteer, Team member picking up and delivering huge amounts of pet food monthly and almost anything else that is needed.

How long have you been working with AdA? Nearly 4 years

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? I primarily work and supervise in the recovery section for both dogs and cats. After an animal has been sterilized, the recovery volunteers are there to make sure there are no post operative problems and assist in waking up these dogs and cats. We then find and return the pet to its respective owner. I also volunteer with the cat and dog feeding program, where we buy and distribute approximately $1800 of pet food each month to persons who have a large number of animals that they are caring for, but who do not have the means to adequately feed them.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? Sterilization prevents unwanted litters and transmissible venereal tumors and helps to improve the animals’ quality of life.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background? My partner Sean, and our son, Gabriel moved to Panama from South Africa. We have been living in Boquete since December 2019. All three of us volunteer with Amigos de Animales.

Do you have any pets? We have two dogs and two cats.

Favorite food:  Seafood

Favorite restaurant: “Casa de Sean,” as my partner is an excellent cook!

Favorite TV show: I don’t watch much TV, but am an avid reader. I just finished an excellent book titled The Heart’s Invisible Furies by John Boyne.

Favorite movie: The Life of Brian

Favorite musician or musical group: David Bowie

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Scotland…it is stunning and my family lives there.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Europe

 

Your Name: Martin Guerra

Your position/title with AdA: Collector and transporter of animals to and from different parts of Chiriqui

How long have you been working with AdA? 5-6 years

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? There are people throughout the Chiriqui Province that wish to sterilize their pets, but don’t have the time and/or transportation. I drive all over the province….places like Caldera, El Flor and Potrerillos….to pick up the animals in the morning, bring them to the spay and neuter clinic and then deliver them back in the afternoon.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? Volunteering here is a way to make a positive difference in the lives of animals. I see a lot of animals that are suffering from neglect, abuse, heat, rain and lack of food. Sterilization minimizes the number of unwanted animals and their ability to keep multiplying. I like to be able to help the animals in need and minimize their suffering.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background? I am Panamanian. I have two sons, ages 12 and 6. I love to watch baseball, soccer, tennis and American football (the 49ers!)

Do you have any pets? I don’t have pets because I am renting a place too small to properly accommodate them.

Do you have any favorite favorite foods?:  I love Sancocho, which is a delicious Panamanian soup made with gallina (hen), yam, cilantro and more.

Favorite musician or musical group: I like Panamanian folk music, but back in the 1980s, I really enjoyed listening to Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, Cyndi Lauper, Duran Duran and Chicago.

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why?  My family has a small piece of land in Chiriqui. It’s so green and beautiful and a nice escape when the family wants to enjoy some back to nature time.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I am a baseball fanatic…I would love to go see a major league baseball game in the U.S.A. I would especially love to see the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

 

Your Name: Margarita Creeggan

Your position/title with AdA: Currently volunteering in the kitchen.

How long have you been working with AdA? I have been volunteering since 2018. I started in cat and dog recovery. About 2.5 years ago, Ms. Jane asked me if I could help with serving food in the kitchen, as I am bilingual…so that is what I do now.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? I would encourage others to volunteer their time with Amigos De Animales to help lessen the suffering of animals who don’t have safe and loving homes. Also, it’s a great way to meet people from not only the Chiriqui Province, but from all over the world.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background? I was born in Panama City. I lived in Boquete half my life and lived in Memphis, Tennessee for over 20 years and also the state of Delaware for about 3 years!

Do you have any pets? I currently I have 6 dogs and 14 cats! I used to rescue abused dogs from Pedegral (David).

Do you have any favorite restaurants or favorite foods?:  I love both Panamanian food and pizza! I like Little Caesar’s Pizza.

Favorite musical group: I love the Bee Gees

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why?  I loved my trip to San Francisco, California. There were so many great places to see and great restaurants representing so many different cultures.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to visit the Patagonia region in Chile and Argentina.

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents?  Yes, I am very creative. I play the piano, enjoy gardening and like to paint. I also enjoy baking and decorating cakes for all occasions.

 

Your Name: Cary Gordon Trantham

Your position/title with AdA: Treasurer/Director

How long have you been working with AdA? I started volunteering in 2008. Took over the money in 2010.

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? I work registration by collecting funds, paying the veterinarians at the end of the clinic, etc. I reconcile bank accounts and prepare monthly financial statements for both Amigos de Animales, Inc. and Fundacion Amigos de los Animales de Boquete

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? It is so fulfilling to know that
you are part of an organization that is really making a difference in the community. Also, everyone that you work with at Animales is a really awesome person. The clinics are so crazy and yet they are like a social event.

Do you have any pets? I have three dogs and just acquired an adorable kitten. Miel, is my little old man who actually adopted me and he is fifteen years old; Nevada is a gorgeous blue eyed white Siberian Husky and she is ten years old. Luna is only three years old…she was a street dog and I brought her to the clinic and we fell in love. I couldn’t let her back on the street. My new little tabby kitten, Tigre, is amazing.

Favorite food: Nachos

Favorite restaurant: Al Punto with Chef Anthony

Favorite TV show: Star Trek with Captain Janeway

Favorite movie: Avatar

Favorite musician or musical group: Any slow, bluesy jazz music.

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Zimbabwe. I visited the Save Valley Conservatory; watching all the animals run free was awe inspiring.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Patagonia

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents? I am a Bermuda Triangle Survivor – www.BermudaTriangleSurvivor.com.

 

Your Name: Alicia Kelly McGuigan

Your position/title with AdA: Former President, volunteer

How long have you been working with AdA? A looong time…I think since 2009

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? I have done many things. I started as volunteer coordinator to try to recognize our volunteers and make sure they were in the right place at the right time. It was rather chaotic at first! I tried being a surgical assistant and quickly learned that it was not for me. I have worked out front in Registration and been the pizza delivery person. My favorite thing to do is working in kitty recovery and interacting with their owners.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? Volunteering with Animales has been a highlight of my life. In my business career, I always said that in my next life I wanted to do something that was meaningful and actually mattered. And this really mattered! Look at the Boquete area…there are no packs of sad starving dogs and cats roaming the streets. We have sterilized over 25,000 animals, what a difference that has made in this community! Volunteering is the best way to meet and make friends in a community and I have loved every minute of it.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background you would like to share? My background is totally unrelated to working with Animales. I did not grow up with pets. My daughters always had cats but until we found our sweet Molly dog here at a clinic, I had never had a dog before.

Do you have any pets? We currently have two dogs and two cats. When we came here in 2007, we brought three senior cats, all of whom have since crossed the Rainbow Bridge as well as our first dog, Molly. We now have two dogs and two cats, all of whom were rescued here.

Favorite food: Italian - Linguine with clam sauce

Favorite restaurant: Panamonte bar

Favorite TV show: British mysteries and detective shows. Also, Ted Lasso. Dr. Jeff Rocky Mountain Vet and Bluey with the kiddos.

Favorite movie: The Right Stuff, an old favorite. Also musicals and anything that my grandkids like and we can sing along with.

Favorite musician or musical group: I have very eclectic taste in music, anything from classical to good old rock and roll.

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Ireland. I went several years ago with my two sisters and we had a wonderful time. The Isle of Palms at Charleston, SC, is my favorite place in the US. My father grew up there and we spent lots of time there growing up and I now love sharing it with the latest generation of Kellys.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I’d like to go back to Ireland and also travel around Europe. I have been to Europe many times but only in the big cities, I’d like to see the smaller towns and villages.

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents? I only wish! But my true super powers lay in my two daughters and four grandkids.

Your Name:  Lulu Borrell

Position/Title at AdA: Animal Collector

How long have I been with AdA: I started about three years after Amigos de Animales started….so approximately 15 years.

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do at AdA: Every month, I pick up animals from people who don’t have the time and/or transportation to take their animals to the clinics in David and Boquete. I explain to them the importance of sterilization in order to control the population and reduce the number of abandoned and mistreated animals.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA: Animals need our help. There are not enough adopters out there who are able to give the love and care that animals deserve…so it is important to control the population.

Do you have any pets: Currently, I have 24 dogs! Most of these were rescued from the streets in very bad condition or were going to be abandoned on the street. I have three Great Dane rescues, one Blue Heeler who is 14 years old and the baby of the clan, a Fila Brasilero, “Valentina” given to me by a dear friend. The rest of the dogs are multibreeds. I also have one cat, two sheep and nine horses, three of which are over 20 years old and retired at my farm Las Tinajas de Dolega, where I live.

Favorite Food: My favorite dish is called “Langostinos a la Pedrada” served at my sister’s restaurant, Donde Giselle.

Favorite Restaurant: I have three…Donde Giselle, Tres Scalini and Panamonte/T’ach Restaurant

Favorite TV show: Blue Bloods

Favorite Movie: Australia

Favorite Musician/Group: Phil Collins

Favourite Place I have visited and why: I love Bogota, Columbia for the climate, the restaurants and the people. I also love Africa, where I worked as a volunteer with Panthera Africa, a place that has rescued many big cats. Most of the large breed cats came from the industry where tourists pay to pet and feed a cub. I also volunteered with Wildlife Act, consisting of people who truly dedicate their lives to conserve animals in the wild.

If I could go anywhere in the world, where would that be: Antarctica….but I would definitely love to return to Africa as it is a unique work that everyone should see.

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents?: I love plants and had a unique nursery for many years. I still sell plants to help me support all of my rescued animals. I specialize in different varieties of bamboo. I also bake! My specialty is lime pie, which I also sell by order.

Your Name:  Gia Pallone

Position/Title at AdA: Intake/Door Greeter

How long have I been with AdA: about 4 years

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do at AdA: I welcome the cats and dogs that arrive at the clinic. Many come in nervous and scared, unsure of why they have been brought to such a place. It can be a chaotic and unsettling experience to be transported and surrounded by so many sights, sounds, smells, animals, and people. I assure them that they will be safe and I infuse them with LOVE. When we are unable to come to that agreement, I work with the rest of the Intake Team to ensure that NO ONE (animals or people) become injured as the sedation injections are given.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA: I would encourage others to volunteer at AdA when their hearts are called to improve the quality of life for animals and their families. Volunteering also allows for a greater connection with the local community. EVERYONE has something unique to contribute and it is very rewarding to be in the flow with such an accomplished organization.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background you would like to share: Animals have ALWAYS been a quintessential part of my existence. I was born into a family of four-legged, finned, and plumed members. I have volunteered from coast-to-coast, fostering kittens from the Connecticut Humane Society, to hand feeding scrub jays at the wildlife center in the Salinas SPCA. I made a career of working with animals locally, in a veterinarian's office, and nationally, at a da Vinci Robotic Surgical Center. I have had members join the family from near (Tiki, the cat, came from a family across the street) and far (Cpt. Morgan, a pup, was my Whacky Iraqi/Baghdad Baby). Working with animals in Boquete was a no-brainer and I am glad that I have found my niche.

Do you have any pets: My Merlin went to the Rainbow Bridge in 2019. I now borrow pets. Our landlord has two dogs (Paige and Duke) and I rally and range every day with the neighbor's dogs, Chongo and Chloe. I also occasionally pet sit.

Favorite Food: Anything that has been prepared with LOVE.

Favorite Restaurant: Those that provide vegetarian options.

Favorite Movie: I am inspired by everyday Heroes so I like movies based on Actual Events.

Favorite Musician/Group: I enjoy the diversity of World Music

Favourite Place I have visited and why: Home, because that is where the Heart is

If I could go ANYWHERE in the world, where would that be: the next place that I end up because that is where I am meant to be.

Fun Fact/Hidden Talent: I help my husband teach Line Dancing to Latin music.

Your Name:  Judy Sacco

Your position/title with AdA: Recovery supervisor (blue person)

How long have you been working with AdA? I have been here since the very first spay/neuter clinic in June 2005

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA? I have done almost everything: making appointments and registration in the early days; being in the original group of founders of the Foundation in 2007; board member as Secretary for a few years; recovery; assisting the vets during surgery; and supervising recovery. I have also been the grant writer and have obtained $25,000 in grants for Animales.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA? If you want meaningful work making a difference in the lives of cats and dogs and their caregivers, there are many volunteer opportunities where Amigos de Animales can use your skills and even teach you new ones. There are many ways volunteers can contribute besides working at the clinics.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background you would like to share? I came to Boquete in 2004 with my husband and 2 cats. We both retired that year and decided to move abroad. I have a masters degree in microbiology and worked in medical device and pharmaceutical companies for several years. Then I became a consultant for those industries for 20 years in quality assurance and regulatory affairs. I had wanted to be a veterinarian in the dark ages before the women's movement, but after the adults stopped laughing at me, they told me girls were not allowed to be vets, because they weren't strong enough to throw cows to the ground (men aren't either, by the way). So it has been my joy to be able to tend to cats and dogs in recovery and even to occasionally save a live, and to assist the vets in surgery.

Do you have any pets? If so, how many and of one species? Oh boy, do I have pets! I have 6 cats of my own, all rescues. Also I have a steady stream of kittens and cats as fosters, and now have one temporary boarder. I have raised 9 bottle babies, including 4 newborns, and have learned a lot about caring for cats from this experience.

Favorite food: Pasta in many forms. Also the seafood in the Pacific Northwest, which I miss a lot.

Favorite restaurant: Tre Scalini and Taco Rudos

Favorite TV shows: Medical shows – Grey's Anatomy, The Resident. Odd shows like Manifest and Lost. Comedies - The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon, Seinfeld. Netflix series - Extraordinary Attorney Woo.

Favorite movies: I can't pick just one. Casablanca, African Queen, Chicago, Star Trek IV, Avatar, and everything Tom Hanks stars in.

Favorite musician or musical group: Oh I'm stuck in the 60s and 70s (pre-disco). The Beatles, Neil Diamond, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Fleetwood Mac plus classical music and opera.

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Hands down – Africa, specifically a safari in Botswana in the Okavango Delta.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I haven't been to Alaska, so probably there, especially Denali National Park.

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents? I lived in India for a year at an ashram. I lived on Maui and watched whales from my lanai.   Hidden talents? I can fix a lot of things that break.

Your Name:  Norma Miller

Your position/title with AdA:  Just “volunteer”

How long have you been working with AdA?  I have been volunteering since 2021, when I moved to Boquete from Panama City.

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA?

I mostly help in the recovery section. Also, since I am fluent in Spanish, I sometimes assist in communicating with pet owners. On another occasion, I helped out in the kitchen; again, there was a need for someone who spoke Spanish.  More recently I’ve been helping Katrina Kneebone supervise the student volunteers we’ve recruited from the Technological University of Panama (UTP).

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA?  1) Because helping animals have a better life is a most worthy cause, 2) because the effort is well organized and executed, every month, and 3) because it gives one a sense of serving the community.

Being in education, I am particularly keen on getting young Panamanians involved. Volunteering is not really a part of the local culture, though there is definitely a movement in that direction (e.g., Ponte en Algo). This is why last September I proposed a volunteering project at ADAB to the head of the social service unit of the Chiriquí campus of the UTP, where I teach mathematics. We sent out the invitation via the university’s social networks. The response was so overwhelming that after 2 days we had to shut down registration. I believe this kind of activity sets a marvelous example for young people: it defies the generalized notion that government has to fix all of society’s problems, by showing how much can get done when ordinary citizens join forces and collaborate with one another. It also helps integrate the expat and local communities.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background you would like to share and also answer questions below?

Well, the main thing is that I grew up in Chapala, Mexico, a small town not unlike Boquete in that its climate and beauty attracted many expats. This also explains why Spanish is as much a mother tongue for me as is English; and also why I am very much attuned to Latin American cultural nuances. I’ve lived in Panama for over 30 years now.

Do you have any pets? If so, how many and of one species?

I’ve always had pets, dogs and cats. However, for the last 20 years or so I’ve only had cats, all of them found and rescued from the streets of Panama City (one of them actually from the edge of a highway!). One of them has megacolon, having been hit by a car, and requires daily help to pee and poop. She is fully mobile, though, and has a good life. Photos of my kitties Dobby, Cachetes and Loki are below!

I’m not really one for having “favorites”. I find joy, delight even passion in too many things, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.

Favorite musician or musical group:

I do love Panama’s Ruben Blades

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? I do have a special love for Italy and Spain.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I hope to visit Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and also Greece someday.

Hi….my name is Katrina Kneebone, I am an educator, and I am involved with the Amigos de Animales program for 5 years taking awareness of pet sterilization into elementary schools. Here I am explaining what that involves.

After my rottweiler departed for the Elysium Fields, each month I would get my “big dog fix” at the clinic, sitting quietly on the rug and resuscitating the large breeds from their anesthesia . Two years went by and then, Leslie Sherling, who had befriended me, noticed that I was speaking Spanish and helping the student volunteers. “We need you,” she said, and that is how I became the lead person for the Amigos de Animales schools outreach program.

There are 13 schools in the rural areas of Boquete and our mission is to reach out to these students, teach them about pet care, and encourage them to bring their pets to the clinic for spaying. COVID curtailed our efforts for two years, but in October of 2022 we picked up again and managed visits to five schools before the school year ended.

Through Animales, I have built up a team of really dedicated volunteers and we continue to welcome more. To give an example of how we work, in the El Frances school, which has 45 students divided into two groups, we committed to two days in one week. The volunteers on that occasion were Michael and Debra who worked with me in the upper grades, and Cynthia and Valorie working with the younger children. We have booklets to color that tell the children about pet care and on which we base our lessons. Michael and I worked on compiling these booklets so that they give information about Animales and about the clinic that the students can take home. I gave the presentation and Michael and Debra supported me by handing out materials and encouraging the students. Meanwhile , Cynthia and Valorie presented the kinder booklet to the younger children. Later we all congregated outside to sing songs (Michael has donated a Karaoke machine). This same team then followed up by giving a Christmas craft day in December and later a Christmas lunch with goody bags.
This pattern of presenting, and then the different volunteers picking up the ball and continuing with a Christmas lunch, was repeated in Palmira Arriba, Jaramillo Arriba, and Alto Quiel.

When the new school year begins in March, we hope to cover two day presentations in most of the schools in the district. Amigos de Animales has plans to facilitate the spaying of animals in these remoter areas. We may transport them to the clinic, or we may do mini clinics in their areas, and for this we continue to need volunteers. It’s okay if your Spanish is limited, we can still use you. If you have enough Spanish to help with the Kinder or upper grade presentations, that would be wonderful.

Here are the names of all of the volunteers who have helped so far in the school outreach program. I want to mention them because their generosity and hard work impressed me so much. A big thank you to all of them.
Michael and Debra Whited, Valorie Tintinger, Eileen, Christy, Cynthia Vitagliano, Nonie Ratclif, Jessica and Amelia Vega, Cindy Clayton, Helena Deakin, Said, Neidy.

Lastly, I am still on the big dog rug each month at the clinic. We have been encouraging more university students to become involved and now I help Carol with their training and supervision.
Contact me if you would like to become involved in the schools project: katrinakneebone@gmail.com

Your position/title with Animales and how long have you worked here?: Coordinator, WhatsApp Group for Spanish-speaking volunteers. Over one year

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with Animales?: I collaborate in the recovery of dogs and cats during the sterilization clinics. I love working with the little ones. [Raquel has recently started helping us coordinate Spanish-speaking volunteers which has increased participation by Panamanians.]

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with Animales?:  When you enter the space for recovery, you give a little piece of yourself to these other species. Animals give us so many beautiful moments and their love for us is unconditional. Volunteering this way helps you to become more loving and understanding of their basic needs and a way to give back by sharing a little time and your love with them.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about yourself?:  I volunteer as an environmental activist; supporting educational activities to strengthen the environmental and social culture of children, young people and the adults in the District of Dolega.

Do you have any pets? I have three pets…2 dogs and a cat (see photos!) Keisy is my black dog who is a beautiful and loving soul, but is jealous when she has to share caresses with others. Princesa is my shaggy haired brownish dog who is noble, loving and not jealous. Mini is my elusive kitten who shows me love and keeps me company.

Favorite food: Patacones with garlic shrimp

Favorite restaurant: The Steakhouse in David

Favorite TV show: I don’t watch TV

Favorite movie: What the Wind Took Away

Favorite musician or musical group: Jose Luis Perales

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why?  Niagara Falls for its immense and impressive waterfalls. They were like a dream and those memories live in my mind.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Venice, Italy

Your position/title with Animales and how long have you worked here?: Vice President - 14 years

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with Animales?: I am the head of Recovery. I started the training program years ago because I noticed people took it as a social event and did not take it seriously. Once I had a young person rubbing a dog and did not notice the dog was not breathing! I have also organized fundraising events, Chili Challenges, Casino Night, and our Annual Lotto (Ruby's idea). In the past, first prize was an all-expense paid trip to Panama.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with Animales?: It is definitely a great experience as well as rewarding.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about yourself?:  I came to Panama in 2005 and we bought a piece of property and built a home in the hills of Alto Jaramillo. The builder gave us a puppy (Bella) that needed neutering. That was my introduction to Amigos de Animales. Then Bella needed to be trained and Jennie Allen was dog training and also worked at the clinic. One thing led to another and now I have been volunteering here 14 years all because of Bella.

Do you have any pets? I have my dog, Bella and my cat Diablo Red (see photos!)

Favorite food: All food!

Favorite restaurant: Maito Restaurante in Panama City

Favorite musician or musical group:  John Legend

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Traveling is one of my favorite things to do! Prague was gorgeous with the French influence and all the Art Deco. I want to explore more of Italy.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?  Tahiti! Why not with its exotic gorgeous beaches!

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents?   I currently own a coffee farm called Vista Encanto Coffee.

Your position/title with Animales and how long have you worked here?:  Surgery Station Lead - 5 years

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with Animales?: I have the best job ever! I get to be a part of a group of volunteers that give their time and energy to the animal community! I oversee the veterinary assistance and the organization of the surgical team. It’s a bit like playing a game of Tetris…making sure each vet gets about the same number of animals per clinic and ensuring that everyone is happy and fully equipped to be successful. I schedule volunteers, set up the surgical area and run my butt off on clinic day making sure everyone has what they need to sterilize approximately 300 animals in one day! I am also the primary contact for Hall rentals and I’m part of the fundraising committee.

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with Animales?: It’s all about teamwork for the common goal of sterilizing animals in the most efficient way possible. Also, you get to make new friends and give your time unselfishly to ensure our community is not overrun by packs of dogs and starving animals in the streets. The efforts by AdA volunteers help to reduce the overpopulation of the animal community, making Boquete a better place to live.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about yourself?:  I semi-retired to Panama 5.5 years ago from Calgary, Canada. My personal goal was to experience as many different opportunities as possible, learn new things and be a valued member of a community. I found that in Boquete.

I grew up as an Army brat, never staying in one place more than a few years at a time. This experience taught me to develop relationships quickly and experience people from all walks of life….the good, the bad and the ugly. I learned to accept folks for who they were and loved being a free spirit and a mover and shaker. The most fulfilling relationships I had were with the underprivileged and the children who needed a voice. I became their advocate.

I spent my undergraduate years in Early Childhood Education and Development Facility. I spent 35 years teaching, developing and creating pre-schools across Canada. I truly love working with people. I thrive around those with positive attitudes and believe you are more successful in life the more freely you give back. I enjoy planning and organizing events, matchmaking, working for the underprivileged, be that animals or folks needing a helping hand. One of my biggest joys is fostering dogs who need special attention and helping them to get back on their feet and find a forever, loving home where they will thrive.

Do you have any pets? No permanent pets, but I foster pets; I work with Dog Camp to help with dogs that need special care.

Favorite food: Cooking is not my forte, but I make a wicked peanut butter and jelly sandwich!

Favorite restaurant:  I LOVE The Fish House….in five years I’ve never had a bad meal there and I like how small and homey it is.

Favorite TV show: Who has time for TV?

Favorite Movie:  To Sir With Love

Favorite musician or musical group: You can’t beat old-time rock and roll! I love to sing along and I know all the lyrics! I like strong women like Tina Turner, Joni Mitchell, Heart, Fleetwood Mac, Pink and Cher. As long as I can dance to it, I’m good!

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Aruba with its white baby-powder beaches, flamingos, crystal clear water, snorkeling, music, food, sun and casinos….what’s not to love?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? I would love to sail the Greek Islands or learn to cook in Tuscany!

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents? I’m a fantastic singer (in the shower) and can curl my tongue!

 

Your position/title with Animales and how long have you worked here?:  I am an Animal Collector mostly in the greater Dolega area - 13 years

How did you get started as a Collector?:  we had some neighborhood female dogs that needed to be spayed. I spoke with Lulu Borrell, and she told me how to contact Amigos de Animales.

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with Animales?: I help identify owners with cats and dogs that need to be sterilized and then I collect money from them (most of the time) and then help to coordinate with a driver to have them picked up and delivered to the clinic to get spayed and neutered. [Diomedes does not drive]

Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with Animales?: A lot of animals are suffering because they don’t have anyone to care for them.  The humane and important work that Amigos de Animales does helps to minimize the number of animals who are on the streets without proper care

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about yourself?:  I like to ride horses and walk through the jungle where there are little birds and animals to see. I was born and still live in the El Flor area, and I have a mother and brothers. I work at the Federal Mall.

Do you have any pets? I have two dogs and a cat.

Favorite TV show: I like to watch programs about animals on the Animal Planet channel.

Favorite musician or musical group: I enjoy romantic music by Leonardo Favio and Leo Dan. I also enjoy the music of Samy and Sandra Sandoval

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why? Cerro Punta for it’s cool weather and natural beauty.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be? Africa

Your position/title with AdA and how long have you worked here:  Secretary of Board; Recovery Supervisor - 7 years

Can you tell us a little bit more about what you do with AdA?:  I assist as needed with the volunteers making sure to address any issues and/or concerns that may arise with their animals; I work primarily with the big dogs, helping to wake them up after surgery and supervision; I also return the cats and dogs to their owners/collectors after they have awoken.

 Why would you encourage others to volunteer here with AdA?: It is a very necessary service that we provide.  Our town is a much better place to be when we don't have packs of dogs in the streets and starving animals that are suffering.

So that we can get to know you better can you tell us anything about your background you would like to share and also answer questions below?  I am a gratefully retired Canadian from the beautiful province of British Columbia in the Vancouver area.  My new job is being an active volunteer for several great organizations such as AdA, Buenos Vecinos Boquete - where we pack food and deliver it to over 100 families each month; also Boquete Health and Hospice with the meals and the equipment teams; and if and when the Jazz and Blues festival gets going again....that is a real fun event to volunteer at!

 Do you have any pets?:  I have 3 beautiful rescue dogs - Sisi, Canela, and Lucy

Favorite food: I'm currently enjoying a lot of Greek Salad

 Favorite restaurant: That's a tough one!  Tres Scalini, the Fish House and Tacos Rudos

 Favorite TV shows: Master Chef

 Favorite movie:  Galaxy Quest

Favorite musician or musical group: Classic Rock such as the Eagles, Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin

What is one of your favorite places that you have visited and why?:  Luxor Egypt. The ancient wonders were amazing....it just felt magical.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?:  Africa

Are there any other fun facts about you that you would like to share and/or hidden talents?:  I'm a long distance runner - slow but steady! I've completed two full marathons and try to run two half marathon races each year.