Introducing the new SIMABO hostel

We are very pleased to announce simabo has a brand new hostel operating in the centre of Mindelo in support of our work here in Cape Verde. We are still offering our cheap and competative prices for your stay here in Mindeo. The new hostel is still 5 minutes from the centre of Mindelo and only minutes walk to the city beah. Please see our hostel page for more details of the rooms and services offered at the new hostel.

LE MEILLEUR AMI DU CHIEN (ET DU CHAT) C'EST... SIMABO!!!!!

SI MA BO est la seule association qui ait pour but de prendre soin des chiens et des chats au Cap Vert. Elle est basée sur l'île de Sao Vicente, à Mindelo, où les animaux sont d'habitude laissés à eux-mêmes, errants et perçus comme une menace, trop souvent blessés par les voitures.

Je les ai découverts, au refuge de l'association qui accueille une centaine de chiens, plus attachants les uns que les autres, qui sollicitaient tous un peu d'affection, une caresse de ma part... C'est dans ce refuge que les volontaires de l'association prennent soin de tous les animaux trouvés dans la rue, les sauvant de l'euthanasie qui est encore ici la seule politique en matière de contrôle de la population. Les animaux recueillis par SI MA BO sont tous stérilisés, en attendant d'être adoptés.

Les locaux sont entretenus et constamment améliorés par des volontaires qui se relaient (construction de nouvelles pièces, peinture neuve, etc). Chaque animal y dispose d'une attention particulière et peut se promener pendant la journée.

En centre ville, SI MA BO dirige également une clinique vétérinaire, aussi bien pour des soins réguliers que pour les animaux accidentés ou dénutris qui y sont recueillis. Les bénévoles, tout en cherchant de nouvelles familles d'accueil aux animaux trouvés seuls dans la rue, y accomplissent un travail patient d'éducation des familles qui ont déjà la responsabilité d'un animal.

Enfin, toujours à Mindelo, un peu sur les hauteurs, j'ai découvert la « maison des chats ». C'est là que sont hébergés les volontaires qui viennent du dehors de l'île, dans un appartement coloré et bien entretenu avec un très beau panorama plongeant sur la mer et... une vingtaine de chats qui se frottent à vos jambes !

SI MA BO milite contre l'euthanasie systématique des animaux errants et pour la création d'un fichier municipal permettant d'identifier chacun d'eux. L'association mène également des campagnes de stérilisation dans l'île grâce à une tente itinérante. C'est à terme la méthode la plus efficace pour sauver des vies.

La responsabilisation des autorités locales et de tout un chacun doit permettre de changer progressivement de regard sur les chiens et chats maltraités ou abandonnés. C'est l'engagement de SI MA BO, dont le nom créole signifie « Tout comme nous » !

C'est un travail de longue haleine, auquel chacun peut participer à la hauteur de ses moyens :

- en adoptant

- en se portant volontaire (l'association accueille de nombreux volontaires venant d'Europe)

- par un don en ligne au lien suivant : donate@simabo.org (ou sur le compte de l'association en Italie, BANCA PROSSIMA, Milano, au nom de « Simabo Onlus », IBAN IT23 S033 5901 6001 0000 0009 584 ; ou sur le compte de l'association au Cap Vert, BANCO COMERCIAL DO ATLANTICO (BCA), au nom de « Simabo », IBAN 6400 0300 0079 4079 8410 176)

- par un don matériel de quoi que ce soit d'utile pour les animaux (laisses et colliers pour promener les chiens, casiers pour transporter les chats, produits anti-puces).

- en faisant connaître l'association (qui dispose aussi d'une page facebook).

En vous souhaitant aussi une agréable découverte du Cap Vert !

Simabo takes it message to the WHO.

Ravi Silva and Silvia Punzo took part yesterday in the meeting (organized by ADECO, the association for the defense of consumers) between representatives of the company 'civil and the representative of WHO, World Health Organization.

Since 'the pilot project carried out by SIMABO in S. Vicente apply to the WHO recommendations regarding stray dogs we asked Dr. Salazar to support our work not only for the City of Mindelo, but also on the other islands because sterilization will spread as a method to control the dog population and replace the answer by the municipal's of CV, which involves the unacceptable practices of poisoning or starvation of the dogs in the kennels.

After stating that the stray dogs is not 'one of the priorities' of WHO in Cape Verde, Dr. Salazar has promised to respond to our request and finally to analyze the material that we sent, containing WHO recommendations in this area. Thanks to Edward Gandini for having made this material available that allows us to build on a solid foundation of our requests.

SIMABO moves to a new clinic!

 On the 22nd April Simabo moved to our new clinic in the centre of Mindelo. As you can imagine the move was long and tiring, with injured and sick animals coming in daily, treated animals departing back to their homes it made the logistics very complicated.

      Our new clinic is better suited for animal treatment, the layout allows us to seperate different areas of the clinic with the outcome of better care for the animals. 

   

We would like to send our warm thanks and appreciation to all the supporters around the world for continuing to support us during this transition and allowing us to make this dream possible. We would also like to thank all our staff and volunteers for being patience with this new chapter of Simabo. Special thankyou to Milena Maiorano for the beautiful decorations in the new clinic.

Sunset In Mindelo

SUNSET IN MINDELO

Hello! My name is Daniela and I would like to tell you briefly my experience as a volunteer at Vet for SIMABO ago.

First of all I would like to thank Silvia, Paolo and the Chief Vet Dr. Raineri for giving me the chance to realize this unforgettable adventure ... which started on March 26 when I embarked from Rome to fly to Cape Verde. I arrived at the airport in Mindelo where Ravi ' (the driver for SIMABOngo) was waiting for me to then take me to Paolo & Silvia’s house where I was hosted with extreme care throughout my stay in Mindelo.

During the car journey, the first image that I was intoxicated with was that of Mindelo’s Bay at dusk (what a breathtaking play of colour!!)

The next day Paolo took me to the dog shelter where I met the famous Nanda (one of the local nurses working at the shelter) and all the other tireless people of the “SIMABO’s Gang" ..... and then we just started working together!

Despite all the instructions, circulars and protocols I was given before my departure (which I studied carefully in preparation of my volunteer placement), my only real concern was the use of intravenous anesthesia of which I had no experience! As per European standards I am in fact familiar with the use of gas anesthesia and many other equipment and diagnostic tools without it is very difficult to carry out our profession.

Nevertheless, the daily routine was great and we were sterilising 8-10 animal a day which was a mammoth effort by all involved. Premedication, anesthesia and awakening of the operated animals were satisfactory.

The local nurses were fantastic and got me up to speed with the ins and outs immediately. I gained so many useful skills and made friends with some amazing people and animals!!

From a professional point of view it is an amazing experience because you are presented with clinical conditions that are difficult to see in Europe, such as Sticker tumor, chronic erlichiosis and severe parasitic dermatoses. On the other side of the coin, however, I’ve realize how much more receptive to treatment are the dogs and cats who live in these parts of the world.

Moreover, there are often real emergencies such as animals with severe traumatic injuries (as a result of road traffic accidents or falls from heights) and even poisoning, skin cancer and so on ... well you can see “a bit of everything” although the primary task of the volunteering Vet is Neutering.

You works for sure under stress for the first week or so and this because you need time to get used a new language, new culture, different climate. Personally the language barrier was a little frustrating (I do recommend anyone planning to volunteer as a Vet there to take some basic Portuguese classes!!)

All this makes the work more “difficult” and you get tired in the evening. Of course the hospitality 'Silvia and Paolo’s hospitality and kindness is not to be underestimated: breakfast, lunch and dinner are always ready for you and I can assure you that thanks to Lisette and Nidia you will taste the good and healthy local cuisine.
Finally.....it’s hard to sum up this place in simple words. I went with no expectations and left with memories of people, animals and a country that will always be in my heart.
For anyone wishing to do some veterinary volunteer work in Cape Verde, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information at diacopinivet@googlemail.com
Thank you
Daniela Iacopini

Sunset in Minelo

Danke!

Wir werden nie aufhören unsere Dankbarkeit und Bewunderung für die unermüdlichen und engagierten freiwilligen Tierärzte, die SIMABÔ unterstutzen oder unterstutzt haben, auszudruecken. Für die Liebe, Zuneigung und Aufmerksamkeit, mit denen sie unsere Tiere behandeln, bedanken wir uns vielmals.

Im Laufe des Monats Mai war Dr. Salvador Mascarenhas derjenige, der uns mit der Behandlung von Tiere geholfen hat. Dieser Tierarzt, der in Portugal lebt und seine Klinik hat, stammt aus São Vicente. 

Während seines Aufenthaltes bei uns wurden insgesamt 163 Kastrationen durchgefuehrt – ein enormer Beitrag zum Projekt SIMABÔ! Bisher wurden rund sechs tausend Tiere im Rahmen des Projekts SIMABÔ kastriert.

Dr. Mascarenhas and Dr. Oliveira, our local veterinarian

Gespendeter Gefrierschrank für unser Tierheim

SIMABÔ erhielt kürzlich einen gespendeten Gefrierschrank für die Küche Ihres Hundeheims.

Dies war ein Angebot von Rossella Rigacci (im Bild zusammen mit ihrem Bruder kurz vor dem Spazierengehen), Tochter der Tieraerzte Benedetta Giannini und Roberto Rigacci, die als Freiwillige bei SIMABÔ während der Weihnachtsferien 2011 gearbeitet haben (s. auch ihren Beitrag). Sie habe ihre beiden Kinder, die uns als Freiwilligen wirklich geholfen haben, mitgebracht.

Rossella hat kurz nach ihren ersten Kommunion ihre Eltern gebeten, als Geschenk für dieses wichtige Datum dem Verein einen Gefrierschrank zu Spenden. Das beste Geschenk für dieses Mädchen ist es, Gutes tun zu dürfen.

SIMABÔ sendet Rossella und ihrer Bruder ein herzlichsten Dank im Namen unseres Vereins und all den Tieren, die von Ihrer Spende profitieren werden. Wir wünschen uns, dass sie immer so fürsorglich bleiben.

Solidaritätbeispiel - Das Feuerwehr

Wir schätzen die Zusammenarbeit mit der Feuerwehr hier in São Vincente, die unser grosses Lob für ihre Menschlichkeit und Solidarität verdienen, weil Sie immer wieder Hunde, die überfahren werden, retten und zu uns bringen.

Wir glauben, dass eines Tages jeder hier in Kap Verde, von den Behörden bis zu jedem Bürger, den gleichen Respekt für die Tiere, die mit uns zu leben, zeigen werden. Wir werden unseren Teil tun, damit es so sein wird.

Denn in der Stunde des Schmerzes, wie in der Freude, sind wir alle gleich. Hunde und Katzen, eigentlich jedes Tier, genauso wie wir.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND THANK YOU FROM EVERYBODY AT SI MA BO!!

Dear Friend

Throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season, I reflect on our shared commitment to not only the animals we’ve saved, but also to those who still need our help.  Our ongoing spay/neuter campaign is the only humane solution to combat the overpopulation problem of dogs and cats here in São Vicente, Cape Verde.  As you may know,  SI MA BÔ’s volunteers and donors are their greatest hope and we can not extend our gratitude enough for your prior support. 

Daily we treat victims of neglect, abuse, and trauma.  Together, we can put an end to their excruciating pain and suffering and we can not do it without your help!  

I know that you receive many charitable requests at this time of year. I hope you will find it in your heart to include  SI MA BÔ, the only advocate for animals in São Vicente, in your gift giving. I can not emphasize enough that your support is needed more than ever at this very moment. This is because the grant that we were fortunate enough to receive from the European Union for the last three years has come to an end. 

Please support SI MA BÔ using Paypal (donate@simabo.org) or by making your donation directly to our Italian account at BANCA PROSSIMA, in the name of  SIMABÔ ONLUS, IBAN: IT23 S033 5901 6001 0000 0009 584, swift/bic code: BCITITMX

On behalf of the animals whose lives will be saved by your generosity, I thank you.   

Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays!

Yours sincerely  

SI MA BÔ

The other side of the coin

I'm sat outside a small coffee shop in Sao Vicente, across the table from me sits a woman who is filled with the perfect combination of love, determination, sadness and hope. She has been telling me her story for an hour now, and I'm literally engrossed by it. Straight away tell her I want to help, in any way I can, Why? because when I look at Silvia there's nothing but sincerity, she believes in a better life for the thousands of street dogs and cats on this island and this hope that follows her is contagious.

Sylvia is the president for the Cape Verde NGO SI MA BO. SI MA BO in creole means ''just like you'', they are a non profit shelter and clinic for the cats and dogs on the island of Sao Vicente. The organisation offers everything from an affordable vet clinic to the local people, an incredible spay and neuter program, an adoption/rehoming program and shelter to street dogs and cats who have been injured, hurt and are not fit to return to the streets.

You know those moments when you feel like your trapped in a corner, where there are literally no options that are easy or avaliable, if not try and picture it. I've only known Silvia for 2 months, I've stood and listened and watched her face in many of these moments, and everytime she stands unbroken to the problems this african island throws at her to do her job. I would have broke many times in these situations. One evening I went to Silvias to help her with a few things, when I arrive she's nursing a cat that is very very sick, this was the first moment I saw Silvia let down her defences. The compassion, warmth and love she gave that cat in her arms as it passed away was nothing short of beautiful yet heartbreaking, I could feel it so I know the cat could too, that the cat was safe, and loved and it died in a moment when it was not afraid. That moment of compassion was as real as it comes.

As I write this its the holidays, around this time there are thousands of dogs an cats that will survive another day on the street, hunting for scraps, walking the alleys at night where humans are in smaller numbers, sleeping in pits riddled with fleas, lice and ticks, anywhere that can bring quiet and safety for small periods of time. Instead of buying people uneeded gifts; I ask that you consider making a donation to SI MA BO, to these beautiful animals that need you more than ever, these animals that want nothing more than a few minutes of your time and love. Anyone who spends time around dogs knows that they can tell you their life through their eyes, here most are filled with sadness, the most unimaginable sadness. Everyday you want them to know your different, you want them to know they can trust you, but with many too much has happened to convince them otherwise.

Last week I saw a kitten lying on the side of the road, he had been tortured and had its eyes pulled out, the week before a few week old kitten shaking in the middle of the highway as no cars stopped to move it, the week before that people were throwing dogs off piers like frisbees, the same week a guy kicking a dog in the ribs as he passed it, and only yesterday a puppy quivering and whining in pain on the side of the road, there were a least 20 people in the area and I don't know how many had passed before this; luckily I had somewhere like SI MA BO to take him. We can't paint everybody with the same brush, there are many residents of Sao Vicente who really look out for these animals.

There is a story that sums SI MA BO's approach, Sylvia was once showing us around a potential future animal clinic, someone asked her ''have you checked with the neighbours they won't mind the noise'', Sylvia's reply was 'If I worried about what other people thought about these animals they would have nothing'', SI MA BO is their only hope, and as a grassroots organisation they are doing everything right and I wouldn't have enough breath to thank them for everything they do for these animals.

Sylvia is never interested in talking about herself, after a few words she reverts back to the dogs and cats, but I chose to write about her because she represents the change thats possible on this island. Without SI MA BO the suffering, the pain, the relationship between human and street animals would be much worse, slowly she is changing hearts and minds, slowly she is changing peoples attitudes towards dogs and cats, slowly she is breaking down the wall between the human and animal, slowly she is making steps towards humans and dogs living on this island together; without the abuse, the pain and the fear. Once again it takes the efforts of a few incredible people to achieve this, the governments answer on Sao Vicente is to round these animals up and kill them, which isn't unusual around the world, but it's not ok, it will never be ok, SI MA BO are the other side of the coin, right now when its tossed it lands on both sides, with your help we can make sure it lands on SI MA BO everytime.

SI MA BO is defeating statistics..... You can be apart of that!!!!!The new year is crucial for SI MA BO, with EU funding coming to an end, they need all the help they can get, we could write about these stories of sadness all day but these are yesterdays stories, we need to move forward. I ask you deep down, please give what you can, every dog and cat on the island would thankyou!

HOPE DIES LAST

Ryan

A short message from Anja, a tourist from Holland !!

I had a great time at your shelter

The room was so nice, great location

Also the cats stole my heart

I wanted to bring a few home with me ;)

Yes, I'm a veterinary

  

I got my degree 10 years ago but unfortunately I am not working in this field.

So I could assist somewhat but I'm not really sure of my knowledge.

I would like to come back sometime, as a tourist and maybe to assist a little.

This was a short story about my trip.

Anja 

Dear prospect vet and non-vet volunteers

Verde,  20^th October 2014

I am writing as a current volunteer who has been working with the staff, management, and the volunteers with SIMABO Association for the past three months.

When I first arrived in Cabo Verde, it was as a volunteer with Sea Shepherd Conservation Society since I was joining the ship Brigitte Bardot at the Mindelo Marina.  Once I arrived in Cabo Verde, I was horrified to see the number and condition of the street dogs here.  Thankfully, I quickly learnt of SIMABO Association and was able to spend my first two days here volunteering with them,  awaiting the day to join my crew with Sea Shepherd.

After meeting my crew on the Bardot, I was made aware that the volunteer that I was replacing had decided to extend her stay.  This was no problem with my joining at all!  However, I greatly wanted to contribute my energies to both organizations.  Therefore, I made a proposal to Sea Shepherd to switch ships since a crew member of another ship here, the Jairo Mora Sandoval, would need a crew member replaced sooner (but giving me a solid month to volunteer with SIMABO full time). So my proposal was happily approved by Sea Shepherd, who gave me their complete understanding and support, having witnessed the situation here themselves.

It is with great concern that I write this article for SIMABO’s site now. With the presence of more veterinarian volunteers the number of spays/neuters performed is drastically increased and that is what is needed here on this island, Sao Vicente, more than anything.  Just two years ago, the municipality’s solution was a mass poisoning of 400 animals within one night.  Other islands here in Cabo Verde continue legal mass poisonings as a solution which we know is not.  If spaying and neutering is not achieved here on Sao Vicente, I am worried that at some point the municipality will commit another mass killing.  With SIMABO Association,  Sao Vicente can serve as a positive example of the success of applying a spaying and neutering program to the other islands to alleviate the cruel and blatantly wrong mass poisonings being committed to date.

Please feel free to contact me to answer any questions or concerns you may have about particular matters. Since I am currently living on a ship (and volunteering at SIMABO on my days off) I can best be reached by email or Skype.  My email address: jnnmd711@yahoo.com Skype: Jeannie.deibel

Respectfully,

Jeannie Deibel, Mindelo, S.Vicente, Cabo

A message from Yasha!!

Hello :0)

I just wanted to say thank you again for yesterday , I was up all night emailing everybody I know all the information and photos of your wonderful project.

so sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye properly, but I WILL be in contact and do all I can to help you

I wanted to come over this morning but all the things that needed to be done yesterday did not get done,

so I have to help get the boat ready this morning as we leave in a few hours

so I am rushing to try and get done faster so that maybe if we have a  few minutes I can pop over again to the shelter with the guys

I will leave some books with Jo and Genie for you to use in the accommodation room

it was an honour to meet you and I am sure we will see each other again somehow

lots of love

Yasha