Review by Dr. Ellie Newcomb, 2017 World Animal Day Volunteer
“Participating in The BIG FIX World Animal Day celebration in 2017 was truly one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences I've ever taken part in! Witnessing individuals who were previously strangers suddenly meld together for a mutual purpose was awe-inspiring.
"In a short period of time so many facets of the community were touched to bring about the most amazing results. We vaccinated 487 animals for rabies in one day. We stimulated awareness through a radio talk show. We put on a community dog wash. We helped provide medical care for injured and neglected animals. Schoolchildren performed songs and plays they had been practicing for months. We held a parade. In ten days our efforts went from directly protecting against infectious disease and parasites, to education on humane care of animals, to changing societal attitudes towards animals through school outreach, to using the human-animal bond to benefit the needs of those affected by civil war. I saw firsthand how the BIG FIX mission is clearly exemplified in the works they do.
"Compassion, dedication, and respect were common threads throughout the daily preparations and events. The opinions and feedback from volunteers were always welcomed; the safety and welfare of everyone involved were also always a priority. In between everything else, savoring the food, customs, and hospitality of the beautiful Ugandan people was a definite bonus.
Every day there I both laughed and cried. I started out thinking I had a lot to give, but discovered afterward that I had taken so much back with me.
"There are only so many vacation photographs you can put in a drawer of yourself standing in front of tourist attractions. But to look back at your photos and relive how so many people and animals benefitted from everyone's collective efforts is far more meaningful.”
"In a short period of time so many facets of the community were touched to bring about the most amazing results. We vaccinated 487 animals for rabies in one day. We stimulated awareness through a radio talk show. We put on a community dog wash. We helped provide medical care for injured and neglected animals. Schoolchildren performed songs and plays they had been practicing for months. We held a parade. In ten days our efforts went from directly protecting against infectious disease and parasites, to education on humane care of animals, to changing societal attitudes towards animals through school outreach, to using the human-animal bond to benefit the needs of those affected by civil war. I saw firsthand how the BIG FIX mission is clearly exemplified in the works they do.
"Compassion, dedication, and respect were common threads throughout the daily preparations and events. The opinions and feedback from volunteers were always welcomed; the safety and welfare of everyone involved were also always a priority. In between everything else, savoring the food, customs, and hospitality of the beautiful Ugandan people was a definite bonus.
Every day there I both laughed and cried. I started out thinking I had a lot to give, but discovered afterward that I had taken so much back with me.
"There are only so many vacation photographs you can put in a drawer of yourself standing in front of tourist attractions. But to look back at your photos and relive how so many people and animals benefitted from everyone's collective efforts is far more meaningful.”
Review by Bonnie Ladwig, 2017 World Animal Day Volunteer
“Seeing first hand where my monthly contribution goes was extraordinary as I truly had no idea as to the scope of The Big Fix’s programs and am blown away by what they’re able to do with so very little resources. The Comfort Dog Project, The Animal Kindness Clubs in the schools, the field clinics, the sole veterinary hospital in Northern Uganda, the way the Big Fix elevates and educates the community is unlike anything I’ve been a part of.
"The pet guardians in Uganda are grateful for these programs and being a part of something monumentally necessary and life changing has likely been one of the best things I’ll do in my life. Honestly, I will kick the bucket and KNOW that my life made a difference which for me, is a life well lived.”
"The pet guardians in Uganda are grateful for these programs and being a part of something monumentally necessary and life changing has likely been one of the best things I’ll do in my life. Honestly, I will kick the bucket and KNOW that my life made a difference which for me, is a life well lived.”