CANDi... saving the lives of stray cats and dogs through spay, neuter and adoption programs supported by the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers.

Please check out this document for details of our Toronto fundraiser.

A story of Canadians helping across borders. A Canadian family has adopted a cocker spaniel after it was attacked by someone with a machete and now they are looking to get the dog healthy once more. Rob Malcolm reports. Feb 02.

CANDi (Cats and Dogs International) and Isla Animals, with the support of Animalistas Cancun, and Cancun Animal Rescue, will be holding another dog and cat sterilization clinic with international volunteer veterinarian group, VIDAS, in the community of Bonfil in Cancun, Mexico on January 20-24, 2012.

VIDAS is a group of international veterinarians, veterinary students, and animal loving volunteers who are committed to animal health and who travel annually to several locations in Quintana Roo, a state in Mexico, to perform dog/cat sterilization clinics.

The clinic, CANDi’s 7th since 2008, will begin on Friday, January 20th, 2012, and go for five (5) days until Tuesday, January 24th, 2012.

CANDi, Isla Animals, and VIDAS plan to safely sterilize hundreds of animals during these five (5) days, saving thousands of unborn puppies and kittens from lives of starvation, disease, and inhumane treatment.

"CANDi believes the answer to reduce animal overpopulation is sterilization and education and promotes these solutions with the help of the tourism industry and pet loving travellers," said Darci Galati, founder of CANDi.

Like many areas of Mexico, the community of Bonfil in Cancun struggles to provide adequate resources for its human population, which makes allocating funding to the needs of stray animals out of the question. These free sterilization clinics provide locals with a way to care for and protect their beloved pets and also control the stray animal population in their community.

"We are excited to be working together with VIDAS and our local animal partners in January and in years to come in Bonfil," said Galati. "We know that it is proven that by returning to the same location year after year, that we can make a significant difference to the dog and cat overpopulation. It is our sincerest goal to do this for the animals and the community of Bonfil."

Also participating in this clinic will be country music recording artist, Craig Moritz, who is CANDi's official celebrity spokesperson. Craig is deeply committed to helping solve the problem of stray dogs and cats at resort destinations and this will be his third mission to Mexico as a volunteer at CANDi’s sterilization clinics. His kindness and hard work have been highlights of the past two (2) clinics in Cancun.

CANDi, with the help of Isla Animals and other Humane Partners like Animalistas Cancun and Cancun Animal Resue, has sterilized thousands of animals in Cancun and the Yucatan over the years. CANDi believes the answer to reduce animal overpopulation is sterilization and education and promotes these solutions with the help of the tourism industry and pet loving travellers.

About CANDi

CANDi (Cats and Dogs International) is a non-profit organization that saves the lives of stray cats and dogs in Mexico, the Caribbean and other international destinations through spay, neuter, adoption and educational programs, supported and funded by the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers.

Media Contacts:

For CANDi:

Darci Galati
250-317-0406
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For Craig Moritz:

Natalie Harper
780-909-2281
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

CANDi, working with Isla Animals and volunteers from Canada and the U.S., will support Spay Mexico, Planned Pethood, and Planned Pethood Mexico volunteer veterinarians in training over 48 local Mexican vets on how to do low cost, safe, high-volume sterilization procedures during a spay/neuter clinic in the resort town of Cancun, Mexico. During the first 4 days of the clinic, 125 dogs and cats each day will be spayed or neutered but on the last day, over 300 animals will undergo sterilization surgery, a major achievement that will save countless puppies and kittens from being born into lives of suffering.

CANDi INTERNATIONAL WELCOMES CRAIG MORITZ AS SPOKESPERSON

Country Recording Artist Lends His Voice to Promote Spay/Neuter Clinics in Mexico and the Caribbean

April 12, 2011 (Kelowna, British Columbia) - Cats AND Dogs International (CANDi), a non-profit organization that helps stray cats and dogs, and runs spay/neuter clinics in key tourist destinations with struggling economies, is pleased to announce Craig Moritz, Canadian country music recording artist, animal lover and activist, as its new campaign spokesperson to help raise awareness and promote spay/neuter sponsorships. Moritz, born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, often travels to destinations where cats and dogs are left to fend for themselves and often live short and painful lives.  These helpless animals either die of disease, starvation or inhumane killings by the locals.

Craig returned from a recent trip to Cuba determined to do something to help. "I am heartbroken by the thousands and thousands of stray and neglected animals," said Moritz. "I fell in love with a cute, loving, stray puppy in Cuba and wanted to bring this poor dog home, but had no luck.  From that point on, I felt like I had to do something, but I wasn't sure what I could do and how I could help."  After seeing a news program on CANDi, Moritz decided to contact them to lend a helping hand. For more information on Moritz, visit: http://www.craigmoritz.ca or http://www.facebook.com/CraigMoritzMusic

"We are so pleased to have Craig Moritz join the CANDi team and help us raise awareness about the critical need to help animals beyond our borders," said Darci Galati, President and Founder of CANDi. "Craig's love for animals and passion to help them is inspiring.  With his help, we'll be able to help even more cats and dogs and help them find loving homes; something every animal deserves."

Part of Craig's commitment to the cause will be joining CANDi on its fifth major sterilization clinic in

Cancun, Mexico April 25 – 29, 2011.

"I have always been a pet owner, an animal lover, and I have always supported organizations that help animals," said Moritz.  "The work CANDi is doing is something I can proudly champion for, and I feel I can be a great ally to CANDi’s cause and help get the word out about the good work they’re doing."

ABOUT CANDi

CANDi is the only animal welfare organization that partners with the tourism industry to offer a unique and fresh approach to addressing the complex problem of stray cats and dogs. Unlike any other animal welfare organization, CANDi brings together business interests, economic interests, and charitable interests to implement consistent, effective, and replicable humane programs wherever they are needed most.

Within this framework, CANDi does the following: 1) Shows tourists how they can help; and teaches generations of children to be responsible pet owners.2) Partners with the travel industry such as major tour operators, airlines and major hotel chains to incorporate the humane treatment of animals as a standard acceptable practice in their corporate sustainable tourism programs.

CANDi offers sustainable and viable solutions to worldwide stray cat and dog overpopulation through our proven animal welfare programs.  For more information or to find out how you can help, visit: www.candiinternational.org or on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/CANDi

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Meet members of the CANDi Team and some of the animals CANDi is helping.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Suralterno

Media Contact: Doris Wohl
Ph: 1.416.817.3946
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

President/Founder of CANDi: Darci Galati
Ph: 1.250.317.0406
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Natalie Harper for Craig Moritz
Ph: 1.780.909.2281
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Cats AND Dogs International (CANDi) is a non-profit organization which solely relies on private funding to establish spay/neuter clinics and setup education and adoption programs in key tourist destinations that have struggling economies.

Between April 25 – 29, CANDi along with 50 Canadian volunteers including spokesperson Craig Moritz, country music recording artist, will be organizing and setting up their 5^th clinic in Cancun, Mexico.  Their goal is to sterilize over 500 dogs and cats in 5 days.  Some of these animals will be brought back to Canada to be placed in foster/adoption homes.

Air Transat is their major corporate sponsor donating room & meals to the volunteers.

Since October, 2008, when CANDi started its first clinic, they have spayed/neutered over 1,600 cats and dogs in Mexico and the Caribbean with support from the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers.  Each clinic costs $10,000 and major sponsorship is a critical part of allowing us to reach these animals in need. The average sterilization costs between $200 to $300 and the average Mexican makes $125 a month which makes it impossible for people to sterilize their pets. The importance of sterilization clinics will save thousands of puppies from suffering and dying a horrible death.

FACT:  There are approximately 500 million dogs globally, 75% of which are strays.  80% of puppies die of starvation or disease within 8 weeks of birth. The numbers are similar for cats.  In countries without resources, these unwanted animals die of starvation or disease on the streets – or are killed inhumanely to control their population.

For Immediate Release: March 10, 2011, Kelowna, BC

Cats And Dogs International (CANDi) is a non-profit organization that rescues stray cats and dogs in key tourist destinations that have struggling economies.

Air Transat, as part of their Initiatives, and commitment to sustainable tourism, has partnered with CANDi to act as their corporate sponsor and is providing free transportation of rescue dogs from Mexico and the Caribbean to Canada. Air Transat will be airing a short video narrated by Brad Pattison (host of At The End of My Leash) on all flights in their commitment to educate tourists on CANDi's mission and what tourists can do to help. Additionally, there is a French version narrated by Georges Laraque, former NHL hockey player. See attached links to videos.

Since October, 2006, when CANDi started its first clinic, they have spay/neutered over 1,600 cats and dogs in Mexico and the Caribbean. With support from the tourism industry, travelers and pet lovers, they are setting up spay/neuter clinics, as well as education and adoption programs. Each clinic costs $10,000 and major sponsorship is a critical part of allowing us to reach these animals in need. The average sterilization costs between $200 to $300 and the average Mexican makes $125 a month which makes it impossible for people to sterilize their pets. We have reduced our costs to $20 per animal which covers spay/neuter and vaccinations. The importance of sterilization clinics will save thousands of puppies from suffering and dying a horrible death.

FACT: There are approximately 500 million dogs globally, 75% of which are strays. 80% of puppies die of starvation or disease within 8 weeks of birth. The numbers are similar for cats. In countries without resources, these unwanted animals die of starvation or disease on the streets, or are killed inhumanely to control their population. We can't do it without you! Go to www.candiinternational.org for more information or to find out how you can help.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

Air Transat Videos with Brad Pattison & Georges Laroque as Narrators:
http://www.candiinternational.org/media/candi_airtransat.mpeg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4fu7tjWDCA
Air Transat Article in Baxter Travel Media Magazine:
http://candiinternational.org/media/air_transat_article.pdf
Meet members of the CANDi Team and some of the animals CANDi is helping
http://www.youtube.com/user/Suralterno
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/CANDi-Cats-and-Dogs-International/139657902286

October 18th through the 22nd, 2010.  Cancun, Mexico:  Cats and Dogs International (CANDi) collaborated with local animal group founder, Alison Current of Isla Animals (www.islaanimals.org) and International animal welfare group, Steve McGarva,(www.achateslegacy.com) Achates Legacy Rescue Foundation, as well as over 40 volunteers from Canada and the US, to conduct its fourth sterilization clinic with great results.

Nearly 600 dogs and cats were spayed and nuetered, over 50 puppies saved from the street (and safe with Isla Animals) and over 30 dogs were taken back to Canada and the US with our volunteers to their new homes  during this 5-day effort.  There were two clinics held simutaneoulsy, one in a poorer area of Cancun, Corales, and the other at the Cancun-Municpal Pound.  It has taken years to gain the support of the governement pound.  Like most government pounds, funds are very limited, and it our goal to help them, help their community.

Since one unsterilized female dog and her offspring can produce 67,000 puppies in just six years, and one unsterilized female cat and her offspring can produce 425,00 kittens in just seven years, these sterilization clinics will save hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats from being born into lives of suffering on the streets of Cancun.

The next clinic will be held the week of April 25th through the 29th, 2011.  We already have vets and volunteers looking forward to this next clinic and it is thanks to the support of Air Transat and corporate supporters who fund our work, we can continue to make a difference.  We have reduced our costs to $20 per animal.  This covers spay/nueter and vaccinations.  Each clinic costs $10,000 and major sponsorship is a critical part of allowing us to reach these animals in need.  The average sterilization costs between $200 to $300 and the average Mexican makes $125 a month; makes it impossible for people to sterilize their pets.  Two clinics are planned for 2011 (April and November), however our goal is to do 12 clinics in many destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico for 2012.

"This clinic was the largest to date.  With over 40 volunteers, major support from  Air Transat, the Gran Melia Hotel, Traffic Tours for transporting our volunteers to and from the clinic, the local animal groups and local volunteers and our continued work at the local pound, we are excited about what the next clinic will bring," says founder Darci Galati of CANDi.

CANDi's first clinic was October 2008, and since that time CANDi has sterilized over 1600 animals.

Here's a recent article that appeared in the August 16 edition of Canadian Travel Press

air_transat_article.pdf

Please check out this inspiring story:

http://blog.sustainablog.org/stray-animals-sustainability/ 

Many of the sunniest vacation destinations have a persistent problem with stray animals. But two activists are working with local officials, scores of volunteers and the tourism industry to control the pet population and create a more compassionate climate.

April 29, 2010, Cancun, Mexico: Cats and Dogs International (CANDi) brought together animal experts from Humane Society International (HSI), the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and Achates Foundation, as well as volunteers from Canada, the Philippines, and the United States, to conduct the first free sterilization clinic ever held at the Cancun Municipal Pound.

CANDi's upcoming spay/neuter clinic promises to be a landmark collaborative effort bringing together local veterinarians, local government representatives, local animal welfare groups, and international animal welfare groups in an effort to improve conditions for Cancun's animals. The team plans to sterilize at least 450 cats and dogs, while also making inroads in veterinary training and humane education.  

Members of Humane Society International (HSI), representatives from the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), Alison Current of Isla Animals, and Steve McGarva of Achates Legacy Rescue Fountation will all be participating, as will volunteer vets and vet techs and lay volunteers from the United States and Canada.

The free clinic will be held April 19-23 at the Cancun municipal pound, CAC (Centro de Atencion Canina) where the team will work closely with staff veterinarian, Dr. Miguel E. Escobedo. In addition to conducting sterilization procedures, vets from HSI plan to train their local counterparts in humane euthanasia. These techniques are expected to replace the current practice of euthanasia by electrocution. CANDi will also be introducing WSPA's Vice President of Education to local government officials to discuss implementing humane education programs in the school system.  

The clinic will be open to pet owners who would otherwise not be able to afford the cost of sterilization. Approximately 800 dogs and cats were sterilized in CANDi's two previous clinics.

CANDi is currently seeking $3,000.00 in donations to cover the costs of medical supplies.  Donations by U.S and Canadian citizens are tax deductible.

Cats and Dogs International (CANDi) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing animal welfare groups together with businesses in the tourism industry to improve the lives of stray cats and dogs in destination locations.  Founded by Darci Galati, a 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, CANDi helps tourism-based businesses implement programs that enhance the environment of travel destinations, enrich the experience of travelers, and improve the lives of animals. CANDi programs provide humane, viable, long-term solutions to stray animal overpopulation through spay/neuter, adoption, and education programs that can be replicated anywhere in the world.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of puppies and kittens won’t be born into suffering and end up dying painful deaths thanks to CANDi’s second annual free spay and neuter clinic.  Nearly 450 dogs and cats were sterilized during two separate week-long clinics outside Cancun, Mexico in October. That figure will have a significant impact on local animal overpopulation.

Global activist and inspirational social commentator, Kathy LeMay, explores the growing importance of social change organizations in her first book "The Generosity Plan" -- and CANDi is one of her featured examples. Rather than providing one-time fixes to pressing problems, social change organizations address the root causes of the problem in such a way as to create lasting change.

The Association of Canadian Travel Agencies endorses Cats and Dogs International to bring humane solutions to managing the stray cat and dog populations in tourist destinations.

CANDi is proud to announce that our second annual Spay and Neuter clinic will take place this October. We are doing the clinic in conjunction with CANDi’s Humane Partner in Cancun, RAP, Vet Ventures and the Pan-American Medical Mission Foundation. The clinic will run for 2 weeks.

During the last week of September, we had the VIDAS (www.vidas.org) Cancun 2008 spay/neuter campaign. This was Cancun's very first clinic. We are very happy to inform you that in 4.5 days we sterilized 269 animals.  We sterilized 40 cats and 229 dogs.  

Things are moving forward! Not only have we found the land we are going to build on, but we have a temporary facility getting cleaned up and ready to go as well as an amazing, caring team of local people in Cancun to do this vital work.