There are times when a journalist has to put one�s life at risk to report on various issues, to venture into unknown territory, face one�s own demons � all in the name of promoting a specific cause. The PAWS Field Clinic, held on Lone Island in December, was no exception, as I ventured along with the PAWS team to see first hand how a field clinic operates. Little did I know that we would spend the entire day, finding, rounding up and sterilising cats � a pet I usually avoid because of a serious allergy.

It has to be said that, despite my swollen, runny eyes, blocked nose and thumping headache, it was a remarkable day. The operation of the field clinic was nothing short of first class and the team of 2 vets and 2 support staff worked tirelessly throughout the day, but still managed to treat each and every animal with the same care and respect as if it were the first.

Upon arrival at approximately 9am and setting up the operating area in a school yard, complete with a viewing gallery of young students, the PAWS team proceeded to find some patients. Cats were arriving by practically all means possible. Some were carried by their owners, some arrived in baskets. There were even some delivered in potato sacks and usually more than one per sack. However, there was also one or two who succumbed to their own curiosity and walked in of their own accord. You know what they say about cats and curiosity � well, this wasn�t quite so severe, but I imagine those cats in particular will keep their curiosity in check from now on.

Once the animals were received at the field clinic they were checked over for any infections or other problems, then injected and prepared for the operation. It was amazing to watch the team in action: they worked a cohesive unit, fully aware of their own and their colleague�s responsibilities. Once the cats were sleeping soundly, they were operated on and then left to sleep off the drugs in the recovery cages. It was also interesting to watch the growing gallery of viewers, keenly fascinated in the work of the vets � and equally notable how the number of male viewers diminished when the male cats were being sterilised.

In all, 42 cats were brought to the field clinic for sterilisation throughout the day � another tremendous effort from the PAWS team, showing they really are at the forefront of tackling the animal management problem, not just here in Phuket but on surrounding islands as well.

If there are a number of stray animals in your area, please drop us an email and let us know where you are � we�re here to help. Also, if you would like more informationon the work of PAWS or would like to donate some time or funds to this wonderful cause, then please get in contact. Email us at: paws@phuket-animal-welfare.com or got to www.phuket-animal-welfare.com/