Notes.

Anonymous asked: why do some people rejoice in others misfortune?

Because it makes them feel better about their own.

A Guide to Cheap Spay/Neuter Surgery for Dogs in Miami

Fel and I recently got Canelita fixed. Getting your dog spayed (females)/neutered (males) has several health benefits including reduced risk of cancer and it also keeps the stray and homeless pet population in control. Some say it also “calms down” some animals and keeps them from marking territory so if you have a crazy Chihuaha it may be a good idea. They take dogs beginning at 4 months of age.

So, we were on board for the procedure but looked into doing it both in NYC and Miami and found rates upwards of $100. By paying this amount you can make an appointment at your local clinic and have it done at a time that is convenient for you.

If you are tight on money (we are) and are looking for an alternative, you should consider the Miami-Dade Animal Services in Hialeah. They do spaying/neutering on Tuesdays for a subsized price ($25) with funding from The Clydey Foundation.

$25 seemed like a great price to us so we opted for that option. The catch is though you may not need much money, you will need some serious TIME. The process of getting your dog spayed/neutered at Miami-Dade Animal Services is a bit lengthy but definitely worth the discount, if you can handle the insomnia.

First off, you should know that they do procedures on 15 but may go up to around 20 dogs every Tuesday (the more females, the fewer the number). Many more people will show up, but only a few dogs will have the discounted procedure done.

Numbers are given out at 6:00 AM. The first Tuesday we attempted this we showed up at 5:30ish….we were car number 17 in line outside the gate and got ticket number 25 (each car is allowed a max of 4 pets and each pet gets a number). Needless to say, we did not get in that Tuesday.

The following Tuesday we were determined to get a spot, so we packed a sack of pretzels, took the portable dvd player and showed up at 3:45 AM. We were car number 4. We waited until 6:00 AM, bought a cafecito from the cantina truck who knows a niche market when he sees one, and at 6:00 AM were given ticket number 5. We were in! Canelita would definitely get snipped! Probrecita.

Once you get your ticket/number at 6:00 AM and are let in to park, you wait until 7:30 AM for intake to start. That means another 1.5 hours of waiting. We took a nap in the car. At 7:30 AM they start calling the numbers out for weigh-ins.

When they call your number they get basic information about your dog: age, weight, and breed type. At this point you can opt to have your dog microchipped for $10 (a steal! Usual price = apx. $90) and also have your pet vaccinated against rabies. Then, you wait about another 10 - 15 minutes and the numbers are called again at the cashier. The cashier will ask you for your ID, rabies paperwork (if your pet has been vaccinated) and payment for the procedure (they take cash or credit cards/atm). Then, you take your pet to the mobile clinic parked outside Animal Services and you place them in a kennel and bid adieu. Your pet is ready for pick up after 4:30 PM, no later than 6pm. 

Tips:

1. Arrive early (no later than 4AM). You have to wake up super early either way so get there early so you can be sure to get your pet seen.

2. Have your dog’s rabies paperwork and tag with you.

3. Bring snacks unless you want to give all your money to the cantina guy (which you might, we were on a diet but they were great snacks…)

4. Be ready for a cranky dog.

5. Consider purchasing an Elizabethan collar at your local pet store for post-surgery, to keep your dog from licking the incision.

Price Summary:

Spay Surgery - $25

Microchip - $10 (plus $19.95 fee for mail-in form to activate)

Elizabethan Collar - $10.99 - $20.99 (depending on size of dog)

Cafecito - $1.00

Time Summary:

Tuesday we did NOT get in: 4 hours lost.

Tuesday we DID get in: 6.5 victorious hours!

The end.

Shrimp Poutine Blueprint

Christmas Break poutine project:

Twice fried french fries
Mozzarella balls (small)
Grilled shrimp
Shrimp Bisque (as gravy)

Soon….