For this week’s Hot Seat, Out N About sat down with Monika Dobo, an animal care activist. She tells us all about her animal rescue charity efforts and her valuable insights, after so many years of trying to help or make a difference... ‘one animal at a time.’
Please introduce yourself. How would you describe your efforts in St. Maarten, and how did you get started?
How I started was by watching Elizabeth [Reitz], a real inspiration, who has now passed away. She was feeding homeless dogs out of her pick-up truck when I moved here in 2003. Now, at my own home, I have 12 dogs that were all abandoned and formerly homeless. I go nearly every day on a circuit feeding animals, and this process can take up most of my day. I started this about 15 years ago with the goal to spay and neuter as many animals as possible. Also, we earn trust by feeding in certain areas. Establishing trust is important to prevent puppies and kittens from being born on the streets.
What inspired you to get involved in this way?
I have a lot of natural empathy, so when I see a “need,” I find it hard not to help. I truly believe that the change in the world must start with the individual. We must step up as individuals and make a difference, however large or small, but with an increase in participation, collectively, the world becomes a better place.
How many animals do you care for beyond the ones you have at home?
On the streets, I care for at least 20-plus animals. Some mornings, there are more, and if they aren't spayed or neutered, I get them done. The first cat colony was at a guardhouse. There were 17 cats that we had to trap one by one. We have 13 cats still there. The second colony was at another guardhouse. Also, all these cats were spayed and neutered.
Can you tell us a bit more about your experience?
Well, even though rescue includes a lot of sadness, we bounce back because there is always another animal that needs us. Some of my dogs on the streets are still searching for their forever homes. Animal lovers are special people, in my opinion, and I am surrounded by animal-loving people. When one of us falls, there is another one ready to pick up the slack. I love going into communities. It’s invaluable when we build relationships, especially with seniors. They love company, a cup of tea, some cans of dog or cat food, and they are so grateful for the conversation and the goodies. Most seniors we meet are living at or below poverty levels.
Apart from feeding the animals, what else do you do to help them?
Well, we do the entire spay-neuter process. Also, bathing and grooming. We help elderly citizens to care for their animals. We also get animals out on flights to the States to be adopted. This year, I managed to find homes for over a dozen previously dumped dogs.
Are you a vegetarian?
Yes, I’m a vegetarian. So, my go-to lunch spot will always be Top Carrot.
What makes St. Maarten magical to you?
Being part of this spay and neuter campaign, along with all the rescues we have done. The teamwork and unity have been amazing. Pam [Sims], Dekha [Swantson], and I do evening walks through Middle Region and Sucker Garden, but we also all worked together on the campaign. It has been a beautiful experience, with every one of us working together in perfect harmony with one goal: to prevent overpopulation. SXM PAWS, Animal Defenders, and Animal Welfare, as well as the vets Dr. Ruth and Dr. Swantson, have all contributed. This island is magical because of the people we meet along the way, plus we are surrounded by beauty.
What is your favourite thing about helping animals?
What I love about helping animals is simple. They ask for so little, and they give all their hearts. That one meal every morning comes with lots of extra cuddles and happiness. They live in the moment, and it reminds me of how simple life can and should be—a meal and a bunch of wagging tails to start the day.
Do you have assistance in these efforts?
It is Pam, Dekha, and me helping with the spay and neuter campaign. When I need help, I have a wonderful network of people who will assist with dog food, vet bills, and flight arrangements. This is where I’m blessed. When I really need help, I get it, and that’s thanks to our community spirit on the friendly island. Diana helps me with getting dogs off the island. Mercedes [De Windt] also helps me, and Pam really helps me. We are truly blessed to have support for each other. We are a collective group of misfits.
How do you overcome challenges?
I do all the transportation for the street dogs and cats, and having a proper vehicle helps! During the COVID lockdown, I was sent numerous messages on Facebook, mostly from seniors struggling to feed their pets. I drove to them during lockdown. That’s when I learned how many people are doing without basic needs themselves. I helped all the people who cared about their pets over themselves.
What advice would you give to anyone considering getting a pet?
Some of my dogs on the streets are still searching for their forever homes. But having a pet is a responsibility, and it requires having the means to feed the pet on a regular basis. Proper vaccination, bathing, and grooming are important too. If you’ve just moved to the island, you should hold off on getting a pet right away—it’s better to establish yourself first.
Do you have any plans for the New Year?
I will keep on feeding and helping animals, of course. For 2025, my goal is to spay and neuter at least five dogs and cats per month. If I can reduce the population and encourage others, we will have fewer abandoned or euthanised dogs and cats. We have no shelter and nowhere to put all these amazing animals, and sadly, many don't get a chance at life. So, if I can help reduce the population, that’s all I wish for. If I can encourage our youth to go into the communities like Belvedere to spread this message, then another goal of mine will be met. We must help educate our youth to carry on what we have continued after pioneers like the Deher family and Elizabeth. The Animal Welfare Foundation was the first SXM foundation with this message: SPAY AND NEUTER. Here we are decades later, and many of us are seniors ourselves. So, we must get the youth involved. It’s much more than feeding animals. It’s teaching people that animals are important; they have hearts and minds—they are much more than a body.
Do you have a favourite quote?
“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” — Mahatma Gandhi
