NOW IN ITS EIGHT YEAR, Vets Beyond Borders (VBB) continues to increase its effectiveness and reputation internationally, evidenced by the steady increase in memberships, and the development and success of new and ongoing VBB projects benefiting both animals and people in developing communities in the Asia/Pacific region.

As to latest news, in a recent recognition of the organisation's work, VBB founder, Catherine Schuetze was hosted at Vet2011 Reception on 23 March at Parliament House in Canberra to launch World Veterinary Year in Australia.

In fundraising news, VBB was excited to receive $US5000 from the Million Dog Search, and to be again partnering with World Expeditions for a ‘Charity Challenge’ to Ladakh later this year. To join us on this trip see feature at left.

In this newsletter VBB announces its new project in Bylakuppe (South India) and VBB’s President, Peter Howe reports on his recent trip to Bodhgaya in Bihar, India. There are also updates from VBB projects in Sikkim and Ladakh, and the Animal Humane Handling Training Programme, as well as news of our volunteers and supporters.

So please enjoy our newsletter, and thank you for your support.
Jenny O’Donnell, Executive Officer, VBB
 

Peter Howe has returned from Bihar state in India where he was offering his veterinary skills whilst based at a major leprosy and tuberculosis hospice in the ancient centre of Bodhgaya. Read more of his story ...
 

Please send all mail for VBB to:
Level 3,  40-44 Gloucester Street, The Rocks  NSW  2000  Australia

Phone +61 (0)2 8003 3691 Fax +61 (0)2 9261 4033   [EMAIL CONTACT]
 

Are you ready for a challenge that will not only hone your surgical skills but also deliver a truly unique personal experience?

Vets Beyond Borders projects need volunteer vets with at least two years' practice experience. So, make 2011 the year to do what you've been meaning to do for ages - VOLUNTEER!  DO IT HERE
 

SIKKIM: A report from Project Manager, Dr Helen Byrnes.

LADAKH:  Welcome to our new Ladakh project manager,
Dr Oliver Walkinton (right) and see his first report here

VET TRAIN:  The first Humane Animal Handling Programme has been completed in Rajokri, India - see more.

Since the update to the Vets Beyond Borders website, we now have an online membership management system that sends renewals notices by email when membership subscriptions are due. This email contains instructions on how to securely renew online using a credit card, making it easy and efficient.

The VBB board has approved an increase in ordinary membership fees (now A$60 incl GST) and introduced an organisational category (A$120 incl GST).

If you have any queries on membership - either joining or renewing - or on any aspect of VBB administration please contact us.
 

The people who volunteer for Vets beyond Borders are extraordinary individuals - whether they are the veterinarians, vet nurses or vet students who travel at their own cost to our projects, or the people at home who run the organisation, fundraise or support VBB in a range of vital ways.

Here is an opportunity to read one volunteer's story. Veterinarian Alan Sherlock (pictured at a project carrying out surgery below) has been to India three times to work on VBB projects and now shares with us his experience of one of these stints on the Sikkim project in north-east India.

Read another VBB volunteer's story about her project's location here.

... the AQIS Eastern Creek Social Club, in NSW, Australia, which nominated VBB for a recent fundraising drive;

... the Novartis company in the US who sent us the cheque for our partici-pation in the Million Dog Search campaign (as mentioned above);

... our long-term supporter David Darcy continues to offer VBB use of his amazing photographs of VBB project work and animals in India. David also donates all profits from sales of his charming book, A Little Help For Our Friends. He has recently opened a gallery in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, Australia - if you're in the area drop in and see him - details are here.
 

Special thanks for ongoing support from the Fondation Brigitte Bardot, Australian Veterinary Assn (AVA), Provet, Cenvet, Centre for Veterinary Education (Sydney University) The Veterinarian magazine, and all our volunteers, members, sponsors and donors - without whom Vets Beyond Borders could not provide assistance to needy animals and their communities.