In 1989, members of Guam’s community met and discussed the urgent need to address the inhumane situation for Guam’s boonie dogs and cats. Rebecca Tomzik took a giant step in animal care and created Guam Animals In Need (GAIN). She recruited others to set up the organization and took the lead in raising awareness of the homeless animal problem on Guam. In August of 1990, GAIN and Department of Public Health entered into an agreement to provide animal care, food, and supplies at the government-run shelter in Yigo.
With the sponsorship of Opus One Pet Supply Store, GAIN hosted annual dog shows to raise money for the shelter; volunteers organized various fundraisers year-to-year to meet demands. Local businesses, Guam Tropical Dive Station, Isla Veterinary Clinic, and South Pacific Petroleum, Guam Tropical Dive Station, Micronesia Divers Association and many others raised funds and provided services
Marie Chenery and Dr. Rebecca Diaz (Isla Veterinary Clinic) were ahead of their time in their knowledge and dedication to the notion of spaying and neutering animals. Through numerous roadblocks, they organized spay and neuter clinics, recruiting off island veterinarians to perform the surgeries for free to low-income families and a reduced rate for others. To date these annual clinics have sterilized nearly 4,200 animals. In 2010, the annual clinics were stopped. Local veterinarians, the village mayors and GAIN have collaborated to provide coupons to the residents to have their animals sterilized throughout the year. Sterilizations are FREE to those of any type of public assistance and others pay $25. In 2010 over 1,200 animals were sterilized. WSPA has informed GAIN that if we can continue this program for three years, we should see a decrease in the number of infants and pregnant animals received at the shelter.
On March 19, 2001, Governor Carl TC Gutierrez, entered into a six-year contract removing Public Health completely and allowing GAIN responsibility for the shelter.
On June 3, 2002, GAIN paid Lieutenant Governor, Madeleine Z. Bordallo, $1 per year for the 30-year shelter lease after Governor Carl TC Gutierrez signed into law, the lease agreement.
GAIN has worked closely with the Guam Legislature to review and pass legislation that enforces better welfare for Guam’s animals. In 2005, the 28th Guam Legislature passed bill 56 to prevent animal suffering.
In April of 2005, Karon Johnson realized her personal dream of a brand new cat facility at the shelter. Generous donations from Guam’s business community, thousands of dollars raised from GAIN members and local organizations, and with an enormous amount of volunteer labor an all new, typhoon proof cat facility was created.
In 2007, the US Navy Seabees volunteered to refurbish adoption rows C and D. In 2009, the puppies and dogs received additional care when adoption rows E and F were typhoon proofed. Nearly $55,000 was spent to replace the tin and plywood kennels with concrete and new chain link fencing.
In July 2008, Senator Ray Tenorio introduced legislation to change the penalty for dog fighting on Guam. Governor signed legislation that now provides confinement in a correctional facility and a fine of not less than five thousand dollars.
Greyhound Rescue Project, 2009.
GAIN’s Second Chance Boonie Rescue program established in 2009 rescued more than 50 animals that would be euthanized under old procedures. One of these animals saved was Macon. An abused Dalmation, Macon had been found padlocked in a kennel with no food, water, or shade. Animal Control impounded Macon and he was placed in foster care to heal from dermatitis, skin infections and severe emaciation. He has now become GAIN’s mascot and visits schools and events to promote awareness on animal abuse. Senator Judi Guthertz introduced legislation in 2011 to upgrade the animal cruelty/abuse laws to felony status.
Adoptions have climbed each year and more and more businesses have joined in GAIN’s efforts to reduce the number of homeless animals and find loving homes. Volunteers from the local community and military personnel have been instrumental in contributing to GAIN’s success.
Unfortunately, there are still too many homeless animals, too many pets abused or left tied with no food or water, and too many children are not being given the necessary education to learn how to take care of their pets.
GAIN’s motto “adopt one until there are none” will not come to fruition until all Guam residents embrace Mohandas Gandhi’s phrase, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”
