Visit Heaven. While It's Still On Earth!

Back to reality (well, as much as a tropical island can really be reality) after four AMAZING days in Aitutaki. What was meant to only be a two day trip to assess the island situation, health check a few cats and see a few ill pigs, I just couldn’t make myself leave. The incredible generosity of the locals ended with my flights being changed from underneath me, being put up in luxury and fed and entertained all weekend!
But other than sunbathing by the pool and doing a cruise of the famously stunning lagoon, I promise I also got some work done!

We started super early with a radio appearance on the morning talk show, where I had a chance to briefly discuss the Esther Honey Foundation’s projects and plans. It was important to try to encourage the locals into neutering their cats since, unfortunately, many of them are very reluctant. A few misconceptions and traditions were addressed, and hopefully we will see many more of them pro- desexing when we next get there for a major Vet Trek.
There were a few minor issues with some local cats; an eye problem, a urinary infection plus quite a few losing their hair. After this I got right into the pig scene. One lameness, some worms and a few cute piglets later (I’ll not mention the incident where I nearly got tackled by a 120kg sow!), I was even asked for my opinion on one of the local lagoon turtles!
Happy snaps were few and far between with no assistant, and owners restraining animals, but I did manage to get some fantastic shots of the lagoon. For anyone considering a visit, I can agree with the advertising slogan: “Visit Heaven. While It’s Still On Earth.”