By John Sotomayor

The first thing you notice is the vast landscape. Peering through the Chinese Eastern Airlines window for a nighttime landing is a sea of red lights indicating we reached our destination – Shanghai. Beijing is almost the same, with the addition of a glowing red hue from the evening mist. Other-worldly. Perfect actually, given China’s nickname – the Red Dragon.

Fifty-four travelers embarked on a journey to visit the Dragon through an organized vacation collaborated by Citslinc International and the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce. The arrangement is genius. Citslinc receives a government subsidy to cover the five-star hotels and meals in exchange for tourism dollars. Travelers receive a discount, the Chamber earns a commission and Citslinc earns its fee. Everyone wins. Ingenuity like this has taken China from Third-World status – one of the poorest nations only 30 years ago – to an echelon that rivals the United States and Japan for economic supremacy.

The journey wasn’t easy. Most traveled from Orlando to JFK for five hours then endured the 15-hour direct flight to Shanghai in coach. For the 54 – some to be part of history at the largest World Expo ever assembled, some to take advantage of the Business Matches program for potential contacts and others to accomplish a “bucket list” life goal – the hardship was worth it the minute they stepped foot in China.

yin and yang

The second thing you notice is diversity. China is a country of dichotomies: traditional and modern; wealth and poverty; socialism and capitalism; east and west. This balance is portrayed by the Chinese symbol: Yin and Yang – a circle divided between black and white with a dot on the opposite within each. Our tour guides, Cui Wen Xia, English name “Julia,” while in Beijing and Ting, English name “Tracy,” while in Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, utilized every moment to educate us about China. We visited an astounding 25 highlights in six days. Julia pointed out that the Chinese believe life is all about balance.

From the first stops at the Temple of Heaven then Summer Palace, Beijing, to the 1000-year-old Tiger Hill Pagoda in Suzhou, to Hangzhou’s 1600-year-old Buddhist Ling Yin Temple; the 54 marveled at the traditions.

The most spiritual leg of the journey was the visit to Ling Yin Temple (Temple of the Soul’s Retreat), in Hangzhou city. Along the wooden pathways to the Temple the awestruck 54 passed pagodas and Buddhist grottoes featuring immense limestone carvings etched in the mountainside at Feilai Feng. At Ling Yin Temple, Buddhist monks and visitors give offerings of prayer at the center courtyard between the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Grand Hall of the Great Sage. The main feature of the Grand Hall is a 64.3-foot-high camphor-wood-carved Buddha.

Then there was the Great Wall – the 4,000-mile long, 2,000-year-old Seventh Wonder of the World and a vision surely listed on everyone’s bucket list. What most did not expect was the hike up hundreds of uneven, hazardous steps. Some opted to climb only the base while others hiked to the top. Impressively, senior Nancy Lovern, whose bucket list item was to climb the Great Wall, did just that. Those who reached the summit discovered that the suggested path comes to an end.

Parts of the Wall have been removed or were never restored; left to perish and decay. Those who braved the steeper side reported that the Wall continued onto the horizon.

The modern architecture of Beijing and Shanghai is unparalleled. Topping the list in Beijing are the geometrical, gravity-defying China Central Television (CCTV) Building and the IBM Building shaped like a dragon’s head made for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The Olympic venue, National Stadium, known as the Bird’s Nest, and the National Aquatic Center dazzled at night. The Bund, Shanghai’s waterfront architecture showcases 52 buildings across the Huangpu River of various styles, including the Oriental Pearl Tower that composes the Pudong or “Wall Street of the East.”

rich and poor

A rickshaw ride through the narrow, zig zag congested streets of the Hutong (old lanes), Beijing, to one of the traditional residential neighborhoods, known as courtyards, offered a stark contrast to the background skyline. We visited the modest home of a woman who provided a traditional home-cooked meal and answered questions about everyday life. The most surprising and revealing glimpse into Chinese progression was among the squalor and dangerously spliced exposed street wiring – indicating the homes with Internet access.

Modest living was further evident from a 45-minute boat cruise along the ancient Grand Canal of Suzhou, known as the “Oriental Venice.” Allowed half-an-hour to explore the market along the interior streets of the Canal, the 54 witnessed dilapidated storefronts and fish markets, signs of a developing nation deeply contained beneath the lustrous neon veneer of the high-rises.

Yet just across the street from our five-star Renaissance Hotel in Shanghai sat the Obama Club, lined with BMW’s, Lexus and Mercedes Benz – a playground for the Chinese elite.

Stunningly modern and well-kept, both cities beg the question – is China still socialist?

A visit to the Forbidden City whereby military police herded tourists aside to make way for an unknown dignitary believed to have been Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, on a state visit to China that coincided with ours; then Tiananmen Square, home of Mao’s tomb with military soldiers abound created a strong socialist presence. Seventy-five percent of the country is operated under the Chinese government, the remaining 25 under the private sector. The lines between socialism and capitalism are continually blurred.

shop and learn

Seven shop-and-learn opportunities were offered to satisfy the subsidized component for China. Along the way, the 54 stopped at the Beijing Jade Carving Factory, the Pearl Shop of Beijing, and the Suzhou Embroidery Institute, among others.

The stops were highly educational. We learned how to spot fake from genuine. Like diamonds, genuine jade can cut glass. Real pearls leave behind a soft powdery substance when rubbed together, fake ones make a raspy noise.

With quality jade, it’s all in the translucency – the clearer the better. The shopping area was massive Ñ the largest jade collection in China Ñ and impossible to resist.

Julia’s voice rang repeatedly, “Jade is a Chinese tradition, bring one good luck and long life.”

Who could argue with that?

We were taught the tricks for spotting genuine goods such as embroidery, silk, carpet and tea products. We were given the ability to see the process behind the goods. The products are still made by hand. Each has its own traditional unique process requiring painstaking attention to detail.

The younger Chinese do not embrace this tradition, and so it is possibly a dying art.

the year of the dragon

On the third day we visited the Shanghai World Expo. A historic event, it captivated the collective Chinese mindset from the start of the calendar year and took place from April through October 2010. It was the first registered World Expo in a developing country, so for the Chinese it was an opportunity to shine. It was so important that the Chinese considered it an extension of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

In truth, the Expo was designed with the Chinese in mind. The majority of Chinese citizens will never leave their homeland. The Expo was a way for the Chinese to learn how other people live around the world. Lines were long, averaging a one to five hour wait. For the main attractions like the Saudi Arabian pavilion, wait time reached a nine hour minimum. For the China pavilion, visitors were required to have a VIP pass.

The 54 scattered in all directions, some to the pavilions with the shortest lines, others to “must see” items advised by travel blogs, and others for scenic strolls marveling the cutting-edge architecture. Then, it started to pour. Which no doubt clouded the 54’s perception. Still, the determined rallied. Buckets of rain wouldn’t deter them. The real obstacle was the sheer number of people.

People were herded. In most cases, it seemed stampedes could break out at any minute. Within each pavilion entrance stood an Expo “passport” stand where hordes of Chinese made it their mission to get stamped.

Given the time constraints, I opted to visit some pre-planned places. First, Iran. I heard the wait was only 50 minutes and the interior was mind-blowing. I was also encouraged to visit pavilions of the nations you would most likely never experience. With Afghanistan not represented, Iran seemed the next improbable.

It did not disappoint. Rich textiles, vases and tapestries adorned the interior. Sculptor and painter workstations offered artisans in action. Map in hand, I dashed through the Middle Eastern and Asian zones then off to the South Pacific.

I entered Australia – my largest pavilion and longest wait. The interior was structured like an animatronic Disney attraction. Think – “It’s a Small World.” I sped through Europe then entered Colombia and Peru as homage to my ancestral homelands. Africa was a great pavilion to visit because there were no lines and every nation was gathered under one roof. It was also the most popular among the passport-stamp-happy Chinese.

good fortune and the bazaar celebration

There are no fortune cookies in China. Most Chinese have never heard of them; they are an American creation. Yet the concept of good fortune is widely valued. Jade brings the wearer of the home good fortune. It is good fortune to arrange the home under Fung Shui – the balance of energies of any given space to improve the quality of life. And, several members of the 54 had the good fortune to make successful business connections.

Among them Erin Best, David Fechtman and Ron Ewers. Best, owner of The Marketplace, promoted a cosmetic invention and connected with a Chinese marketing director with a list of factories in Shanghai for product mold development and prototype manufacturing. Fechtman, owner of Root Theory, a sales management and leadership development advisory firm, met Chinese equivalent, Emma Wang, a consultant for selling products in China over the Internet. She hoped to send 10 – 15 of her Chinese clients to Ocala to meet potential trade partners and have Root Theory conduct sales training. Ewers, owner of Classic Fire, LLC; a fire truck, fire apparatus and parts manufacturer, was the only businessman who arranged to meet with pre-existing contractors.

The 54 had the good fortune of visiting China during the Chinese national holiday: October 1 – 8. Eight days, eight being a lucky number. While visiting the Yu Garden Bazaar in the City of God Temple area – also known as Shanghai “China Town,” the 54 happened upon Day One of the holiday. Everyone was off work and congregated at the Bazaar. The waves of masses turned off some in our group but in reality, the crowds were no different than the likes of New Year’s Eve in Times Square or a Gator Football game. Still, it was by far the best opportunity to mingle among the natives and live the life of the Chinese for a day.

More bizarre than the Bazaar were the food stands in front of the Beijing Tong Ren Tang, the oldest drugstore of Traditional Chinese Medicine. On display was an assortment of fresh octopus, squid, and seahorse on a stick. For those adverse to raw seafood, you had your pick of fried larva, giant bugs and scorpions. Tempted to try a giant black scorpion, I was turned off by the 10-dollar price tag. The vendor told me it tasted like shrimp.

We had the good fortune to make new friends, enjoy each other’s camaraderie and make lasting memories through an unforgettable experience – perhaps with some newfound appreciation for balance in life.

The die-hard of the 54 already penciled in the next exotic Chamber trip, slated for March 2011. Next stop – India

Those winners were for the Mary Sue Rich Racial Harmony and Cultural Awareness Awards. The awards have been presented annually since 2003 to those in the community who have demonstrated an appreciation and respect for racial and cultural differences.”

- The West Marion Messenger

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If you’re Ocala resident John Sotomayor, you write the justice a letter.

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John Sotomayor’s Interview With Noticias WUFT regarding Hispanic Business Council benefits at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce and requirements to start a small business.

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The Good Shepherd

MIKE AND ALISA WELSCH pay little attention to the prattle coming from the television, the “Breakfast at Dawn” news commentary tuned to a whisper as Mike hunches over his lesson plans. The shutters on the balcony window are locked. The heavy drapes surrounding the small opaque glass window have been pulled shut, allowing only a sliver of light to penetrate the family room. A stout man with red hair and full beard, Mike twitches his pen and absentmindedly pulls at his whiskers, racking his brain on how to effectively communicate the importance of articles — “going to the Bazaar” not “going to Bazaar” — to his students.

Alisa, an attentive mother and dutiful wife, tends to laundry while the girls, 12-year-old Caitlyn and 10-year-old Chelsea finish their school assignments and chores. Little brother Mickey employs precocious, four-year-old high-jinks to campaign for their attention.

Every once a while, a staccato blast emanates from the TV, earning baleful glances from Mike and Alisa. The fact that today is quite possibly the most anticipated news day in the world goes virtually unnoticed, other than the enforced seclusion keeping the Welsch family prisoners in their own home.

The dusty, traffic-congested, polluted streets of Islamabad, Pakistan are a far cry from the peaceful Spanish moss draped rolling-hills of small-town Ocala, USA, yet both countries are heaved in political turmoil. Though the Democratic Primaries pitting Hillary Rodham Clinton against Barrack Obama capture a worldwide audience, there’s much more at stake in Pakistan — the parliamentary election stands to determine whether the nation returns to democracy or continues its military dictatorship.

At the center of the maelstrom — the assassination of Benazir Bhutto (December 27, 2007). Charismatic, striking and a canny political operator, Bhutto, 54, was reared amid the privileges of Pakistan’s aristocracy and the ordeals of its turbulent politics. Smart, ambitious and resilient, she endured her father’s execution and her own imprisonment to become the country’s — and the Muslim world’s — first female leader before her assassination. The iconic image of Bhutto floating through a frenzied crowd in her gauzy white headscarf pervades international reports of the election. Still, Pakistan remains a country divided.

Though the world remains rapt to the events that unfold on February 18, 2008, the Welsches go about their daily lives, the election but a sidebar to their personal struggle.

The Welsch family is like any other from Ocala. Caitlyn and Chelsea are huge fans of Miley Cyrus, Hanna Montana and the Jonas brothers, whose dewy, Disney faces peer out from posters all over their bedroom. Mike teaches basic and intermediate English at the English as a Foreign Language School (EFL) to college-aged students and manages the household. Yet contending with the frustrating, ineffective bureaucracy makes “Slow-cala” seem to operate like a New York minute. Mumbling softly, he complains over the incompetence of the Visa office, which has sent him home, without progress, for the third time. To him, life in Pakistan means one step forward and three steps back.

Alisa must accustom herself to the suppressed lifestyle of women, difficult for a woman of such strong will and mind. She is licensed to drive but mustn’t. She enjoys western fashion, but must wear the Shalwar Kameez at all times. Although she has a teaching degree, as a woman she must take additional preparation to equal a man’s skill level before she can teach alongside her husband. The children feel isolated and friendless, forced to be home-schooled or risk almost certain abduction.

But for the second time in five years, Mike and Alisa, along with their three children, have exchanged Ocala’s serenity and safety for the torrid, unpredictable future they believe is offered to them in Pakistan. Their decision, they say, is a mission from God, so despite the peril and upheaval surrounding them, for the next four years the Welsches will remain American Christians in a 97 percent Muslim country perched on the precipice of change.

WITH THE SUN QUICKLY WARMING the musky August air, the 150 students of Murree Christian School, north of Islamabad, ushered themselves away from recess and inside for morning tea. Mike and Alisa were putting the finishing touches on their morning language lesson when a commotion broke out and an alarmed guard rushed to their door.

“Close the curtains! Lock the door! Hide!” he shouted. “Terrorists are attacking the school.”
In a calm panic, they gathered their two daughters, Chelsea (then five) and Caitlyn (then seven), and complied with the guard’s directive. Just outside the compound gates of the woodland mountainside children’s school, machine guns opened fire amidst “Allah-hu-akbar,” (“God is great” in Arabic) and screams of panic.

Within minutes, six people were dead.

That was August 5, 2002. Many missionaries fled for safer regions in China and Indonesia. Remarkably, Mike and his family — one of two American families and a handful of British, Canadian and Australians — remained for another year. Despite the threat to their safety and that of their children, Mike and Alisa returned to Islamabad in November 2007, shortly after the first assassination attempt made on Benazir Bhutto’s life.

So why return? Why not select a different country to work in, one that would be safer for his family?

“Because God commands us to reach out to everyone,” Mike replies. “It is not enough to reach out to those in safer regions because it is easier, but rather to reach out to those who have Christianity in their heart and nowhere to go.”

For him, it is the fulfillment of a biblical mandate, understood by Christian missionaries as the Great Commission to engage in missionary work. Mike means to reach those who sweep the streets and clean the toilets in Pakistan cities because, while tolerated, they are also harassed for being Christians. Many are illiterate and have menial jobs because that is all they would be allowed to have. Facing brutal beatings, kidnapping or even death, they must practice their faith in hiding. Mike intends to reach them – the unwanted and shunned — because few others would. “We are all children of God,” he says.

As much as Mike’s life is governed by the word of God, so too is Pakistan. Indeed, religion governs Pakistani life on just about every facet of social order.  Ninety-seven percent of Pakistan’s population is Muslim (Sunni, 77 percent; Shi’a, 20 percent); the rest is made up of 1.5 percent Christians — about 2.8 million people out of a total population of 162 million. Although the Pakistani Constitution guarantees that all religious minorities are equal, social prejudice is actively practiced with Christians. A major chunk of the Pakistani Christian community originated from the Colonial Era, missionary work completed in the 17^th century. Since then and still today, it is illegal and punishable by death to convert from Muslim to any other religion, especially Christianity.

Christians are treated as second-class citizens, be they native Pakistani Christians or religious refugees from other nations in the Middle East like Afshin, his wife Azita and their two daughters, Maasan and Mashid, who fled Iran in the middle of the night. From their windowless, undecorated home, save for a portrait of Christ in the living room and a poster of Shakira over the girls’ bed, Afshin says that in Iran, they faced imprisonment, torture and execution; his two teenaged daughters most certainly would have been raped if they remained. The family has immigration applications for the west — Canada, Australia and the United States — but after nearly 10 years on a wait-list, it seems they may remain in Pakistan forever. The penalties may not be as severe, but in Pakistan, Afshin is unemployed, taking on day labor whenever possible.

Speaking in Farsi, Azita’s expression, at first warm and cheerful, grows stoic and weary. Mashid translates for her mother: “There is no problem with the government or the people here but there is a minority radical Islamic group like the Mullahs who are intolerant, especially if they discover you are converted or have a Muslim background. They would discriminate against you and treat you very inhumanely.”

Iranian undercover agents are everywhere in Pakistan, searching for expatriates like Afshin and Azita. As such, they live in constant fear and do not ever feel safe, not even speaking to other refugees, who out of jealousy or spite may report them to Iranian officials or corrupt Pakistani police. Often stories are fabricated to police as revenge, a means to acquire a coveted apartment or job, or even advance status for visas.

For Afshin and Azita, their best hope is a new prime minister, one who would free the bonds of religious and social discrimination.

“BEN-A-ZIR, ZINDABAD!” the men chant. “Long live Benazir!” The posters, the pictures, the chants… they’re everywhere I look.

In the moment of her killing, Benazir Bhutto transformed from Muslim woman/politician/individual into mythic figure.

But like her country, Bhutto is a riddle. Brilliant, beautiful, fearless, she has also been described as ruthlessly ambitious, devious and corrupt.

How could Bhutto — Harvard- and Oxford-educated, unapologetically secular — have become the first woman elected to lead a Muslim country? In part, the answer is that in dynastic Pakistan, she is effectively royalty. Why should this election matter so much to America? That answer is simpler. Pakistan has nuclear weapons. Also, the most dangerous place in the world is Pakistan’s lawless border with Afghanistan, described as the Ho Chi Minh Trail of terrorism, where Osama bin Laden is believed to enjoy sanctuary.

Still, she has claimed, “I am what the terrorists most fear… a female political leader fighting to bring modernity to Pakistan. Now they’re trying to kill me.”

And that, they did.

In the wake of her assassination, the murky waters of Pakistani politics became further muddied. “The assassination is the most serious setback for democracy in Pakistan,” opined Rasul Baksh Rais, a political scientist at Lahore’s University of Management Studies. “It shows extremists are powerful enough to disrupt the democratic process.” Analyst Talat Massod, a retired general, agreed, “Conditions in the country have reached a point where it is too dangerous for political parties to operate.”

Afghan President Hamid Kazak, who met with Bhutto just hours before her death, called her a brave woman with a clear vision “for her own country, for Afghanistan and for the region — a vision of democracy and prosperity and peace.”

Though democracy for Pakistan had been Bhutto’s rallying cry to her people all the days of her life, many remained skeptical — like the three Afghan Amin brothers, refugees, Christian and students of Mike Welsch. The brothers do not believe that the outcome will have any direct impact on their education, economic situation or lifestyle. Whoever is in power, whether the Pakistan People’s Party or the Pakistan Muslim League, will care little or can do little to change their predicament.

For Mike, regardless of the outcome, his work — like Bhutto, like Christ, like Allah — must move on.

THE CHARACTERS of Pakistan’s religious landscape — Christian and Muslim alike — are as colorful as they are diverse. Consider Hubert Schwartz, a German who teaches various subjects, well known and liked having lived in Pakistan for 12 years. A man of staggering height, Hubert strikes an imposing figure, in stark contrast to his gentle demeanor, behind his professorial eyeglasses. Brilliant, scholarly and worldly, he has mastered the Urdu language, among many, and communicates effectively. He could have been a tenured professor at the finest European or American universities, yet he chose to dedicate his life to the poorest in Pakistan. He prefers to go out into the streets where everyday people live, using public transportation – an oft-packed VW Eurovan that will hold 20 people or more – to achieve maximum exposure.

Hubert often meets with Christian groups held at a member’s home within a “Busti” slum of Islamabad where Christians must live. Each rendezvous would hold a different purpose, sometimes the evening was to encourage and teach and other times an invitation for new neighbors to join. The evening follows certain patterns with Hubert sharing a different story at each place, based upon who was attending and how God touched him at that moment. They always concluded the evening with the Lord’s Prayer.

Hubert lives his life modestly. He has chosen so in order to assimilate best to the lives of those of lowest means. His work exists so that others can pass what was freely given to them. He started a workshop for Pakistani Christians so they could reach out to other believers.

It was here that I had the unique opportunity to talk with both Pakistani Christians and Muslims for a rare glimpse on how they view us, themselves and each other. Shahbaz, a native Pakistani and Hubert’s helper, has been a Christian for 36 years and a born-again Christian for seven. Uneasy at first he begins to relax as he talks about his progression of faith. In Urdu, translated by Hubert, he says that being Christian in a Muslim world is quite difficult. Pakistani Christians are viewed by Muslims as “dirty people” and so they are treated as inferior. He fears what kind of treatment he would endure if Muslims discovered he was a Christian, let alone his congregation of 250-300 people. Yet he feels that the good Lord has a distinct purpose for him — to live as an example to others — and that is why God placed him as a Christian in an Islamic country.

“The fundamental component that could improve the lives of Pakistani Christians is better education,” Shahbaz shares. “With illiteracy over 75 percent, it’s the fundamental problem that keeps [Pakistani Christians] oppressed. It’s something I pray the newly elected democratic parliament would provide.”

In general Pakistan offers free education but it is not very good. Tuition for private education is relatively expensive. Shahbaz pays 1,200 rupees a month for his son’s private education yet earns only 7,000 per month. With a current exchange rate of 62 rupees for a dollar, that would mean Shahbaz pays $19 for tuition from his earnings of $113, one seventh of his monthly income for just one child. Often only one will be chosen, exclusively males.

“I believe that United States declaration of a war on terror is viewed by most Muslims in Pakistan as a war against Islam,” he says. “They associate Americans as Christians therefore seen as a Christian war declared against Islam.”

Taken a step further, Pakistani Muslims make no distinction between American Christians or Pakistani Christians therefore all Christians are viewed as enemies of Islam — including Pakistani nationals.

“Corrupt Pakistani police and military would take their frustration out on defenseless Pakistani Christians yet it was President Musharraf who placed ordinances to protect them,” he admits. He believes that Nawaz Sharif is like a Mulvi (radical Muslim) preacher thus an Islamic hard-liner, so in his opinion, the Pakistan People’s Party is the best party to alleviate his concerns.

Shahbaz, one of the few eligible voters, seems undecided as to who offered the better alternatives for Christian Pakistanis. Benazir Bhutto promised more land to improve living conditions for those forced to live in Christian slum settlements called Kachi Abadi (translates to “a place that is not very good”). The land he currently lives on is owned by the government, and while the residents do not pay taxes or rent they can be evicted at any time without notice. It is Shahbaz’s hope that her successors keep that promise as her legacy. Shahbaz believes that had Bhutto still been alive, she would have been a good prime minister for Pakistani Christians.

HUBERT INTRODUCED ME TO A MUSLIM ELDER, a highly regarded wise man, despite his financial status. He lives in a tarp over piled stone walls, with two wooden beds and a small table. A man over 65, he rents construction equipment to day-laborers and makes a modest living supporting himself despite suffering from polio since age 20. He was a bright student and very clever but lost any opportunity his education would have otherwise afforded him when he lost his legs.

“Sometime before the election, there was a very famous man who traveled aboard and did surveys — and it was speculated that the PPP would generate 50 – 60 percent. It was his belief that most would favor the Nawaz Sharif party, PML-Q,” shares the elder. Gesturing with his arms in the negative, he said that he did not vote because he is a supporter of those who boycotted the elections. He believes that for the people there would be no change.

“Bhutto led the PPP party in a better way and had she still been alive, the party would have been even more successful,” he admits. Still, he would not have supported her. From Bhutto’s liberal Islamic belief, they are taught there are two different kingdoms – one for the king and one for God. There is a separation between private life and political life. Gesturing “no” with his finger, he does not support this as an accurate interpretation of Islam.

“There is a difference between the democracy of the west — America and Europe — and that of Islamic democracy. There are things in Islam that cannot be changed.”

The elder speaks with authority on many fundamental differences, but most interestingly, he turns to homosexuality to prove his point. “In the west, liberal ideology is headed where a man can marry another man; if the majority accepts this it becomes a law and people can do it.”

He laughs wildly, viewing the notion of same-sex marriage as completely preposterous.

“In Islam, this can never be accepted, so politically it cannot be done. Islam faith and state are one. Islam gives good direction and guidance for people to live a peaceful life.”

While he does not believe that his circumstances will change as a result of the election, he would hope that the judges fired by Musharraf last year would be reinstalled; then perhaps there would be change. Apart from politics, his personal wishes would be that his young wife, a girl when he married her, and their three small children would be cared for. He hopes his children would get a good education, become good Muslims and he asks for a blessing over the ones who helped his teenage bride with her first difficult delivery; had it not been for the Christian missionaries, now working in Afghanistan and for Hubert, she would have died. He was moved that people of another faith could step forward when other Muslims would not to save his wife and child. He considers Hubert one of his closest friends.

“Christians, ‘the people of the book’ are more similar than different. Muslims also believe in Jesus and so it is possible to be friends and inter-marry. One can see that those countries where Christians live have developed well. I feel that this is a personal relationship and that perhaps not every Muslim or Christian for that matter, feel the way we do, but that they should and perhaps with time they might,” the elder says with a smile at Hubert.

“THE TIME HAS COME FOR CHANGE… to believe in change…  in the country …  in the ballot box. People of other countries have elected democratic representatives — Pakistanis have the power to do the same. This is Pakistan where your vote matters — makes a difference.”

As Mike and Alisa went about their daily routines, I was glued to Breakfast at Dawn. As early as 8:45 a.m., just 45 minutes after the polls were opening, there are reports of violence, corruption and voting obstruction. In Hyderabad state, someone was killed, causing voters in the region not to turn out. In Badin, an unknown man snatched ballot sheets from three places of NA 224 and PS-56. From Shikarpur, 600 blank ballot papers were missing from polling station in NA 202. Three were injured in a bomb explosion in Guetta as an unknown man lobbed grenades into a polling station. In Karachi, a young man was shot near the Landhi police station by an unknown gunman; the body moved to Jinnah Hospital. In Lahore, three were arrested for casting bogus votes in NA-125. Each time violence or corruption was reported from a polling station, that station was immediately suspended, effectively preventing any further voting in the area.

A commercial interrupts reports as a determined woman states her opinion, “He (the elected prime minister) should be answerable to the masses.” Hope continues.

By noon, six people were shot and injured in Badin at a polling station due to firing between two groups. Also in Badin, eight people were injured in a clash between the Pakistan People’s Party and Pakistan Muslim League workers at a polling station. Reports stated women were prevented from casting their votes by elders in 30 polling stations. In Peshawar, no women were registered to vote. In Dadu, by late afternoon near the end of voting, Independent candidate for PS-74, Pasha Channa was injured in a clash between two parties at the Murabadad polling station. Another candidate and four men were killed the night before elections, while 20 were killed two days before in Lahore.

This is February 18, 2008 – election day. All told, the violence was lower than expected, but still a far cry from life in Ocala. In the end, Bhutto’s assassination proved inspirational. The Pakistan People’s Party prevailed; Bhutto’s son, 19 year-old Bilawal Zardari — symbolic leader of the party — and Bhutto’s husband, Asif Ali Zardari, took effective control.

Benazir Bhutto died for her political convictions, preparing to lead her people to democracy. She died a hero — a martyr. And like Afshin and Azita, who sacrificed so their daughters could live without religious or political oppression, and Mike and Alisa, who left a world where they were in the majority for one where they are in the extreme minority, choosing to live in seclusion and constant suspicion of breach of safety — somehow, she was not afraid.

“I will not be intimidated,” Bhutto wrote in a PPP blog post dated October 19, 2007, just hours before a plane would take her to Pakistan where she faced threats of assassination. “I will step out on the tarmac in Karachi in a few hours not to complete a journey, but to begin one.”

AS FAR AS THE ANIMAL KINGDOM is concerned, Florida ranks as close to Eden as one can get. Hike through our enchanted forest and you’ll find a haven for bear, bison and fox. Canoe or kayak along riverbanks dotted with exotic waterfowl, take a moonlit summer walk with nesting sea turtles or dive sunlit waters for a colorful show of sea life. From the coral reefs of the Keys to the cypress swamps of northern Florida, our diverse habitats are home to an incredible cavalcade of critters. But there’s only one place in Florida that — quite literally – reigns supreme for one of the most cherished of species, the horse, and that’s Marion County: the Horse Capital of the World.

Close to 100,000 have chosen to call the Horse Capital home, but in truth – more than half of us have no working understanding of the industry. And for all our press releases and ad campaigns, there’s surprisingly little for visitors who have no horses of their own to interact with this most fawned-over of four-legged friends. For those who do put forth the effort, the challenge to find a spectator friendly horse venue can resemble a Steeplechase: you drive blindly along a three-mile cross country course, not quite sure where you are going, oftentimes maneuvering hazards and water obstacles to reach a place where you can even see the action. For many non-riders out there (and there are many of us!), it can feel just a little too much like traveling to a foreign country.

Well… it shouldn’t have to be that way and OCALA MAGAZINE is here to help. All across Marion County, riders and non-riders alike can marvel at Olympic-level dressage, be thrilled by the thunder of combined driving, savor an afternoon of prestigious polo, saddle up for a trail ride, hear the roar of a crowd at a rodeo or simply pet a horse. Consider this your cheat sheet of where to go and what to do when all you want to do is horse around.

VENUE: The Florida Horse Park

Florida Horse Park
11008 S. Highway 475, Ocala.
352.307.6699
www.flhorsepark.com

Horsepower – that’s what fuels the Florida Horse Park. And one glance at the FHP event calendar tells every serious equestrian that this is the place to be if they hope to make a name for themselves in the competitive community. However, the Florida Horse Park is also a community centerpiece, combining the best of both equestrian and non-equestrian worlds. In fact, there really is no better way to introduce yourself to the Horse Capital of the World, than by visiting the Florida Horse Park.

With hundreds of events taking place year round, it’s hard to choose just two, but for those just getting their feet wet in all things equestrian, we suggest the 3^rd Annual Festival of the Horse, April 17-20, 2008, and THE MAIN EVENT next November. They combine the best in equestrian competition in the fields of evening, combined driving and polo into a spectator-friendly format. Both weekends are filled with unique equestrian-oriented shopping, children’s play areas featuring pony rides, elegant “Day in the Park” benefit luncheons and other great activities like the crowd-favorite PeopleChase and Jack Russell terrier races.

For non-competitive horse lovers, this increasingly popular destination for family tourism also offers visitors hundreds of miles of pristine riding trails that wind through the lush Florida Greenway, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. John River.

From outdoor concerts (1^st Annual Ocala Music & Arts Festival) to Olympic-level equestrian competition, any day spent at the Park will not disappoint.

VENUE: Live Oak Plantation

Live Oak International Combined Driving Event
1751 SW 110th Ave., Ocala
813.220.8226
www.cailiveoak.com

Literally a triathlon for horses, Combined Driving is one of the fastest growing equine sports and has exploded in popularity in recent years. In a Combined Driving Event (CDE), horses and drivers compete in three phases: dressage, marathon and cones, yet it’s the fast-and-furious action of the cross country marathon that is largely responsible for the public’s growing interest. The thrill of watching teams of horses tackle challenging obstacles at high speed is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Since its 1993 début, the Live Oak Combined Driving Event has become one of the premier Combined Driving Events in North America.

The 2008 event will return to Charlotte Weber’s pristine 4,500-acre Live Oak Plantation March 27 – 30, 2008. CAI Live Oak is one of only two international events in the United States that is sanctioned by the Federation Equestre Internationale. As one of the country’s largest carriage driving events, the show draws high praise from contestants who travel from around the world to compete there. That said, the venue also boasts horsepower of another kind. In 2000, a classic car show was added to the Live Oak venue. More than 150 beautifully restored classic cars are displayed throughout the final day of the Live Oak Event.

VENUE: Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS)

HITS, Inc. Post Time Farm
13710 N.W. U.S. Hwy. 27, Ocala
352.620.2275, 845.246.8833
www.hitsshows.com

HITS is preparing for its seventh eventful season at its Post Time Farm facility in Ocala. Rolling hills, miles of fencing, giant oak and Spanish moss trees provide an exquisite picturesque backdrop to some of the country’s best show jumping.

“There’s no other facility like Post Time Farm,” says Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “Not only is it our largest property in the country; it’s also the most beautiful. For those who’ve never been to Ocala, the first time is usually an eye opener. The property is spacious and comfortable. The rings and barns are some of the best in the country and the community that surrounds the show is a horse-focused community that supports and welcomes the Horse Shows.”

The 2008 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit begins January 23 with two consecutive, unrated weeks of competition followed by five weeks of AA-rated shows, from February 12 until March 16, as the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix and the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic close out the season.

Better known as the “Are You a Champion?” series, the Jumper Championship was first offered in Ocala during the 2007 Winter Circuit and was a runaway hit. Offered for one of the fastest growing segments in the sport today, this unique four-phase event also includes bonus prize money of $5,000 awarded to the top-eight finishers overall and points from the second and fourth legs count towards the Marshall & Sterling League.

“Our shows in Ocala have been consistently growing since the move to Post Time Farm,” said Kristen Vale, Office Manager and Show Secretary. “Not only are more people showing in Ocala, more are staying for the entire circuit. In the past, attendance during the last two weeks would tend to be a little slower; however, the last few years it’s been increasing significantly, which is exciting and makes for a great crescendo for the final weeks!”

If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your family to horses and equestrian competition of all levels, we suggest heading out for HITS Kids Day, March 2.

VENUE: North Central Florida Agriculture and Civic Center (formerly known as The Southeastern Livestock Pavilion)

2232 N.E. Old Jacksonville Road, Ocala
352.840.5606, 352.401.5330

http://homepage.mac.com/lynnpstock/Personal24.html

A family fair at its finest, this venue is the most kid-friendly and spectator simple. It hosts numerous horse shows, circuses, rodeos and more. It’s also one of the best places to see Marion County’s “other” breeds – Arabians, Palominos, Gypsy Vanners and more.

There are literally hundreds of events at this Civic Center each year, and reading the schedule can certainly feel a little intimidating for first-timers who don’t know the difference between an Arabian and a Morgan. Don’t panic. Try these two annual events on for size first.

If horse-mounted riders bulldogging a steer is more your speed, then no visit to Ocala would be complete without seeing the Southeastern Pro Rodeo every spring (352.401.5900, 352.843.1616). More than 300 contestants vie for the championship title in bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and other high-energy cowboy challenges. Giddy up!

Also saddle worthy is the Southeastern Youth Fair (352.629.1255,
www.seyfair.com), the premier event for 4-H and FFA students in Marion County for the past 67 years. They are the oldest all-Youth Fair in the country that continues to operate without a midway. The Southeastern Youth Fair is a not-for-profit, all-youth fair held in February of each year. Responsibility, marketing, communication and record keeping are just a few of the life skills acquired by the exhibitors of the Fair.

VENUE: Barbara Young’s Paso Fino Ranch

8075 West Highway 326, Ocala. 352.867.5305

www.youngspasofino.com

Here’s a best kept equine-secret exposed – if you’re looking for trail riding but don’t have a horse, Young’s Paso Fino Ranch rents their pleasure horses and – it’s the only place in town! Another exclusive service: they offer certified lessons through their Trail Riding Academy for first-timers and up.

And what a ride it is! The Paso Fino gait is considered the smoothest of any breed and that’s because the Paso Fino uses a four-beat gait. In the motion, the rear and front legs, on the same side of the body, move at the same time. As a result, the motion for the rider is exceptionally smooth compared to others.

Here in the Horse Capital, no one knows Paso Finos better than Barbara Young who has spent the better part of a lifetime working with the breed. Her farm hosts 65,000 visitors annually, and regardless of prior knowledge, each person leaves having experienced something new. Her keep-them-laughing style entertains and educates as the facility’s trainers put the horses through their paces.

Young’s Ranch offers farm tours, group demos of champion horses set to music with a hay ride, and inter-active shows of Classic Fino (equine valued at $100,000 – $1 million), Pleasure and Performance.

VENUE: Ocala Breeders’ Sales

P.O. Box 99, Ocala. 352.237.2154
www.obssales.com

With more than 75 percent of Florida’s 600 Thoroughbred farms and training centers located near Ocala, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS) is the heart of Thoroughbred activity in Marion County. Thoroughbred auctions occur throughout the year – the Winter Mix Sale (January); two-year-olds in-training (February, March and April); two-year-olds and horses of race age (June); yearlings (August); and Fall Mixed Sale (October).

You aren’t going to pet any horses or see any fanfare at OBS, but what you will see first-hand is how the business of the horse industry actually works. “Sales are always open to the public,” says Jay Friedman. “We want people to see how these beautiful, magnificent creatures, Thoroughbreds, are bought and sold. Visiting OBS during a sale is a great way to participate in something that truly makes Ocala a very special place.”

OBS also operates an Inter-Track Wagering (ITW) simulcasting theater adjacent to the award-winning Champions restaurant and, each March, hosts the annual Week of Champions races.

VENUE: Ocala Equestrian Complex
1601 S.W. 60th Ave., Ocala. 352.237.6667
www.ocalaequestriancomplex.com

Desire more exotic breeds? Paso Finos – of tropical Colombia and Peru rainforests – and other extravagant breeds, like the Falabella miniature of Argentina or even American miniature can be found at the Ocala Equestrian Complex, purchased in 2001 by Gary and Catherine Achtenhagen. It offers a wonderful all-purpose venue for horse shows and equine related events, as well as community activities.

The Ocala Equestrian Complex hosts a wide variety of competitions and conferences including major events such as: The Florida Paso Fino February Fiesta & the Southern Regional Paso Fino Extravaganza, The Florida Reining Horse Association shows, Florida Miniature Horse shows, and Mini Rama miniature Horse shows, among others.

VENUE: Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association Museum & Art Gallery
801 S.W. 60th Ave., Ocala. 352.629.2160
www.ftboa.com

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association (FTBOA) administers the $15-million state breeders’ incentive program and is responsible for promoting the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

It promotes the industry, in part, by paying tribute. On February 10, 2008, the FTBOA hosts the Annual Awards Dinner at the Ocala Hilton in conjunction with the OBS two-year-old sale (February 12). It is the highest honor bestowed on Florida-bred horses statewide.

Michael Compton of the Florida Horse Magazine says, “We hand out the divisional championships. All the Florida-bred horses that run at the racetrack all year are tracked through the Chase to the Championship point system. Once a year we invite all of the owners, breeders, trainers – all of those connected to these horses – to dinner for a highlight film, spotlight of accomplishments on the racetrack, concluding with the awards ceremony.”

It is followed by the OBS Championship Stakes; five races run throughout the day February 11, 2008.

Through administrative programs, the FTBOA works closely with the concentration of the Thoroughbred breeding and training industry in the Ocala/Marion County area supported by a network of equine services, such as veterinarians, feed and tack retailers, blacksmiths, equine dentists and major horse transportation companies. All these factors make Ocala one of only four major Thoroughbred breeding and training centers in the world.

A visit to the FTBOA Museum & Art Gallery is a must for any enthusiast interested in the history of Florida breeding and racing.

Worth The Drive

March 9, 2008

It’s a scene repeated in hamlets up and down the East Coast as the National Steeplechase Association comes to town – caravans of horse trailers and thousands of revelers descend for a day bearing lace tablecloths, Champagne flutes, linen suits and outrageous hats.

Sounds like fun, right? Well, this March, the glamorous world of steeplechase horse racing turns to a small town in east Pasco County, just 60 miles from the Horse Capital of the World, transforming it into Florida’s premier social and sporting event. It is the rite of Spring that celebrates food, fun, friendship, family and thrilling sport!

The Little Everglades Steeplechase has maintained gradual and steady growth since its inception four years ago. Increasing numbers of fans have watched at rail side as powerful thoroughbreds race over fences during an unforgettable day of speed and entertainment. Tradition, along with additions and refinements, has led to the quality and popularity of the event. Each year the number of people in attendance has grown and there are waiting lists for many of the reserved areas. Thousands of admissions are sold on Race Day on a first-come, first-serve basis.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Little Everglades Steeplechase, an elegant day of horse racing in the country, with Jack Russell terriers, tailgating, hat contests, shopping and more.

WHERE: The Little Everglades Ranch is about a mile north of Dade City limits. From points north, take Interstate 75 to State Road 52 to Dade City, then north on U.S. 301 to the Gould Road entrance.

WHEN: Gates open Sunday at 9:30 a.m., events start at 10 a.m., first steeplechase race at 1 p.m.

HOW MUCH: General admission at the gate is $10 per person or $40 a carload.

BRING: Picnics, coolers and lawn chairs are welcome. No dogs. Wear sunscreen. Beer, wine, soft drinks and food also for sale on the grounds

My 8-year-old cocker spaniel, Princess, is a very lucky girl, as is her sister, a charming songbird barely six months old named Tweety. Both were rescued while my family still lived in New York. My mother discovered Princess tied to a post — abandoned — when she was a scrawny shy puppy, barely a few months old. For hours, my mother crossed her path, waiting anxiously for her to be retrieved by an owner. When no one came, Princess became ours and let me tell you — it was love at first sight! Tweety, on the other hand, found us. Peeking her little head out from a bush, a cry for help got our attention. Malnourished, she lacked the strength to fly, and with bright yellow feathers, the little bird was easy prey for predators. My mother took her in.

Call me a bleeding heart, but I’ve come to discover that Princess and Tweety are among the lucky ones. The unfortunate truth is that anywhere from 15,000 to 20,000 animals, primarily dogs and cats, end up in Marion County’s landfill each year. Nationally the number reaches a staggering 15 million!

How can it be that millions of people discard their family pets as easily as common trash? How is it possible that the state of Florida was forced to pass a law making animal abuse, abandonment and cruelty a felony offense — a major crime equal to burglary or assault?

According to the Animal Center’s Director Jill Lancon and Supervisor Wendy Hillyard, the target problem areas are strays, dense population areas, problem neighborhoods, animal collectors and owner surrenders. Of the 10,582 animals euthanized in Marion County last year, 716 were paid requests by owners because the animal was sick or old, brought to the Animal Center because it is considerably less expensive than a veterinarian. Duly noted, that leaves 9,866 animals otherwise destroyed.

Barbara Stanton, co-director of the Humane Society of Marion County (HSMC) states, “It happens because of indiscriminate breeding.” She also relates that puppies and kittens that grow older are sometimes unwanted. There is a tendency for people to take in animals that are valued only as a material item to be treated as inanimate objects rather than living, breathing creatures that deserve love and a lifetime home.

Michael Waddell, co-director of the HSMC states, “We are a very mobile society… when pet owners move or travel frequently, pets are the ones that suffer. Having pets is like having children. You wouldn’t wait until two days before leaving to decide what to do with the children, so why do it to the dog or the cat?”

When animals are left behind, more often than not, it is Marion County Animal Control, or their companion facility which Marion County Animal Shelter (Animal Center), who are responsible for collection. By law, they hold the animals for three days, but if the animal is not reclaimed, they make the determination to either put the animal up for adoption or to euthanize it.

One determining factor in this decision is the animal’s health. Many animals, whether they’re picked up or dropped off, enter the system in such poor condition that they pose a threat to society (rabies, salmonella, even temperament) or it is not “humane” to allow them alive when they are suffering from an incurable disease (cancer, feline HIV).

“We cannot, in good conscience, adopt an animal into a family when we suspect there may be a problem,” Stanton explains. “So we screen for aggression and health concerns. Depending on the severity of the problem, we believe it is more humane to euthanize those animals then to try to rehabilitate them.”

The sheer volume of pets that Stanton must process is another part of the problem — pet overpopulation. Animals left by the wayside follow their natural instinct, which next to foraging for food, includes breeding. How many of you have been in a restaurant parking lot only to notice cats slinking around, searching for food? These abandoned animals that are lucky enough to find sustenance, will strive to find mates.

To combat pet over-population, in 1988 the Animal Center developed an innovative mobile spay/neuter clinic called the Neuter Commuter. Animals can be “fixed” for as little as $5 per animal — never more than $25, depending on the animal (exotics are a different story). This is a terrific program when you consider the alternative; the average cost through a vet is $100 to $150. To date, Lancon and Hillyard say they’ve done 36,915 surgeries, 60 percent of which were female.

Consider this: If those 22,149 females had not been spayed, and given that female dogs produce two litters a year averaging four puppies, that would have produced 177,192 dogs without homes — not calculating the puppies growing up and having puppies.

Another population control measure offered by the Humane Society is spay and neuter certificates ($50 for dogs; $30 for cats), which can be used at a number of participating veterinarians within Marion County. Stanton explains that it is the first phase of a plan that includes a fully-staffed clinic that will offer more low-cost options.

PET OVERPOPULATION is only one-third of the equation. Abandoned and abused animals are the other two-thirds. What constitutes an abandoned or abused animal? “You will most likely get an argument from pet owners surrendering an animal that they are not abandoning their pets by bringing it to a shelter,” Stanton says. “They associate abandoning their pet by leaving it along side the road.”

Carol Cichy, cruelty investigator for Animal Control, explains that Florida recognizes overt intentional acts, such as wounds, mistreatment and intentional killing, as felonies. Neglect, such as failure to provide food, water, shelter and medical care, is considered a misdemeanor.

Waddell says, “In most instances the abuse is not providing adequate shelter… more of an education process and measures are taken to follow up that people are taking proper care of their animals. Many people don’t factor weather change when putting the dog out in 60 degree temperature which rises to 90 degrees while the owner is at work. It always comes down to personal responsibility.”

Lancon provides another common form of ignorant neglect. “People don’t realize the importance of changing the size of collars for their animals as they grow.” Cichy adds, “Currently we have a dog which as a puppy probably had a rope tied around its neck, now as an adult, required surgery to remove the infected imbedded rope leash.”

Are there solutions to owner education?

Absolutely. Lancon explains, “Our goal is to educate the public on responsible pet ownership. Train their animals to be good citizens and good household family members. People are quick to get pets because they are cute puppies and kittens but as they grow behavior problems associated with adolescence develop. Instead of learning about the problem and how to deal with it … they choose to dump the problem. The majority abandoned at 10 months to 14 months — when they come into heat. Animals in heat become unruly, constant barking or loud meowing, destructive to their environment — chewing shoes or scratching furniture, until they can satisfy their urges.” Lancon informs that 1400 of the animals destroyed last year were reportedly due to these behavioral problems.

Hillyard adds, “It isn’t that owners do not care about handling their pets — it’s more that they don’t know how.” People should learn about the breeding behavior of dogs and cats. Female dogs are in heat basically twice a year. Female cats remain heat as often as they need to until they are pregnant. In colder climate it is less frequent so they don’t have their litters when it is cold. In Florida’s climate it doesn’t slow down very much — cats are in heat relatively all year. In 2006, cats are already two litters in and it is only spring. Worse in spring, kitten season won’t taper off until late fall or early winter. Female cats want to be pregnant and they are persistent about their role.

The Humane Society of the United States, parent company for HSMC, encourages communities to create a Safe Havens for Animals program that provides temporary sheltering options for pets. HSMC offers the program, often for animals used in evidence against owners being prosecuted, evident in the recently reported Koogler case, the couple accused of 10 counts of neglecting their animals in their SW Ocala home. Four cats and two dogs were discovered dead in various stages of decomposition after neighbors complained of the odor. The home was found in disarray. Amazingly, a dog and a cat were found malnourished but alive.

IT IS A TRAGEDY that so many animals end up in landfills. It is the responsibility of pet owners to change that. If 10,000 animals per year are being put down is disturbing to you, consider here’s what you can do: (1) Spay or neuter your animals, at $25 at the Animal Center’s Neuter Commuter or at Humane Society prices with certificates that can be received at the Thrift Store. (2) Donate to the Humane Society — the more support received by the community, the more capacity they have.

The Animal Center states prevention isn’t only kinder — it’s cheaper. Rounding up homeless animals, housing them, euthanizing them and disposing of their bodies cost U.S. taxpayers about $2 billion per year. In 2005, Marion County Animal Center destroyed 10,582 dogs, cats, puppies and kittens which were 74 percent of the 15,258 animals that came into the center. Of the remaining animals, 1,139 were returned to owners, 3,121 were adopted, 11 were rescued, 11 were livestock sold by the sheriff and 323 went to foster care. It costs Marion County taxpayers $94 for each animal picked up, housed, euthanized or adopted, or only $59 to spay/neuter, vaccinate and de-worm them at the mobile clinic. If 2500 animals are spay/neutered at the mobile clinic per year, Marion County’s pet population could be reduced by 332 million over 6 years.

For more information see www.humansocietyofmarioncounty.com. On May 14, Marion County will have a disaster preparation presentation to which the Animal Center will contribute an education component, including their Pet Friendly Shelter provision at Vanguard High School. Learn about these and other programs at www.marioncountyfl.org/services