When I first moved from the US to Mexico,
some 7 years ago,
I knew what I was getting into—well, in most respects.
I had, however, forgotten what canine testicles
looked like!
What are those things bouncin' around back there on all these dogs,
I asked myself.
After decades of travel in this country,
I knew that the highways of Mexico were littered
with carcasses.
Particularly in the night and early morning hours.
Over the years I've had the displeasure of seeing dogs, cats,
horses, cows, burros—and even a man.
Shortly after arriving here at Lago Chapala,
I was invited to a wedding.
It was there that I was introduced to Gudrun Jones.
Gudrun asked if I needed a dog and said she had a
ranch FULL of them, all available for adoption.
Forty dogs, pick one or two, volunteer to walk them,
donate money to feed them - whatever, she said.
Then she gave me a business card
with her signature on the back.
Whenever you see a dog with balls, she said,
grab it, throw it in your car, and take it to this vet.
They will do the surgery, charge it to me, and call you when
the dog is ready to be picked up.
Then, you take the dog back to where you found it
and drop it off!
WHAAAAAT???
Yes, she said, just do it!
At that time, there were plenty of dead dogs on the
carretera and it was the same old heartbreaking sight
in the mornings when I drove into town.
Since then, thanks to Gudrun, Anita, the Animal Shelter,
Dr. Pepe Magaña, LFA, and Nick. . .
I can't remember the last dead dog I saw on the highway.
And I'm not kidding!
These people are saints!
These people have changed
These people have changed
the world.
At least our little corner of the world.
Meet them:
Any of these people will be more than happy to show
you their animals,
each animal desperate for a forever home.
each animal desperate for a forever home.
ADOPT ONE TODAY!
DONATE TODAY!
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
...so have you taken any dogs for a ride?
ReplyDeleteNo way man, afraid I'd get shot or something.
ReplyDeleteI got chased down a sand street in Xcalak one day by a family yelling "Ladrón!" as I tried to rescue their chicken who had a plastic six-pack thingy around its neck.
No way would I pick up a strange macho Mexican dog off the street!
Although, apparently some people have!
And I did adopt my doggie from Dr. Pepe.
ReplyDeleteYes, I did.
She was a Chapala street dog, who got adopted by a older expat man in Chapala who then died. She stayed with the body for 10 days without water or food until the police finally showed up. One of the cops took video of her when they arrived, I've seen it. She was dancing with joy! They said she kept licking the body trying to wake him up.
The cops took her to Dr. Pepe who tuned her up and I adopted her from him.
One of the best dogs I've ever had, if not the best.
This belongs in the category of: It's better to light one candle than to curse the darkness.
ReplyDelete-- Felipe
Yes it does! And - every little bit helps.
ReplyDeleteAnd how is that cute little Mags?
ReplyDeleteShe be fine!
ReplyDeleteUpdate:
ReplyDeleteA very generous blog reader from here in Mexico has sent me a donation and picked 3 of the most needy rescuers as recipients. Very cool, thank you oh generous one.
I got to go play Santa yesterday and all 3 of them got teary eyed and thanked us profusely.
Well done!
I've got the very best blog readers of all time.