Meet Sylvester

Have you ever met a cat with the biggest personality and presence that you remember and loved him instantly? Well, this is Sylvestre and he is it! I think the name Sly suits him more than the full version of his name because he is a big guy that is pure love and muscle. (Maybe he reminded me of Sly Stalone in Rocky...) This furry Sly has a big heart and is like a teddy bear who just loves to be in your lap and snuggling, but not in a wimpy or helpless kinda way. Don't get me wrong, he is all cuddler, but has a presence that says “I'm in charge”. Perhaps it is his (I am guessing close to 8-10kg) body that makes you feel like he is more than a cat.

When I visited the ADLA cat residence recently, he came over sat on my lap and began to work his magic...letting me know that he was looking for a side kick to be his. I could tell he was looking for someone to share his story of exactly what he needed. He peered out of the enclosure and seemed to be contemplating his forever 'peeps' that would be worthy of his devotion and attention.
Do you know anyone who is looking for a guy like Sly to be their best buddy and hold a huge place in their heart? If so, this is your guy. Come over and meet him weekdays from 11am-2pm or 4-7pm and Saturdays from 11-2. Or call for more details and we would love to introduce you to Sly and his feline friends or...perhaps those noisy, annoying other residents that tend to interrupt his naps with their barking. 669-986-4235.

 

Added more bazaar goodies

We have just added some great items for sale in our Bazaar, including a stackable washer and dryer, child car seat, golf bag carts, and lots of other 'stuff'.  Click on our Bazaar page to see photos, descriptions and prices. 

Amigos Bazaar

DID YOU KNOW?
(Shopping at our Bazaar)


Often the term "second hand Bazaar" conjures up an image of old, broken, tattered items for sale - not any more!

Thanks to the generosity of many Nationals and "Gringos" alike, we receive hundreds of new and used items for sale. Admittedly some end up in the trash - a normal occurrence at donation drop-off locations. However, for the most part we receive very useful, sometimes brand new, items for sale.

We try hard to price our items to sell. We also cull out ripped, stained, worn-out clothing before it gets to our sale racks. Many first time shoppers are amazed at the overall quality of our clothing items.

On any given day you could "discover" something new ranging from kitchen utensils, dishes, souvenirs, shirts, blouses, pants, socks, shoes, art work, electrical supplies, CD's, electronic cables, suitcases, . . . .etc., etc. Even some appliances and furniture (they sell fast).

Most clothing, purses, belts, etc. are priced using a color code system. Each week one color is discounted by 50%, so a red tag that might normally be 40 pesos would be 20 pesos that week. Many shoppers come in weekly to see which color is on sale and buy accordingly. A win win all around.

The Bazaar is open from 11:00 am till 2:00 pm Monday through Saturday. The address is Bicentenario Juarez #3, in Col. Francisco Villa (Col. Pancho Villa).  Don't overlook this unique shopping opportunity.

As always, 100 PERCENT of the proceeds from the sale of Bazaar items goes towards the care of our animals. All of us that work in the Bazaar are non-paid volunteers.

Summer is Coming

SUMMER IS COMING

(…and what that means to us)

By Pete Betlem

It's the same story every year - by April many of our volunteers are aiming themselves North to beat the heat and return to family business back home. Who could blame them?

The unfortunate part is that much of the success that we enjoy at Amigos de los Animales is dependent upon the many hours of devoted time that these valuable volunteers provide for us.

The good news is that there are a LOT of Nationals and Ex-Pats living here year-round that could fill in the summer void. Many simply don't know that this opportunity exists.

Just 3 hours a week (how minimal is that?) from 10 different individuals would make all the difference in the world to our Shelter.

Here is what we need:

1. Dog Walkers - the simple way to exercise our dogs and yourself. Start around 9:00 am and end around Noon. Our dogs are in their enclosures almost 24/7 so just think what it would mean to them for you to take one day a week to get them outside for fresh air and exercise. A minimum of two volunteers a day makes this job a lot easier.

2. The Bazaar - Even in the summer time we have a steady stream of local shoppers in our second hand bazaar, located upstairs at the shelter. They depend on us to be open and we depend on their purchases to help fund the Shelter. How can you help? One day a week from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm you assist our shoppers with their purchases. We train you (its not rocket science). Speaking fluent Spanish is NOT a requirement so don't let that hold you back. In case you are wondering, the Bazaar is air-conditioned in the summer.

3. General Maintenance - If you have handyman skills there is always something to do. Of course this is not a daily requirement but there is always a need for someone with plumbing, electrical, welding, cement work, etc. skills that we could call on from time to time for assistance.

4. Donations of good quality dog and cat food - Sam's Club's Sportsman Brand and Member's Mark are the best for us - paper towels, laundry detergent, bleach and other cleaning supplies are always welcome. Could you sponsor a bag of dog or cat food a week? A month?

How about it? Can you spare three hours a week to help us keep the shelter open and responsive to the needs of the public?  I bet you can...

Donations badly needed!

HEALTH UPDATE:   this photo was taken Friday, March 7. (after 1 chemo treatment) less then half the size of the original tumor!  Compare the difference!!

After 1 chemo treatment!

Original size

UPDATE: More donations have been pouring in, bringing the total to 6504.00 pesos so far for Cinderella's care.  Thank you!!!  There is one more way to donate if you don't use PayPal.  

Please note that the latest address for our bank in the U.S. is as follows:

BMO Harris Bank

Attn: Cindy Tintner

50 So. 6th Street Suite 1000

Minneapolis, MN 55402

If supporters in the U.S. or Canada want to mail checks to us, this is the address that you should use.

This sweet little pup, only 2 years old, sick, malnourished and with a HUGE tumor on her neck, was dumped out by our complex about a week or so ago... Jill Degner, pictured, was able to rescue her and take her to Amigos de los Animales Mazatlán Humane Society, A.C., where she is a volunteer. Yesterday, her tumor was cleaned and explored and she will need surgery to

remove it and chemotherapy afterwards...This is far beyond what ADLA's budget can afford. If you have a few pesos in your pocket and compassion in your heart, please donate what you can to Cinderella's care. Jill named her Cinderella in the hopes that one day soon, she will become a princess. I believe, that with the help of loving and caring people, she will. Thank you.

Donations can be made through Paypal using the link on THIS blog.   

For those of you who don't have any way of knowing, there are about 13 pesos to the US dollar.  So it takes alot of pesos for this type of treatment. 

We can finally update our cat enclosure!

Amigos de los Animales recently received a very generous donation from Bark and Fly Pet Services, in Richmond, BC, Canada. They have supported Amigos de los Animales for several years by having an "angel tree" at their Kennel during the Christmas season, collecting donations for Amigos de los Animales.

It will be a special vinyl enclosure made to surround the cat area. The enclosure can be opened or closed depending on the weather. It will be water proof during the summer rains, keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

Thank you so much, Joanne and Colby, of Bark and Fly Pet Services. If you are in their area, please visit them or check out their web page at www.barkandflypetcare.com

Update on donations for Cinderella cancer treatment - we are up to 6504.00 pesos - thanks!
 

Look What We Have!!

These adorable puppies have been in foster care since birth but now they are ready to get their own FOREVER home.  2 have been adopted but 3 are still waiting for their 'perfect' people.  They are residing at the Shelter so come by and give them a hug, maybe they will hug you back!