Dogs and cats ADOPTED!!

HOLA FRIENDS!
We are doing the happy dance this week because so many of our residents got adopted to wonderful families and are enjoying being in their own furever homes with some awesome people!!

We are thrilled for these precious animals and their new parents!!

Great Dogs and Cats waiting for homes

We have 2 of these darling PUPPIES!  This little boy in front is a Chihuahua mix and will be small.

Some of our adorable cats waiting for YOU!

Solita, is a loving female as you can see, she is about 2 years old.

Misty is close to one year old but acts like a puppy. She is full of energy and loves to play. 

These kittens are ready for a their furever home, one is male and one female.  They are about 3 months old.

BanDam getting walked by one of our wonderful volunteers.  Gentle 3 year old Pitbull mix. Very lovable, loves walks and really loves back rubs.

Patsy, is our blind girl.  She is sweet and lovable, but she needs a special home,  probably with no young children.  She is approximately 3-4 years old

Our new kennels are complete thanks to donations from Diamond Real Estate and special donations from the Champagne Brunch!!!! We sincerely thank you!!

Our Cats

Here are some great updated photos of some of our cats - Come in to see them all!  Each one has a different personality and would love to become part of YOUR family! 

Rosa

This dog deserves a whole post just for herself!  Rosa has been a resident at the shelter for over a year.  She was adopted yesterday and is now in her Forever Home!  We are so thrilled for her and we all had tears of joy when she got in the car for the ride to her new home!

We have many animals, both dogs and cats, that need a loving home.  Do you have room in your heart for one of these precious animals?

Come see for yourself!!!!

Food donations for our residents

Puppy food Donation

From Itzel Diaz.  Muchas Gracias!!!

Cat Food Donation

From Magarita Flores & Francisco Ruelas.  Muchas Gracias!!!!

With donations from wonderful people in our community, our animals are very thankful at dinnertime!

NEW ARRIVALS at the Bazaar

WOW!  Look at all these shoes!!!!  "Just arrived" - a completely new selection of good quality shoes and women's tops - These are in excellent to new condition.  Visit us Mon - Sat 11- 2 PM."

Meet Volunteer - Lila McLean

My name is Lila McLean.   My husband, Neil, and I have

been wintering in Mazatlan since 2008.  We spend our summers at our home in Vernon, B.C.   Our first year here, I saw an ad for Bruno, the dog trainer, and called him to enquire about volunteering.  He brought me over to the shelter and I have been coming ever since.

I generally walk dogs one afternoon a week and work in the Bazaar one day a week, but am always available for extra shifts,  events or helping out at busy times.   Getting the dogs out of their cages for even a short walk gives me a chance to get to know each of them and they soon become friends.  This past year I have spent a bit more time with the cats and plan to increase that next year.  They all seem to love the attention and so little of my time seems to make such a big difference to them. Another great benefit to me of volunteering at the shelter is the many friends I have met there.

During my time at the shelter I have seen many improvements – it is cleaner, brighter, friendlier,  better organized and  now with the new roof, much more comfortable for the animals.  I hope this trend of improvement can continue with staff, donors and volunteers all contributing.

Before my days were involved with dogs and cats, I battled the bulls and bears of Bay and Wall Streets.  I  spent most of my working years in the brokerage  business in a variety of jobs.
 
In Mexico, we really enjoy exploring new areas and trying all the interesting places to eat.  Besides volunteering at the shelter,  I play bridge, swim, run, read, hike if I get the chance and generally like to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.

Confusion about the Board of Directors

CLEARING UP THE CONFUSION

By Pete Betlem

During an exchange at our recent public meeting it became clear that there is confusion and perhaps misunderstandings about appointments to our Board of Directors and paid memberships.

For the record:

There are three ways in which an individual can have a vote on issues pertaining to ADLA business.

1.  Being an officer on the ADLA Board of Directors.  These positions are:

President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer

2.  Being a Vocal on the ADLA Board of Directors.  This is a voting position without the legal liabilities that may accompany being an Officer.

3.  Being a paid member in good standing.  While a membership is not a Board of Directors position, it does allow an individual to attend General Meetings and vote on issues at hand.

First, how does one become an Officer or Vocal on the Board of Directors?

These positions are obtained by invitation only and a majority of Board votes to accept you on the Board.  Invitations to join the Board can come from any current Board Officer, usually after prior consultation with other Board members.

How does one become a member with voting rights?

During the month of January ADLA accepts membership applications and payment of an annual fee (currently 1200 pesos) from individuals known to be in general accord with the principals of ADLA.  This membership allows you to sit in on General Meetings, express your thoughts and vote.

Under ideal conditions there exists a large membership base from which the Board of Directors may find future candidates for Board positions.  In the absence of members, the Board of Directors makes note of those volunteers that contribute substantially to the well-being of the Shelter.  Through their efforts and dedication to the Shelter they become good candidates for invitation to the Board.  Additionally, the Board looks for leadership qualities in those individuals in the hopes that they will "move up the line" as they progress through positions on the Board.  They also look for individuals that they feel will be compatible with other members of the Board and have an attitude towards animals that aligns with the Shelter's policies.

Some would argue that having a position on the Board of Directors is simply a way to avoid paying the membership fee and subsequently the right to vote and therefore, somehow unfair.

It should be noted that Board Members contribute far more in the way of time (and yes, financial contributions) than the mere 1200 pesos that a membership costs.  Ask any Board Officer or Vocal if their life would be easier if their only involvement was a payment equivalent to 100 pesos per month. Without exception they would say yes but for them it is not just about voting and certainly not about the money.  It is much more about rolling up their sleeves and performing the myriad of tasks that are required to physically operate the Shelter.  They are totally dedicated to the success of ADLA.

Perhaps you are also dedicated to the success of ADLA but simply do not have the ability to give of your time.  A paid membership is the easiest way to stay involved and have the opportunity to express yourself with your vote.

At what level of involvement are you willing to participate?

Meet Volunteer - Alma Zepeda

Hello! My name is Alma Zepeda. I have been involved with Amigos de los Animales for 15 years.

I can recall on June 1, 2006 when we had our second "Grand Opening" of the Shelter. At that time Jo Ann Scott Wilson was the President and I became responsible for Public Relations. Today I still work to create good public relations using our Spanish Facebook page which has had over the years approximately 33,000 "Likes" and followers. We have followers from such faraway places as Uruguay, Peru, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Brazil, Ecuador, Belize, Spain, Portugal, Japan, The Philipines and, of course, The United States and Canada.

During the early years our team of volunteers and staff created the first "Perroton" and Taquiza Piscinada which did much to bring our organization to the public's attention. I was joined at that time by Edgar Barragan and later, Juan Jaime Verdayes in organizing these events and gathering prizes for winners of various animal related contests that we invented.

From the beginning I have been active in many Shelter related functions such as cleaning cages, bathing dogs, organizing events and using the press, radio, television and other outlets to get the word out on our activities. Today we are well known through-out North and Latin America because of those efforts.

At present I am still responsible for maintaining our Spanish Facebook page. I enjoy doing that because it keeps me active in the organization. Over the years names and faces change but always, we have had good "teams" working together for the welfare of Mazatlan's homeless animals. Being a part of those teams has been very satisfying to me.

Today the Shelter is better than ever! As with most organizations, many changes have occurred at the Shelter over the past 15 years, all for the better, and I am proud to still be an active participant. Being one of the earliest "hands on" supporters of the Shelter is a great source of pride to me.

I try to give my best to the Shelter as a volunteer and look forward to continuing that work in the future.

Meet Volunteer and Amigos President - Billie Losciale

Hi - my name is Billie Losciale. I have lived in Mazatlan for 8 years. Prior to that I lived in Inverness, Florida.

I have an extensive background in animal care related work. In my 20's I worked at a boarding kennel, learning from the bottom up. From there I was hired by a veterinarian Clinic in Atlanta, GA. to work in their kennels. Later they offered me a position as a Vet Tech and volunteered to train me. For the next 10 years I was employed at various veterinarian hospitals throughout Georgia and Florida. Later I managed the Humane Society of Myrtle Beach, SC. After moving to Inverness, FL I was hired and trained by the Citrus County Animal Control Center as an Animal Control Officer (ACO). During this same period I started a pet sitting business called Critter Care Pet Sitters which I managed for the next 16 years. I sold the business just prior to moving to Mazatlan.

Soon after moving to Mazatlan I discovered Amigos de los Animales (ADLA) via a social function at the home of Nadine and Henry Laxen, the original founders of ADLA. It was there that I became intrigued with the organization and after one visit to the shelter I was hooked! Immediately I started volunteering in any capacity that was needed including dog walking, playing with the cats, bathing animals - whatever and wherever I was needed.

Over the next few years I became Vice President and later President. A position that I have held for the last 5 years. During my tenure we have made many improvements and created a welcome environment for our homeless and abandoned guests waiting for their "Forever Homes".

As an informational note: If you are interested in becoming a member (with voting rights) of ADLA the cost is only 1,200 pesos per year - less than $10 U.S. Dollars a month.

If you would like to volunteer at the shelter please contact us at 669-986-4235 to see what you can do to become a part of our team. Only three hours a week of your time can make a world of difference to our guests. With summer fast approaching we are already in need of additional volunteers to fill the void while others have headed north.

If you have never been to our shelter, please take the time to visit and experience our world of kind and loving animals. See for yourself what makes ADLA so special. You won't be disappointed

Meet Volunteer - Robyn Frederick

The next installment: “Get to know the movers and shakers at ADLA! “

with Ripley and shelter dog Rosa

My name is Robyn Frederick. I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. I am a retired optician, and moved to Mazatlan in 2008.

I enjoy the sunshine (remember I am from Washington) and beach here in Mazatlan with husband Dale, dog Ripley and cat Notch.

I have been a volunteer at the shelter since 2009. My loves are walking dogs and cuddling kitties.
It truly makes your day when you walk into the shelter and hear barks and meows and you know someone is happy to see you!

I love to take the shelter dogs to the beach for a day outside.  Since this picture, Rosa has found her 'forever home'! 

Meet Volunteer - Linda Clark

A new feature is HERE!

Get to know the movers and shakers at ADLA! Each week we will highlight a volunteer or staff member that has joined our team to make ADLA the success that it is. We hope you will enjoy getting to know our "hands on" supporters a little better. We could not survive without these generous people giving of their time and effort.

The Editor

Today we begin to introduce you:

My name is Linda Clark. I have lived in Mexico for the last 7 ½ years. The first 3 ½, I lived in Tijuana where I crossed the border to work part time in the Sweetwater School District after retiring from Poway USD in San Diego as a Library Technician. I arrived in Mazatlan 4 years ago in March 2010. I lived in the Centro for about 4 months until I found the perfect house for my 4 cats and 2 dogs in Valle del Ejido, just north of town. I moved here with all my furniture, 72 plants (including 3 rose bushes) and my pets. So I’m here to stay.

My siblings and their families live in San Diego. My daughter Erin, her husband Ryan, and two grandsons (Nathan, age 3 in May and Maverick, age 1 ½ ) live in Buckeye, Arizona. I try to drive up at least once a year to visit.

I volunteer one day a week at the Mazatlan Library, I am a Mazatlan Tourist Aide Volunteer, I am a member of Vecinos Con Carino, I volunteer on Thursdays at the ADLA bazaar, I rescue and foster dogs until I can find their forever homes, and I have a colony of cats on my street that I feed nightly. I also enjoy reading, working in my garden, and downloading current TV series to watch. Come 8 o’clock, you’ll find me relaxing in front of the TV until bedtime.

I found out about Amigos de los Animales as soon as I found my first wandering dog within days after moving to Mazatlan. I asked Edgar how I could help besides donating money and cleaning products every time I brought an animal in. That’s when he told me volunteering my time would be best. I enjoyed bathing the dogs; getting them ready for surgery and adoption. That led to an occasional fostering to socialize them and to generally allow them to have a little more freedom until they were adopted. Since the bazaar arrived, I’ve been helping on Thursdays.

Two Beautiful Little Cats

These two little girls are both pretty sweet and I had to share their pics and tell you about how special they are. The black and white little girl that has a name, but

unfortunately I didn't take note of when I met her, I have called her "Oreo" in my pic collection. She is a bashful little girl who didn't feel like visiting me even though her cage was open and she was free to roam while I sat and watched her and chatted to her. She preferred to sit and sip her water...using her paw, which I thought was so cute. She is about 6-8 months old and a timid little girl in that she doesn't come up and introduce herself quickly, but very playful as I sat and watched her playing with a ball in a round tube type toy for a long time.

The little white and grey girl has just had surgery (spayed) and she is about 8-9 months old. She is a little quiet too, but came out to greet me when I opened her cage and gave her a little box to lie in. As you can see, she immediately felt like she had a new piece of furniture and was happy to sit in the kleenex box. Boxes or other containers are a good addition to your cat's space as they enjoy them for playing,

sleeping, sitting or best of all-hiding. Doesn't she have a unique face and pretty features? 



 

Both of these little girls are ready to be adopted and looking for loving homes. Want to visit them or their friends? We are open 11am-2pm and 4-7pm weekdays and 11-2pm on Saturdays. They are just a visit away from being yours.
 

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.