Cinderella

I had mentioned before that Cinderella had found her Forever Home, but was misinformed - she is in Foster care with a loving foster mom & dad and 4 other dogs in the home!  She can play all day.

Reprinted from Amigosdelosanimalesmaz English (Facebook page) :

Meet sweet Cinderella-a veritable success story. She came

from the heart ache of being an abandoned and very sick little girl on the streets of Mazatlan with little hope for her survival...but her fairy god mother saw her, took her in to the amazing folks at ADLA (Amigos de los Animales) shelter and with the help of many...from our great vet Dr. Oscar, to the incredible volunteers and the many who read her story and lent their support to ensure that she was treated and given the best chance possible.

Here she is almost 2 months later and a walking, cheerful, well-mannered little princess. She loves her daily walks and has the best manners of many of her peers. She walks with an ear to her guide listening and watching carefully for cues and commands. She is happy to be on a leash and it seems that she has had months of training.

Anyone looking for a sweet and attentive little girl with a heart full of appreciation and love to give...Cinderella is your girl. If you would like to meet her, stop in and take her for a walk. She will let you know in her own gentle way that she is the belle of the ball.

Come by any Mon.-Fri. 11am to 2pm and 4-7pm and Sat. 11-2pm. or call 669-986-4235 for more into about Cinderella or her friends.

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'! 

Bradley

Our special needs boy, as Fernanda says "running like the wind".... playing with his bestie Wendy.

New Bazaar Items

UPDATE - CORRECTION:  Your Blogmeister errored on the expiration date of the new hearing aid batteries we have in our Bazaar.  The CORRECT expiration date is:  August 2015 (not 2014).

We have added some new items to our bazaar - brand new in packages - hearing aid batteries AND ceiling mount lights.  Go to our Bazaar page to see photos and complete descriptions. 

New Guests at the Shelter

These are some pretty darned cute guests we have....just arrived....come see them, hold them and give them snuggles...

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.

They are speaking........are YOU listening?

Gracias Fernanda y Alma!!

T

Update on Cinderella and Brad - our Special Needs dog

Following two chemo treatments Cinderella suffered  a series of minor setbacks due to her weakened immune system including an infected paw and a bout with hook worms and anemia. But the little gal is a fighter and is once again her energetic self following a series of medical treatments. She is now ready for her third and final chemo treatment. Enough cannot be said on behalf of our Vet, Oscar! Thanks also to Billie, Gerardo and Jill - all who have worked very diligently to see Cinderella through this difficult time.

As the picture shows, her cancer growth is nearly gone and further surgery does not appear to be needed. She is almost whole again and will probably find permanent residence with one of our volunteers when she is fully recovered.

We will keep you updated on this remarkable journey.

 

Cinderella helping out at the Bazaar

Before Chemo

BRAD...

Brad is a special needs boy with a minor brain injury from being hit by a car. His front leg moves involuntarily so walking or running can be difficult for him. Nonetheless, Brad is a very friendly dog waiting for the special  someone to take him home forever.

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.
 

The 20 Most Important Facts Dog Lovers Must Never Forget

Dogs are so loyal that they love us no matter what we do. 

But if we want to provide the best life possible to these wonderful animals, we have to remember they have complex thoughts and feelings, too. 

Here are 20 that we must never forget.

Don't be upset when I jump for joy when you come through the door.

I only live for ten or fifteen years. You are what makes that time enjoyable. It's hard on me when you go away.

  

Give me time to understand what you want from me.

I don't always get it right on the first try, but I promise I'm trying as hard as I can.

 

Give me your trust.

Don't be angry with me for too long. And please don't lock me up to punish me.

You have your friends and family to keep you happy and entertained. I just have you.

 

Take me inside when the weather gets bad.

The backyard doesn't have air conditioning or a heater. You don't have to let me on the couch, but a small part of the kitchen is much better than sleeping in the snow.

Talk to me.

Sure, we don't speak the same language, but the sound of your voice brightens my whole day.

Comfort me when I'm scared.

You know a lot more about loud noises, strange people, and new places than I do.

I need to know that you'll protect me from them. I always feel safer when I'm with you.

Remember that I'll never forget how you treat me.

Teach me that humans are made of love, not pain. And don't ever let me forget it.

Come outside with me.

The sights, sounds, and scents of nature are some of my greatest pleasures in life.

I don't care if we play, go for a walk, or just sit under a tree together . . . I want you to experience them with me.

Let me make new friends.

Introduce me to other dogs, cats, or even bigger animals. We might not get along in the end,

But having some more friends that look and smell like me makes my life that much brighter.

Give me a treat every once in a while.

 

Food is one of my greatest pleasures in life. I know you want me to be healthy,

So I understand when you don't share your own meals with me.

But giving me a dog biscuit when I've been good or mixing tasty vegetables

Mixed in with my dinner is guaranteed to make me wag my tail extra hard.

Please don't hit me.

  I have teeth that can crush bone. Instead, I cover you in sloppy, wet kisses.

Just as I choose not to hurt you, please make the choice to not hurt me.

 

Understand when I need my alone time.

  I love you more than anything, but even though it's rare, I don't always want to play or cuddle.

Don't be sad if I'd rather sleep on the cold tile floor instead of in your bed on hot summer nights,

And be understanding if I don't want to play as much as the years go on.

 

Show me your world.

  The house and yard might be the only places I ever see unless you let me come with you.

A trip to the pet store, the park, or even just a ride in the car is exhilarating for me.

I can't wait to see what you want to show me.

Teach me new things

Learning new tricks keeps my mind active, but most of all, it gives me a way to impress you.

I love showing off for your friends, looking up at you, and seeing how proud of me you are.

Let me get dirty once in a while.

  Your world is inside, but I thrive outdoors.

Sometimes I find a lot of mud or a lake that smells like all of its fishy inhabitants.

I understand if you don't want to wash all that stuff off every day,

But as long as it's safe, let me go back to my wild roots every now and then.

Touch me.

Nothing makes me feel more loved than when you take time out of your day

To rub my ears or scratch that itchy spot on my back that I can't reach.

I can't understand your words, but I definitely understand the feelings behind a hug.

 

Pay attention if I don't seem like myself.

It might seem like I'm just being lazy or stubborn, but I might not be feeling well.

I can't get help for myself, and I need you to look out for me.

Love me when I'm old just as much as you did when I was young.

  I might not be the cute puppy that I once was,

but I still love you just as much now as I did then.

Please take care of me when my body doesn't work like it used to.

 

Come with me on my final journey.

I know it will be difficult, but I need you by my side when the time comes for me to leave this world.

Every moment down to my last breath is easier if I have you with me.

 

With deep affection, love, and respect,

Your Forever Friend

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!