New Doors at the Shelter

Here are some photos of the progress of the doors, start to finish......

New doors for the office, bazaar and interior hallway are now installed.  The office and bazaar doors will keep most of the weather outside and the cool air inside.  The interior hallway door will keep spectators out while medical check-ups and surgical procedures are being performed.

Injured German Shepard

WE HAVE A WONDERFUL UPDATE ON 'JUMBO' - Do you all remember his story?  (I have posted it below to refresh your memory) 

Jumbo has been reunited with his original owner after 4 months of Veterinary care and rehabilitation after being hit by a car. We also neutered him - He was soooo happy to jump into his truck and go back home to his sweet family.

This beautiful male German Shepard was left at the shelter on April 24.  It had been struck by a car and in bad need of stitches.  Billie cleaned the wounds as best she could and then had Geraldo come in and do some stitching.  He is limping pretty badly and may have a fracture, we are not sure until we get X-rays.

Medico Oscar looked at him on April 26 and felt confident that the work that Billie and Gerardo had done will be successful. 

As of this morning our boy had chewed off his stitches but was not bleeding.  He will not relieve himself in his immediate surroundings (X-Pen) so he needs to be walked despite the limp.

Let's hope for a full recovery, a return to his owner or a new forever home!
Updates to follow.

Dog Food Donation

We want to thank Letty for her generous donation!

Student Volunteers

Our Student Volunteer Coordinator Fernanda,

with some of our Student Volunteers in action.

UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!! UPDATE!!!

Posted by President Gerardo:

These 9 puppies truly are "Lucky Puppies" - we want to sincerely thank all these people who stepped up to help them.

All of the puppies that are huddled together are currently in Foster Care. The one by itself is the runt of the litter and is being cared for by me.

These are the responsible, caring fosterers for the 'Lucky Puppies' that were carelessly dropped off in a plastic garbage bag on Monday.  These people are the reason I love the Mazatlan community.

These Foster parents needed a crash course in caring for such young puppies, so our President Gerardo gave a demonstration to the volunteers on how to properly care for the puppies while Fernanda did the translating.  Each foster parent was sent home with 5 days worth of formula, and other necessities to help them get started.  It was a great moment in cooperation and the spirit of giving.

THANK YOU!!!        MIL GRACIAS!!!

Thank you also to Fernanda for your valuable assistance!!!! 

MARIA NOEL GARCIA

ZAYDA DOLORES MEZA IBARRA

YANET HUANTES GONZALEZ

LIGIA LEONOR ELIZABETH ALVAREZ QUIROZ

URGENT!!!! Puppies need YOUR help!

As a follow-up to the puppies you see below, we need a few foster homes that can take at least 2 puppies to care for.  Because the puppies are so young, they need to be fed every 2 hours throughout the day and night.  Instruction can be given to you on how to care for them properly.  

These darling babies will need some good, personal care for at least one more month.  

Please call Amigos at 669-986-42-35 or stop by our shelter at: #3 Bicentenario, Col. Francisco Villa (Col Pancho Villa)

If you ride the bus: take the Alarcon bus south - it will drop you off right in front of the shelter.

Lucky Puppies!!

Lucky Puppies!   These NINE 4-5 week old puppies were abandoned in a BLACK PLASTIC GARBAGE BAG at the ADLA (Amigos de los Animales) doorstep on Sunday (the day we are closed).  Fortunately an observant lady that is employed nearby at a restaurant spotted the moving bag and took them all home.  She brought them back to us when we opened on Monday.  If it were not for her, all nine would have suffocated or died of heat exhaustion.  President Gerardo is doing his best to feed and treat them for worms, etc.  So far all are doing well.  Keep your fingers crossed.  Maybe we will name them Ocean's Nine - for now!

Meet Founder

 

Founder:  Abandoned in the parking lot of ADLA tied to a light pole and forced to sit on top of a pile of concrete and brick rubble.  When she was discovered by staff she was thirsty and exhausted, unable to get out of the early morning hot sun.

Founder has already captured the hearts of several volunteers and should have no trouble finding a new forever home.  She is extremely friendly, walks well on a leash and simply wants some love and affection.  She could spend all day watching the kittens.

Hats off to Rocky (lead Cage Attendant) for quickly setting up suitable quarters for Founder and removing the load of ticks that she brought, unwittingly, with her to the shelter.



Some new goodies in the Bazaar:

The bathroom sink is sold separately from the wall mount fixtures shown in the photo.  The sink is $150, the collection of wall mount fixtures is also $150 and match the sink.

Plastic drawer ensemble:  100 pesos

Here's Barry...

Meet Barry, our newest arrival. 

Great NEW STUFF

Click on our Bazaar page to see some great new things we just got in.  The list includes a small refrigerator, sewing machine, childrens rolling pack, and hats, hats, hats.  New clothes, a great selection of shoes and almost daily we have other new items to add to our shelves.  Come by and browse..... hours are 11:00am to 2:00pm Monday thru Saturday.  AND the Bazaar is air conditioned for your shopping comfort! 

Meet Volunteers - Valerie & Jack Moreau

We are Valerie & Jack Moreau. We have been involved with Amigos de Los Animales since 2000.

We spend our summers in Nanaimo BC on beautiful Vancouver Island. Every November we migrate south to Mazatlan for 6-7 months. We met in Mazatlan in 1984, both of us vacationing with friends, got engaged in Puerto Vallarta, and honeymooned on the Baja. So Mexico and particularly Mazatlan has a special place in our hearts.

Our initial involvement with Amigos de Los Animales was a result of a radio program, which we hosted for seven years, called Que Pasa Mazatlan. While doing the program we interviewed many local guests, which included Nadine and Henry Laxen, who were the cofounders of Amigos. We instantly connected with them because of the love for animals we all shared. It wasn't long before Valerie became a member of the board, and held various positions for a number it years.

We are also involved in several other charities, and we try and divide our time between all of them. Our main contribution is to Amigos de Los Animales, which we support through the annual bus trips that we host. We have been to many parts of Mexico including Mexico City, Guanajuato, Morelia to see the monarch butterflies, Sam Miguel de Allende, Guadalajara, Copper Canyon to name a few. Our goal is to keep these trips affordable, and also to make a donation to help our four legged friends.

Helping the animals is a very rewarding experience, and we encourage others who share our passion, to assist however they can. Whether it be a monetary donation or volunteering your time, all support is appreciated.

Signs to watch .... Heat Stroke in Dogs

This is an extremely important bit of information.  You will note that it extends beyond the borders of our normal posts.  We wanted to make sure it was large enough for you to read.  Feel free to copy, print and paste on your refrigerator for quick reference. 

(reposted from the Facebook page of Joplin Humane Society Animal Adoption & Resource Center) 

Child's Car Seat

Most of us that live here in Mazatlan know that putting a baby or small child in a car seat is not an everyday occurrence for most.  This child's car seat has been at the Bazaar for many months, with no one even taking a second look. 

A couple of days ago, a young woman came in to the Bazaar and said she 'had' to buy the car seat.  When asked why.....she replied, ' my mother will not go in my car with me if the baby is not in a car seat'.  So, Abuela, we thank you for demanding your grandchild be protected.  You are a very wise woman!!! 

Ongoing Health and Wellness...

"Tis the season!" - for fleas and ticks.  Here President Gerardo and Medico Oscar "dip" Sister Act  I in a solution designed to eradicate fleas and ticks.  The entire adult dog population at the Shelter is being treated to maintain the highest standards of health possible during these difficult summer months of high infestation.  This procedure will be repeated once every three days during a 9 day period.

 

Doggie Promises

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."

Some of the items SOLD

Yesterday I posted that we had a few larger items for sale......and yesterday 3 of those items SOLD!  We still have a nice window protection for sale and also some other great stuff, including a front loading washer.  If anything interests you, I urge you to run on down to the Bazaar (located above the animal shelter) and check them out.

Thank you all for supporting Amigos de los Animales!!!! 

New items in Bazaar

Go to the Bazaar page and see some great new items we just added!  These won't be here long, so 'get on over' to check them out!

AND some new dogs - please take a look!!

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.

Update on Sasha

This resident came in severely anemic, emaciated, and riddled with ticks.
Now look at her.  1000% better!

Sasha - our newest resident...

This "Sasha", a 4 - 6 month old mixed breed puppy.  She was brought in by a friend of ADLA that found her cowering under a car, and had a long rope tied to her neck.  As you can see, she is severely dehydrated, malnourished , anemic from the massive tick infestation, and has an infection in her eyes.

We have since given her an antibiotic regimen to help with tick-bourne disease, nutritional therapy to help her gain weight and heal, fluid therapy to assist with dehydration, and she is on ophthalmic medications to help with her eye infection.

Updates to come!!!

 Yes, folks, THOSE are ticks! 

Toxic jerky treats

Toxic jerky treats linked to more than 1,000 dog deaths

Published May 19, 2014       FoxNews.com

Reuters

More than 1,000 dog deaths may now be linked to toxic jerky treats, according to a recent update from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The agency said that since 2007, there have been almost 5,000 complaints of pet illnesses related to the treats. The majority of the symptoms reported include gastrointestinal or liver disease, and about a third were linked to kidney and urinary disease.

About 10 percent of the illnesses included other signs such as neurologic, dermatologic, and immunologic symptoms, and about 15 percent of the kidney and urinary disease cases also tested positive for Fanconi syndrome – a rare kidney disease also associated with the pet deaths.

The FDA is still unsure of the specific cause for the reported illnesses and deaths, but most cases reportedly occurred after the pets had eaten chicken, duck or sweet potato jerky treats imported from China. No specific brands were recalled in the FDA's latest release, but Dr. Jonathan Levine, an associate veterinarian at Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners in New York City, said owners should always check the labels of whatever foods they give their pets.
“Always be aware of what you're buying and where it's coming from,” Levine said.

Yet that may not always be enough to keep pets safe; products stamped “Made in the USA” could still contain ingredients sourced from China or other countries, the FDA warned.

In 2007, some pet food companies voluntarily removed some jerky treats from the market. But, at the time, the FDA said it didn't want to issue a recall without a definitive cause. Those products included Milo's Kitchen Chicken Jerky Treats and Chicken Grillers, made by Del Monte, and Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch dog treats, made by Nestle Purina.

The FDA has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to figure out what foods may be contributing to pet disease.  The study will compare the foods eaten by sick dogs to those eaten by dogs who haven’t gotten sick, in order to determine if the jerky is really the culprit.

So far, testing of jerky pet treats from China revealed low levels of antibiotics as well as the antiviral drug amantadine in some chicken samples.  Although FDA-approved for pain-control applications in humans and in dogs, the agency prohibited its use in poultry in 2006 to help preserve its effectiveness.

The FDA does not believe amantadine contributed to the illnesses, as the side effects of the drug do not correlate with the symptoms seen in the pets; however, amantadine should not be present at all in jerky treats.

Chinese authorities have agreed to conduct additional screenings and follow up with jerky treat manufacturers, and the FDA has notified U.S. treat makers of the presence of amantadine in some jerky products. The agency will also continue testing these products for drugs and other antivirals.

The FDA cautioned pet owners that jerky pet treats are not required for a balanced diet. If your pet experiences any sign of illness, including vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy, contact your veterinarian right away.

 

Shelter Dogs Heading to their new homes

Try Not To Smile After Seeing These Photos Of Shelter Dogs Heading To Their New Homes

The Huffington Post  | by  Cavan Sieczkowski

 

 Have you ever experienced pure, unbridled, heartfelt joy? These dogs sure have.

Last year, Heather Owen, president of the Chicago-based dog rescue group One Tail at a Time, published a piece for the Bark Post with photos of shelter dogs during their rides to freedom after they found forever homes. The sentiment touch the hearts of thousands, and the post went viral.
But there was more joy to be had.

Sarah Lauch, a volunteer with Chicago Animal Care and Control Transport Team that carts shelter dogs to and from various local rescue groups, takes photos of the freedom rides she is part of each week.
"I am the first person to take them from this jail-type place out into the world," she told The Huffington Post during a phone conversation Friday, "and its amazing."

Some dogs stick their heads out the window or rub up against the leather, while others choose to close their eyes and feel the wind blow, she said.
"Some of these dogs have been at Chicago Animal Care and Control for months," Lauch later added in a written statement. "You can see as soon as they walk through the exit door, they know that they are free. Volunteering enriches the dogs lives and there are days when it is very difficult to deal with the loss [that] we see. While sometimes heartbreaking, it is very rewarding. Freedom rides are by far my favorite thing about being a volunteer and I sincerely thank the rescues for trusting me with their dogs."
Here are some of the pictures:

 

 

 

 

All photos are courtesy of the CACC Transport Team. Check out more of their good deeds on Facebook.

Meet Volunteer - Peggy Brackett

Hola, friends of Amigos de los Animales.

My name is Peggy Brackett.  I was born and raised in Farmington, Maine – a small town of about 7,000 people, located in the western part of the state.  I grew up on a family farm, surrounded by cows, horses, pigs and chickens – as well as our household pets, dogs and cats.

In my 20’s, I moved to Colorado, which has been my home base ever since, although I return to Maine as often as possible to reconnect with family and friends.  By profession, I am a Certified Public Accountant.

For the past several seasons, I have been living in my condo in the Marina Mazatlán area for six months each year.  I am a watercolor artist and show my work during the monthly First Friday Art Walk in El Centro.  I also enjoy water exercise, reading and traveling around Mexico – taking a vacation within a vacation. 

I became involved with Amigos de los Animales about four years ago.  I helped set up the Amigos bazar (thrift store), which is located on the second floor of the shelter, and have been working one or two shifts each week since that opening.  All money from the sale of items in the bazar directly supports the shelter animals.

Working in the bazar allows me to see the level of dedication and commitment that the staff and volunteers have for our homeless animals.  I invite each of you to visit the shelter to see the operation first-hand.  I also encourage you to support Amigos in any way possible – from donating your unwanted items to sell at the bazar, walking dogs, playing with cats and kittens or working at the bazar.  It is a wonderful way to give back to Mazatlán.

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 Gerardo - Amigos new President!

Gerardo Boccara, RVT, AaS, VDT (ASVDT)

My love and advocacy for companion animals came at an early age (10yo) as my Mother bred and showed Champion German Shepherds.  With that came very costly Veterinary care, and my Mother thought it was good training for her sons to learn the value of an honest day’s work by defraying those costs as kennel attendants at the Veterinary hospital – I was hooked!

For the next 9 years, I was forced to make a difficult choice between my love for animals, my extensive Ballet training, the Family business (restaurants), and my studies.  Unfortunately, my Family made the decision for me to concentrate on my studies, and to learn the Family business from the ground up.  By the time I was 16, I decided to take reigns.  So, I left home, graduated High School, continued my blossoming dance career, and eventually ended up moving to New York with hopes of joining Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre.  While there, I was scouted for a Modern Dance company that was moving to Paris, France and I was on my way to incredible things.  I not only worked as a principal dancer for the company, but also worked as a choreographer for the Lido, The Folles Bergere, Moulin Rouge, and the Paradis Latin.  Even though I was able to travel through most of Europe doing what I loved in my heart, something was missing. So, I came back to the US after 2 ½ years with a pocket full of money and purchased one of the Family restaurants by 20yo in addition to continuing my education.  In my off time, I volunteered at multiple Animal Hospitals in the San Francisco Bay Area – again, I was hooked!
 Within the last 29+ years, I’ve obtained a vast knowledge base with regard to Animal Health because I possess current and valid National and California Registered Veterinary Technician’s licenses. I also possess a degree in Animal Science and special certifications in the areas of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Oncology, Emergency and Critical Care, and Dentistry.

My proudest achievement in the field of Animal health was becoming the Program Director of the Veterinary Technology Program at Western Career College (now DeVry) in San Jose, California for 6 years.  In this appointment, I was responsible for the management and education of 300+ person student body and department.  I managed a staff of 6 (3 instructors, 2 lab assistants, and a Veterinarian), and in addition to instruction, I was responsible for supervising the care of the 10 resident animals according to IACUC regulations.  I was the Chairperson for the Advisory Committee, and was responsible for the communication and compliance with all AVMA, CVTEA, VMB, and OSHA regulations.  I also analyzed, researched, and updated the curriculum according to industry standards and was responsible for adjusting the chronological format of the curriculum delivery to ensure that the student body was able to conceptualize the fundamentals and practical applications of Veterinary Technology in addition to memorization.  I monitored student academic progress and applied disciplinary action or awarded student achievement accordingly.  Another important aspect of my duties included the mitigation and maintenance of program spending and cost to ensure that we stayed within the fiscal and recurring budgets.  I developed and implemented a rescue and adoption program at this site for unwanted and special needs patients.  I also motivated students to develop a fund-raising program (grooming and vaccine clinics) to care for the needs of these temporary residents.

I come to ADLA as a retired and fulfilled Man after almost 30 years in the field of Animal Health.  I bring with me many experiences and a multitude of knowledge.  All I’ve really ever wanted was to quietly make a big difference in the lives of those that have no choice and no voice. 


   

Walk for Animals

The basic translation for the poster is as follows:

Walk for the well-being of animals

Saturday  May 24, 2014

5K Run

Walk with your pet 1K

Place:  Malecon Next to Valentinos

Space is limited

Sponsored by Royal Canin (Pet Food)

Sign-up and Information:

Tickets are available from March 10 through 9 May 2014 at Veterinary Clinics and Animal Protection Associations.

Tickets are 100 pesos each and each ticket holder will receive an official T-Shirt.

The proceeds will be distributed to the following Animal Protection Associations of Mazatlan

AMMVEPE - Amigos Sin Voz A.C.. - Mish Y Miau - Gatos Pachones - ECM (Milan dog school) - Amigos de los Animales A.C.  - Amigos Del "Boris"

Annual General Meeting

Amigos de los Animales General Meeting

Amigos de los Animales will be having their Annual General Meeting on May 8^th 2014 at Palapa De Mar, next to Casa Country in Sabalo Country.

Time will be 5:00 p.m.

There is plenty of parking in the back.

Public is welcome

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.