PART 4 IN THE SERIES “MEXICO’S STREET DOG HEROES”
Today it’s our turn to introduce you to some of Tulum’s tireless animal advocates. The region needs them desperately because this popular tourist destination on Mexico’s Riviera Maya has serious problems. It’s unfortunate and sad to say that they are caused by the vast number of dogs that roam the streets.
HELP TULUM DOGS
Messaging And Goals
Co-founded by Lisa Edwards and Cathy Cairelli, Help Tulum Dogs is an organization with the following mission. It aims to better serve local residents by promoting the welfare of the canines that live among them. This includes the dogs in their care in addition to homeless ones that live on the streets. Not surprisingly, this non-profit operates solely on donations and volunteer work. Furthermore, it also relies on generously discounted medical attention provided by local veterinarians.
“We have a huge dog overpopulation. Unfortunately, that becomes even more problematic because the predominantly Mayan community has limited education and financial means,” Edwards explains. “Our principle goal is to sterilize the majority of dogs here, however, this is definitely a long-term process.” She added that what they are able to accomplish depends on the generosity of their dedicated Tulum animal welfare supporters.
Reducing The Numbers Humanely
In the second half of 2018, Help Tulum Dogs held a weekend-long spay/neuter clinic that was very well attended. As a result, the number of animals that were sterilized, and also dewormed, totaled 302!
Not A Single Shelter
Now let me point out that Tulum does not have any shelters. However, the residents step up and do whatever they can to alleviate the suffering of its countless homeless pets. “In the past we’ve tried to put out water buckets for dogs on the street, but they’ve been stolen,” Edwards explained. “Feeders weren’t a success either. Things quickly get moldy in this tropical environment and then we worry about people poisoning the dogs. Sadly this is a reality here.”
Ava was picked up off the streets in really bad shape by Help Tulum Dogs 
Amazing how this same dog flew off to a new life, in a new country
Flying To Foster Thanks To Lost Dog Foundation
Firstly, I’d like to mention that here is a topic that’s simply not getting the attention it deserves. And, although this is just an introduction, I will be mentioning it again in next week’s article.
Lost Dog Foundation (LDF) is a US registered charity started by Lisa Edwards. Most significantly, they rescue dogs from high kill shelters and other hopeless situations in Mexico and the United States. In addition to that, the canines then fly to the safety of foster homes in other US locations as well as Canada. Also, because LDF has developed an amazing network of foster families, they can match dogs with people looking to adopt. Over 600 adult dogs and puppies have been placed in homes in a period of just seven years. Now, that is quite an achievement!
Follow Help Tulum Dogs on Facebook: www.facebook.com/helptulumdogs
To donate, foster or adopt, please email: helpmexicandogs@hotmail.com
ALMA ANIMAL TULUM
An Animal’s Soul
In 2018, after ten years working towards a common goal, a small group of volunteers filed for legal status. The decision to officially comply with Quintana Roo state’s law that applies to animal protection and wellbeing was a sound one. That’s because Alma (Spanish for “soul”) Animal Tulum can now receive monetary donations to boost its support base.
Maribel Cruz is one of the original rescuers who strive to improve the lives of sick, abused and homeless dogs and cats. “We do our best but wish we could do more. Either we don’t have the financial resources or we are unable to house them,” she says. The fact is that hardly any residents are able to foster these animals until they can go to permanent homes.
Dedicated Tulum Animal Welfare Supporters
As you’ll have noticed from previous articles in this series, educating the local community is an ongoing effort. Also, it is very time-consuming. Nevertheless, the tireless animal advocates of Tulum know that it is the only way to bring about change. Two of the important areas they deal with are curbing the birth rate and keeping the animals parasite-free.
Anti-Parasite Initiative
Working together with the local health department, AAT helped organize the first anti-parasite event ever held here. By providing antiparasitic medications for dogs and cats, their human caregivers can also stay healthy. And, let’s remember the veterinarians who donate their time at these events to support animal welfare in Tulum.
Spay And Neuter Campaigns
Although not directly involved in organizing them, AAT volunteers always participate in municipal canine and feline spay/neuter events. Encouragingly, more and more families bring their pets for this no-charge service. And, furthermore, AAT also takes animals off the streets so they can be sterilized, too.
Social Media Works
Nowadays, having a social media presence is a vital part of rescuing. Personally, I receive all AAT’s Facebook notifications. That way I am up-to-date on lost and found cases, veterinary interventions, adoption success stories, fundraisers and so on. This is definitely hard work, but very necessary for any animal rescue organization to be successful.
Raising Child Awareness
AAT realizes the importance of reaching out to children. They can teach them compassion from an early age, and find meaningful ways to engage with them. “During our anti-parasite campaign we had a drawing competition,” Cruz explained. “It’s a great way to reach future generations. They learn responsible behavior and kindness towards all animals.”
Follow Alma Animal Tulum on Facebook: www.facebook.com/almaanimaltulum
To donate you can do so via PayPal. Just click on the DONATE button at the top of their Facebook page or go directly to PayPal paypal.me/almaanimaltulum
To Sum Up
Here are some of the people who deserve credit for the efforts described in this week’s blog. They are the heroes. Thank you for what you do!
- Help Tulum Dogs: Lisa Edwards, Cathy Cairelli, Richelle Morgan, Juan Goicoechea and Claire & Lanny Vogel,
- Alma Animal Tulum: Maribel García and her fellow volunteers
- Lost Dog Foundation
- Playa Pet Tulum and other local veterinary clinics
- All non-profit partners in Mexico, USA and Canada
- All fosters, sponsors and donors
- The municipal government of the city of Tulum
Please be sure to check in next week. We’ll be going north to Isla Mujeres to find out what is involved when people in Canada and the USA want to adopt a dog from Mexico.
Together, let’s keep our precious pets healthy, happy and safe!
The Complete Series
In case you missed any of the other articles in this series of six, here’s your chance to catch up now.
MEXICO’S STREET DOG HEROES https://petpeevesunmasked.com/mexicos-street-dog-heroes/
DOG HOUSES SHELTER MEXICO’S PETS https://petpeevesunmasked.com/dog-houses-shelter-Mexico’s-pets/
VETERINARY MEDICINE IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN https://petpeevesunmasked.com/veterinary-medicine-in-Playa-del-Carmen/
CANADIANS ADOPT HOMELESS MEXICAN PUPPIES
https://petpeevesunmasked.com/canadians-adopt-homeless-mexican-puppies/
CANCUN DOG RESCUER SAVED CHICA https://petpeevesunmasked.com/cancun-dog-rescuer-saved-chica/