If Our Pets Could Talk

By Jackie Kellum

We are starting the holiday season and I would ask you to consider starting a new giving tradition. Rather than struggle to find that ‘perfect’ gift for someone, give a donation to a charity in that person’s name. This type of giving is a win-win situation for the giver, the person being honored by the donation, and the organization. Since this is a pet column, I will list those animal organizations who would be most appreciative of your thoughtfulness and donation.

For Cats lovers: “Casa Miau” - “Casa Miau” is a small cat sanctuary, funded by a local dedicated couple providing foster care, including rehabilitation, socialization, vaccinations and sterilization for a group of abandoned and abused cats, while they await their forever home. For adoptions and donations: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. LFA-- Lakeside Friends of the Animals, purpose is to educate and assist Mexican Nationals of limited means with the care of their pets.. There is a LFA cat shelter.

For adoptions and donations: lfachapala.wixsite.com/cat-shelter/about-us.

For Dogs lovers: “The Ranch ” – Lake Chapala Spay and Neuter - For 18 years, “The Ranch,” a no-kill dog shelter, has been providing loving care and shelter to abused and abandoned dogs, awaiting their forever homes. - - For donations: www.lakesidespayandneutercenter.com, for adoptions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. “Lucky Dog” - Lucky Dog is a limited admission dog shelter near the village of Santa Cruz. This rural setting allows for ample daily exercise of their dogs and puppies. Although they have some large dogs, they mainly have small – medium-sized dogs.  

For donations or to volunteer: https://www.luckydoglakechapala.com

Local Spay and Neuter [On-site] Clinics: They help reduce pet over-population in our community, by providing free animal sterilization clinics   on a regular basis to Mexican Nationals of limited means. These pet owners love their animal, but because of limited finances or lack of Vet access, they cannot have this surgery for their pet without the help of the community. Through on-going educational efforts, there has been a visible cultural change and acceptance of animal sterilization to the point where more male dogs have been brought to the clinics for sterilization. There are two separate organizations, because there are two separate municipalities who need to give authorization for the respective clinic’s work. In the East is Chapala, where “Operacion Amor” functions. In the West is Jocotopec, where “Tails of Mexico” does their clinics. Each organization is comprised of Ex-pats and Mexican volunteers, and specialty Veterinarians who are paid a fee for the surgeries. Many of the volunteers offer their assistance in both organizations. There are some local Vets who also volunteer their services at these clinics. Each group does funding raising to pay for the various medications and surgical supplies needed for their clinics. “Operacion Amor” --This group has been providing free cat and dog sterilization surgeries since 2011. As of this date, they have done over 3,000 surgeries. Most of the clinics are held in Chapala, with some clinics held in outlying towns who have limited Vet access. For donations and volunteer, contact Cameron: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

“Tails of Mexico” has two major functions within its organization - (A)–Providing education and free spay/neuter clinics for the pets of Mexican villagers and street dogs within the Municipality of Joctopec. Some clinics are held in small outlying villages where Vet access is limited or non-existent. For donation and   volunteer, contact Cheryl— This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and (B) Pre-screened and health certified dogs from selected shelters, rescuers and foster homes are transported NOB to awaiting welcoming homes and owners. An organized procedure is followed to meet travel requirements including health certificates, vaccinations, and buying travel crates, plane tickets, securing a person to accompany the dog, etc...For donations and volunteer,- contact: Cari LeClair at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Thank you for your support by volunteering and donations for these organizations. Your help is appreciated. Wishing you all a Happy Holiday and a Healthy and Joyous New Year!