We have all heard the horror stories about the “dog gangs” in Mexico. “Beware of vicious dog gangs that roam the streets day and night!”
I would agree that depending on what area of Mexico you currently live in or planning to visit you may still encounter a gang of dogs. These dog gangs along with stray dogs survive on the streets by tipping over garbage cans or looking for handouts by some willing passerby. Some with aggressive behavior towards humans which is very scary to experience firsthand. Thankfully here in Loreto over the years many volunteers along with the municipality have come together working hard to eliminate the “dog gangs” that once roamed the streets of Loreto.
Looking back in years past the municipality did its best to control the dog gangs and strays in the streets, but they could not. The situation was unpleasant for locals and tourist alike. Loreto even received negative reviews on travel sites.
Volunteers, Donations & Fund Raisers
Two wonderful organizations blossomed from the need to fix the dog problem in Loreto, both are supported by volunteers, donations, and fund raisers. The two organizations are SOAR and Animalandia.
SOAR (Support Oregon Animal Rescue) got a start here in Loreto in 2011. SOAR transports animals from Loreto, BCS to loving homes in Portland, Oregon, or to no-kill shelters in Oregon which have experienced a 100% success rate with our Loreto dogs! SOAR also provides dog food along with spay and neuter services for the local community in need.
Animalandia is a volunteer spay, neuter, adopt and education non- profit facility in Loreto and works hand in hand with Soar. Animalandia is a government recognized animal rescue organization throughout all of Mexico. The purpose of this organization is to improve the quality of life for the animals and people of Loreto, Baja California Sur.
Animallandia is similar in comparison to a shelter back in the United States where animals are brought in, cared for, nursed back to health in some cases with the end goal of adoption either by a local family here in Loreto or to one who is traveling back to the United States or Canada, or by means of SOAR.
Both organizations are supported with volunteers to foster animals, work at the shelter feeding, cleaning up after, playing with and giving love to all these wonderful animals while they wait for adoption.
If you have ever adopted an animal you know how gratifying that is, but when you adopt a Loreto dog, they are a different breed all together! They are so grateful of you! The relationship and bond you will share with them is one of loyalty, love, friendship and for the most part obedience. Like any other dog they do have a personality of their own, but they are simply the best!
Having had three of these special dogs since I have been here, I can tell you first hand they are wonderful additions to anyone’s home and family!
For more information about how to volunteer, donate or contribute to the cost of sponsoring an animal to travel to Oregon please contact either SOAR or Animalandia today, they need all the help they can get to keep these programs going here in Loreto!
SOAR ~ SOARloreto@gmail.com
Animalandia ~ Animalandiabaja@gmail.com