Heather in Paradise

Posted by: heatherinparadise | August 24, 2011

Adios, Sophia. Que le vaya bien!

While we were unable to find a pet escort flying to Seattle, Laura from Coco’s Cat Rescue came up with the great idea to fly Sophia with a willing pet escort who was flying from Cancun to Vancouver, BC, by way of Dallas. Once in Vancouver, Sophia would be fostered for 4 days before her new adoptive family could drive from Seattle to pick her up. My dear friend, Leasa, immediately volunteered to foster Sophia in her home near Vancouver (in fact, she practically threatened bodily harm if I DIDN’T allow her to foster for a few days) , and then offered to drive to meet the new adoptive family that weekend on the US side of the border, to save them some time.

Friends, getting this puppy to her new adoptive home was truly a triumph of teamwork and compassionate collaboration. On Tuesday, August 16, Russell and I drove Sophia over to the Vidas clinic site, where Andrea from CANDi was waiting to bring her to the airport to meet the pet escort she’d found, a kind lady named Susan who is apparently a veteran pet escort.

Laura from Coco's takes a break from her Vidas duties to give Sophia a hug goodbye

Andrea from CANDi and Sherry from VIDAS smooch Sophia for good luck on her journey

This is where it got a little ugly. I had been so focused on finding a way to get Sophia to Seattle and her new adoptive parents that I hadn’t gotten around to realizing we were actually going to have to give her up. Sophia turned out to be the most wonderful puppy, so playful, but relaxed and obedient–a true joy to be around. As I held her that morning, reality started to set in and I felt these very strong, conflicting emotions building up in me–true joy in knowing she would be in a loving home, combined with tremendous sadness that I would no longer get to know her. Finally, I couldn’t help it anymore. I cried.

I do believe Russell's photo perfectly captured my happy/sad state.

Sophia is so clever, she drove herself to the airport

Andrea let us know later that Sophia was great on the ride to the airport, apart from barfing all over the place. Once at the airport, Andrea made the puppy ‘handoff’ to Susan. Susan reported that Sophia was a perfect angel on the both the flight to Dallas and the subsequent one to Vancouver. She apparently charmed everyone so much that Susan was allowed to have her snuggling on her lap for much of the flight.

Susan showing off Sophia napping in her carrier, hugging her favorite toy between her paws

My friend Leasa met Susan late that evening at the airport in Vancouver to take Sophia to her temporary home.

As Russell said, she's come a loooong way from the chicken coop!

Sophia giving her foster mom, Leasa, some loves

It didn’t take Sophia long to make herself right at home at Leasa’s. After a brief standoff, Leasa’s dog Moses even took to liking Sophia. Leasa reported that Sophia was a lovely houseguest, doing her business outside like she should and being a good, well-behaved little pup…except for barfing in the car on the way home from the airport (Poor Sophia!).

Sophia immediately made herself at home on the couch (Russell, don't look!)

Do you remember what it felt like the first time you ever rolled around in soft, green grass?

Look, Lady, you're not getting me off this grass for a while, so just give up.

Sophia even got to go to work with Leasa

First time at the beach!

Leasa had to do some back-to-school shopping for her kids, which she normally does in the US, so she arranged to meet Sophia’s adoptive parents, Traci and Josh, across the border in Bellingham, WA. Understandably, Sophia was a little freaked out by all the changes she’d been going through, but Traci didn’t report any barfing in the car, so perhaps Sophia’s acclimating to vehicular travel.

Ok, big guy, I'm a little shy right now, but give me a few minutes and I'm gonna adore you.

Traci and Josh's dog, Howie, didn't think much of Sophia that first or second day

...But Traci came home from work the next day to this happy little crew. Well, Howie still looks a little put out, but he'll fall in love with Sophia eventually, everyone does.

Traci says Sophia (whom they are now calling 'Sophie') reminds her of a spider

Both Russell and I miss Sophia, but have been happy to monitor her adventure from afar. Leasa and Traci have been just wonderful to share with us photos and videos of Sophia’s transition–thank goodness I am facebook friends with them both!

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank everyone who had a hand in helping Sophia get to a home where she will be cherished, cared for, and loved. Knowing people like you is what keeps me tied to this earth.

8 Comments

Posted in Charity, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized | Tags: Candi, Coco's Cat Rescue, pet rescue, rescue dogs, Vidas

Posted by: heatherinparadise | August 12, 2011

The Latest Scoop from Poochville

All the pups were reunited as Russell dogsat for Monkey/Kaya. Russell's training has paid off in eliminating mealtime chaos.

We seem to be in the final stretch here in Dogtown, but when they said “It’s always darkest before the dawn,” they sure weren’t kidding. We’ve got a couple of hurdles to jump that I’ll tell you about in a few.

First, I am happy to report that we have found a loving home for Chiquita, Margie’s smallest and feistiest pup. I made flyers and hung them around town. I received a couple of calls from male callers looking for purebreds (more specifically pit bulls–guess what these jerks wanted those breeds for..grrrr) which I promptly turned away. Then I got a call from lovely Luz, who didn’t ask one question about the breed and was eager to meet the puppies the same day, as her little boys are animal lovers who woke up every day begging for a dog. Luz walked in, saw Chiquita, and it was love at first sight on both ends. Chiquita jumped right up into Luz’s lap and licked her face, something I had never seen her do.

Chiquita showing Luz and Omar some love

Santiago, Chiquita, Luz, and Omar; A happy family.

Chiquita‘s departure left Sophia, El Niño, and Margie still looking for homes. I was contacted on Playa.info by a kind woman named Traci who has often contributed to various charities with which I’ve been involved. I was so excited when she told me she’d LOVE to give Sophia a loving home, but unfortunately we have experienced a few hurdles.

First, at this time of the year, animals can only fly in cabin, not in cargo, as it is too hot. Traci can only adopt Sophia as a puppy, since she has to introduce her to her existing dog who is okay with puppies, but not larger dogs, so we have no option to foster Sophia until she could fly in cargo when the embargo is lifted in October. Sophia is still small enough to fly in cabin, but she won’t be for long, so we had to scramble to find a ‘mule’ leaving Playa who would be willing to take Sophia. Traci lives in Seattle–another hurdle, as it’s not a major airline hub and there aren’t as many people traveling from Playa to Seattle as there are from Playa to, say, Dallas or Miami.

We found a kind and willing mule in my friend (and dentist) Dr. Jorge Armenta, who happens to be flying soon to Seattle on vacation. As luck would have it, sadly, his airline does not permit in-cabin pets on international flights unless they are service dogs, so this left us back at Square One. We have a loving home in Seattle and a puppy here in Playa who needs to get there–is there anyone flying from Cancun to Seattle within the next week or so who would be willing to help? Coco’s Cat Rescue will help us with the necessary health certificate, we will drive you to the Cancun airport and wait to make sure all goes well, and Traci will pay for the pup’s flight fee and meet you at the SeaTac airport to collect Sophia and take her to her new home.

Please help me get to Seattle. There is a family there who loves me.

If we are able to find a mule for Sophia, this would leave only El Niño and Margie. Coco’s Cat Rescue work together with an animal rescue organization in Dallas, so this coming Tuesday, if he has not yet found a home, we can send him to Dallas, where the organization there will find a home in the US for him. The cost of this flight for him is 110 usd; if there is anyone so moved to donate to cover these costs, we would be so appreciative. If you would like to donate toward this flight, please click here and put “Russell’s Puppies” in the comment section so they know where to apply the donation. You can also find Coco’s Cat Rescue’s Wish list on their site for items they need that you could bring down if you’re planning to visit the area.

I might get to go to Dallas!

Another obstacle is the need for donated soft-sided pet carriers to fly these puppies to the US. Andy from Peanut Pet Shelter has kindly offered to lend us one for Sophia if she is able to make her trip. We also have a couple of people who have offered to bring soft carriers down; they won’t be here in time for these pups, but this is an ongoing need, so if you’re coming to the area, love animals, and want to help, it’s an easy thing to bring down to donate. You can find Peanut Pet Shelter’s Wish List here.

Mama Margie will be the last dog left at la Casa de Russell

When we’ve solved the pressing issue of finding homes for the puppies (they are the priority, since it’s easier to find homes for puppies than adult dogs), we will begin searching in earnest for the perfect home for Margie. Russell is willing to foster her until October (with some occasional dog-sitting by Aunt Heather), when more options will open up for her, as she’ll then be able to fly as cargo to a potential home in the US or Canada. Both of us are concerned with ensuring all of these dogs will be going to a home where they will be treated as beloved companions and family members, with dignity and respect–not just to be chained up or put on the rooftop for security (Mexico’s ‘roof dogs’ make me inexpressibly sad). In that vein, we will say ‘no’ to a home we don’t feel is right for Margie and her pups, who have already been through so much in their short lives and deserve good, loving homes.

The last item I have to report is that tomorrow, I will be volunteering in the recovery room for the kickoff of the annual Vidas Spay/Neuter clinic. Last year, Vidas spayed/neutered 800 dogs and cats for free–animals that could potentially have bred to put thousands more unwanted animals on Playa del Carmen’s streets. This tireless organization works hard to educate locals about the importance of spaying/neutering and to help change, little by little, the prevailing attitude against the sterilization of pets. Last night, a neighbor railed at me a bit when I tried to discuss the Vidas clinic with him, asking me WHY I was interested in sterilizing animals…hopefully my poor Spanish was good enough to explain my point of view (he’s an Italian man who shares a commonly-held Mexican view that it is ‘wrong’ to ever neuter a male dog and wrong to spay a female before she’s had at least one litter of puppies).

Vidas still needs volunteers for this clinic, if anyone is interested in helping out. I know it will be tiring, but rewarding work.

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Posted in Charity, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized | Tags: Coco's Cat Rescue, dog rescue, Peanut Pet Shelter, Playa del Carmen, puppies, rescue dogs, Riviera Maya, Vidas

Posted by: heatherinparadise | August 7, 2011

And from the “No Good Deed Goes Unpunished” File…

This morning, I woke up to the following anonymous email in my inbox:

Dear Heather,
Many people think its shitty of you to support Coco’s Cat
Rescue. And further more, you shouldn’t give them credit
for helping with Russel’s puppies. They didn’t do anything
it was THE VET that did everything. Coco’s is nothing but
a bunch of vindictive women who hate Andy. Please show your
support for PPS too. It if you are going to remain inpartial
than you should remain impartially fair. What you support reflects
poorly on you. Just remember that. your wlecome

While I don’t give much credence to the convictions of those too cowardly to attach their names to them, I am taking this misinformed personal attack as an opportunity to promote even further one of the causes dearest to my heart: The plight of sick, mistreated, and stray animals of Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas.

This letter references a long-standing conflict between Peanut Pet Shelter and Coco’s Cat Rescue, both local animal rescue organizations that have been in operation for several years. As I have from the nascence of each organization, I continue to support both, since my primary concern is, and will always be, helping the animals.

My family and I have purchased raffle tickets, raised funds via this blog, have purchased calendars and cookbooks, have donated food and other items that could be sold to raise funds, and have donated our time to market fundraisers on multiple media outlets and to ‘vote’ for one cash prize or another to be won by the participating organization. I won’t tally the ‘score’ of what I’ve done for each organization because really, it’s not Anonymous Letter Writer’s business to know how I choose to divide my charitable energy.

My friend Russell rescued a dog and her puppies, and chose to call Coco’s for assistance because he has a close relationship with the organization. Coco’s has bathed, de-ticked, de-parasited, spayed/neutered, and given vaccinations to these animals. When mama dog Margie was too sick to be treated at Coco’s, they referred Russell to a wonderful vet with lower-than-normal rates who was able to save the dog’s life.

I have no doubt that had Peanut Pet Shelter been called in this case, they too would have helped–even stretched to their limits as they are, currently with 18 or 20 puppies and dozens of adult dogs who need re-homing.

The last thing I will say about Anonymous Letter Writer’s ignorant missive is this: I think those who work with animals day in and day out, particularly here in Mexico, face an uphill battle and a seemingly endless struggle. It is wrong for me or anyone else to armchair quarterback the decisions they make or criticize how they deal with the immense challenges they face. They do the best they can, and that’s all anyone can ask or expect. I respect the hell out of anyone who has chosen to make this their life’s work and will continue to support ALL organizations whose mission is to help this area’s animals (PPS, Coco’s, Rescate Malix, Vidas, and others).

As for Anonymous Letter Writer, I urge you to redirect your energy from attacking those trying to do good in the world (and embarrassing/harming the very organization you purport to champion) to coming up with ways to help Peanut Pet Shelter find homes for all the animals in their care. As the saying goes, if you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.

12 Comments

Posted in Charity, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized | Tags: Coco's Cat Rescue, Peanut Pet Shelter, Playa del Carmen, puppies, Rescue animals, rescue dogs

Posted by: heatherinparadise | August 3, 2011

Latest Pupdate from Pupsburg

Rowwwwrrrr

Well, unfortunately we have no new adoptions to report. The pups are healthy, playful, and getting more well-behaved by the day. They are also getting a little bit bigger every day, so we’re starting to feel a little nervous. We know how important it is to find homes for them while they are still little and cute.

When I offered to help get the dogs adopted, I guess I expected it would be easy–that people would hear Margie’s story, see photos of her and the pups, and they’d fly out of our arms into good homes faster than cherry pie disappears in my house. But that hasn’t been the case so far. Lots of sympathetic people say “I wish I could have one” or “Oh, if I could, I would take them all,” but that’s the last we hear about it.

I did receive a call from an ad we placed in Andale Classifieds, but I suspect he was hoping for a purebred (ugh). Then Andale’s site got hacked and is still down, so no more responses from the ad. I made a flyer (one in English, one in Spanish) and plan to have that printed and distributed around town today, hitting vet’s offices, pet stores, and everywhere else I can think of.

The truth is, I feel a little out of my league. I’ve never been responsible for finding homes for animals, so I don’t really know what I’m doing. Russell doesn’t complain, but I know it has been exhausting for him to take care of all those pups and Margie day after day. Plus, his plan is to volunteer to help at the local rescue/Zootherapy organization, SOS El Arca, but he can’t do that until he’s satisfied his obligations here.

Would any of you be willing to help by sharing my blog links to Margie’s story or sharing this link to a bunch of cute photos of the dogs? Also, if any of you have any suggestions for what else I can do to help find homes for these dogs, I would be greatly appreciative. As much as it will sting to see the pups go, it will be a tremendous relief to know they will be well cared-for and loved.

Please help us if you can. Thank you, friends.

2 Comments

Posted in Charity, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen | Tags: dog rescue, dogs, Mexican street dogs, puppies, Puppy adoption, puppy rescue, street dogs

Posted by: heatherinparadise | July 26, 2011

Dispatches From Dogville

I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read Margie’s story. So many of you passed along good wishes, wrote nice comments, and even sent some much appreciated donations to Coco’s Cat Rescue. It warms my heart to know there are people all over the world caring about a poor street dog they’ve never met. A lot has happened in the week since the last blog, so we thought it was time to update everyone on the status of Russell’s foster menagerie. *All photos credited to Russell Granger*

Rusty the Cat was lucky enough to find a home with Carboncitos’ famous ‘Jimmy Da Waiter.’ Rusty went to his new home already neutered and with his first round of vaccinations completed. Things are a little bit less exciting around Russell’s house now that the puppies can no longer torture poor Rusty.

Sophia smiles to herself imagining her plan of attack as Rusty throws a disgusted side-eye

Rusty was glad to be adopted first--he never had a moment's peace with the pups

Russell was contacted soon after Margie’s first blog by our friend Deb and her boyfriend, Antonio. They are a young couple with huge hearts who’ve already opened their home to a few kitties. Fortunately, being raised around Rusty has meant these puppies are cool with cats.

Antonio, Deb, and The Puppy Formerly Known As Monkey (now Kaya)

Deb and Antonio visited Margie and the puppies and fell head-over-heels for little Monkey. After allowing Monkey a few more days under Margie’s tutelage, they picked up their little girl last Friday, renaming her “Kaya.” Monkey/Kaya went to her new home already spayed and with her first round of vaccinations–her new owners will hook up with Russell to keep her on the correct vaccination schedule. Russell admitted that seeing Monkey go was bittersweet, but he felt good sending off a healthy, happy, well-adjusted puppy who will now have a wonderful new life with this young, energetic, and loving couple.

Margie and three of her puppies still need homes. All of them will go for their second round of vaccinations this week. Russell has spent many hours with Margie and her puppies, giving them (for the first time in their lives) a stable, ordered home with a consistent routine, and the positive effect this is having on them is immediately obvious when watching them play and interact with each other. Russell has trained them to sit and be calm before giving them their food, has done some leash training, and is now working on “stay.” This, combined with Margie’s gentle, but firm control is teaching them how to be great dogs.

Mama Margie correcting El Niño and Sophia

While all of the puppies are good and lovable dogs, they each have distinct personalities and differ from each other physically as well.

El Niño pondering

El Niño, the only boy of Margie’s remaining pups, has sleek, black, short fur and long legs–he’s like a lanky preteen basketball player. When he first came to Russell’s house, he was one of the smallest and most timid, but now he’s full of piss and vinegar just like a rowdy little boy should be. He was initially pretty vocal, but seems to be barking only when necessary now. He loves to scrap with his sisters over toys and rawhide bones and isn’t above playing with any unfortunate palmetto bug that comes his way.

Don't let this sweet, shy portrait fool you. Chiquita's a spitfire.

Chiquita was the runt of the litter and came to us scrawny and undernourished. Chiquita has short brown and black fur and looks the most like her mama. Though still the smallest, she’s now filling out and has the most fire of all the puppies. Margie seems to be taking special care with Chiquita, teaching her things she’s not yet showing the other pups. So far, Chiquita seems to be the most highly developed mentally and the most mature. She’s obedient and smart, but still playful and hilarious. This girl holds her own and I have to admit that I have a real soft spot for Chiquita (what can I say, I always root for the underdog).

Sophia is the best kind of gorgeous girl--oblivious to her own beauty

Sophia is the great beauty in the bunch. She was the fattest pup by far when she came to us, a big fuzzy black mush of a dollface. She’s still a good size, but is not fat, and has revealed herself to be a true lovebug. She can hold her own and play like the others, but is the first one to find a quiet corner and chill out when it’s time to relax. She loves affection and rolls over onto her back for a belly rub as soon as you get a hand near her. With her fuzzy, soft fur, white chest markings, and dark chocolate eyes, we have voted Sophia most likely to find herself wearing rhinestone and jewel-studded pink clothing in her new home. She’s fabulous, darling.

Margie is, quite simply, the coolest cucumber around

Ah, Margie, Margie, Margie. It’s hard to put Margie into words. She’s laidback, loving, sweet, and totally chill, but at the same time loyal and protective. She has a surprisingly startling bark for such a small dog, but only barks when necessary to alert us to some disturbance in the street. Margie gets along with everyone, be they human, dog, or cat and has a calming presence. Her tenacity in surviving the street, poor treatment, and the devastating illness that should have killed her perfectly illustrates the true grit and strong heart she has. Margie is smart, brave, and wise. It will be hard for me to let Margie go, and if it was at all possible for me to have another dog, I would keep her myself. As it stands, it is very important to me to find the perfect home for Margie; this special dog deserves the best. While I love all the puppies, it’s Margie I will cry about when she goes.

Margie rules

If any of you are interested in adopting Margie, Chiquita, Sophia, or El Niño, please let us know. Cross-border adoptions into the US or Canada are possible and easy; Coco’s Cat Rescue has generously offered to help us ensure all the paperwork is handled and we will help find a “mule” to fly your baby home to you. What a conversation-starter would these rescued Mexican puppies be, verdad?

By the way, in case I didn’t make it clear in my descriptions of the puppies, ALL of them are great with children (and Margie, too).

Pretty Perla Peppered With Puppies

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Posted in Charity, friends, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized | Tags: dog adoption, dogs, Mexican street dogs, puppies, rescue dogs

Posted by: heatherinparadise | July 14, 2011

Miracle Margie, her Wonder Pups, and a Cat Named Rusty: Part II

Once Russell had assumed responsibility for Margie, we visited the vet that evening to see if her condition had changed over the course of the day. The vet said he was impressed by Margie’s spirit and strength, and upgraded his prognosis for her to a 20% chance of survival. He stressed that most animals in the terrible pain that Margie was in would have already given up and died. We visited Margie, who was lying in a large crate, hooked up to IVs, feverish and mostly out of it. Russell held her head, stroked her, and whispered sweet things in her ear, telling her what a brave, strong dog she was. When he put in her crate the dirty tee shirt he had worn when bathing the puppies so she could smell his and her puppies’ scents, I cried.

On Day 3 of Margie’s illness, the vet was astounded by her amazing response to his treatment. She even began to eat again. To our surprise, Dr. Eduardo let us know that Margie could ‘come home’ and continue her treatment with several medications and proper care. Dr. Eduardo said the hole in her stomach had closed over and that she would no longer require surgery to close it. Russell and I picked Margie up that evening; I was completely bowled over by the transformation in the state of her. While still obviously weak and very ill, Margie could walk and wag her tail when two days prior she had been the very picture of death.

Dr. Eduardo applying frontline to Margie just before we took her home. The bandage from her IV had to remain on a long time, as her blood was not clotting properly.

Russell assumed responsibility for Margie’s hospital stay and opened his home to both her and her four remaining puppies (in the interim, another puppy had gone ‘missing’ from the chicken coop). The night we brought Margie home, she rested in Russell’s air-conditioned bedroom (she had to be kept apart from her litter for a while) and we spent hours picking hundreds of ticks from the puppies’ tiny bodies, bathed and dried them, and petted them as they drifted comfortably to sleep.

Play time the day after bathing and frontline

The puppies demanded some time on the Russell Playground

Russell, Tomas, Tomas’ cousin, and I banded together (with the invaluable help of Coco’s), vowing to get these puppies healthy and find them forever homes. Russell is caring for Margie and the puppies in his home, giving meds several times a day, feeding all five, and mopping up lots of puppy pee. He’s begun basic behavioral training with them, as well. Tomas and his cousin spent hours putting up wire fencing around the gate so neither the pups nor Margie could escape and be harmed by cars or poisonous garbage. As for me, I have committed to helping Margie, her puppies, and Rusty the Cat get adopted, which is why I am writing this blog.

The Great Mop String Tug of War Incident of July, 2011

Monkey, about to chomp on Chiquita's tail

After a week of rest, Margie was reunited with her litter, though we have to keep a close eye on them to ensure they do not nurse (Margie is still on medication). Margie’s wonderful mothering instincts are no worse for the wear; she still keeps her little ones and Rusty the Cat in line with her laid back, but firm manner.

Keeping an eye on Rusty and the as-yet-unnamed black fluffalumpagus

Looks like someone just broke open a piñata full of dog kibble

Yesterday, Coco’s picked up the puppies to perform their sterilizations to ensure none of them will be responsible for adding to the already overwhelming stray animal population in Playa del Carmen. The puppies also received their first round of required immunizations; once these immunizations are complete, they will be healthy, strong, and ready to bless some lucky humans’ lives with their love. Margie, too, will be vaccinated and spayed as soon as she is strong enough to withstand the operation.

Three puppies in various stages of recovery – Chiquita sleeping off anesthesia, El Niño groggily snacking, and Monkey snooping around her crate, fully awake.

As I sit here and write this story, I find myself reeling at how much has happened in such a short period of time and I feel blessed to have borne witness to the miracle that was Margie’s recovery. I am convinced that the reason she recovered, at least in part, is because on some level she knew there was a vet who refused to give up on her and people who cared that she was born and wanted desperately for her to live. After all, isn’t being wanted as important to the sustenance of the soul as food and water is to the body?

This is what requited love looks like.

After a week in Russell’s care, the puppies are happy, clean, playful little characters that live for feeding times and love to torture Rusty the Cat. Rusty the Cat plays with the puppies, incredibly tolerant of their puppy exuberance and friendly nips. Margie’s eyes are bright and she’s got most of her spunk and energy back already.

Family

Russell says that dogs and cats are domesticated animals, not meant to be roaming the streets fending for themselves. While doing all this work has been a learning opportunity and rewarding experience for him, he finds it also proves the need for global education regarding pet care.

As Antoine de St. Exupery’s fox says in the book The Little Prince, Men have forgotten this truth…but you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.

So chill, she doesn't even mind when Rusty eats her food.

If you are interested in adopting Miracle Margie, Rusty the Cat, or any of the Wonder Puppies, please let us know. We think it would be cool if Margie and Rusty could be adopted together; they have a great relationship. International adoptions are possible and easy; we will ensure the process is streamlined and no hassle.

Rusty: "I'm crushing your head." Margie: "Shut it, Cat."

That was exhausting. Let's rest.

Russell has absorbed the expense of caring for these animals as a gift to Margie and her family, and is not asking for donations to defray these costs. If you would like to make a donation to help other animals, however, please feel free to donate to Coco’s Cat Rescue, with a note explaining that your donation is in honor of “Russell’s puppies.”

If you need Veterinary care in Playa del Carmen, please consider supporting Dr. Eduardo Cardenas of Hospipet, Blvd. Colosio, Mz 1 Lot 37, Col, Santa Fe. Phone (984) 873-0000 or (984) 109-4473

This is not the last you’ll hear about Margie, her puppies, and Rusty the Cat. I plan to document this experience and post photos of the animals until each of them has a home.

**all photos credited to Russell Granger**

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Posted in Charity, friends, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized | Tags: Coco's Cat Rescue, dog rescue, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, puppies, street dogs

Posted by: heatherinparadise | July 14, 2011

Miracle Margie, her Wonder Pups, and a Cat Named Rusty: Part I

About three or four months ago, a sweet little street dog started showing up at my friend Russell’s house. She was so thin she could fit right through the iron bars of his gate. He realized by observing her patterns that she ostensibly ‘belonged’ to a nearby neighbor, but was virtually allowed to fend for herself; she ate garbage, almost got hit by cars on the busy street and had no veterinary care. While he didn’t feel he had the authority to interfere with someone else’s dog, he loves animals, saw how thin and malnourished she was, and began feeding her. He began to call her “Margie,” after one of his feisty aunts.

Right around the same time, a scrawny, orange and white tabby cat started showing up, too. Margie got along great with the stray cat, whom I named Rusty for his coloring as well as his penchant for being a troublemaker (every Rusty I’ve ever known has been a handful). I began to imagine that Russell was a topic of conversation amongst the street animal population of the Ejido: Hey, man, go visit that gringo in the yellow house—he’ll feed you!

A couple of months passed and it became obvious that Margie was pregnant. When she showed up one day noticeably thinner, we realized she’d given birth. We presumed the litter was with the ‘owners,’ as we had not seen any of the puppies.

Margie's first time inside Russell's house; after giving birth

Margie brings Russell a couple of birthday gifts a day early on June 21

On June 21, Margie brought two of her puppies over to Russell’s house, then left, nipping and barking at the puppies to prevent them from leaving. I believe that Margie was trying to ‘gift’ her puppies to him, in an effort to save them. Here and there, Margie began bringing puppies covered with fleas and ticks, taking them away, then showing up again, sometimes alone just to eat and rest, and other times with a pup or two in tow.

Margie, her pup, and Rusty the Cat all get along great

Russell decided to talk to Margie’s owner to see if there was some way he could help get the dogs healthy and find good homes for them. He agreed to allow Russell to get Margie and the puppies bathed, de-parasited, and de-ticked. Margie had seven puppies in her litter, all of which were living in a chicken coop, surrounded by and eating feces. One of the puppies had recently gone missing and never returned.

Russell called Coco’s Cat Rescue; while their primary focus is on spaying/neutering Playa del Carmen’s stray and feral cat population and re-homing kittens, they are a compassionate organization and when needed or asked get involved with dog rescues as well. Cryss from Coco’s came out, brought Margie and her six puppies in to the clinic to bathe them, pick ticks, and give them anti-parasite meds, helped by Russell, his neighbor Tomas, and Tomas’ cousin. Tomas fell in love with one of the puppies and adopted it right away. The rest of the puppies and Margie were returned to the owner.

Tomas, his cousin, and Cryss from Coco's all pitch in to wash puppies

Cryss from Coco's Cat Rescue has a way with animals

Puppies getting clean

Margie looks thoroughly unimpressed with this whole new 'bath' thing

Sleepy clean puppy

So sweet and yummy I want to eat him up!

Another week or so went by, without marked improvement in how Margie and the puppies lived. On the morning of July 5, Tomas discovered Margie lying in Russell’s driveway, desperately sick, unable to walk, and panting heavily. Margie had eaten bad fish from someone’s garbage and one of the fish bones had punctured a hole in her stomach, poisoning her blood. It turned out that she suffered from Erlichea, a blood-borne tick disease that worsened the effects of the poison and lowered her blood platelets so drastically that her blood could not coagulate, so she just bled and bled internally. She had a terrible infection and a high fever.

Tomas and Russell took her to a vet recommended by Coco’s, Dr. Eduardo Cardenas of Hospipet . The doctor gravely informed them that Margie’s condition was very serious and that she would likely require an expensive and risky surgery to save her life. When he put Margie on his examining table, hundreds of fleas and ticks started ‘abandoning ship,’ which he explained was a sure sign that she was dying (as ticks know their free lunch is about to dry up). He concluded that she was in far too bad a condition to survive surgery; in fact, he honestly stated that her chances of surviving the night were slim and he would reevaluate her condition the next day. She vomited repeatedly; according to Dr. Eduardo, her blood was dark black in color. At one point, Margie fell unconscious for 30 minutes, whereupon Dr. Eduardo gave her Gelafundin to revive her. This, he said, saved her life. He then gave her an IV in each of her front legs, medication for her severe pain, and made her as comfortable as possible.

Tomas informed the owner that Margie was gravely ill, required a lot of veterinary care, and would likely die. The owner admitted he could not care for her and relinquished responsibility for both Margie and her puppies.

**to be continued tomorrow**

7 Comments

Posted in Charity, friends, Life in Mexico, Playa del Carmen, Uncategorized | Tags: animal rescue, Coco's Cat Rescue, dog rescue, Playa del Carmen, puppies, Stray dogs

Posted by: heatherinparadise | February 28, 2011

Things I love about Mexico Mondays–the ‘Almost Forgot’ Edition

I love that because every single letter in a word is pronounced in Spanish, and each letter is always pronounced the same way, no one in Mexico ever spells my last name wrong. I say “Ahn-dehr-sehn” and it is ALWAYS spelled A-N-D-E-R-S-E-N.

Nearly every single time I have ever said my name in the US, it gets spelled with an ‘O’ in place of the second ‘E.’ Even if I spell it for them. Even if I say, “Andersen with an ‘e’.”

Way to spell my name right, Mexico.

4 Comments

Posted in Life in Mexico, Things I love | Tags: Andersen, I love Mexico, Life in Mexico

Posted by: heatherinparadise | February 22, 2011

I need advice

My past struggles with depression have been well documented here, so I won’t go into it again. I’m not currently depressed, just blue and fighting my way past some major personal disappointments.

I’m working quite hard, doing all my required tasks efficiently and without much error, but personally I’m stagnant and lazy. I have it in my mind to combat the sadness in my heart with self-improvement: Better diet and exercise. Not only will it make me feel better physically, it will make me look better physically, which in turn will make me feel great mentally.

But I’m not sleeping well and I can’t seem to motivate to do anything that would be nice to me–while I’m never too lazy to help a friend or a lover, I ignore my own well-being.

How do you self-motivate? And how do you keep yourself from thinking about something you want to put behind you? Going over and over and over my pain and disappointment is making me crazy.

Help me.

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Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by: heatherinparadise | February 21, 2011

What I Love About Mexico Monday

This is a new feature here at HiP: What I Love About Mexico Monday. The stereotypical Monday sucks, and the reason it’s become a stereotype is because it’s true–Mondays suck. It’s my busiest day workwise, my least creative day otherwise, and the hardest day of the week for me to get my shit together. Since it’s unlikely I’ll ever throw out any blog gold on a Monday, I got the idea that I should use this day to pay attention to the small things I love about where I live–the little beauties that keep me tied to Mexico. If you’re one of my facebook friends, you’ve already heard about this one; better luck next week, payasos.

I live in the ejido, which is on the other side of the highway from PdC Centro. It’s really not very far–I can ride my bike from my house to Centro in 7 minutes–but many of the streets are really bad (though near my house they aren’t that bad) and taxi drivers who are unfamiliar with the exact location of my house are often dicks about wanting to take me home. I only take taxis when I really need them, later in the evening after I’ve had a few drinks and don’t want to be walking around alone or BUI (biking under the influence).

A couple of weeks ago, 4 different taxistas refused to take me home, or told me I had to pay more than twice the usual fare, after I leaned in their passenger window and said “el ejido.” They just rolled their window back up and drove off. With the 4th guy, I got in before I said “ejido” and he threw me out. Can you even believe it? I think this has not only to do with where I live, but when some taxistas see a gringa, they think I must be going to Playacar, where they can charge a ridiculous 50 pesos fare, so when I say ejido and they realize they’re only going to get 17-20 pesos, they balk.

After the 4th rejection, I was steaming mad. Finally, I found a taxista willing to take me and I gratefully got into his taxi. I was boiling and raged against the other taxi drivers who wouldn’t pick me up. He shook his head and explained that some people just have no manners, and maybe they don’t know their city very well. Queen was playing in his car and, finally relaxed, I sang along. He told me that his 7 year old son played the guitar and adored Queen and Richie Valens. He asked me if I liked Richie Valens. I said I did, whereupon he popped out the cd, put in another one, and we sang “Come On, Let’s Go” at the top of our lungs until we pulled up at my gate.

I got out, thanked him for the ride, and paid him more than twice the usual fare.