We started SAN
FELIPE ANIMAL RESCUE, a
non-kill animal shelter and rescue organization, in 2002
and became a 501(c3) non-profit Corporation in 2003. We
estimate a staggering 7000 stray and indigent dogs living
in our streets, camps, on the beaches and in the desert
throughout this community and it’s outlying areas.
After consulting other rescue groups and organizations,
we determined that if we can spay or neuter 75% of this
prolific animal population we will achieve zero population
growth, therefore getting ahead of the “production line”.
We are approaching 1500 surgeries, and continue to do
100 more each month. We are right on target for reaching
our goal by 2008.
This is an extremely poor community and funds
for running SFAR are limited. We
apply monthly for 40-80 grants in the US and are rejected
by virtually all of them. Our grant proposal looks terrific.
The proposal is comprehensive and addresses all the issues
even the most corporate of grant-givers and foundations
expect—What’s the problem? We are not in the USA and most
grant-givers and foundations will only fund their own
region or geographical area. Thus, it is extremely difficult
to get funding as others do in the US. We are validated
and complimented for the good work we do and have done,
but as far as money is concerned, it’s always the same…”sorry,
you are outside of our parameters and you do not meet
our criteria.” What’s a Rescue to do that has such a BIG
job, staff to pay, dogs and cats to feed, medicines to
buy and veterinarians to pay? We beg for help!
We
also run a modest Thrift Store in town that raises money
for SAN FELIPE ANIMAL RESCUE.
We sell terrific
shoes on eBay, have an on-line
boutique, and we do local fundraising. Most “gringos”
who come here seasonally are on fixed incomes and can
donate only small amounts. For the Mexican people, the
welfare of animals is just not a priority for them. It’s
not that they don’t care, it’s simply that feeding, clothing
and vaccinating their children is at the top-of-the-list
as you might expect.
If you can see it in your heart to help us out,
please click on the link marked DONATIONS on
our
site…The rest is easy! We thank you in advance for
any support you might be able to muster. Speaking for
our dogs, POOCHES GRACIAS!!! Please
visit our web site at www.sfanimalrescue.org.
We can be reached at 707-320-0054 (a US phone number that
reaches us in Mexico) or by emailing bajaanimalrescue@yahoo.com
Our local number 577-2708.
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