In October 2023, The DOX Project and the San Marcos Foundation (501c3) teamed up to pull 20 dogs from the overpopulated Perros Libres dog shelter in Tzununa, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
With the help of a dog behaviorist, we selected the dogs who most needed to get out – those in greatest need of medical care, the most timid, and the most bullied.
We are now rehabilitating these dogs and seeking adoptive homes for them. Half the dogs are housed in San Marcos with the San Marcos Foundation, and half in Xela with The DOX Project.
BACKGROUND
At its peak, Perros Libres housed 70 dogs in a shelter that should hold no more than 25. Conditions were poor, with shortages of dog food, overcrowding, inadequate medical care, and too few volunteers.
We had already been working for a year with Perros Libre to help improve the health of their dogs (details at the end of this message), and this was our last option to help bring them down to a safe and manageable number of dogs.
The DOX Project has six years’ experience rescuing, rehabilitating, and placing dogs in responsible adoptive homes in Xela, Guatemala, while the San Marcos Foundation has four years’ experience spaying, vaccinating and feeding the street dog of San Marcos, Guatemala.
DONATIONS SOUGHT
This entire operation falls outside the normal parameters and budget of both organizations. We raised (and spent) funds for the initial rescue and treatments, and we now need ongoing support for the dogs’ upkeep.
Ideally, we are looking for monthly sponsors for each of the 20 dogs, but any donations are gratefully received and are of great help.
TARGET: US$100 per month, per dog
This will cover food, veterinary care, vaccines, flea and worming, and a small stipend for our dog care team. We anticipate being able to rehome the adult dogs within 6-12 months.
The San Marcos Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit, meaning US donations are TAX DEDUCTIBLE. For further information, their website is https://sanmarcosfoundation.org/
FOOTNOTE: PREVIOUS HELP GIVEN TO PERROS LIBRES
For those curious as to why we intervened at Perros Libres…
Once we realized the Perros Libres dogs were not receiving adequate care, our organizations (with the help of some private donors) coordinated the following help for them:
Nov 2022 - Vaccinated all eligible adult dogs on site (approx. 30 dogs) with multiple (DHPP) vaccines.
July 2023 – Provided 28 more multiple (DHPP) vaccines to be administered by Perros Libres.
During 2023 - Removed four critically ill dogs (Bear, Delta, Kuku, Gamma) for treatment and rehabilitation.
Aug 2023 - Obtained blood tests and basic veterinary care for six dogs in very poor condition.
Sep/Oct 2023 – Spayed / neutered all eligible Perros Libres dogs (28 dogs).
Oct 2023 - Administered Nexgard flea / tick / mange tablets to all 50 dogs on site (repeat dose to be given Feb 2023).
Ongoing - Provide ongoing information and advice re basic veterinary care and standards.