Amidst the beaches, the bars, and the incredible food, lies an experience that will warm your heart even more than the tasty tequila that abounds here in Rocky Point! Friends, please take an hour or two and pay a visit to Barb’s Dog Rescue!
Our founder Barb Mumaugh visited RP and was deeply impacted by the animal suffering she witnessed. After suffering the painful and tragic loss of her daughter in 2001, she decided to walk away from her life in the USA and do something amazing – move to Mexico and save as many dogs as she could.
She started her new life’s mission very modestly, building a small home just off the main highway several miles North of town. The city was flooded with injured, abused, and neglected dogs, and there was no one to help them. She placed a makeshift, cardboard sign on the highway with a plea for all who passed by that read “Dog Food Needed”, along with an arrow pointing toward her house. Little by little, she would pluck suffering dogs from the streets and take them home to begin their healing journey. Tourists started to notice her sign, and they stopped. They brought food, they donated, and they rooted her on. One such tourist took a particular interest in her mission, and he, along with his wife, took Barb under their wing and made a commitment to make her dream a reality. That’s how it started.
Through the years, her cardboard sign has become a bright yellow billboard, impossible to miss. Her tiny house has become home to hundreds of dogs, and the property surrounding it has transformed into a massive safe haven where dogs live together while they heal from their physical and emotional wounds. They learn how to play, they learn what it feels like to sleep in soft beds, and they thrive. Most importantly, they learn to trust humans.
Puerto Peñasco has evolved and expanded its efforts in homeless dog welfare through the years, and has become a beautiful example to other small, international cities who are struggling with similar issues. Clinica La Esperanza provides free vet care to our locals, including spay/neuter and vaccines. They are a kind, compassionate, hard-working group who are here for our residents. Compassion Without Borders is an international rescue group who does amazing work on both sides of the border, but in Rocky Point, we are especially grateful for their willingness to take our most extreme medical cases whose treatment needs are greater than what we can provide them down here. These organizations, combined with our talented veterinary partners at Servicios Medicos Veterinarios, are partnering and performing miracles for these gentle, voiceless beings.
Barb Mumaugh started a movement all those years ago. It was a movement that people got behind and enthusiastically supported. We lost Barb in 2023, but her legacy lives on through the partnerships she spearheaded, and her village of supporters who’ve made it their mission to continue her work. To truly understand it, one must see it…and we hope you will. Our dogs love visitors and will greet you with an outpouring of love like you’ve never experienced! Stop by, get involved, donate, volunteer, spread the word, and if you’re ready for a new furry best friend, adopt!
—————————————————
Chuck from Mexicali has scars that tell a story of a very difficult life. He is 3yrs old, about 34lbs, and is now healthy, happy, and ready for his forever family!
