Promises Made. Promises Kept. Help Still Needed.
Promises
Eighteen years ago, Barb Mumaugh saw the number of stray dogs wandering the streets of Rocky Point and thought she could make a difference in one or two of their lives. So, she began to take them into her home, one-by-one. And so, the Rescue began. It didn’t take long before every room in her home was filled with strays, and she promised herself she wouldn’t stop until every street dog had water, food and shelter. Eighteen years later, Barb’s Dog Rescue provides daily care for 350+ dogs and finds homes for more than 1,000 each year. Against incredible odds, Barb’s promise to herself has resulted in an improbable success story. Literally thousands of dogs are living lives filled with love and care because of the lady who continues to pledge that “Rescue Never Stops!”
Four years ago, a good Samaritan found a litter of puppies in a garbage can in Caborca and brought them to Barb’s. They couldn’t have been more than a couple of weeks old. They were severely dehydrated and lucky to be alive. Miraculously, the puppies survived under Barb’s care, and ultimately five of the six were adopted. Only Pepe, with his just-got-out-of-bed-hair look, remained at the Rescue. A staff and volunteer favorite, it was assumed he would become a permanent resident of the shelter like so many others that aren’t adopted. We promised Barb that if Pepe were still available once our aging pets passed, we would return for him.
Last month we were able to keep that promise. If you are wondering about the adaptability of a dog who has spent much or all of his or her life at the shelter, Pepe’s transition has been nothing short of amazing. He made a 1,300-mile car trip like he was a born road-warrior. He took to walking on a leash as if he’d been leash-walked daily all his life. He loves to cuddle and has become an avid TV watcher. While we are certain he misses his friends at Barb’s, he has become a loving and integral part of our family, and we are so blessed to have him.
Yes, We Still Need Your Help
For those of you wondering where your donations go, it costs $1000 per week just to feed our 350 dogs. On average, we will have seven mama dogs with litters and an additional 30 puppies without mamas that require special attention. Sixty dogs will need medication, and three will require surgery. Twenty pups will be spayed or neutered, and 40 pups will receive one of the four shots required to make a legal border crossing.
June through September are the most difficult months at the Rescue. Most of the city’s visitors are here for a long weekend or a week at the most and less likely to visit the shelter. With the intense summer heat, our utilities quadruple. Our water supply becomes unreliable, so we have to truck in supplemental water to keep our dogs hydrated and the laundry operating.
Most of you know that Barb’s does not charge an adoption fee. We operate solely on donations. If you have already donated, thank you. If you can donate, please do. If you are visiting and want to learn more about Barb’s Dog Rescue, please visit us daily between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Please visit us online at http://www.facebook.com/BarbsDogRescue or our website: www.BarbsDogRescue.org or Barb’s Mexico cell: (638) 114-1659 or U.S. cell: (602) 774-1578 Email: barbsdogrescue@gmail.com |