When three sick and frightened dogs were spotted huddled together outside a home in Puerto Peñasco, two young neighbors decided to act. Oscar and Janeth didn’t turn away. They saw something and said something, contacting our team so that Sofía, Luka, and Matteo could be rescued. Their compassion changed the lives of these dogs forever.
Every day at Compassion Without Borders, we see anywhere from 25 to 35 animals come through our high-volume spay and neuter clinic. That’s dozens of dogs and cats who not only receive sterilization but also wellness exams, vaccinations, and parasite prevention—all provided completely free of charge to the community. On top of this, our doctors see around 25 consults each day, many of which involve complicated cases requiring extra care. It’s important to note that while the average cost of caring for a dog or cat is about $75 per day, animals like Sofía, Luka, and Matteo go well beyond that average, needing extensive treatment and recovery.
To put things in perspective, sterilization alone averages $100 per animal. Treating TVT (a common but devastating cancer here) costs an average of $85 per course of chemotherapy. And yet, we never turn anyone away. Whether it’s a beloved family pet or a street dog with nowhere else to go, our doors remain open.
Behind every number, however, is a story like Sofía’s, Luka’s, and Matteo’s. When they arrived, Sofía was underweight and weak, Luka was withdrawn, and Matteo bore the marks of life on the street. Thanks to community members like Oscar and Janeth, and the tireless efforts of our clinic staff, these three now have the chance to heal and to hope. They remind us that compassion isn’t just a word in our name—it’s an action we take every day.
We are often asked how the community can help. The answer is simple: speak up, like Oscar and Janeth did. Bring animals in need to our attention. Support spay and neuter programs that prevent suffering before it starts. And if you’re able, consider donating—because every peso goes directly to providing free, lifesaving care.
Together, with your help, we can continue to be a safety net for the animals of Peñasco. For Sofía, Luka, and Matteo, the future is brighter because someone cared enough to act.
