IFAW Cozumel: Final Post from the Team

Kate Atema, International Fund for Animal Welfare team member, recounting the final leg of the trip for the dogs rescued from the Cozumel, Mexico municipal dump and brought to their new homes, along the east coast of the U.S.

The whole experience was so much more emotional than we had anticipated. Watching the little plane land was amazing - every time. Standing on the tarmac with a group of nervous adopters wondering what their new animals would be like - the anticipation was almost sparkling with the static of excitement and nerves. Would they like them? Would they adjust? Would they be healthy?

I think, no matter how much we told them, everyone really kind of expected these dogs to get off the airplane mangy and snarling, pathetic, limp and standoffish. What we got was exactly the opposite! Energetic, smiling dogs hopped out of their crates and into our ams, full of goofy smiles, LOTS of out-of-control perky ears, and enough kisses to go around. They ate treats out of everyone's hands and each seemed perfectly content to walk away on a leash with their new person. It was like they understood what was going on all along, and we were the ones in for the big surprise!

I think everyone was a little misty-eyed when they realized what incredible souls these were. As we watched the dogs hop into their new owners' cars and drive away home, we realized just what we had done for some amazing animals who have so much to give, and would have had such little opportunity to give it to anyone in Cozumel.

For more information on IFAW's work around the world, please visit www.ifaw.org

Comments

[Reinhard]

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.

"Die Größe eines Volkes und seine moralischen Fortschritte können daran gemessen werden, wie es seine Tiere behandelt."

Those who are cruel to animals cannot be righteous human beings.

Wer gegen Tiere grausam ist, kann kein guter Mensch sein.

[Susan Lee]

Thank you so much sharing and for the feed back.

I give what I can when I can. It warmed my heart to see that the money was spent with love and care for the dogs.

[Ryan]

You guys are the greatest. I've been to Cozumel/Cancun and it is really sad to see these dogs and cats. You look into their eyes and there isn't much life in them. Thanks to you life has been given back. Bless you all.

[Hello catty]

awesome work.. God Bless you all for helping these dogs & cats..

[Hello catty]

awesome work, God Bless you for helping these beautiful animals

[JOY]

Gorgeous acts of kindness never go without saying - from me.

[Natalie]

This made my day. Thank you for sharing this with us!

[Kelly]

It brought tears to my eyes to see the animals that were helped by my contribution. When I first heard of their need, I jumped right on it without thinking. Thank You for posting this update & sharing. I really appreciate the work that you do. Keep on. A piece of my heart goes with Alvina.

[Ana]

¡Que emocion! ¡¡Perritos mexicanos!! Thanks IFAW. I'm so happy for all your support. This make me feel so proud for being an IFAW member. Viva Mexico!!

[Ana]

¡Perritos Mexicanos! Gracias IFAW. This make me feel so proud for being a member...many many thanks for give them a chance! They deserve it!

[Sharon Kahan]

This is soo touching, it made me cry! I am a Mexican dog protector but it is so frustrating not being able to find enough homes for the number of stray souls wandering on their own here.
Keep it up the great work IFAW- your work is truly inspiring!

[Chat McThrow]

God bless the people who help all animals. Having a hard time making ends meet, i wish i could donate to the cause but as of now all i can share are my prayers that people will be enlightened to love and care for all of God's creatures.

[Jean]

Wonderful video - great outcome for those little guys.
One question - what is the Mexican government doing to help - if anything? Do you have any assistance from them? Spay & Neuter clinics?

[Javier Gonzalez]

"We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living beings, humanity will not find peace."
- Albert Schweitzer, physician/Nobel Laureate.

[Greta]

Hello People:
You are really AMAZING!!! thanks a lot for helping all these dogs.
On Mexico city there is a place called Coyoacan and most of the people there have adopted a street dog, they really care.
It is nice to find people who really care about Animal Life.
I´m also an animal lover.
God bless yoy IFAW!

[Tat]

What a wonderful life you all have helping these dogs. I envy you.

Since I can't do what you can do, I'll just try to send money as much as I can. I contributed for the dogs in Canada, thanks for the update on them.

[elizabeth findlay.]

what a moving video of these lovely dogs,it made me cry tears of happiness,i hope they all enjoy their new life,they deserve to.IFAW you are truly wonderful people,if only i could have been their to see these lovely dogs.thankyou.liz findlay.

[liana ferrari]

I loved to see that you found a home for these animals, but do you follow them? I mean, do you check to see if they are being treated carefully; if they have what they need, if they havent been thrown to the streets again? How do you control that?
Thanks.

[liana ferrari]

I totally agree with Reinhard´s comment.
Reinhard | July 29, 2010 at 12:01 PM

[Linda]

You are a bunch of angels heaven sent. My heartfelt thanks goes to all of you for all of your kindnesses and compassion and my love to all of these beautiful creatures.

[Barbara]

Tears and more tears over animal abuse. Then good people do good rescue work and I get to smile. Thanks to all rescuers for Mexico landfill and Canada's remote community. Question: what about the landfill cats and kittens?

[Rocio Langham]

Lucky lucky dogs!!! Thanks to all the people adopting them!!!

[Gloria Salinas]

This is exactly what it's all about. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to form part of IFAW, if only by small contributions. My support will always be with you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story..........God bless you all!

[Colette Roberts]

I felt very emotional watching this with my two dogs curled up next to me on the sofa. IFAW you are amazing!!!!

[Linda Deutsch]

Dear IFAW, as a member I contribute what I can monthly and over and above that when I can and it is so heartwarming to see the rescuers in action and the joy of the animals who know that they are in safe hands, being rescued and delivered from their terrible circumstances. We must remain hopeful that IFAW is raising the consciousness of people around the world to love and care for their animals. Thank you for the wonderful work that you do!
Linda

[IFAW's Animal Rescue Blog]

Thank you Liana for your question and concern.

IFAW's adoption process was extensive and included multiple interviews, reference checks and home visits. We have followed up by phone and e-mail with all adopters to make sure that introductions and adjustments are going well. As part of a comprehensive adoption contract, we required that if an adopter ever becomes unable to keep the animal, the animal must be returned to IFAW, and we have established relationships with reputable local shelters to assist in the rehoming process should it become necessary.

IFAW recognizes that there is some degree of uncertainty when adopting animals. However, we have established resources, supports, and strategies to optimally ensure that each of the animals adopted in our rescues will live in a loving home for the remainder of their lives.
Kate-IFAW

[IFAW's Animal Rescue Blog]

Thank you Jean for your questions. Nope, no assistance from the government, although the state government of Quintana Roo, where Cozumel is situated, recently passed an animal welfare law. We are currently reviewing it to see if it has any positive implications for the situation in Cozumel.
Kate-IFAW

[IFAW's Animal Rescue Blog]

Thank you for your question Barbara. We have gone several times to attempt to capture the cats from the dump, and managed to bring only a few home. Unfortunately, they continue to evade capture, although we continue to try. Prior to the "eviction", we did manage to spay and neuter many of the cats at the dump.
Kate-IFAW

[Lizbeth]

IFAW thank you so much for helping the dogs in Cozumel. Do you have other rescue plans in Mexico? Only in Mexico City are about 1 million 400 thousand dogs living in the street in terrible conditions. Animals in Mexico really need your help.

Lizbeth

[Sue Berry]

Sitting here teary eyed at the outstanding work you all did - well done!

[Marlene Davis]

I can't find words to express my thanks to your team for all the work you do for animals. I have just watched your video on the rescue in Cozumel with floods of tears in my eyes. I hope all these animals find wonderful caring homes. They deserve the best.

[Pauline]

Hello IFAW Team,

God Bless you all to give a second chance of life to all animals.

You are angels from heaven.

I envy you all.

Pauline

[Serena]

Thanks God there are people like you! I wept for joy. These dogs deserve a good home and I´m happy to see it.
I support your work much.
Please always does good work!
I´m thinking of you and the animals!

[Nina Ceccarelli]

I warmly thank the IFAW team for his intervention and all the lives that are saved. Not be present and to know that generous persons take care of the most low is very comforting. Again: Thank you very much for our animal friends!

[belem]

c' is splendid what you made you are formidable all my wishes for the new life of these dogs and Alvina is sublime d' elegance. tenderly your
Martine (France)

[Sandra Schneider]

More! MOre! M0Re! MORE!
It gives a good feeling to see that success!