One Step at a Time

Its Been Awhile......

2010-07-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

To all of you who have been following my blog - Im extremely sorry that I have not updated my profile in nearly 5 months. So much has happened since the end of March. Not only have I been to Africa and back as well moved on from Mexico, but our beloved doggies, Katya and Carmen have found their loving homes in Canada (stories to follow).

Currently Im on my journey throughout Central America (visiting Guatemala at the moment) already ticking Belize off the list of places visited. My trip around Central America is scheduled to finish the end of Aug in Panama where I will then be jet setting to the UK. Please bare with me this week as I update the last 5 months of my travels and bring you back up to speed with my current status.

RIP Oscar & Houston of The Peanut Pet Shelter

2010-03-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

OSCAR

HOUSTON

Sadly, regardless of the great efforts the Peanut Pet Shelter made to help save the lives of these two very special animals - it is with great sadness that both Oscar and Houston passed away this month. Out of all the 70+ animals at the shelter - these two dogs made such a lasting impact on me. Here are their stories:

Oscar came to the shelter back in Jan after Jen and Andy found out about him from a man named Oscar - whom had been feeding him. The state Oscar was in at the time was worse than awful - from the look of it - this poor pitbull had a devastating past. Down in Mexico - pitbulls are greatly used for fighting. Andy and Jen suspected that Oscar was a fighting dog who had been discarded when he was of no further value, as is the way with many fighting pitbulls. They are either killed or left to fend for themselves on the streets. We know for sure that the life of a fighting pitbull is a harsh one and they are subjected to horrific mistreatment in order that they achieve the required level of aggressiveness. Oscar came to the shelter having no emotion - instead he would look blankly at everyone and had sadness written all over his eyes. By the end of his short lived stay at the shelter - Oscar completely transformed (due to the love and kindness he received) - instead of sadness filling his eyes - he was filled with hope and happiness. Oscar learned how to play, jump and give kisses - in return he got so many well wishes from PPS supporters and most of all love from Andy and Jen as well as all the other visitors of the shelter. Everyone was praying that he would get his fur back - esp around his face and finally be healthy enough to be adopted into a loving, forever home. Sadly this was not the case - recently Oscar started to take a turn for the worst - Andy and Jen started noticing that he couldn't keep his balance and he was getting aggressive with the other dogs. After collapsing one afternoon they took him to the vets to get examined - unfortunately he never returned to the shelter - instead he passed away at the vets. Did his heart fail? Did he suffer a stroke? Liver failure? Was there perhaps a blood clot/scarring/fluid causing pressure on his brain? Sadly, they don’t know what happened to poor Oscar that day and will never know. On the brighter side - the last two months of Oscar's life was probably the happiest day's he had ever seen. He was finally shown the love and care he so desperately needed and deserved. The Peanut Pet Shelter tried everything for poor Oscar and created this video in his memory. RIP Beautiful Oscar

Houston was probably one of my favourite doggies at the shelter. Despite being hit by a car and breaking his pelvis enabling him to walk at the time - he made a full recovery (thanks to Andy and Jen) and ran around the shelter full of life. A lot of care went into his rehabilitation and he was soon good enough to run, jump and play with all the other doggies. Due to a blood related issue (that seems to happen in many dogs down here due to ticks), Houston never seemed to gain any weight. He was very skinny even though he liked to eat, eat, eat! Because Andy and Jen wanted to keep a closer eye on him they decided to bring him to their house where they could take better care of him. It is with great sadness to report that earlier this month - Houston experienced a very long, violent seizure that lasted almost 45 minutes. The only thing Jen could do at the time was protect him from hurting himself before his little heart stopped. Unfortunately due to the severity of the seizure there was no way any animal could survive it. After already going through so much in his short life - it is devastating that Houston's life had to end this way. Houston was so sweet and full of life at the shelter. Thank god he finally received the love he deserved (even if it was only for a short while) while at PPS. RIP Dear Houston

Katya is looking for her forever home.........

2010-03-15T15:18:00.000-07:00

How could one just drop their two dogs off at the Beauty Salon and never come back for them - sadly this happens alot and thanks to The Peanut Pet Shelter - that afternoon when two sisters - Katya and Sara were dropped off at the Salon to get groomed and their owner never came back - Andy and Jen came to their rescue. Katya has been at the shelter for over six months - and although many of the dogs have been at the shelter much longer than her - Katya was in need of some one on one care so I asked to be her foster mommy. The orginal plan was to only foster her for a short period - however of course that plan changed once I spent only a few moments with her outside of the shelter. Katya is indeed one big sweetheart. We think she is about two years old and is a Shepard Mix, weighing in at about 40 pounds. She loves other animals and is very affectionate with people/children. Katya does not need a leash (even though I put her on it from time to time just to be safe) as she stays by my side our entire time on walks. Katya never whines or barks and loves to play and look up at me with her big eyes and give me kisses. Katya is in need of wonderful home since she is such a wonderful girl. She will be spayed in the near future and up to date on her shots. This girl is full of love and is looking for the right person/family to give it to. Katya, as well, has managed to worm her way to my heart. Katya is so loyal and affectionate and deserves to be spoiled rotten. If you are interested or know of anyone who may be interested in Katya please email me at ashley_hyslop@hotmail.com - Cross Boarder adoptions are so easy and everything will be arranged to get this little girl to you!!!!!!

Carmen Update!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-12T15:30:00.000-08:00

I'm so sorry that this post has taken so long - I know many of you are anxiously awaiting the update on Carmen and her progress. Thanks to her vet, Diageo of Playa Pets, Carmen has healed 100% after the removal of her front, left leg. I'm really not sure where Carmen came from - as she is out of this world - despite having gone through everything she has in her short life so far - Carmen proves time and time again that she can overcome anything without a single whine. After her surgery, just over a month ago, when I picked her up from the vet clinic - she was already trying to jump and wag her tail anxiously with excitement.

Within a day of her surgery she was back to her old self - actually correction - she was much better than her old self - she seemed so much happier and had so much more life to her - without her front leg that she must have been dragging for over a year - she was finally free of pain. Carmen walked so much better on only three legs and had no issue whatsoever hopping up stairs. She seemed much more confident and her personality finally started to shine through. Carmen is one of the happiest dogs that I have met - not only is she full of life but she loves everyone and everything. Ever since she became a 3 legged dog - she gets more attention than I have ever gotten in my entire life - and she is loving it!!!!!! Two weeks after her surgery, thanks to Laura from Coco's Cat Rescue, Carmen was taken to get spayed!!!!!!! Below are some images of Carmen's life in the last month:

Carmen can move just as fast as any other dog and can jump just as high. Currently right now I am foster a dog from The Peanut Pet Shelter (will be posting her story shortly) - and Carmen is in heaven! They sleep together, eat together, play together and love each other like crazy!!!! Carmen loves other animals (both dogs and cats)! As I mentioned in her first story - anyone who adopts Carmen will be the luckiest person/family. She is full of joy and has so much love to give. This street dog that once was so sad and in so much pain as well as used a dirt pile as her bed has touch my heart so much that I will be forever greatful to her. I have had a few people interested in the possibility of adoption but nothing is 100% as of yet. I will be bringing her back to Toronto in the middle of June (I will NOT be leaving her in Mexico) - she has been spayed, de-wormed, updated on all her shots and tested for any tick related disease. Her flight will be paid for - the only thing she needs is a home that will love her as much as I do. Carmen would be the perfect pet therapy dog (my doggie, Chanel, in Toronto is a Certified Therapy Dog) and it would also be a great way for people to see just how well adjusted a dirty, flea/tick infested street dog can turn out to be :)

If anyone is 100% interested in the possibility of adopting this wonderful dog please email me at: ashley_hyslop@hotmail.com - my heart breaks just thinking about having to give her away :( Thank you for all that have been following Carmen's story - more updates and pictures will be posted shortly.

For All You Cat Lovers..........

2010-03-12T08:58:00.000-08:00

Laura Jonguitud Raikes, founder of Coco's Cat Rescue in Playa Del Carmen, started Coco's just over a year ago. Coco's started the TNR (trap spay/neuter return) program in Playa where it is designed to decrease the feral cat population in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. On top of that she takes in sick/abandoned feral kittens to her home - nurses them back to health, tames them and finds the kitten's forever homes. Many of the kittens are sent off to Canada or the States where Coco's has many proud supporters. Cross borader adoption is extremely easy to do - however unfortunately many people are unaware of this. Laura helps local residents with their pets (many of which cannot afford proper vet care for their animal) and provides free or low-cost spay and neuter surgeries, as well as vaccinations and basic animal care. In just a year of Coco's operating - here are their satistics: Feral trap neuter return- 354, Owner assisted cats sterilized-288, Owner assisted dogs sterilized-95, kittens rescued 232, kittens rehomed 215 and 12 kittens are still up for adoption. Coco's is now working with 5 local vets here in Playa del Carmen who offer services free of charge.

Woohoo give it up for Coco's!!!!!!!!

Coco's has been involved in a number of events recently - one being - they took part in International Spay Day 2010. In one day alone they managed to have over 120 cats neutered/spayed as well as 2 rescue dogs (including my Carmen). Although to some, 120 cats do not seem like too many - if you think about how many babies alone could have been produced by these cats - in reality 1000s have been saved from a potentially awful life on the streets.

Last week - Laura, myself along with other volunteers spent the day along 5th street in Playa Del Carmen sitting at a booth with some featured kittens to promote Coco's to locals and vacationers. The purpose of this was to raise awareness of the feral cat problem in Mexico and sell merchandise to raise money for the relief efforts of Coco's. All in all - the day was a huge success. We had many people stop to ask questions, buy merchandise and donate a few dollars. We managed to raise well over $200US dollars, sell lots of items and most importantly educated those who were unaware of the increasingly large overpopulation problem here in Mexico.

Below are a few pictures of our day on 5th:

For those of you that are interested in finding out more information about Coco's or their featured kittens available for adoption - please visit their homepage at http://www.cocoscatrescue.org/ or become a fan of theirs on facebook. Furthermore, for those that are not able to donate but would like to help them in anyway please invite your friends on facebook to become fans of Coco's or donate $2.00 with just a simple click on the computer - Subscribe (its free) to the Pet News Plus monthly email newsletter and Coco's will receive $2 in your name! Make sure to click on the verification link that comes in your email to make it count -http://www.petnewsplus.com/

Lastly, on March 21st Coco's is having its 1 year anniversary party at Blue Parrot. Because the owners of Blue Parrot (best nightclub - along the beach - in Playa) are such animal lovers they have donated an open bar and food of up to 400 people for this event - this means that ALL proceeds of ticket sales go to Coco's. Amazing!!! Tickets are $250 pesos (approx $20US) for a night out at Blue Parrot with open bar, hugee silent auction, appetizers and live music from famous Mexican singer Saul Hernandez. If you are in the Playa area during that time please let me know so I can provide you with more information. I'm sure this night will be a night to remember - especially since a great cause will be supported.

Thank you Laura (Coco's) for doing all you do - her amazing dedication to animals is helping decrease the Mexican animal overpopulation one step at a time!!!!!!!!

A NEW concern that is approaching quickly in Mexico

2010-03-09T12:21:00.000-08:00

The affordable drug used to safely and humanly put the dogs to sleep (at the Perrera) has recently been deemed illegal in Mexico. EVERYONE is greatly concerned about this. It will be very expensive to use a different type of drug to continue the humane Euthanasia. For the time being, Peanuts Pet Shelter managed to locate some of the needed drug. Together with the municipal vet the founders of the Animal Organizations are trying to find a solution to this! Please stay tuned for updates on this situation...

Review: Food Drive Fundraiser for the Perrera!!!!

2010-03-09T12:17:00.000-08:00

To most - the word Perrera does not mean a sinlge thing - however to the people of Playa Del Carmen - the Perrera is a place that many of us would never like to visit as it is too heartbreaking. The Perrera is the City Pound - The Municipality has the unfortunate job of trying to control irresponsible pet ownership, dog over population problems and animal cruelty cases. It is against the law to have your dog running loose in Playa. It poses a health risk for humans and other animals alike. Their job is to gather dogs on the street and take them to the holding area at the pererra. The pet owners have 72 hours to retrieve their pet with a fine. If no one claims the dog, the sad truth is that they will be put to sleep.

The problem in Playa (and most of Mexico) is that owners treat their dogs like cats - they let them run free on the streets. Because it is against the law to have your dog run free - regardless if the animal has a collar on or not - if an employee from the Perrera sees a dog roaming free ('The Dog Catcher') - he/she will pick up the animal and take it back to the pound with the notion that it has three days to be claimed or it gets put down.

Another sad truth about the Perrera is that they have very little food to feed these animals during their three days in the cell awaiting their fate. The new Municipal Vet Carlos is very interested in changing the conditions at the pound that he invited the founders of the main animal organizations in Playa to take a tour around and see first hand the conditions - as well ask for their help! Malix Pek, Coco's Cat Rescue and The Peanut Pet Shelter came together and decided to host a Food Drive event at a local bar in town to raise funds and have the attenders donate food to the dogs at the Perrera!

Thanks to the people who attended the event and those that could not (but donated money online instead) - the Perrera raised over $600 and over 80 bags of food!!!!!!!! The event ended up being a hugee success - amazing work!!!

Captured Moments of Animal Relief efforts in Mexico

2010-03-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

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These are captured moments Ive taken over the last two months while I've assisted in relief efforts with the following Organizations: The Peanut Pet Shelter, Coco's Cat Rescue and ViDAS (Vets without boarders). These groups have done so much to make a difference with the animal situation down here in Mexico. Please stay tuned as many more images will be posted throughout my journey! Thank you so much to the above rescue groups that have really made an impact!

Did you vote today???? VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!!!

2010-02-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Please VOTE Peanut Pet Shelter EVERYDAY so you can help animals like these :)!!!!!!

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces?siteId=3

Carmen says: GO CANADA GO!!!!!!!!!

2010-02-12T06:44:00.000-08:00

GO CANADA GO!!!!!!

Carmen's Story...

2010-02-11T09:26:00.000-08:00

The perfect dog???? Whoever said that the perfect dog does not exist - has sure not met Carmen. Just over a month ago - prior to my parent’s arrival - I was walking along the 'back roads' of Playa Del Carmen. What I mean by the back roads is that - I wasn't in tourist central - where their now seems to be a wipe out of street animals (you can guess what I mean by that). Now that I live in Mexico, wasting food does not happen - when my belly gets full then I pack up all my left over’s and hit the streets to find all the hungry animals.

One afternoon when I was carrying a bowl full rice and chicken and had seemed to be lost at the time - I came across this large dirt pile next to a car shop - with a dog on top. I immediately went over to the dog and cautiously put out my hand so she could sniff it before I went in for the pat. 'Carmen' started wagging her tail slowly and began licking my hand. I put down the food beside the dirt pile so she could have her meal -however when I noticed her getting up I saw how much distress her front left paw was in and how evidently swollen her leg was. Only looking at it briefly at the time - I could see that the pads of that paw had been completely sanded down and her nails were curling and growing into her skin. It was almost too terrible to look at. As she hopped, it was very evident that the paw was broken and most likely had been for a very long time. I was lucky to find a man who was waiting for his car to be fixed that spoke both English and Spanish - so he could be my translator and find out 'Carmen's' story. We spoke to the people who owned the shop as well as the village people around - and they all said the same thing - she was a street dog that they occasionally fed when they had some scraps. They pointed to both the dirt pile and the street corner and said that is where she spends most of her time - but she prefers the dirt pile to be her bed (maybe because its a little more comfortable then the concrete road). I was devastated to see a dog in this condition and was even more devastated that I could not take her at that time - as I was living in a hostel and there were NO dogs allowed. I called the Peanut Pet Shelter and Jen told me to keep track of the street names/numbers so we could go back and see what we could do.

Everyday after that for 3 days I went back to the same spot with food and water. Carmen was always there waiting for me - and even piddled a little bit with excitement when I came back the 3rd time. Sometimes she was forced to share her rice with the area roosters as they would all come running when I put down the food - Carmen didn't seem to mind though. As soon as my parents I arrived - I couldn't stop talking about her - and took them to see her. I knew I couldn't let her stay there any longer and she needed Vet care asap. Since we were then staying at a villa - we were be able to smuggle her in.

As soon as we got her to the villa - it was BATH TIME!!!!! Carmen stunk!!!!!!!! My boyfriend and I got our bathing suits on and jumped in the bathtub so we could get her clean. WOW - was she ever amazing in the tub. Of coarse she was scared, but she just sat there and let us scrub her. While scrubbing her I came across hundreds of ticks all over her body - coming from Canada and never really seeing ticks on dogs - I was shocked!!!!! She had them crawling all over especially in her ears - as well had the ones that were already blown up with blood and were just sticking in her skin. She as well was infested with fleas. That night, Justin and I sat beside her and picked out some of the ticks however hardly managed to hit the tip of the infestation. The first night - Carmen did not make a sound. She curled up on her blankets and didn't make a peep the whole night.

The next morning she had her vet appointment finally!! The vet examined her paw and said that it was a clean break that it must have happened awhile ago - as she didn't have anymore feeling in the lower part of that leg. The 'clean break' meant that it was most likely done intentionally - so for example: it was snapped or stepped on. By looking at her teeth he predicted that she was just over 2 years old. He listened to her heart and weighed her - and said that surprisingly apart from her leg/tick issue she seemed to be in somewhat good shape. I had her tested for heartworm and other diseases caused by ticks however she was negative for all. He kept her for the day to examine her paw fully and clean up the wounded area. Later that afternoon when I went to pick her up - the vet went over my options. He said that at this point there is not too much that can be done with that limb. He figured the break happened over a year ago and she has just been dragging it around since (eventually Carmen was probably numbed by the pain and eventually lost all the feeling). He recommended that she has it removed - but to wait a bit until she has settled into her new environment.

Over the last month I have witnessed first hand how much of a survivor Carmen really is (We named her Carmen after 'Playa Del Carmen'). Although she must have experienced such pain in her past life (previous to me) she is the sweetest most loving animal you could stumble upon. Somehow she was fully housetrained and even to this day she has yet to have an accident in the house - she never makes a sound (I think I have heard her 'bark' three times and it was a little ruff) - she is completely street smart and knows when to cross the street - she loves everybody (including all animals/children/men and women). Carmen lovesss to give kisses and just lay by my feet. This little dog has already brought me so much joy in my life. Below are a few pictures of how she has been doing over the last month.

Carmen cuddling with a Mexican boy. Education

on the proper treatment of animals is key for

children of this age as they are the generation of

the future.

Carmen and Krammer - New BFFs

Justin with Carmen after her first bath!!!!

Carmen with Betsa (foster mommy for a couple of days)

Carmen's new bed!!! Much better than a dirt pile :)

This dog is extremely special and came in my life for a reason. The only problem is my parents warned me that I was not to bring anymore dogs home after this year of travelling. My parents have been extremely amazing and are currently looking after two of my doggies at home (one of which I brought home from Toyko) while I'm embarking on this journey around Central America - however it would not be fair of me to send Carmen home to them while I continue my travels. I will be heading home in June for my girlfriend's wedding (and then continue my backpacking around other parts of Central America in July) and will be bringing Carmen with me (as I will NOT leave her here in Mexico) - I will be covering the costs of everything for her including the flight home - with the hope that I will have a wonderful home waiting for her when we arrive. Anyone who has the opportunity to have this girl as a member of their family will be blessed as she is one special animal. Currently she is at the Vet's undergoing surgery to have her leg removed. I'm praying that everything will be okay with the surgery and Im anxiously awaiting the doctor's call. I'm anticipating a long road to recovery - however I will be there right by her side the whole way. Please stayed tuned on Carmen's progress......

My Life at a Glance....

2010-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Shelter Challenge: Please Vote EVERYDAY for the Peanut Shelter

2010-02-10T14:03:00.000-08:00

Vote for the Peanut Pet Shelter at www.theanimalrescuesite.com and they could win $10,000 to help animals in need.

The Animal Rescue Site is hosting a special challenge for eligible Petfinder.com member shelter and rescue groups. The grand prize is a $10,000 grant, and they will be awarding many other grants to rescue groups with the most votes — a total of $100,000 in grants for animal welfare organizations.

Think how many animals we could help for $10,000!

Help the Peanut Pet Shelter win! All you have to do is click to help rescued animals, and then vote in The Animal Rescue Site $100,000 Shelter Challenge. Both of these actions are absolutely free! You can vote once a day, every day, from January 18th through April 18th, 2010. Every time you vote, or tell a friend to vote, you are making a huge difference for us

The Peanut Pet Shelter is in 8th place overall and 1st place Internationally - AMAZING WORK EVERYBODY - but they still need you to vote everyday and recruit your friends so they can get up to the top spot.

Please click here to find out why its so important to the Peanut Pet Shelter to win: http://peanutpetshelterhumanesociety.blogspot.com/2010/01/animal-rescue-site-100000-shelter.html

VOTE VOTE VOTE!!!!

RIP Tobi - Forever Missed & Loved

2010-02-10T12:49:00.000-08:00

Tobi at his 15th Birthday Party. RIP Sweetheart (09/21/1994 - 01/11/2010)

As many of you are already aware - these last few weeks have been especially hard for me. On Jan 11th, 2010 – with my family by his side at our house in Toronto (I was the only member not there – and was devestated just as much) – Tobi said one final goodbye. My brother bought him a Big Mac as his last meal and very painlessly the vet ended Tobi’s suffering. Tobi was a member of our family for almost 16 years – there are no words to describe the impact he had on all of us. His presence was so positive and calming – and he taught us the true meaning of loyalty. Whenever we were sad…Tobi was there to lay beside us…whenever I was in trouble…Tobi never judged me…when we needed a distraction…Tobi was ready to play…whenever my family needed positive energy….his presence was always there. Tobi's spirit will always stay with me as I go on to rescue other animals and his memory will never be forgotten.

First Off - A Big Thank You!!!!

2010-02-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

FINALLY!!!!!!! All of you that have waited so patiently for this blog - I'm so sorry it has taken me this long to get started. This last month and a half with settling in has been crazy busy however now that I'm moved into my new place I'll be able to give weekly updates more frequently.

I would like to use my first post to thank all of you that donated money, supplies and time to me prior to my departure. I want you to know that everything got down here safely and has been donated to the organizations as promised. I stuffed as many donated animal supplies as possible into one large suitcase (my parents brought the rest down on their visit) with the total weight being just over 100 pounds - with a little convincing at the airport no extra baggage fee was charged. I was able to raise just over $600 CAD dollars that was divided between ViDAS (Vets without Boarders) and The Peanut Pet Shelter - as well the supplies donated by many of you amounted to well over $5000 dollars. Supplies included: Many collars/leashes, soft carry bags, blankets, medicated food, cookies, bones, toys, dog flea shampoos, hand sanitizers, animal life jackets, medication, scrubs, etc. A special thank you goes to my friend over at Toronto Animal Services South - James McLean. When this amazing man heard about my plans for Mexico he went above the call of duty and made sure I had everything I needed - an example being: The Peanut Pet Shelter was in absolute need of soft carriers for their cross boarder adoption program since they send many animals into the US and Canada to their forever homes. These carriers cost far too much money down here to buy and they are found few and far between. James was able to get a total of 9 together to send with me down to them - which they could not be more thankful for - now thanks to James many happy animals will be able to be flown across the boarder and adopted out into loving homes.

Collars, collar, collars - I cannot say it enough of how important it is to have collars donated down here to Mexico. For all of you that donated collars and leashes - thank you very much - as the demand for these down in Mexico is crucial. Collars are very expensive down here for the residents so instead of putting a collar around their necks they use things like chains and rope/string. While volunteering with ViDAS down in Bacalar, many dogs came to the clinic with large chains draped around them - causing raw and bloody necks. One family even brought their dog to the clinic dragging him with duck tape. The $300 dollars that was raised by your funds and donated to ViDAS were used to purchase 500 collars - this ensured that each animal that was brought to the clinic left with a new collar. Above is a picture of a doggie that just finished being spayed and is chilling in recovery sporting her new collar. The other picture below is a young Mexican girl showing off her new puppy. This little girl was overjoyed when she was given a donated, bright pink collar for her dog to have. Not only did we teach her how to use the harness, but we educated her on how to care for her puppy :)

I would like to finish this post by including a link to a video that was created by one of the board members at The Peanut Pet Shelter. Please watch this video so you can see just how much your support means to these animals. Thank you again on behalf of The Peanut Pet Shelter, ViDAS and of coarse the animals for all of your donations - they did manage to make it all the way down to Mexico.