In the News: Tails of Marin
New Hope and Homes for Mexican Street Dogs
Our canine behavior experts described Dottie as "shut down" when she first arrived at the Marin Humane Society in June 2005. This shy 8-month-old terrier/border collie mix had recently been rescued from the streets of Mexico by the nonprofit organization, Compassion Without Borders (CWB). She had no training or socialization, and could not even walk on leash.
Finding Dottie a new home would certainly be challenging, but our behavior consultants sensed that beneath her shy exterior was a fun-loving dog just waiting to blossom.
Dottie was paired with an inmate handler at San Quentin as one of the first participants in the MHS Pen Pals of San Quentin program. There she learned basic obedience and began to overcome her shyness before returning to MHS to enter our adoption program. Shortly before Dottie graduated from the Pen Pals Program that August, her handler noted, "She's coming out of her shell a little more every day. She knows sit and down. And she's such a cuddle bug."
Dottie is one of nearly 100 former Mexico street dogs that have been placed for adoption by the Marin Humane Society in partnership with CWB. Mexico in general has far fewer resources for companion animals than we enjoy here in the United States. Luckily, MHS is sometimes in the fortunate position to be able to help find these deserving dogs new homes.
The heartwarming story of dogs such as Dottie is poignantly told in a new documentary film, "Viva Los Perros!" (Celebrate the Dogs!). For people who love animals, watching them suffer can be heartbreaking. But "Viva Los Perros" does just the opposite. Though the plight of many Mexican street dogs is certainly dire, this film is ultimately uplifting and inspirational, showing what two dedicated people can do to prevent the suffering of thousands of animals.
"Viva Los Perros!" follows the work of CWB co-founders veterinarian Christi Camblor and her husband, Moncho, a Mexico City native, as they dedicate their lives to improving the plight of animals in Mexico. Early on, the Camblors work closely with an overcrowded dog shelter in the heart of Mexico City, transporting small groups of dogs from the shelter into the United States for adoption. To combat the problem of pet-overpopulation at its source, the Camblors organize free "spay camps," bringing fully equipped, portable surgery centers into the poorest areas of Mexico.
To celebrate the dogs as well as the work of CWB, the film is bookended by a party where hundreds of Mexican dogs and their new families gather to reunite and to honor the Camblors. Despite being chubby, three-legged or one-eyed, the dog party guests race and romp through the orchard where the party takes place while a marimba band plays from a stage.
As for Dottie (renamed Naomi), this darling girl is enjoying life with her human companion Kelly of Marin. Kelly recently brought Naomi by the MHS for a visit, where she showed off her training skills, including "speaking" on cue. Kelly was so moved by Naomi's story that she recently became a volunteer for MHS.
"Viva Los Perros" serves as a great example of how people, through passion, dedication and sacrifice, can cause change for the least fortunate creatures in society. From Mexico to Marin, dogs like Dottie continue to inspire hope and compassion for homeless animals that desperately need our help.
IF YOU GO
What: "Viva Los Perros" screening, producer Shelley Frost, Compassion Without Borders co-founders Christi and Moncho Camblor, and former Mexico street dog Naomi
When: 7 p.m. May 30
Where: Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd. Novato
Cost: Free, donations accepted
Information: To RSVP, call 831-336-4695.
Carrie Harrington is the communications manager at the Marin Humane Society, which contributes Tails of Marin articles. Write to Tails of Marin, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato 94949. For more information, call 883-4621 or go to MarinHumaneSociety.org.
Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal
