A year of corruption and misinformation that only harmed the most vulnerable.
It's the 14th of April 2023... we have been told some snob government official came to Mundaca to "look around" with what was described to us as an arrogant attitude, like all politicians that find themselves in a position of power without actually holding it.
So, there we go to a meeting where while we are on time, no one actually is. Nothing was hinted, nothing was said until then. But in 10 min, sitting in front of someone who had no clue of what was going on, Isla Animals future was suddenly at risk.
We are passionate about Isla Animals, what we do and how much more day by day we can achieve. The team, tiny as it is, has left sweat, blood and tears to make sure the animals we take in, the animals we sterilize, and every animal we see, has a better quality of life. They are the ones that matter. Not this person in front of us.
So, how did the conversation go?
- We need you to leave Mundaca. Restauration. New walls. Island Patrimony. Etc.
- OK (shock). So what is going to be the relationship of the government of Isla Mujeres with Isla Animals?
- (silence) I don't know. That's some other useless politician's problem.
- So.... We won't continue being abused by people that only fill their pockets with our work and exploit the suffering of the local abandoned animals?
Yes... you see the island all pretty and looking good... Because that's what they want... tourists to see the island all pretty. However, the real problems are there still and they are just painted over, just like our murals were at Mundaca. By Law, the govt of Isla Mujeres should have a Centro de Bienestar Animals, they don't. By law, they should have animal well-being programs. They don't. And in our souls, cause we have common sense, we thought they would kick us out and have some sort of plan B.
They didn't.
So here we are.... A year later... Mundaca sits empty still, with the shelter walls painted but everything else exactly as we left it. The safe place where thousands of dogs found happiness, now waiting empty to become a souvenir shop or who knows what.
Check out our brand new ONLINE STORE with exclusive merch, t-shirts and a lot more! What a better way to help the animals and get some unique items!
But we are CELEBRATING the anniversary of our eviction. Why? Because we transformed horrible heartache and desperation into a reality we hadn't even dreamt of... Isla Animals Oasis!
A space that is ours (and no one can take away from the animals), a space for all of our animals, cats and dogs, a space with outdoor areas that the dogs can enjoy, with medical isolation areas where we can safely treat our dogs, a space to welcome visitors and also volunteers that may want to stay and experience the rescue life in Mexico, a surgery room to do continuous spay and neuter programs. This wasn't even a dream, and only a year later... 10 months after starting construction, it's a solid beautiful REALITY.
Yes, Isla Animals Oasis is not finished. We moved in at the end of February and walls weren't painted, there was dust everywhere, the shelter side of the building is still pretty much blocks and cement.... But WE DID IT... we said we would and we did it!
We are hoping to be able to fundraise enough to finish the hardcore work, we are still working on the electric installation, plumbing, covering the walls, working on outdoor areas, filling the land. There is SO much to do... but we are hoping by the summer we will be somewhat established in order to receive volunteers and visitors. It may depend on how successful we are in taking this last step... already a bit tired after a year of nonstop work (we are architects and contractors for this place!)... but we are HERE now, and also for us is a magical reality and so exciting in terms of the possibilities for the future!
So... celebrate with us... a year of being evicted... a year of tireless work now being transformed into a beautiful reality... thanks to YOU... thanks to YOUR kindness today our dogs have roofs, enjoy the fresh air and have the space to run they never had before. Thanks to YOU, Isla Animals didn't die when short-sighted politicians decided they didn't care about animals after all.
In any case. Isla Animals as a 501c3 and a Civil Association in Mexico remains independent, remains focused on the animals and not some bureaucratic rabbit hole. We have learned a lot this year. We have always fought for the animals that need it the most and that won't stop, if anything we are more committed than ever before! We continue regardless of challenges that seem unbearable, we know who our friends and supporters are, hard times are good for a clean slate, and Oasis is our clean slate and our door into a new world of options to help the street and abandoned animals of Mexico.
A few days back we found Marley running after a moto in the streets with 4 puppies following her... Of course we had to take her in...
Watch the video of Marley’s transformation.
Please help us with this beautiful project. We still need funds to finish the surgery room, covered area for the pups to be safe during the nights, and the isolation areas.
Here are all the ways you can Donate and Follow our progress.