Monday, April 18, 2011

Helping the Animals of Rocky Point

When I first visited Rocky Point the streets were filled with stray dogs, most of them in poor condition, some on the verge of starvation. It was a heartbreaking situation for anyone who loves animals.

Enter Nancy Phelan, a rather fearless retiree who decided to do more than just wring her hands and talk about the situation. In 2001 she founded the Animal Adoption Center of Rocky Point a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. And in 2002, along with friends, she formed a non profit Mexican corporation "Rocky Point Animal Adoption Center AC and began taking in stray dogs and cats, with a focus on spay and neuter clinics and finding them forever homes. Since then thousands of animals have arrived at the center, with most of them eventually being adopted.

It has been a rocky road, with some heartbreak along the way, but it is not an exaggeration to say that over the ensuing years Nancy has single handedly changed the culture for animals in Puerto Penasco. Her efforts have received support from former President Vicente Fox and especially the current Mayor of Puerto Penasco, Alejandro Zepeda Munro (pictured above in a ribbon-cutting photo with Nancy), resulting in a vastly improved future for hundreds of animals that would otherwise face a horror of a life. Even laws regarding the care of animals have been changed within the Municipality due to her hard work.

Now Nancy, and the animals, need your help. With anywhere from 40 to 100 (or more) dogs, puppies, cats and kittens in the center at any given time (plus the occasional turtle, bird, etc.), they can easily go through several bags of food a day. Especially in this down economy, it has become more and more difficult to feed and care for all these wonderful rescue-pets. Can you find it in your heart and wallet to help out a little bit?

It's easy to do, whether you are in Puerto Penasco, heading down for a visit, or stuck up in "the old country" for the time being. The center is always in need of bags (and cans) of dog food, puppy food and cat food, which you can drop off at the center. If you cannot bring food, donations in the form of "long green" are always a God-send, and you can donate via PayPal at her website or Facebook page.

You know what would be really great? If you could make this a monthly donation, something the center could count on. Even $5 makes a difference...

And while I'm at it, consider adopting one of the wonderful critters Nancy and the center's volunteers have rescued and loved back to health. Or coerce a friend to do so. You will never be sorry.

Here is the information you need to help out in this wonderful cause:

Web site: (the Donation button is easy to find!)



P.O. BOX 1031, LUKEVILLE, AZ 85341
Mexico: 011 52 638 383-1012
USA: Phx 602-412-3932; Tucson 520-407-6594

Just do it!