To improve the quality of life for the people and animals in our community by promoting the sterilization of pet and feral dogs and cats, preventing disease through vaccination and parasite reduction and raising awareness of the human-animal bond.

1. Sterilization of street animals and animals belongs to people of limited means is the first step in reaching our goals. Loreto is a small community with a population of about 12,000. Therefore it will be possible to see the improvement due to animal population control within a few more years. We have spayed about 400 animals so far, reducing the animal birth population about 10,000 over 18 months. Sterilization also reduces aggression, especially in male dogs.

                              
These puppies were rescued from                        This little guy was found starving
a dump, spayed and found good                          in the Loreto Square, with mange.
homes.    


2. Education is the second step. A vet club with 23 high school students has been formed. They will be educated and then help to educate the public by speaking with younger classes, especially the elementary grades, They hope to organize “dog shows”, do poster displays in the community plaza and speak with neighbors and friends. They will also help collect money via many different venues. They raised $200.00 in their first fund raising attempt. The current Presidente (mayor), Rury Davis, of Loreto is very supportive of these efforts.
   
   We are also creating liaisons with teachers within the school systems who could include animal care and ethics within different teaching modalities. We have a high school teacher on our board of directors



3. Adoption is the third step. Adoption of animals from the streets and the dumps has already proved successful even on a limited basis. Because Loreto is a relatively affluent community the dump and garbage are rich in food stuffs so for the most part the street dogs are not painfully thin. Also most have a good disposition and have proved themselves to be good “pets”. They appear to be “thankful”.
   
                    
   Mongo was rescued off the street                   This little pup was about to be drowned
   and now enjoys a life of leisure.                     She is now 30 lbs, spayed and quite
                                                                      the character.  Recognize the little one
                                                                      in the background?