Spay & Neuter street dogs of Huanchaco, Peru

Greetings amazing Global Giving community!

Typically when we submit our quarterly reports we focus on our own efforts and the efforts of our partners on the ground to make sure that the Perros Project continues to thrive. This time we would like to highlight the efforts of one stranger to support our work. Earlier this month when we went to send our monthly thank yous to donors an unusual transaction caught Matt’s eye. Someone who had been traveling in South America had witnessed a number of sick and vulnerable dogs during their trip. Instead of feeling sorry for the dogs but doing nothing, this person sought out a way to help – and Global Giving provided that way. Using a fund-raising tool on the Global Giving website, this stranger reached out to their community in an effort to raise $300. Last we checked, they were only $40 from their goal! When we stopped to think about it, this moment reflected the amazing power of strangers, a long line of strangers each helping one another to do more good in the world. The money raised by this fundraiser will be used to support the growing shelter Huanchaco. Specifically, funds will go to food, shelter improvements and a part-time staff member (see photos below). In so doing, their funds not only help the street dogs of Huanchaco, but also provide support to a young Peruvian who cares about these animals and will be a future voice of compassion in the community. We cannot thank Global Giving enough for making these connections possible.

Oh yeah, one short note about the website - we're slowly in the process of updating/redoing it. 

With gratitude,

Courtney & Matt

When summer comes around, especially the month of July, it is hard not to think about Huanchaco and our biennial spay & neuter clinic. With one year to go until we return to that wonderful community we are both planning for the upcoming visit and working with our partners on the ground to take care of the current needs of the community’s street dogs.

Last month we supported Amigo Fiel by sending funds to vaccinate all of the dogs they currently have in shelter. This year the cost of vaccinations went rose dramatically, so their organization relied on us to help them buy the necessary injections. Dogs in the Huanchaco area are frequently exposed to distemper and parvo which are generally rare in North America. As a result, these vaccines are literally life-saving.

In May we supported Huanchaco Al Rescate by sending funds to cover the cost of having a local woman visit, feed and exercise the dogs at that organization’s shelter. Doing this allowed Ursula, the organization’s director to broaden her activities in the community, including advocacy and education efforts. There can be no doubt that Ursula has used this time very well. Last week we received an email from her letting us know that the municipality, which is not always supported our efforts on behalf of the dogs, voted unanimously to work with her organization (and thereby ours). In the next few weeks we hope to be in communication with Ursula as she negotiates with the municipality to discern specific objectives.

Finally as we think ahead to next year, it is interesting to note how many people contact the Perros Project to inquire about the clinic or to ask us to put them in touch with our partners so that they might assist their efforts. During this past year we have had over a dozen inquiries. In our next report we hope to feature the work of at least one American student who will be working with the street dogs of Huanchaco in August.

Until then, we wish you well and cannot thank you enough for your support and donations.

Matt and Courtney