Editorial Note: This is part of a series that profiles the recipients of Lady Freethinker’s Urgent Need Fund 2024 grant program. The program was created to support nonprofit organizations involved in animal rescue and care, and those that promote better treatment of animals. If you’re interested in learning more about the program, click here.
When Judy Clayton moved to Baja California, Mexico and saw how desperate the pet overpopulation crisis was, she knew she had to do something — the number of baby animals born into lives without homes was just too much to bear. Now, she is the program director for Rescate Fenix in Sonora, Mexico, where strays are also abundant.
“Spay and neuter is the only solution,” Clayton told Lady Freethinker.
To help with this crisis, Lady Freethinker awarded Rescate Fenix a $10,000 grant to aid in the sterilization of more than 2,000 animal companions of impoverished community members over the course of the next year. This grant would not have been possible without the help of our generous supporters.
“The suffering ends for countless puppies and kittens who won’t be born to a life of abandonment, abuse, or neglect,” Clayton said.
Courtesy of Rescate Fenix
Rescue Fenix is an all-volunteer, all-breed rescue that works on the U.S./Mexico border and has a shelter in Obregon, Mexico. They provide medical care and rehabilitation for all their rescues, offer free sterilizations and food when possible, and have an extensive network of foster parents.
“I am most proud of the fact that once a dog is in our care, we go to any length to ensure that dog gets a better life — regardless of the cost,” Clayton told us.
One example of this happened last year when Rescate Fenix rescued a pregnant pit bull who was going to be euthanized at another shelter and sent her to a foster in San Diego because their Obregon shelter was full. A depressed teenager and his mom met the mother dog soon after this and they decided to adopt her. After several months, the mother of the teenager reached out to Rescate Fenix to tell them about the life-changing effect this dog had on her son.
Courtesy of Rescate Fenix
“Moments like this remind me why I do what I do,” Clayton added. “To know you are saving lives, in more ways than one, is the greatest service one can do.”
We are so grateful to our incredible supporters who have allowed us to help this fantastic organization.
To learn more about Rescate Fenix, please visit their website.
