Help Me Save Mama

Three years ago, on one of my many trips to Guatemala, I met a pregnant street dog I affectionately called "Mama". Of the many dogs I'd met I had already befriended a dog which I named Foxy, but Mama hit me differently. She was emaciated and struggling, puppies due any week, and I was leaving to return to the US soon. I worried I wouldn't see her on my trip the next year and came to terms with that.

To my unexpected joy the following year she was still alive. When I saw her, I called her name. She stopped, looked, then came running to me. It had been 13 months, but she remembered me! I was thrilled and she and Foxy had become close friends, as well. Though I only visit this more remote part of Guatemala once a year, they were besides themselves and howling with joy and jumping with glee each time they see me. I have grown to love them as if they ARE mine.

In September this year I returned and was greeted with the same excitement I always am, but noticed something different about Mama. While sleeping next to me I noticed an infection around her vulva. As I said my goodbyes to "my" dogs and left Momos I was in tears at the thought that could be the last time I see sweet Mama. But then I did some thinking and asked the family I am close to there if they could take her to a vet for diagnosis. Last week I received the diagnosis.

It turns out Mama has genital CPV (Canine Papilloma Virus) and it's a tumor. It IS operable and she can survive. Because it's a highly contagious and spreadable virus, I've made the obvious decision to also spay her to prevent reoccurrence [and give her a break on having puppies!].

Here is where I'm asking for a bit of assistance. In the zona in which she and Foxy live, the dogs are considered "community" ... and in a very poor community. The tienda and hospedaje workers and owners have come to appreciate and accept them, no longer shooing them away, feeding them, and that's it. But the cost of 4,000 quetzal is too much for them, which is around the equivalent of $525 USD. Here is the eye-opening part. WHAT does the $525 cover?

• Three, round-trip transportations to and from Xela/Quetzaltenango, the nearest large city to Momostenango [1,000 Q]
• Surgery to remove tumor(s) [2,000 Q]
• Injections for tumor treatment [300 Q]
• Spay [500 Q]
• Two-night stay at vet, post surgery [100 Q x 2]

I realize times are difficult all around, but I just can't bear to NOT give Mama a chance at life. If you can spare even $5, it would be greatly appreciated. I will update and share her progress as it happens. I have already sent half of the cost so that they can at least travel to Xela and begin the procedure. I can't tell you how forever grateful I am to the Itzep Hernandez family for going out of their way (literally!) to take her to and from the nearest city (they only have moped, so are hiring transport). And also - in advance - to YOU for giving Mama the life she deserves.

Many thanks and much love!