It was during a casual afternoon walk in Las Tres Palmas, Mexico, that Northern Rivers locals Leigh and Kate McEvoy found their calling.
As the couple made their way through the town they came across a group of skeletal dogs, with barely enough energy to move.
‘That moment changed our lives,’ says Kate, a former teacher at Mullumbimby Public School.
‘The very next day with the help of some neighbours, we rescued these malnourished and impoverished puppies.
‘Overnight, we had all these puppies in our care, for which we were totally responsible.’
Two months later the couple had completely rehabilitated the puppies, taking them from death’s door to a place where they were ready for adoption.
Mexican Mutts is born
It was a transformative experience that has profoundly changed Kate and Leigh’s lives.
They are now running a small street-dog rehabilitation and rehoming centre called Mexican Mutts out of their small home in Las Tres Palmas, giving these neglected pups a second chance.
‘It’s truly shocking the number of abandoned street dogs living in misery,’ Kate says.
‘But it’s also truly rewarding to see how a little compassion goes such a long way in turning their lives around.’
It may only require a little compassion to help the dogs, but it requires a great deal of love, care and energy from Leigh and Kate to help them.
Making this effort even more remarkable is their determination not to let their limited physical abilities stop them from helping the dogs.
Leigh was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2006 and uses a wheelchair to get around. Kate has myalgic encephalomyeltis (ME), also known as chronic fatigue syndrome.
‘Kate is the driving force behind Mexican Mutts,’ Leigh says.
‘I have the privilege of fulfilling my purpose to serve and being supported by a loving and caring partner.
‘I’m learning to gently edge my way out of my comfort zone, step out in faith, and trust my inner knowing.
‘MS has also gifted me with an expanded capacity to be with suffering. I feel I am more compassionate and in tune with the dogs’ hardship, their resilience and their joys and see them for the innocent beings that they are.’
‘Thankfully Kate has overcome ME. However, she still lives with the residual affects from that.’
Support the mutts
Leigh and Kate have set up a GoFundMe page to support their work, asking people back home as well as their new community to pitch in if they can.
Just $10 will provide a rescued dog with tick, flea, and heartworm protection, while $50 will feed one dog for a month.
‘Donations go towards food, medicine, vet visits and sterilisation,’ Kate says.
‘Our intent is to give as many suffering dogs as possible the love and care necessary to prepare them for a new life.
‘Also, through cultivating relationships within our community we are able to offer education on animal care and share the importance of sterilising dogs.’
To support Leigh and Kate in their work, go to the GoFundMe website and search for ‘Mexican Mutts’.
You can also make a direct donation via the following account details: ING account, BSB: 923100, Account number: 308297855.
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