| Pages:
1
2
3 |
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
Baja Dogs
Good news: There is a relatively new Animal refuge, called "Baja Dogs" on Hwy 1 in Centenario outside of La Paz. The goal of this
refuge is to spay & neuter dogs & cats. This is a free service for those people who are unable to pay, but donations are accepted, and a set
fee is charged for those who can afford to pay.
Bad News: The Canadian founder of this organization does not treat the animals well. Unfortunately, she schedules employees to be
at the refuge only between the hours of 8AM-11AM & 5PM-7PM. The animals are kept locked in small cages virtually 24-hours a day. Rarely are they
taken out for walks or exercise. The older dogs who have learned to "hold it" until they are taken outside are kept in better conditions than the
puppies who have to go more often & can't hold it or haven't yet learned to wait until they're taken outside; the puppies are in solid bottom
cages, so they're sitting or laying in urine & poop. Several puppies are kept in each cage, so you can imagine the poor conditions these little
fellas are exposed to. There is water in the cages all the time, and they are fed when the workers are there.
The founder does NOT treat the Mexicano employees well....with dignity or respect. She recently fired the Veterinarian who was on staff M-F from
4PM-8PM & Sat. from 9AM-1PM. The reason given for being fired is that the Veterinarian had agreed to give 4 free surgeries per month, and in
September she'd only given two free surgeries because Central de Salud did not bring the necessary supplies...such as anesthesia & material for
stitches, antiseptic, etc. for her to perform surgeries. Hurricane Henriette caused Central de Salud to temporarily divert all their efforts to the
human population. Because of circumstances outside the Veterinarian's control, the founder withheld her pay for September & October fired her the
first week in November; WITHOUT talking with the Veterinarian to advise her WHY her salary was being withheld.
Instead, the founder complained loudly about the Veterinarian to anyone who would listen!! The founder has withheld medical & surgical records,
thereby witholding proof that the Veterinarian was an employee or performed any services at Baja Dogs.
The Veterinarian has tried to file a complaint with Secretaria de Trabajo, but since she has no proof, this agency can't help her recover her lost
wages. Baja Dogs owes her $15,000 pesos, but the founder is only willing to give her $5,700 pesos. Because the founder is withholding business
records, there is no proof of work performed. Secretaria de Trabajo has told the Veterinarian she can file a civil suits against the founder, but we
all know who fast the legal system works!
The purpose of posting this information is to hopefully force the founder to see the error of her ways towards both the animals given into her care
and the Mexicano workers she employs. She is disrespecting the people & the culture! Her kind of animal refuge is not an asset to Baja!
I'm very upset about this situation, but I'm at a loss as to how to make it better or make it go away. Any suggestions on how to deal with this
situation would be greatly appreciated!
|
|
|
backninedan
Senior Nomad
Posts: 865
Registered: 3-8-2003
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
|
|
I hope the founder sees this post and has the guts to answer the charges made.
If true, she shouldn't be allowed anywhere near an animal, nor an animal shelter. IMHO
|
|
|
Dave
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6005
Registered: 11-5-2002
Member Is Offline
|
|
Busted
| Quote: | Originally posted by AnimalAdvocate
The Veterinarian has tried to file a complaint with Secretaria de Trabajo, but since she has no proof, this agency can't help her recover her lost
wages.
Any suggestions on how to deal with this situation would be greatly appreciated
|
Dear AnimalAdvocate Disgruntled Employee and/or veterinarian or spouse/close personal friend of veterinarian,
1. Mexican citizens doesn't need proof to file or collect a wage claim from a foreign employer. 
2. Animal advocates generally don't give a c**p about how humans are treated. (Although this was listed as a secondary concern so perhaps you
qualify.)
Try again.
My guess would be that the owner is trying but lacks the funding to address all issues. She's probably overwhelmed. Would you rather this place
closed?
|
|
|
Gypsy Jan
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4275
Registered: 1-27-2004
Member Is Offline
Mood: Depends on which way the wind is blowing
|
|
Team Dave!
Yes and right on.
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness.”
—Mark Twain
\"La vida es dura, el corazon es puro, y cantamos hasta la madrugada.” (Life is hard, the heart is pure and we sing until dawn.)
—Kirsty MacColl, Mambo de la Luna
\"Alea iacta est.\"
—Julius Caesar
|
|
|
Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
|
|
I don't know who the heck you are! My Chocolate Lab had an very delicate
knee surgery at Baja Dogs, on Oct.26th, by two of the most caring vets I have met. Mason spent two weeks of therapy at that facility after the
operation. Believe me, I checked out the place and I found the staff and the conditions superior to many in the States. Large chain link kennel areas.
The floors are dirt but clean. She hopes to have concrete floors soon and may have them now. Yes, they had some create type kennels. They use them to
retrieve abused and abandoned dogs. The strays are washed vaccinated and examined by one or both of the new vets and quarantined so they don't bring
bad stuff into the general population. When I made a donation they would not except it until I wrote my information in a book. So the little amount of
donations she was receiving at that time are well accounted for. She has dreams of a larger facility away for homes so the dogs won't bother any
neighbors. Dhorea is a caring person and is involved in many programs to help disadvantaged kids.
Here is an article from the BajaInsider:
http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-life/charities/dogrescuebaja...
The poster of this thread should be hung out to dry by the locals who know the truth!
[Edited on 11-11-2007 by Russ]
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
|
|
|
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | | Quote: | | Quote: |
Dear AnimalAdvocate Disgruntled Employee and/or veterinarian or spouse/close personal friend of veterinarian, |
None of the above! At best, I know & respect the Veterinarian & would have preferred she be treated fairly & honestly
& allowed to continue her good & caring work with the animals. |
| Quote: | | 1. Mexican citizens doesn't need proof to file or collect a wage claim from a foreign employer. |
They do when their pay is based on "production or output" rather than a
fixed salary, that's why the medical & surgical records are so important. |
| Quote: | | 2. Animal advocates generally don't give a c**p about how humans are treated. (Although this was listed as a secondary concern so perhaps you
qualify.) |
BOTH are of great concern to me!
| Quote: |
My guess would be that the owner is trying but lacks the funding to address all issues. She's probably overwhelmed. Would you rather this place
closed? |
That's WHY I was looking for input as to possible solutions; for the sake of both the animals, and
the employees who care for them.
|
|
|
Paulina
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3810
Registered: 8-31-2002
Location: BCN
Member Is Offline
|
|
Wow. As a "Newbie" you got that quote thing down!
Are you dually registered on Nomad?
P<*)))><
\"Well behaved women rarely make history.\" Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
|
|
|
DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
Member Is Offline
|
|
Yeah.... How does he/she do all that stuff?
|
|
|
Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
|
|
I smell a Rat!
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
|
|
|
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
I don't know who the heck you are! My Chocolate Lab had an very delicate
knee surgery at Baja Dogs, on Oct.26th, by two of the most caring vets I have met. Mason spent two weeks of therapy at that facility after the
operation. Believe me, I checked out the place and I found the staff and the conditions superior to many in the States. Large chain link kennel areas.
The floors are dirt but clean. She hopes to have concrete floors soon and may have them now. Yes, they had some create type kennels. They use them to
retrieve abused and abandoned dogs. The strays are washed vaccinated and examined by one or both of the new vets and quarantined so they don't bring
bad stuff into the general population. When I made a donation they would not except it until I wrote my information in a book. So the little amount of
donations she was receiving at that time are well accounted for. She has dreams of a larger facility away for homes so the dogs won't bother any
neighbors. Dhorea is a caring person and is involved in many programs to help disadvantaged kids.
Here is an article from the BajaInsider:
http://www.bajainsider.com/baja-life/charities/dogrescuebaja...
The poster of this thread should be hung out to dry by the locals who know the truth!
[Edited on 11-11-2007 by Russ] |
Marisol, the Veterinarian who did the surgery on Mason & oversaw his
recovery is the Veterinarian who was fired. Now; hearing that the Veterinarian you speak so highly of, the same person who took such good care of
Mason is the same person this injustice was done to; does that change your reaction at all?
Yes, Dorea is a very attractive woman at first glance, and the initial impression she gives off is benevolent & caring, but her true
nature comes out if you spend any time in her company. She doesn't have the respect in the local community that Marisol does, and for just cause.
I didn't make any accusations about the use or accounting for donations received, so I'm not sure what prompted those comments. My comments were
limited to medical records which Marisol's pay was based on.
I doubt Dorea happened to mention that her application to create her new facility inside the Lomas Centenario housing development was
denied by the city permit office, did she? So much for her honesty & sincerity in not bothering any neighbors!
I'm sorry, Russ, I know you're angry at my original post, but I AM a local....one of many locals who do know the truth; based on knowing her for a few
years rather than first impressions. Marisol is a fine veterinarian & fine human being, and she doesn't deserve what's happened....nor do the
animals in that facility deserve to lose her!
|
|
|
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Paulina
Wow. As a "Newbie" you got that quote thing down!
Are you dually registered on Nomad?
P<*)))>< |
No, but a Nomad is translating & posting what I ask him to because I don't speak English, and I don't have the computer skills to post myself. I
just became a Nomad today when I asked my friend to help me by translating & posting for me.
|
|
|
Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
|
|
WOW
I hate it when I'm SOOO wrong. Things change. I still would like to hear back from Dhorea and I will go back to Baja Dogs and check
it out. I do believe that Marisol and her husband, Armando are excellent vets. I will see them after Thanksgiving. It would be a real tragedy if you
are right. And I hate Crow.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
|
|
|
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
Thank you for that acknowledgment Russ! The information posted is accurate & current. I'll get a contact # for Marisol & U2U it to you as
soon as I can. I hope Mason is doing great!
|
|
|
Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
Member Is Offline
Mood: Worried...
|
|
Wow...
It never ceases to amaze me... this forum is one of the best ways of getting information out!! (and advice ... gracias Dr. Tom!)
Please keep us informed re: Baja Dogs
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
|
|
|
Mexicanmullet
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 11-12-2007
Member Is Offline
|
|
I have worked closely on a project for Baja Dogs rescue with the Owner. Im sure that the veterinarian that was fired was fired on VERY Just-cause.
Upon reading this article there is alot of bias information. The owner has given up many aspects of her life to dedicate her life to the well being of
these mis treated dogs. The statement "The Canadian founder of this organization does not treat the animals well." Cannot even be comprehended as
better than a Complete lie. There is no one i know that has had more Compassion and care for these animals. And this is shown by the rescue's website.
The Dog on the front is my dog. She went from being on the highway starving with mange and with an eye infection. Now after the care and affection
that dhorea and her veterinarians she is a healthy dog. Who will never stop showing how much joy she has to be alive.
(PICS)
Why would the named veterinarian be fired if she was such a good veterinarian? If she put so much time in? And why would she stay if there was such
mistreatment? Did she put in the effort to save these mistreated dogs? She as an employee must have had responsibilities to care for these dogs.
Because there were so many dogs at the refuge it could not SOLELY be the Owners responsibility or she would not have hired employees.
As for supplies, The owner is not a veterinarian, she is a dedicated charity owner. She must buy her supplies based on money she receives. She has
given much of her own money to begin this safe haven for dogs. There is no protection from death on the streets of mexico for these dogs.
The owner has put many school level programs in place to show the mexican culture how to care for their pets and she herself has donated and
distributed clothing for the children in her area. She cares about any human being and animal alike. To see the amount of Disrespect this person is
paying to someone who has helped them before makes me sick. The owner is a wonderful person whom I have worked with before, who has brought the love
of my life to me (my dog, who almost died) and cares about animals more than you will ever know.
If this happens to be your first impression of Baja Dogs Rescue, I beg you do not hold a bias against them because of an angered ex-veterinarian.
There were many things named in this complaint that were not only the owners responsibility, and there were things named in here that are not the
truth. Go to Baja Dogs Rescue and have a look for yourself. You are the only ones that can truely judge. If you truely love the veterinarian that has
been fired, then stay true to her, as i will stay true to the owner. Baja dogs Rescue is a wonderful place. Do not hesitate to go there if you are in
need.
|
|
|
Mexicanmullet
Newbie
Posts: 3
Registered: 11-12-2007
Member Is Offline
|
|
http://www.bajadogshelplineoflapaz.org/
please visit and see how many dogs listed have been helped..
They would most definitely be there than on the street at risk for getting their necks snapped.
My dog when she was brought to the rescue....
My dog now..
|
|
|
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
| Quote: | Originally posted by Mexicanmullet
I have worked closely on a project for Baja Dogs rescue with the Owner. Im sure that the veterinarian that was fired was fired on VERY Just-cause.
Upon reading this article there is alot of bias information. The owner has given up many aspects of her life to dedicate her life to the well being of
these mis treated dogs. The statement "The Canadian founder of this organization does not treat the animals well." Cannot even be comprehended as
better than a Complete lie. There is no one i know that has had more Compassion and care for these animals. And this is shown by the rescue's website.
The Dog on the front is my dog. She went from being on the highway starving with mange and with an eye infection. Now after the care and affection
that dhorea and her veterinarians she is a healthy dog. Who will never stop showing how much joy she has to be alive. |
First of all, thank you Mexicanmullet for your time & effort working on behalf of the dogs of Baja!
Yes, Dorea gives her own time & money, but just because someone sets out to do good things, it doesn't necessarily show up in the end results.
I'm glad for you and your dog that hers is a happy ending story. I never said the medical treatment of the animals is bad or inferior. I said that
the animals are kept inside most of the day locked up in small individual travel kennels which hold urine & poop. The conditions the animals are
currently kept in is not as good as it was when Baja Dogs first opened it's doors. And for the record, the Baja Dogs website is not a public forum,
it says exactly what the founder wants it to say, since you mentioned "bias"! Baja Dogs has done many good things & saved many animals, the
concept is a good one, it's the execution that I and many others here in the area find fault with.
| Quote: | | Why would the named veterinarian be fired if she was such a good veterinarian? If she put so much time in? And why would she stay if there was such
mistreatment? Did she put in the effort to save these mistreated dogs? She as an employee must have had responsibilities to care for these dogs.
Because there were so many dogs at the refuge it could not SOLELY be the Owners responsibility or she would not have hired employees.
|
That's an EXCELLENT question....WHY was she fired? From another poster here, there was an initial very angry reply
in defense of Marisol & her husband who wasn't mentioned in my original post. His anger was directed at me, and in Marisol & Armando's
defense. Obviously, he has a lot of respect for a person wrongfully fired, just as I & many others do.
| Quote: | | As for supplies, The owner is not a veterinarian, she is a dedicated charity owner. She must buy her supplies based on money she receives. She has
given much of her own money to begin this safe haven for dogs. There is no protection from death on the streets of mexico for these dogs.
|
I never said or inferred the founder was a Veterinarian. But she is in charge & she directs the employees as to their job responsibilities.
| Quote: | | The owner has put many school level programs in place to show the mexican culture how to care for their pets and she herself has donated and
distributed clothing for the children in her area. She cares about any human being and animal alike. To see the amount of Disrespect this person is
paying to someone who has helped them before makes me sick. The owner is a wonderful person whom I have worked with before, who has brought the love
of my life to me (my dog, who almost died) and cares about animals more than you will ever know. |
Yes, she has been involved in education programs in the grade schools here in Centenario. But she's not ALONE in her efforts! She has
several paid employees, as well as a Board of Directions whose ideas & suggestions have been implemented, and for which she takes full credit for!
| Quote: | | If this happens to be your first impression of Baja Dogs Rescue, I beg you do not hold a bias against them because of an angered ex-veterinarian.
There were many things named in this complaint that were not only the owners responsibility, and there were things named in here that are not the
truth. Go to Baja Dogs Rescue and have a look for yourself. You are the only ones that can truely judge. If you truely love the veterinarian that has
been fired, then stay true to her, as i will stay true to the owner. Baja dogs Rescue is a wonderful place. Do not hesitate to go there if you are in
need. |
I repeat...I AM NOT Marisol!!!! I posted this because I sincerely feel that Dorea mistreated Marisol & because she withheld the medical &
surgery records which prove Marisol's case before Secretaria de Trajabo. If Dorea truly "cares about any human being" & is such a caring &
compassionate person, why doesn't she pay her employees Segurio Social; as is required by Mexican law? If she's so caring & compassionate towards
children, why does she pay minor workers less than legal wage; as required by Mexican law?
[Edited on 11-13-2007 by AnimalAdvocate]
|
|
|
Marie-Rose
Senior Nomad
Posts: 894
Registered: 10-2-2003
Location: Victoria, B.C. and Todos Santos
Member Is Offline
Mood: Worried...
|
|
Boy this is "deja vue"!!! In TS we recently had a similiar situation where the
couple who run the most fabulous refugio around (do I sound bias???) had a very unfortunate situation with a very sick dog they were boarding. You
would not believe the stories that were generated... many lies and half truths.
I have heard that Dorea is, and has been for many years... an incredible animal advocate.
I for one am keeping an open mind.
Remember, when in Mexico, yes may be no and no may be
maybe!
|
|
|
Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
Member Is Offline
|
|
"That's an EXCELLENT question....WHY was she fired? From another poster here, there was an initial very angry reply in defense of Marisol & her
husband who wasn't mentioned in my original post. His anger was directed at me, and in Marisol & Armando's defense. Obviously, he has a lot of
respect for a person wrongfully fired, just as I & many others do."
----Don't know how to do that "quote" thing.-----
I hope I didn't convey that I Knew that Marisol was wrongfully fired. I know nothing. And even less after this posting. And I'm still angry!
The dogs are what are important here. When I was there I experienced a well run facility, all the people I met seemed happy to be there and helping
with the dogs. The vets were happy to be able to use the facility for their procedures. I did not see dogs created in the general population area.
Only in the admitting room. I'm going back after Thanksgiving and will see both people. I will not post my impressions again concerning this thread.
You all, I guess, should make your decision. The End
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
|
|
|
AnimalAdvocate
Newbie
Posts: 9
Registered: 11-11-2007
Location: La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
|
|
Sorry Russ, didn't mean to imply that the way you apparently took it. What I should have said is you felt she is an excellent veterinarian which you
made clear in your first post. I was pointing out your high regards for her, and didn't mean to imply that you felt she was wrongfully fired. I'll
try to be more careful in translating for content rather than a literal translation....unlike most of the on-line translators!
|
|
|
| Pages:
1
2
3 |
![[*]](images/xmbforum/default_icon.gif){kind=icon}
