Max was a very special dog.  The first few years of his life were not the best, his history is unknown except for the fact that he was in pretty bad shape in early 2012.  Starving to the brink of death, he could barely walk.  From the numerous injuries and scars, it is believed he had been used as a bait dog and perhaps found a way to escape or was just tossed away when he was no longer of use.  Max must have been on the streets for sometime judging from his condition.  Severely underweight and dehydrated, Max was literally skin and bones and would not have survived more than a few days had his path not crosses with Nereyda Rivera.  Nereyda Rivera and her friend Mariana Baldillo.  

Nereyda and Mariana had been volunteering and fostering for local rescue groups, taking in puppies and dogs that needed a little more attention than a shelter had resources for.  They'd foster and care for them til the dogs were well enough to go to the shelter or get adopted.

The girls took Max in as they had many other dogs and hoped that it was not too late to save him.  What they did not know at the time is that this rescue effort was not at all like the others they had done in the past.  This was was special and Max was about to change not only their lives, but the lives of many other dogs as well.

The first few weeks were full ups and downs.  Max could not be kept at either of their homes because of his condition and precautions for the health and safety of the other dogs they were fostering.  A local pastor who had a bit of land behind his little church offered the girls an area where they could keep Max.  They built a makeshift kennel and cared for him there.  It was not long after that another dog with numerous health issues due to mistreatment and abuse showed up ... then another ... then another.  It was then that the girls decided they'd dedicate their efforts to those animals who were in such bad shape that they would surely be euthanized if they'd been taken to a shelter.  The amount of time, care, resources, and 24 hr attention was simply too much for the shelters to spend on one dog, when there were so many others that were more likely to get adopted.

So it began.  El Ranchito was founded in 2012 with Max as the "founder".  During the same year, Caboholics was created and adopted El Ranchito as one of few organizations to support.  Over the last 7 years, we seen many, many dogs taken a the brink of death, watched the progress and transformation of each unwanted street dog become healthier and happier.  Many have been adopted and found loving families of their own.  A few, such as Max have never left El Ranchito.  Those few called El Ranchito their home until they passed away.  Others have been there for numerous years and if not adopted will also continue live their lives happy, healthy, well fed, and loved until they get adopted (or not).

Over the years, El Ranchito has grown, the piece of land that was loaned to Nereyda and Mariana is now owned by El Ranchito.  Kennels have been built, water runs to the land, there's now electricity, fences, gates, and even a restroom.  All this would not have happened if it had not been for Max.  

Rest in peace, dear Max.  Run through the pastures with the others who have gone before you, but know that your legacy continues and El Ranchito will be changing the world for more dogs, one dog at a time.

We have set up this donation button for those who would
like to make a donation to El Ranchito in memory of Max.  

You can follow El Ranchito on Facebook.  News and updates are posted daily!

Here are just a few of the many dogs that have been given a second chance.

What is El Ranchito? What do they do? 

El Ranchito is home to a few very lucky dogs who, until they arrived at El Ranchito, had a life of unimaginable mistreatment, neglect, abuse, injury, or illness. All of these dogs require extensive medical care, long term treatments, pain management, social rehabilitation, and an enormous amount of love and attention. Originally created to help approximately 15 dogs at a time, we are now at almost 40 dogs. Some of which are living in foster homes, but most are ready for adoption.

El Ranchito was not set up to be a general shelter, and is not equipped nor has the capacity to take in owner surrenders or strays. Each dog is accepted based on it’s history and those who are accepted here are not euthanized in order to make room for new residents. The only way more dogs can be taken in is if the old residents are adopted. There an adoption process/application that must be approved and a fee of 1000 pesos. All dogs at El Ranchito are spayed and/or neutered prior to adoption.

People who come visit us here at El Ranchito are advised not to expect a building with offices, clinics, and bunch of healthy dogs ready for a new home, perhaps someday … but not yet.

You drive down the dirt road filled with bumps and holes wondering how much longer you’ll be bounced around the vehicle until you finally get to that left turn into the dirt parking area. You will more than likely see a bunch of dogs barking at you excitedly behind a partially fenced property, some of which may have escaped and are running out to greet you. You may hesitate a bit at this point, wondering if it’s safe to open the door, while visions of being mauled alive run through you mind. You then see everyone else getting out and are relieved that the dogs are not going to eat you, they are just so excited that they have visitors!

As you enter through a makeshift gate, you may think to yourself that this place is not at all what you were expecting … “Where are the restrooms? Where is the sink? Sorry, those are luxuries we don’t have. You also notice that most of the dogs have problems … yes, they all have problems. At this point, we hope that you remember that all dogs here at El Ranchito are here because of the problems and let yourself imagine what they must have been like before. As you continue, you will see the “furnishings” and “equipment” are quite rustic … part of the property is still fenced with old pallets and plywood, gates are kept closed or opened with wire, cable spools make great tables, old lawn chairs under a shade tree serves as our first aid station where medication and treatment is administered. Medications, shampoos, supplies and instruments are kept in a couple of plastic totes. The fresh water tank is filled with water supplied through a garden hose from a generous neighbors house a couple of hundred feet away.

It takes just a little while to see the appreciation and gratitude in the eyes of each dog, and when you see it, you understand … to them this place is a paradise. They are being treated, their physical pain has diminished, their emotional suffering has ended, they no longer feel the pangs of hunger or thirst. Most importantly, they feel loved and accepted. To them, they are at the best place in the world and they are at a point where they trust people again. Hopefully, each one of them can go on to the next level and experience having a family of their own, but until then this is as good it gets.

So now … you look around and wonder “what can I do to help?”. Do what you think needs doing. Grab a shovel and scoop some poop. Grab a dog and give him a bath. The chores are endless, but if you’re not the “chore doing type” … take some pictures, share the ones who are ready for adoption, that share may make the difference. Or you can just spend some one on one time with a dog, you’ll find your favorite for sure, maybe even take one home.

Wondering how you can help?  

We are always in need of dog food, treats, medications, shampoos, cleaning supplies, bleach. Soap, towels, sanitizing hand cleaner, paper towels, etc. 

If you are in Cabo monetary donations can be left at Pelu Dogs Grooming Salon or The Cabohoholic Store.  We apologize, although we are a registered non-profit organization in Mexico, we are not able to issue a tax deductible receipt for your gift.

You can also donate on line.  Any amount helps, whether a one time donation or an ongoing monthly donation to help with operating expenses is greatly appreciated.