The Plight of the Displaced Pet - by Jen MacDonald Playa del Carmen is a fast growing prestigious tourist resort area where unfortunately, countless feral dogs and cats are still wandering the streets, most in areas of the town that the average tourist never gets to see.  Even more distressing is the ever increasing amount of 'displaced' pets - dogs and cats that have known and enjoyed the comfort and security of a home for months, years and sometimes most of their lives. They have been provided for with food, water, shelter, shade and love - just like your own pets, only to be thrown away like garbage when no longer wanted.  There are many reasons for this, often social or economic. A very common reason is that the un-spayed pet has been allowed to roam streets and has returned home pregnant. Unfortunately too, many people who choose to make a life in Mexico, later decide to return to their own country. Some take their 'Playa pets' with them, considering them to be part of their family. Others will seek out new adoptive families, still more will simply abandon their previously cared for pet to a dubious fate on the streets.  These domesticated animals do not know where to find food or water. They are frightened by traffic and unfamiliar sights and sounds. Humans now scare them away, where previously they called them to their side. For the first time in their lives they have to seek out shelter and shade.  And love? For them love is gone.......possibly forever. Another growing trend here is to buy a pure bred animal, breed as many litters as possible to sell for profit and then when the animal no longer breeds - is sway-backed, saggy breasted and exhausted it is turned out on the streets. Lulu is one such sad case. Andy was told he could take her away as she is now 'basura' (garbage) and of no more use. On arrival at the shelter, she literally collapsed from hunger, thirst and exhaustion. Lulu looks like an ageing dog. She is just 3 years old. One look into her beautiful brown eyes and you can feel her pain... yet, still, she will give unconditional love and devotion you could ever need. Lulu is just one - of how many? Who knows? We only know that we could tell you a dozen or more similar stories. Peanut Pet Shelter is currently home to 16 displaced dogs and 5 displaced cats. Peanut Pet Shelter is the only animal rescue organization in Playa del Carmen that takes displaced animals. This is not a criticism, Peanut Pet Shelter is the longest/most established facility and more importantly has 'space'.  Every organization too, has it's own policies that reflect the work they choose to do. However, our space is limited - so much so that there are currently almost 30 rescue cats and dogs living in our small house( this is aside from the shelter facility that is almost always at capacity). At Peanut Pet Shelter we can (through the warm hearted generosity of our supporters) provide food, water, shelter and shade. We and our visitors can and do provide huge amounts of cuddles and affection, but it can never be the same as having a permanent, loving home. What can you do to help? Encourage responsible ownership. Allowing a pet to roam the streets is NOT responsible ownership. Encourage your family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances to spay or neuter their pet. Do not have a pet if you are not committed to looking after it and loving it for the rest of its life. Do not have a pet if you cannot afford its upkeep. Pet food, inoculations, spay/neuter and other veterinary care is expensive! If you are thinking of getting a pet, consider adopting an adult displaced animal. They need your love too. That cute puppy or fluffy kitten will be an adult itself in a very short space of time.   Share-the-Care in our planned Cat Sanctuary for displaced adult cats, or our planned Spay & Neuter Clinic. Peanut Pet Shelter donations are tax deductible!   Sponsor an adult animal. Every $ helps - no amount is too small. Our puppies and kittens will soon be adopted - our adult animals may be with us for the next 10 years!   Do you have place in your heart and home or a $ in your pocket for one of these life companions??

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