It all started with a lifelong dream. Armed with a tricycle and a lot of determination, Edgardo embarked on a journey to pursue his goal: To save every dog he encounters on the road and give them a better life.
His name is Edgardo Zuñiga Juárez, also known as Edgardo “Perros.” From his hometown in Nayarit, Mexico, he began his journey, passing by La Paz, Los Cabos, Tijuana, the United States’ northern border until Reynosa. He traveled to Cancun, the edge of Belice-Chetumal, Puerto Chiapas, Mexico’s coastlines until they reached Oaxaca. The aim is to return to their starting point, circling Mexico and cover its perimeter.
Edgardo already has three dogs: Blanco, Negro, and Chilletas, who were part of his mission since the very beginning. Since then, he traveled around 8500 miles and saved nearly 500 dogs. His humble transportation mode, a tricycle, contains everything they need: food, blankets, medications, toiletries, and other essential items.
For Edgardo, it’s all about sustainability and thinking long-term. He has a straightforward process in mind. Once he finds a dog, he cleans and feeds them. He brings the ones with medical conditions to a nearby veterinarian. He stays in a shaded area with all the other dogs for a few days until the dog recovers and is strong enough to join the group. Edgardo’s ultimate goal is to rehabilitate them until they are healthy enough for adoption.
However, there were occasions Edgardo would find dogs in a terrible state a little too late. They may be a victim of a vehicular accident, or they may be severely ill. During these times, Edgardo would stay with them and keep them comfortable during their final moments.
As a rescuer, Edgardo proved that he has basic veterinary knowledge and ensures all rescue dogs are neutered and vaccinated. However, he is also a responsible pet owner and never puts his dogs’ lives by involving himself in invasive procedures or self-medication. His three dogs are also there to help him with the new ones. For him, socialization is essential before they get adopted by their new families.
There are good and bad days. The dogs can get loud and rowdy at times, but Edgardo remained patient with them. He has to keep in mind that they will always be dogs, and everything takes time.
He is not alone in this mission; countless people were there to help Edgardo through his journey. Numerous people around the world offered their assistance in person and through online platforms such as Facebook. He also receives discounts at the veterinary clinic whenever he brings his rescues. Overall, this is how he makes his advocacy sustainable.
Edgardo seeks to continue working with dogs but with more depth. He looks forward to going closer to Mexico City, where, according to him, social issues such as poverty, abuse, pollution are more apparent, which means more animals in need. It will be a more challenging project to undertake and would entail more people to make it happen. But overall, he is optimistic that it will take place at the right time.
To this date, Edgardo continues to save more dogs. A believer of nonviolence, Edgardo believes that humans, plants, and animals should coexist and be at peace with each other. It’s not about saving one species and prioritizing one over the other.
He dreams that one day, people, especially the younger ones, will follow in his footsteps. However, he acknowledges that people will understand life when they are ready; some start later in life, while some had it in them all along. The understanding will come naturally and at the right time, and to him, this is how people evolve.
Watch the remarkable advocacy of Edgardo, the dog savior, here:
Source: Pets Feed via YouTube
