Flower Fowler’s life changed irreversibly one day in 2013 when her daughter brought home two stray dogs.
The family lived in a tiny house in Tlaquepaque, and her first reaction was to say that they could not keep the dogs. But her daughter was very persuasive and the dogs stayed.
Within a short time, more dogs were added, as the family found it impossible not to help these poor street animals.
Once Fowler reached 20 dogs in her care, she realized it was time to make some serious decisions.
In the spring of 2017, she closed the private English school she ran close to her home, and moved to a house with a large yard in Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos. She built four runs and eventually founded Stray Dogs of Mexico, soliciting donations and volunteers.
Taking good care of the dogs requires a lot of time, as well money, chiefly for dog food, vet care and hired help. Costs are particularly high, Fowler says, because “we specialize in giant breeds, abused, injured and ill dogs that require special care.” She says she decided to focus on these dogs because few shelters accept them.
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