By Sweet guests Amy and Dawn
While vacationing in the Mexican Riviera, seven Sweeties made the journey north of Puerta Vallarta to visit the PuRR Project, a no-kill sanctuary for needy cats and kittens.
In Mexico, animals have no rights or protection provided them by the government. Traditionally, animals have little social value. This creates a situation that places cats at great risk for abuse, abandonment and death. The PuRR Project is a privately funded project that provides necessary care for 200 cats and kittens. During this visit, our volunteer group was able to donate much needed medical supplies and cash to further the amazing works of the volunteers of the PuRR Project. But the most amazing part of the experience was the opportunity to observe and interact with the kitties in their environment.
When you walk through the gates you immediately notice several cats sunning themselves on the sidewalk. Several lifted their heads up and became curious. Others could not be bothered to move from their comfortable positions (they are cats afterall).
Inside you look around and see nothing but cats everywhere, in the trees, on the roofs, lying in bowls, and on beds. We wandered the grounds and had the opportunity to go into the nursery where there were two mother cats each with a set of kittens. One set was two-and-a-half-weeks old, the other set was four-weeks old. We spent time with these tiny babies, went into the kitten area where we cuddled and played with these little guys. There is also an area for the teenagers. These guys were amazingly active and loved to play. I sat on the floor and was immediately covered in teenage kittens who wanted to play with my shoe laces, hair and anything else they could get hold of.
Once out in the cat yard, we dared to sit down and were instantly covered with cats who were looking for scratches and loves. We were invited in to visit the clinic to see where the sick and recovering babies are. Each animal that enters the sanctuary is spayed/neutered. Many are on medications that are needed daily. We went in expecting it would be depressing, but we came away with warm hearts! A special group of local volunteers cares for the kitties daily. The love and dedication these volunteers put forth shows on each well-loved kitty’s face.
The project and its daily operation has financial and resource challenges. The average monthly cost to adequately meet the needs of the project is about $6,000. Sweet will be returning to this location in the future, so you too can participate in changing Mexico, one adorable kitty at a time.
For more information, visit PurrProject.com.
