ABOUT FURRY TAILS OF OAXACA
Furry Tails of Oaxaca, incorporated in 2022 as a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) in Washington State, aims to improve the well-being of cats and dogs in Oaxaca, Mexico, by helping to reduce the population of street animals, and by providing animals in need with access to veterinary services and the ability to find a forever home through fundraising, education, and community outreach.
Currently a number of dedicated and skilled animal rescuers, veterinarians, and volunteers work independently and/or with groups and organizations to improve the lives of dogs and cats through ethical and humane treatment. They do this by organizing and holding sterilization and vaccination campaigns that are often free or cost a nominal fee. Some focus on catching street animals, sterilizing them, and releasing them back to where they were picked up. Some focus on finding foster and forever homes for unwanted or abandoned animals. Often rescuers and even veterinarians work at their own expense.
Furry Tails of Oaxaca was founded to support these various efforts by taking the burden of fundraising or finding resources off the shoulders of these rescuers, veterinarians and animal welfare volunteers.
Furry Tails of Oaxaca is not a shelter nor do we rescue or foster animals. Rather we support those already involved in this work through fundraising, networking, and education.
Furry Tails of Oaxaca is operated by a volunteer board of directors. We have no paid staff and keep our costs to a minimum. We allocate 5% of all donations to cover costs such as computer programs for the website and to track donations and expenditures. We work in particular to raise funds for:
- Free and low-cost sterilization campaigns
- Reducing the street populations of dogs and cats
- Networking of resources and information
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Maier
President, Treasurer
Mary is wildlife biologist who worked for over 30 years protecting and restoring the forests and rivers of the Pacific Northwest. She has had a passion for giving a voice to, and helping, animals her entire life. She now brings this passion to Oaxaca to help empower the people, groups, and organizations who work for the well-being of our four-legged friends.
Vice President
I am a Spanish teacher who lives in the center of Oaxaca City with my parents, sister, five dogs, four cats, a rooster, and a rabbit. Looking back on my life, I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t surrounded by pets. I love dogs and especially cats. This characteristic is a great influence of my paternal grandmother.
Secretary
Manuela Gomez Rhine is a writer, editor and author who lives between Los Angeles, California, and Oaxaca, Mexico. She began traveling from the U.S. to Mexico as a child to visit her paternal family in Tampico and Mexico City. Ultimately, she and her husband, Michael, chose Oaxaca as a second home.