Mutilated Mexican Dog Becomes Finalist in America’s Favorite Pet Contest

Pay de Limón, a dog that was mutilated by members of a Mexican drug cartel, has come a long way since being found in a dump in Fresnillo, Zacatecas, in 2011. He was barely a year old at the time and had the toes of his front paws cut off by the cartel. Twelve years later, he is a finalist in the popular America’s Favorite Pet competition, with a chance of becoming the magazine’s cover dog and winning a $5,000 cash prize.

Source: NowThis News/Youtube

Paty Ruiz, the founder of Milagros Caninos, the animal shelter that rescued Pay de Limón, compares the dog’s experience to kidnappings perpetrated by organized crime. She explains that the cartels cut off his toes one by one, just like they cut off the fingers of human beings who are kidnapped. Despite the trauma, Pay de Limón has shown remarkable resilience and now walks with prostheses that are renewed every year. The first prostheses were made in Denver, Colorado, and later ones came from Washington and Virginia.

In 2011, a member of the cartel contacted Ruiz and told her where Pay de Limón was. The dog was then located and transferred to Xochimilco, in Mexico City, where he received care and was kept hidden for fear of possible reprisals from the drug traffickers. The dog sanctuary in Xochimilco continues to care for dozens of dogs that have suffered extreme violence.

The America’s Favorite Pet competition is the world’s largest online pet competition and Pay de Limón has become the favorite of voters. Using a photograph of the dog with his prostheses covered in camouflage gear, the competition organizers hope to attract Support for this brave survivor of human cruelty.

While Pay de Limón’s story is heartwarming, it also highlights the violence that is a daily reality in Mexico. The country had 35,625 homicides in 2021, and almost 5% (1,776) took place in Zacatecas, the state where Pay de Limón was rescued.

As animal lovers, we can Support organizations like Milagros Caninos, which rely on donations to rescue and care for animals in extreme situations. By donating or volunteering, we can help these organizations train animals to be therapy partners and Donate blood to other dogs. We can also raise awareness about the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need to protect animals from abuse and cruelty.

Pay de Limón’s story is a testament to the resilience and strength of animals in the face of human cruelty. Let’s show our Support for this brave survivor and for organizations that help animals in need. Vote for Pay de Limón in the America’s Favorite Pet competition and let’s celebrate the beauty and resilience of animals.

Animals Are My Favorite People Sweatshirt By Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

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