Saving Mexico's Canine Pilgrims from the Christians Jan-Albert Hootsen - Vocativ
go to original January 2, 2015

Mariel Hernández carries a dog to Mundo Patitas van. (Vocativ/Brett Gundlock)

Last month saw the busiest day of the year at the basilica, as millions of devout Mexicans came together during the Guadalupana, the yearly pilgrimage commemorating the Virgin’s apparition. Over 7 million visited the shrine this year, many of them hailing from poor, rural areas and walking hundreds of miles to get here.

But it wasn't just pilgrims flocking to the basilica. Hundreds of dogs tag along with them, too, most of them strays attracted by large groups of people in the hope of being fed. Others are pets the pilgrims take with them for protection and company. But to many of them, the basilica is the end of the line. Most pilgrims returned to their hometowns on buses that don’t allow animals on board. The dogs are stranded and settle near the basilica, much to the chagrin of those living in the neighborhood, who call on the municipal dog brigade to get rid of the animals. Last year alone, more than 100 dogs were stranded in the area after the piligrimage. Most of them were rounded up and killed by municipal authorities.

“Catholic charity generally doesn’t extend to animals,” says Albarrán. “Most Mexicans don’t see dogs as living beings. They either consider them objects or a nuisance. We’re here not just to save the dogs, but also to make people conscious of how to treat them.”

Last year marked the first time Mundo Patitas was working at the basilica. The group prioritizes puppies, as well as sick and pregnant dogs. Armed with bags of food and water, collars and leashes, the volunteers caught 13 dogs one Saturday. Among the saved dogs were a pregnant black Labrador, a small white dog with a limp and an older boxer cross with a bad rash and respiratory problems. Once their two trucks were filled to capacity, the animals were brought to a vet, given medical care and sterilized, then taken to a small shelter just outside the city, where the dogs will await adoption.

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