My Journey

Hey guys.....thanks for the offers with the cash, it's really nice, but I'm fine. Regarding any comments about me being a good guy.....I'm probably not. I didn't do anything that anyone of you would not have done. I had no choice.....

We started the day with a walk to the canal and the dogs had a swim. We didn't notice the sign.....

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Since Mex was showing steady improvement, I decided that I needed to get out to a Starbucks and hang out a little. As I walking to the Starbucks this guy, standing on the corner asking for donations for some religious thing, was overwhelmed with Mex's injuries and asked if he could pray for her. He put his hands on her and prayed to God, Jesus, and probably every saint that exists. He was overwhelmed and 5 minutes later I was having my coffee.....

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As we were leaving a guy pulls up and sees Mex. He jumps out, introduces himself, and proceeded to ask a million questions. Turns out he owns several dog grooming salons, a restaurant, a shopping center.....honestly I forget what else he owned. He's a huge traveler and invited me to his restaurant. At that point it was maps out. This guy was once a Mexican policeman and he gave me the low down on traveling in Mexico. Great guy and a couple of fun hours we had.....

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As I was taking his photo, he said no.....like this.....

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The dogs are really cautious about Mex. I think Yukon would vote no, she has to go. Montana seems to be indifferent, more like just another one of Jerry's ideas. As for me, I have some thoughts as well.....

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As you can see, her eye has greatly improved. It's probably my biggest concern at the moment.

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I think I've figured out what may have happened to her. There's lots of tar on her fur. The vet said that it was possible acid burns. So my guess is that hot tar was poured on her. I also think she was dragged because her paws are raw. She has numerous lacerations below her fur which aren't visible in a picture but I'm guessing that someone sliced her up pretty good. And then there's the whole skull issue. So ugly.....
 

bigskypylot

Explorer
Hey guys.....thanks for the offers with the cash, it's really nice, but I'm fine. Regarding any comments about me being a good guy.....I'm probably not. I didn't do anything that anyone of you would not have done. I had no choice.....

We started the day with a walk to the canal and the dogs had a swim. We didn't notice the sign.....

View attachment 385353

Since Mex was showing steady improvement, I decided that I needed to get out to a Starbucks and hang out a little. As I walking to the Starbucks this guy, standing on the corner asking for donations for some religious thing, was overwhelmed with Mex's injuries and asked if he could pray for her. He put his hands on her and prayed to God, Jesus, and probably every saint that exists. He was overwhelmed and 5 minutes later I was having my coffee.....

View attachment 385352

As we were leaving a guy pulls up and sees Mex. He jumps out, introduces himself, and proceeded to ask a million questions. Turns out he owns several dog grooming salons, a restaurant, a shopping center.....honestly I forget what else he owned. He's a huge traveler and invited me to his restaurant. At that point it was maps out. This guy was once a Mexican policeman and he gave me the low down on traveling in Mexico. Great guy and a couple of fun hours we had.....

View attachment 385354

As I was taking his photo, he said no.....like this.....

View attachment 385355

The dogs are really cautious about Mex. I think Yukon would vote no, she has to go. Montana seems to be indifferent, more like just another one of Jerry's ideas. As for me, I have some thoughts as well.....

View attachment 385356

As you can see, her eye has greatly improved. It's probably my biggest concern at the moment.

View attachment 385358

I think I've figured out what may have happened to her. There's lots of tar on her fur. The vet said that it was possible acid burns. So my guess is that hot tar was poured on her. I also think she was dragged because her paws are raw. She has numerous lacerations below her fur which aren't visible in a picture but I'm guessing that someone sliced her up pretty good. And then there's the whole skull issue. So ugly.....

We will keep praying for Mexico and all of you. She's in good hands and hopefully her recovery continues. When is her next visit? If you decide to set up a gofundme or a PayPal, let us know. Maybe someone here could set up a GFM page for Mex and her continued care. It's the least we can do for animals that are treated in such a horrific way. Thanks for the update!
 

unkamonkey

Explorer
I'm just waiting for an update about you and the dogs. My neighbor wisely didn't show his wife the site. Otherwise you would have an irate German lady there already but you might still end up with an irate French lady there from FL. I know to not cross either of them. I really like my body parts where they are and either woman can rip you a new one, verbally or physically.
My offer still stands, I will be the human companion of Mex if you want the help.
 
Bigskypylot.....I won't be needing an financial assistance but thank you. I just tighten my budget a little here and there. For instance, rather than watch the Super Bowl at a restaurant (I actually didn't know that yesterday was Sunday and it was the Super Bowl until I overheard people talking about it), I watched part of the game at the mall outside of a restaurant and then I watched the overtime at a Walmart.....

IMG_2135.jpg

Rather than stay at the RV resort for another night (I stayed Saturday night cause I needed that place again), I saved probably $50 between the two of them. It's no big deal either way really. That's just how I live. Regarding her next vet visit, she needs to go in next Monday for a look and then on 02/21 for a shot(s). Thanks again.....


Mex is steadily improving. It's been amazing to see people's reactions to her wounds. So many people see her and just start crying. Serious. Anyhow, she's just started acting like a puppy should, which basically means she's becoming a pain in the ***. But I'm loving her.....can't say that Yukon and Montana have the same feelings. This is how we travel now.....

2 dogs in the front seat.....

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1 one dog in the back seat.....

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So I was doing some research on taking firewood across the Mexican border when I stumbled onto some links about taking dogs. It turns out that a dog must be at least 4 months old to come into the U.S. They have to have a rabies vaccination which they can't get until they're 3 months old, and then they have to wait for 30 days, so it's 4 months. In addition, if a customs agent deems the dog unhealthy, he can refuse admittance. What will Mex look like in 10 weeks ? Do I really want to spend 10 weeks in Mexico ? There's no turning back once I cross the border. So, what to do ? For now, I'm hanging out thinking that my options kind of suck.....

Just saw this great looking rig parked next to me. I sure wish I could justify getting one of these. But then I wonder how would I ever load 3 dogs in there....

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Just took this picture.....check out the improvement to Mex's left eye. From what I can tell, it's functioning normally now. So cool how she has 2 different color eyes.....

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bigskypylot

Explorer
Bigskypylot.....I won't be needing an financial assistance but thank you. I just tighten my budget a little here and there. For instance, rather than watch the Super Bowl at a restaurant (I actually didn't know that yesterday was Sunday and it was the Super Bowl until I overheard people talking about it), I watched part of the game at the mall outside of a restaurant and then I watched the overtime at a Walmart.....

View attachment 385571

Rather than stay at the RV resort for another night (I stayed Saturday night cause I needed that place again), I saved probably $50 between the two of them. It's no big deal either way really. That's just how I live. Regarding her next vet visit, she needs to go in next Monday for a look and then on 02/21 for a shot(s). Thanks again.....


Mex is steadily improving. It's been amazing to see people's reactions to her wounds. So many people see her and just start crying. Serious. Anyhow, she's just started acting like a puppy should, which basically means she's becoming a pain in the ***. But I'm loving her.....can't say that Yukon and Montana have the same feelings. This is how we travel now.....

2 dogs in the front seat.....

View attachment 385569

1 one dog in the back seat.....

View attachment 385570

So I was doing some research on taking firewood across the Mexican border when I stumbled onto some links about taking dogs. It turns out that a dog must be at least 4 months old to come into the U.S. They have to have a rabies vaccination which they can't get until they're 3 months old, and then they have to wait for 30 days, so it's 4 months. In addition, if a customs agent deems the dog unhealthy, he can refuse admittance. What will Mex look like in 10 weeks ? Do I really want to spend 10 weeks in Mexico ? There's no turning back once I cross the border. So, what to do ? For now, I'm hanging out thinking that my options kind of suck.....

Just saw this great looking rig parked next to me. I sure wish I could justify getting one of these. But then I wonder how would I ever load 3 dogs in there....

View attachment 385578

View attachment 385579

View attachment 385580

Good to hear, Jerry! It's a standing offer from all of us, I'm sure :) Glad Mex is starting to improve. As for the next ten weeks.., what about headed over to Baja?
 
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parkkitchings

Adventurer
Jerry....Being an avid dog lover it makes me sick to see how some *******s treat helpless animals. I can only hope that whoever did this rots in hell. I commend you on your actions to help that poor puppy. God bless you.

Jerry...on another note. I've crossed back over into the states from Baja three times with Petey and have never been asked for any paperwork. Not saying it can't happen but I've talked with others and they have never been checked either. I think the border guards just love to see the poor creatures being rescued and look the other way. Just a thought if you were thinking of not going into Baja because of the paperwork.
 

Jim Oaks

Observer
Mex is steadily improving. It's been amazing to see people's reactions to her wounds. So many people see her and just start crying. Serious. Anyhow, she's just started acting like a puppy should, which basically means she's becoming a pain in the ***. But I'm loving her.....can't say that Yukon and Montana have the same feelings. This is how we travel now.....

I was telling my daughter about Mex, but I wouldn't show her the photos because I knew she would lose her mind.

So I was doing some research on taking firewood across the Mexican border when I stumbled onto some links about taking dogs. It turns out that a dog must be at least 4 months old to come into the U.S. They have to have a rabies vaccination which they can't get until they're 3 months old, and then they have to wait for 30 days, so it's 4 months. In addition, if a customs agent deems the dog unhealthy, he can refuse admittance. What will Mex look like in 10 weeks ? Do I really want to spend 10 weeks in Mexico ? There's no turning back once I cross the border. So, what to do ? For now, I'm hanging out thinking that my options kind of suck.....

I'm sorry you're going through this, but I commend you for your efforts.
 

unkamonkey

Explorer
We had to wander throughout Juarez to get a rabies shot for a 6 year old Dachshund to get back to the states. She had her tag but we didn't have the paperwork. My mother was irate, "She has her tag, isn't that proof enough"? You can put a tag on any dog and the same can be said about any paperwork. She did get a new Mexican tag to wear, and the new paperwork.
 

longhorn1

Observer
Jerry, Finally got caught back up. Computer dropped my saved user name and password and kept forgetting to bring them to work. Read most of the last 5 pages but no pictures until today. Thanks for doing what you did for Mex. I couldn't show my wife the pictures let along even tell her about Mex. Can't wait to get on the road again. I'm retiring March 31st so I hope we can spend more time out west. Be safe. jd
 

GregSplett

Adventurer
Mex is steadily improving. It's been amazing to see people's reactions to her wounds. So many people see her and just start crying. Serious.

Ya.
 
Yes Park.....that's exactly the concern. From the people I'm talking to locally and from what I read on the internet, it's a crap shoot. It just depends on the customs agent that's manning the booth when you attempt to cross. So it comes down to how much you're willing to gamble I guess. I'm still undecided.....

Thanks for everyone's responses and welcome back to my thread.....

Everyday Mex is better than the day before. She has an amazing appetite for such a small dog and is able to walk up to maybe 5 minute intervals. I decided that it was in her best interest to stay in El Centro and have her see the same vet. I just couldn't see how another vet could judge her progress. She will see the vet this afternoon or Monday morning, not sure yet.....

IMG_2401.jpg

So what do you do in El Centro and where do you stay (cheaply) ? Mostly we're in a Walmart parking lot but one night it was back to the RV resort for the hot tub and showers. As far as staying busy, I've been working on the Jeep and the camper. The Jeep muffler broke so that was welded.....

IMG_2181.jpg

One of the gas (actually diesel) can holders broke so that was welded as well. If you're curious why I have 3 cans, it's because my truck only has a 25 gallon tank. As you might imagine I can go through that fairly quick. While I've not had to use them much (once on my trip to Labrador & New Foundland in 2010, once in Alaska in 2008, and actually once in Quebec in 2016), they're great insurance. They will be filled if I make it to Mexico.....

IMG_2200.jpg

I also had all the shocks replaced on the Jeep. I'm not not sure how long they've been on there but it's somewhere between 15 & 20 years I'd guess. What a difference.....

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We did some walking in old town El Centro. It's like stepping back in time.....

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I kept thinking about that motorhome that had removed all it's decals back in Quartzite. I finally decided to remove the remainder of mine. I haven't decided on the future of the world decals. They may go as well.....

IMG_2407.jpg

And that's about all I've got for this week.....
 

bigskypylot

Explorer
Yes Park.....that's exactly the concern. From the people I'm talking to locally and from what I read on the internet, it's a crap shoot. It just depends on the customs agent that's manning the booth when you attempt to cross. So it comes down to how much you're willing to gamble I guess. I'm still undecided.....

Thanks for everyone's responses and welcome back to my thread.....

Everyday Mex is better than the day before. She has an amazing appetite for such a small dog and is able to walk up to maybe 5 minute intervals. I decided that it was in her best interest to stay in El Centro and have her see the same vet. I just couldn't see how another vet could judge her progress. She will see the vet this afternoon or Monday morning, not sure yet.....

View attachment 385992

So what do you do in El Centro and where do you stay (cheaply) ? Mostly we're in a Walmart parking lot but one night it was back to the RV resort for the hot tub and showers. As far as staying busy, I've been working on the Jeep and the camper. The Jeep muffler broke so that was welded.....

View attachment 385983

One of the gas (actually diesel) can holders broke so that was welded as well. If you're curious why I have 3 cans, it's because my truck only has a 25 gallon tank. As you might imagine I can go through that fairly quick. While I've not had to use them much (once on my trip to Labrador & New Foundland in 2010, once in Alaska in 2008, and actually once in Quebec in 2016), they're great insurance. They will be filled if I make it to Mexico.....

View attachment 385984

I also had all the shocks replaced on the Jeep. I'm not not sure how long they've been on there but it's somewhere between 15 & 20 years I'd guess. What a difference.....

View attachment 385986

We did some walking in old town El Centro. It's like stepping back in time.....

View attachment 385987

View attachment 385988

View attachment 385989

View attachment 385990

I kept thinking about that motorhome that had removed all it's decals back in Quartzite. I finally decided to remove the remainder of mine. I haven't decided on the future of the world decals. They may go as well.....

View attachment 385991

And that's about all I've got for this week.....

Thanks for the update on Mex's condition and your situation. She's in good hands! Enjoy your weekend and safe travels!
 

parkkitchings

Adventurer
Jerry....there is a great place to free camp outside of Holtville that has a killer hot springs https://freecampsites.net/#!4038&query=sitedetails great open spots on BLM land with the hot springs. I always stay there when going or coming from Baja. Great place for the dogs to roam/walk with asy access to El Centro and the crossing down at Mexicali. If you're going to be in the area awhile I think you'd like it.
 

unkamonkey

Explorer
Great write up as usual and I'm happy that Mex is doing better.
A strange thing about decals, some put them on and some of us take them off the first day after buying a vehicle. OK, sometimes a beer or 2 gets involved...
 

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