Animal People:
Lupita White
Founder of Patitas Rescue
Lupita White, founder of Patitas Rescue, a volunteer organization in Guatemala devoted to rescuing, fostering and adopting animals, believes in a reciprocal bond: when we save animals, they in turn save us. Her dedication lies in inspiring others to impact the lives of animals and fostering a community that cherishes and supports overlooked pets. In our Animal People interview, Lupita shared the inspiring story of establishing Patitas Rescue and the organization's efforts to create a more humane, compassionate world.
What (or who) inspired you to create Patitas Rescue?
I was inspired to create Patitas Rescue, an animal shelter in Guatemala, after witnessing the remarkable dedication of a young couple who were rescuing and rehabilitating animals right in their own home. Despite having very little money to take care of themselves, they found a way to make an impact on the lives of several animals in need. Their selflessness and love for these creatures made me realize that anyone, regardless of their financial situation, can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable animals.
Because of this, I decided to take their example to the next level. I remodeled my home into an animal shelter, complete with a veterinary clinic, because we wanted to provide not just a temporary safe haven but also access to vital medical care. Patitas Rescue is not just about sheltering animals — it's a reflection of my passion for helping those who cannot speak for themselves. It's a way of giving back to my community and to the animals that bring so much joy and companionship to our lives. I view it as a small but significant contribution to creating a world where animals in need can find the love, care and attention they deserve.
Through Patitas Rescue, our goal is to inspire others to make a difference in the lives of animals and to create a community that values and cares for these often-overlooked creatures. Together, we can create a better world for animals and remind everyone that love knows no boundaries, especially when it comes to those with "patitas" (little paws).
Can you share some of the work your nonprofit is doing to support homeless animals?
The mission of Patitas Rescue is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe haven for animals in need and tirelessly work towards their well-being. To give you a glimpse into the type of work we do to support homeless animals, we believe that preventing unwanted litters is a critical step in reducing the number of homeless animals and alleviating the strain on local animal shelters. We understand that financial constraints can sometimes stand in the way of responsible pet ownership, so our dedicated spay and neuter program for low-income families ensures that every pet owner, regardless of their financial situation, can access affordable sterilization services. But we're not just about providing immediate solutions, we're committed to long-term change too. Our community outreach and education initiatives aim to raise awareness about responsible pet ownership, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the benefits to the community.
We rescue animals from the streets, neglectful environments and overcrowded shelters, offering them a second chance at life. Animals often come to us with physical and emotional scars. Our rehabilitation program provides the love, care and medical attention needed to heal their wounds and rebuild their trust. Our foster program plays a crucial role in ensuring animals receive personalized care and socialization in a home environment. It's a stepping stone to their forever homes and allows us to save even more lives.
Finding loving, permanent homes for our rescued animals is at the heart of our work. We carefully match animals with caring families, offering support throughout the adoption process. The health and well-being of our animals are our top priorities. We provide comprehensive veterinary care, including vaccinations, microchipping and treatment for any medical needs that arise.
To sustain our operations and support more animals, we organize community fundraiser events that bring people together for a common cause. These events not only raise vital funds but also foster a sense of unity within our community.
Are there any memorable moments from your career or accomplishments you are most proud of?
There have been many memorable moments throughout my career in animal care, but if I had to pick a few that stand out, they would be the moments where I see the positive impact we're making in the lives of animals and our community. First and foremost, I take immense pride in my ability to give back to my community as a volunteer. This has been a truly rewarding experience. Working with a dedicated team of individuals who share a deep passion for animals and their well-being has been incredibly fulfilling. It's the small victories, like seeing a rescued animal find their forever home or watching the smiles on the faces of the families we've helped, that make the long hours and hard work all worthwhile.
Another accomplishment that I'm particularly proud of is having a rental property that plays a crucial role in supporting our mission. The revenue from this property is entirely dedicated to providing the necessary care for animals in need. But more than any single accomplishment, what truly warms my heart is the collective effort of our team, supporters and the community coming together to make a difference. It's a reminder that it is the collaboration and shared dedication that truly drives our mission forward.
What does it mean to you to be able to change lives through your organization’s work?
Being able to change lives through the work of our organization is nothing short of amazing. As the CEO of our animal shelter, I've had the honor of witnessing the transformative power of compassion, and it touches my heart in more ways than words can express. The most rewarding aspect of our work is the incredible network of friends we've made along the way. Our "friends" may have paws, feathers or tails, but the bonds we share with these animals are just as strong, if not stronger, than those with humans. They teach us the true meaning of unconditional love, loyalty and resilience. Through our spay and neuter programs, community outreach and educational initiatives, we're gradually creating a more humane, compassionate society. We're not just saving animal lives — we're nurturing a future where animals are respected and cherished. When we save animals they, in turn, save us. Their presence provides us with purpose, joy and an invaluable lesson in empathy. Changing lives through our organization's work means the world to me. It is a privilege, an honor and a lifelong mission that I hold dear to my heart.
If you could change something to make the world better for animals, what would it be?
I would advocate for a universal and enforceable set of animal welfare standards and protections. A global framework that would ensure that animals everywhere, regardless of their species or location, are treated with compassion and respect. Key components of this (hypothetical) change would be strong legal protections at both national and international levels to prevent cruelty, abuse and neglect.
Education programs would be widespread, teaching people about the needs and rights of animals to foster empathy and understanding and encouraging more responsible and compassionate behavior towards animals. Industries that impact animals, such as agriculture, entertainment and research, would be closely regulated to ensure the welfare of animals is a top priority. Responsible pet ownership would be promoted through mandatory spaying and neutering, adopting instead of buying animals and promoting the adoption of shelter animals. There would recognition and preservation of the habitats and ecosystems where animals live and thrive, with a strong commitment to endangered species conservation. And stricter regulations and enforcement to combat poaching, illegal wildlife trade and habitat destruction, ensuring the survival of wildlife in their natural habitats.
These changes would help create a world where animals are not viewed as commodities or property but as sentient beings with their own intrinsic value.
Why do you think it’s important to adopt?
Adopting pets from rescue organizations instead of buying them from breeders is important for several reasons. By adopting, you are literally saving a life by giving an animal in need a second chance. When we adopt, we free up space for other animals to be rescued, and it eliminates the need for an animal to become one of the millions of euthanized animals in overcrowded shelters. Adopting typically comes with spay and neutering, vaccines and microchipping that encourage responsible pet ownership. This helps reduce the number of unplanned litters and contributes to the overall well-being of pets. Adopting is taking a stand against the unethical breeding practices, inbreeding and neglect that so many breeders partake in for profit. Shelters have nearly every kind of pet a person could want, which makes it unnecessary for breeders to even exist. Adopting from a rescue organization not only brings happiness and companionship into your life but also plays a crucial role in reducing the suffering of homeless animals and promoting responsible pet ownership. It is a compassionate choice and an excellent way to make a positive impact in your community.
What are some small steps you think others can take to make a difference for animals?
I could write pages of small ways that others can help animals, however, I will highlight what I believe to be some of the most important. Adopt, don’t shop. Adopting over purchasing from a breeder has a tremendous impact on the lives of animals and people within your community. Another way to help is to foster animals. Fostering provides a safe and loving environment for animals while they wait for their forever homes. You can donate supplies, food or money to local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Even small contributions go a long way. You can also give your time by volunteering, as animals in a shelter need extra care and love in their new environment. Volunteering is a great opportunity to give back and make lasting friendships. Educating others and sharing information about how to be a responsible pet owner can make a huge impact on how others treat their animals. Topics such as adopting instead of buying, reporting animal cruelty, legislative changes, ethical shopping, fundraising, are all subjects.
Learn more about Patitas Rescue at patitasrescue.org.
Published: May 31, 2024
