Abandoned animals, who were previously mistreated, are given a new chance in a project that is a true refuge
By: Karla Melgoza
Gina Huerta, founder of Refugio San Gregorio A.C., recalls her first rescue with Negrita and her most difficult rescue with Perla Ivette, two dogs who marked the beginning of her work. While years of experience have provided her, it is still difficult, as most of them are abandoned animals, who suffer abuse, or live in terrible conditions on the streets.
Helping Negrita and Perlita not only marked the beginning of a new life for them. It was also the starting point for what is now known as Refugio San Gregorio A.C., a non-profit civil association that has rescued, rehabilitated, and adopted hundreds of homeless dogs since 2013
What began as a small animal boarding house in Ajusco with 23 dogs quickly transformed into a space of care and protection. Witnessing firsthand the abandonment and mistreatment suffered by many dogs in the area, Gina decided to dedicate her efforts to creating a true shelter.
More than 500 stories
Today, San Gregorio Shelter is one of the largest independent shelters in Mexico City, housing nearly 300 dogs and feeding another 200 who live in the surrounding areas. Despite its limitations, Gina and the team’s commitment never wavers. “We know we can’t save everyone, but we can change the world of each one we rescue.”
In Mexico, more than 70% of the 23 million existing dogs live on the streets, positioning us as one of the countries with the highest population of abandoned dogs. Faced with these devastating figures, every rescue matters, every adoption counts, every story is valuable.
The shelter offers animals much more than a roof: it gives them a place to heal. They have clean spaces to sleep, large gardens to run and play, medical care, daily food, and most importantly: time. Time to leave fear behind, to trust again.
“When a dog or cat is adopted, it allows us to help another in need. There’s always someone waiting for a second chance,” says Gina.
More than barks: a community that never stops
San Gregorio Shelter is not just a physical space where hundreds of rescued dogs and cats live. It’s also a community built day by day with the constant work of volunteers, donors, and animal lovers.
Each day involves many important tasks: cleaning spaces and little houses, baths, brushing, games, sterilization days, taking photos to promote adoptions, and even building warmer shelters during the winter. Everything counts, and every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.
During 2024, the collective work was reflected in concrete achievements:
- 905 sterilizations performed
- 43 successful adoptions
- 29 rescues
- 72 tons of kibble distributed
- 164 veterinary visits
- 17 orthopedic surgeries
But beyond the numbers, what really stands out are the stories behind each of these animals. Like Lobito, a dog that arrived at the shelter after being hit by a car. Although there seemed to be little hope, Gina decided to bet on his rehabilitation. With effort and therapies, Lobito walked again and was adopted by a family in the Netherlands, where he lives happily today.
Or the case of Leo, a dog rescued with cancer in his nose. After six months of treatment, he managed to recover completely and now enjoys a new life with a family that adopted him.
These stories not only transform the lives of animals but also inspire those who accompany them in their recovery process.
Making community is also helping
Maintaining a shelter like San Gregorio involves much more than love for animals. It requires resources, infrastructure, food, medicine, veterinary care, time, and commitment. That’s why the support of society is essential.
San Gregorio Shelter is a non-profit civil association and authorized donee, which means people can make tax-deductible donations. But not all support has to be financial: kibble, medicine, blankets, construction materials, and, above all, people willing to help are also needed.
Playing, walking the dogs, taking photos of them, helping them trust again, all of that adds up. Everything helps the shelter continue to be a place where animals can recover and eventually find a new home.
A place where every story counts
“This place wouldn’t exist without the people who believe that all dogs, no matter what they’ve been through, deserve a second chance,” says Gina with conviction.
And that’s the essence of San Gregorio: it’s not just about numbers, but about lives. Of dogs and cats that arrived scared and now run free. Of animals that found in this place a starting point for a better life.
Because in this shelter, abandonment is not the end. It’s the beginning of something different. A new home, a new opportunity, and a community willing to accompany them every step of the way.
Over these 12 years, San Gregorio Shelter has become a safe space, full of love and dignity, that has changed the lives of more than 600 dogs and cats, who have taught us what goodness, love, and selfless help mean.
