We were lucky to catch up with Wilma Herrera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Wilma , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

In life, an unexpected event often ignites the spark of inspiration, leading us down uncharted paths. For many, the journey into nonprofit work is a calling that emerges from a profound experience. In the case of US Dog Coalition & Rescue, that life-altering moment came in the form of a visit to Mexico’s breathtaking Copper Canyon.

Dogs have always held a special place in my heart. Whether it was rescuing, fostering, or training, my passion for dogs knew no bounds. My own furry family was predominantly made up of rescues, but the idea of establishing my own rescue organization had never crossed my mind—until the day I set foot in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico.

However, it wasn’t just the awe-inspiring vistas that left an indelible mark on me. It was the sight of the countless stray dogs, many of whom were suffering in unimaginable conditions—emaciated, terrified, and defenseless against the looming threat of disease.

It was in that moment of helplessness and frustration that the seed of an idea took root. February 2022 marked the birth of US Dog Coalition & Rescue, and within a few short weeks, our first rescue dogs were making their way across the border from Mexico.

Establishing my nonprofit was a relatively swift process, but what caught me off guard were the continual shifts and reassessments demanded during that pivotal first year, a reality any business owner can attest to. Initially, my sole mission was to rescue dogs from Mexico, but I soon realized the immense challenges posed by the cost and distance involved. Despite rallying a dedicated team of 25 volunteers for a 1,800-mile journey, logistical hurdles are slowing me down to being able to only transport every few months.

Nonprofits, as I soon discovered, grapple incessantly with financial constraints. The perpetual quest for support proves both draining and exasperating, with grants demanding substantial time investments while pitting us against a fiercely competitive landscape. Large, well-established nonprofits enjoy the advantages of plentiful volunteers and lucrative corporate sponsorships, a luxury that eludes newer endeavors like ours.

However, since February 2022, my rescue has embarked on a mission to save the lives of dogs in dire need. Nearly 50 dogs have found refuge under our care, with a significant number hailing from Mexico the rest are from nearby counties like Cumberland, Lee and Harnett where dogs are dumped daily and the shelters overflow with unwanted pets.

Wilma , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Establishing my nonprofit was never part of the original plan. It all began because of an undeniable need to help street dogs in Mexico, particularly in the Copper Canyon region, where no other rescue was operating. We’ve forged partnerships with local rescuers in Mexico who are either trying to establish shelters or have already built them. Our mission has always included creating fundraisers to support these local heroes in their efforts.

In addition to our international work, we rescue dogs from high-kill shelters right here in North Carolina. What sets us apart from many local rescues is our global reach and the unique set of challenges we face. International transport can be a logistical puzzle with rules, regulations, and guidelines to navigate. Our commitment to only bringing in healthy dogs is unwavering. While Mexico is free from canine rabies, we still prioritize the health of every dog we rescue.

Furthermore, we actively collaborate with spay and neuter nonprofits that operate in the same regions of Mexico where we rescue dogs. Our goal is to make a difference not only through direct rescue but also by addressing the root causes of overpopulation.

US Dog Coalition and Rescue has proudly partnered with several rescuers, notably in Creel and Juarez. In Creel, we’re assisting in the construction of a shelter, and in Juarez, we’ve actively fundraised and assisted with grant applications for a larger shelter.

One question we often face is why we rescue from Mexico when there’s such a pressing need in North Carolina. Our response is simple: We do both. We’re committed to saving lives locally and globally. We go the extra mile to ensure that each rescued dog receives thorough vetting, training, and the best possible match with their future forever homes.

One of our proudest moments came with Benito, a dog who overcame tremendous odds. Hit by a car, left to die, Benito arrived from Mexico in dire condition with a broken pelvis, hip, and two legs. Malnourished and even battling parvo and distemper, his journey to recovery was nothing short of miraculous. Months later, Benito found his forever home, running through backyards and savoring life, against all odds.

At US Dog Coalition and Rescue, we believe in the power of unity among rescues. We’re committed to supporting nonprofits and shelters, not just internationally but in the rural counties around us. Our fundraisers, like “Duncan’s Cause for Paws,” aim to create funds that support dogs in critical situations and assist rescues facing overwhelming medical bills. Together, we’re making a meaningful impact in the world of animal rescue.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Originally, my nonprofit’s primary mission was focused on international rescue, and I hadn’t anticipated diving into local rescue efforts. However, it became increasingly clear that our help was urgently needed right here in our home state. North Carolina currently ranks second in the nation for shelter animal euthanasia, a distressing statistic not because shelters are eager to euthanize but due to the overwhelming number of owner-surrendered and abandoned dogs.

Our state’s legislative landscape, marked by an unfortunate lack of robust animal welfare laws and insufficient enforcement, poses significant challenges. The absence of mandatory dog and cat licensing in all counties creates an environment where irresponsible pet owners can easily abandon their animals and evade the responsibility of spaying or neutering their pets.

This harsh reality necessitated a shift in focus and a modification of my nonprofit’s mission. While this adjustment meant that we couldn’t rescue as many dogs internationally, we knew it was imperative to include local rescue efforts as a vital part of our organization.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Picture this: the daunting task of transporting puppies from El Paso, Texas, to Raleigh, North Carolina, with no funds. Many deemed it impossible, but we were determined to find a way. Facing the immense challenge of covering over 1,800 miles without the means to hire professional transporters or fly the dogs to the U.S., the odds were undoubtedly stacked against us.

Despite the odds, we refused to surrender to adversity. We embarked on a relentless quest, dedicating countless hours to research and conversations with fellow rescuers. Our persistence eventually paid off when we stumbled upon a nonprofit organization (The Liberty Train and Rescue) specializing in creating “run sheets.” In our case, these run sheets outlined an intricate journey of approximately 25 legs, each lasting about an hour.

This extraordinary transport from El Paso to Raleigh spanned three full days, with “slumber parties” hosted by volunteers at the end of each exhausting day. What sets this journey apart is that it’s entirely driven by the selflessness of volunteers coming together to make a life-changing difference for these needy puppies.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.usdogcoalition.org
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/usdogcoalition
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/usdogcoalition
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/89851231/admin/feed/posts/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/usdogcoalition

Image Credits
Wilma Herrera