Monica Pineda and her kitties

A long time ago, a little eight-year-old girl named Monica, wrote a letter to herself, vowing to drive a truck around Mexico to rescue all the abused and stray animals in the streets. Then, one day at the age of twelve while vacationing in Acapulco with her parents she found a dog with only one eye that was starving to death. No one seemed to care about this scary and miserable dog, except for her. She couldn’t swim or enjoy herself at the beach because all she thought about was this poor dog. The thought haunted her mind for two days prompting her to beg her mother to buy food to feed him, eventually baptizing him Rey, or King.Every day Monica and her mother fed Rey, played with him, gave him a shower, and shared the human affection that this animal needed while getting in return the same.

However, this was not to last long because they had to return back home. When Monica returned to Mexico City, her heart was broken by the thought of Rey being alone, and suffering, just like thousands of animals still today on the streets all over Mexico. In order to appease her, her mother suggested a wild idea to the young girl-- call a popular radio talk show, where she could express her views and feelings about her experience with Rey. Monica took on the challenge and her story aired locally. To her surprise, her outcry inspired a few souls to take action. With their generous support, Rey was brought to Mexico City so she could find a loving and caring home for him, which she did.

Years later, Monica worked as a volunteer for the non-profit Asociación Activa contra la Crueldad hacia los Animales, A.C. (The Active Association Against The Cruelty of Animas), resolving cruelty reports. There she acquired hands on experience, and became fully aware of the abuse, cruelty and violence against animals in her country. Monica  eventually  decided to pursue  a professional carrier as a translator, obtaining first a B.A. in Communication Sciences in 1995 from the Universidad Intercontinental (UIC) in Mexico City, and a  translator degree in Spanish/English from Berlitz  in 1999. This however was not to last.

Despite of her success, Monica was unhappy with her life. Deep in her soul, the animals kept calling her. One night, looking for some files, she found the letter she once wrote to herself at the age of eight. It must have been her cats, Elena and Kumasi, who were the ones to blame for this great act. The following morning as she drank her coffee; Elena, Kumasi and Monica made the decision to keep the truck moving. Since then, Monica has been acting as the President of Gente por la Defensa Animal, GEPDA in Mexico. It is true to say that possibilities are infinite for the ones who have faith and decisions in the impossible.

GEPDA is the proof, and its vision is to become the foremost and leading Animal Nonprofit Organization of its kind for the protection and defense of all animals in Mexico. “Rey”, the King, a starving dog with only one eye achieved his mission by inspiring and moving the heart of one altruistic soul, Monica Pineda.

We thank you in advance for your generosity and help; No donation/sponsor is too small. Please ask for a proposal.

Contact

(1) GEPDA Volunteer, Professional Painter and Writer, Animal Activist, Spiritual Educator and Tourist who loves Mexico. Ms. Nantel lives in California with her husband Michael and their two dogs, Snowflake and Spirit, and their five cats, Simba, Lila, Maya, Tina and Puja.