Hi, we’re starting Straying North with one simple belief:

where a dog is born should not determine whether they survive.

In Cuenca, Ecuador, thousands of dogs live on the streets. Many are friendly, resilient, and deeply loving — but without consistent food, medical care, or protection, their chances are slim. We want to change that.

Our mission is to identify high-need street dogs in Cuenca, partner with a local veterinarian to get them healthy, vaccinated, and spayed/neutered, and then bring them to loving homes here in the United States. As the organization grows, we hope to expand beyond Cuenca — but we’re starting where we have experience, relationships, and trust.

Why this matters to us — Luki & Sid

This isn’t theoretical for us.

Luki and Sid were both street dogs in Cuenca.

They came from uncertain beginnings — surviving day-to-day without reliable food, safety, or medical care. Through local veterinary support, careful planning, and a lot of logistics, we brought them to the United States.

The process was long and expensive — and completely worth it.

Today, Luki and Sid are healthy, safe, and deeply loved members of our family. They are living proof that street dogs aren’t “unadoptable” or broken — they simply need opportunity. Straying North exists because of them.

Why we’re starting this fundraiser

We don’t yet have nonprofit status, so we’re beginning with a GoFundMe to cover the very real, unavoidable costs of international rescue. We’ve been through this process personally, and we know exactly what it takes — financially and emotionally — to do it responsibly.

What your donation helps cover

Rescuing a dog internationally involves much more than a plane ticket. Funds raised will go toward:

• Veterinary care in Ecuador (exams, vaccines, parasite treatment)

• Spay/neuter procedures

• Required bloodwork and health certificates

• Crates and airline-approved travel supplies

• International transport fees

• U.S. entry requirements and documentation

• Emergency medical needs when necessary

• Administrative costs

Every dog is carefully prepared for travel to ensure they are healthy and safe — for them and for their future families.

How the process works

1. Identify a high-need street dog or vulnerable stray

2. Work with a trusted local vet to stabilize and prepare them

3. Secure an adoptive home in the U.S.

4. Personally travel to Ecuador and bring the dog home

We believe in responsible rescue, not shortcuts.

Why it matters

Street dogs don’t need to be “saved” because they’re broken — they need opportunity. With medical care, safety, and a home, these dogs thrive. We’ve seen it. We live with it every day.

If you’re able to donate, share, or cheer us on, you’re helping a dog cross borders — and into a life they never would’ve had otherwise.

Thank you for believing in Straying North!