Help the Shadow Pack Thrive - From Rescue to Forever Homes

Hello, kind hearts and animal lovers,

My name is Julie, and I’m an Australian woman in my 40s, living in Mexico with my incredible family of 16 dogs and 1 cat. Our journey, called Shadow Pack Adventures, has been one of deep love, immense challenges, and unyielding hope. Today, I am reaching out with a humble heart, asking for support that will change our lives.

The Heartbreak of Witnessing Neglect

It breaks my heart to see the way many dogs are treated here in Mexico. This is one of the main reasons I have so many of my own and why I’m now working to adopt out the second litter of puppies to forever homes overseas. There are so many abandoned and homeless dogs in desperate need of care, it’s a constant ache in my heart. Even dogs that have owners are sometimes neglected, left alone in small spaces, never walked, and forced to live on tiny terraces or inside, deprived of the love and freedom they deserve.

Not all Mexicans or expats are irresponsible dog owners, but there are far too many who are. Even more heartbreaking is how often tourists adopt dogs or puppies, only to abandon them once they leave the country, contributing to the overwhelming problem of stray animals.

I may be seen as eccentric for having so many dogs, but I truly don’t mind what others think. What matters most to me is giving my dogs, my family, the best life I can possibly provide.

It's been 10 long years since I last saw my family in Australia, and with the enormous responsibility of caring for these animals, traveling home is simply not possible for me right now.

A Year of Struggles and Setbacks

Over the past year, life has tested us in ways I never imagined. We had to leave our beloved home after finding out my landlord had been stealing electricity for 6 months, among other serious issues. It was devastating to leave a place that we had all come to love, especially the beautiful garden where my dogs and I spent so much time. But despite this, we kept moving forward. It’s what we do.

For the past 10 months, I’ve been without a working computer, making it impossible to focus on my photography and generate the income I so desperately need. I live month-to-month, and caring for 17 animals the past 3 months, each with their own needs takes all my time and energy. The new litter of puppies and a rescued kitten have only added to the pressure as everyday is a 17 hour day caring for all of them. I haven’t had a single day off in over 16 months, even when I’m not feeling well, I push through because they need me so I am unable to rest.

The Love That Keeps Us Going

I love every moment with my animals. Cooking for them, the cuddles, the playtime, the walks, they fill my heart with joy. My 9 big dogs have been split into smaller groups for the past year as they are calmer this way. They walk, eat, sleep and play in their groups. We walk every day for 3- 4 hours. Sure it’s exhausting, but it’s also my life’s work, and I wouldn’t change it. However this routine is non-stop, and I can’t seem to catch a break. Although I do take a day off walking occasionally.

I long for someone to help with the cleaning and shopping, just a few times a week, so I can focus on my photography.

The Shadow Pack: More Than Just Pets

You may wonder why I have so many dogs. Well, in Mexico, there is no limit to how many dogs you can take in. And with so many street dogs in desperate need of homes, I simply couldn’t turn my back on them. I’ve always had a deep love for animals, and I’ve spent much of my life rescuing and caring for both cats and dogs.

Almost three years ago my life changed when I rescued a darling puppy named Sombra from the streets. She became the mother and grandmother of all the dogs in our pack. Sombra had 9 puppies, and tragically, we lost one, Rain after a vet administered an expired vaccine. Rain passed away in my arms at just 8 weeks old, and the grief was overwhelming. But his spirit lives on in all of us, watching over the pack.

Currently, Sombra’s daughter, Raya de Luz, has recently given birth to 7 healthy puppies. Not long before, I rescued a kitten named Viento during one of our daily walks.

I plan to adopt out the second litter of puppies and kitten to forever homes in the US and Canada, and I’m working tirelessly to ensure they get the vaccinations, health tests, and paperwork they need for their journey.

Why I Need Your Help

Caring for 17 pets is a full-time, demanding responsibility that I willingly accept every single day. But the financial strain is overwhelming. I’m asking for your help so we can continue. My dream is to get back to work in photography so that I can support my family through the income I earn from my art. But to do that, I need the time and the tools to make it happen.

Your donation through GoFundMe or Patreon will help cover:

How You Can Help Us

If you believe in the power of compassion and love, I invite you to join us on this journey. No contribution is too small, and every single donation will make a meaningful difference in our lives. Together, we can create a safe, loving environment for my family, allowing me to focus on providing them with the best life possible while also pursuing my passion for photography.

You can support us here on GoFundMe, join our community on Patreon, and follow our journey on Instagram & TikTok, where we share the joys and challenges of life with the Shadow Pack.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read our story. Your support means more than words can express. We are incredibly grateful for any contribution you can make, and we can’t wait to continue this journey with you by our side.

We are so very thankful to family and friends that have helped us this last year, we appreciate you.

With love, gratitude, and paw prints,

Julie & The Shadow Pack