HISTORY OF THE LAKESIDE ANIMAL SHELTER

The history of groups dedicated to helping Lakeside animals dates back to about 1991, with such organizations as the Lake Chapala Pet Foundation, which later became the Lake Chapala Humane Society. Humane Society volunteer Anita Strehlow then founded "Anita's Animals."
Another group started the Lakeside Spay and Neuter Clinic, aka "The Ranch," with assistance from Geoffrey Kaye.

The fact is that there have been many incarnations of groups to help Lakeside
animals, including Protectora de Animals,e

At one point, Geoffrey, a well-known Lakeside resident and philantropist, was asked for financial assistance.  Geoffrey agreed, and, as benefactor, donated substantial funds and offered what he felt was sound advice, based on his years of business experience.Geoffery said, speaking about an animal assistance organization, that it is after all, similar to a business and needs to be viewed and run as such.

Geoffrey Kaye at his desk at the Animal Shelter

When differences of opinion arose between Geoffrey and the organization, in Geoffrey's words, they "agreed to disagree and part ways."

But the parting of ways did not stop Geoffrey from wanting to continue to help the Lakeside overpopulation of animals, and in 2001, he purchased a former lumber yard and renovated it into what is today The Animal Shelter in Riberas with funding assistance from the GJK Foundation.

Believing in learning from people with more experience than he had, Geoffrey traveled back to his home in England, where he consulted with the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to get pointers on how to run his new Animal Shelter.  

which went by other names in the several months after being formed.

The Animal Shelter is proud to apply the principles of animal welfare organizations whorldwide that have been working for animal rights.

The shelter also follows the high standards   of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, founded in 1866 in the United States.

The Shelter is also to support the beliefs of the  World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Founded in 1981, WSPA that has as its vision, " . . .a world where animal welfare matters, and animal cruelty ends."

In 2008, the Animal Shelter was recognized by Pedigree to be one of the only ten shelters in all Mexico to participate in the Pedigree "Adopt Me" program.

The Animal Shelter gives special thanks and appreciation to the Lakeside Friends of the Animals for its continuing  grants and other support.