As the summer sun bakes California, the highways are dotted with camper vans bound for adventure. But for Moncho and Dr. Christi Camblor, founders of Compassion Without Borders, the call of the road has a deeper purpose. This June, they embarked on a grueling journey, loading up their van with empty dog crates and heading into the blistering 118-degree heat of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Their destination: the Mexican border, where 28 dogs await rescue and a chance at a new life.
Providing a brighter future
Compassion Without Borders (CWOB) is on a mission to provide “a brighter future for animals in need on both sides of the border.” Their dedicated team in Mexico searches for dogs in dire conditions—those most at risk and least likely to survive without intervention. The CWOB Mexico Free Clinic offers these animals medical care and temporary shelter until they can be transported to the U.S., where they continue their recovery at Muttopia, the organization’s headquarters in Santa Rosa.
Heart-wrenching stories
Each rescue mission fills with heart-wrenching stories. On this trip, one dog in particular, Anita, captures the team’s hearts. Discovered on the streets just as the rescue team crosses into Mexico, Anita is emaciated, covered in mange, and has a severe injury that leaves her without a back foot. “Finding Anita broke our hearts,” Dr. Christi Camblor says.
The team safely brings Anita to the clinic, where they meet the other dogs they will transport back to the U.S. Among them are six puppies found by the Mexican police under a water tank, a senior dog named Dino suffering from lameness and a severe skin infection, and Paolo, a small black dog with open wounds and burn marks. All 28 dogs have endured significant trauma but are now on the path to healing.
Journey back to Santa Rosa
The return trip to Santa Rosa buzzes with activity. The rescue team, having spent the night in the van with the dogs, hits the road before dawn to complete the final leg of their journey. Upon arrival, nearly 20 staff members and volunteers eagerly await the new arrivals. The dogs are gently introduced to their new surroundings, walked, photographed, weighed, and given medication.
Some dogs, too unwell to stay at the shelter, go directly to foster homes. This immense rescue effort relies on the dedication of staff, volunteers, and donors, all working together to give these animals a second chance. “Compassion drives me,” Dr. Camblor says. “To me, compassion means witnessing suffering, feeling it deeply, and taking action to alleviate it.”
Collaboration and commitment
Beyond their international rescues, CWOB collaborates with shelters throughout California, offering additional care and housing when needed. They also addres the root causes of pet homelessness by providing free and low-cost spay/neuter and veterinary services. Monthly wellness clinics, where community members in Sonoma County often line up from midnight with their pets, highlight the organization’s far-reaching impact.
“The animals in the communities we serve endure immense suffering, and I feel compelled to do all I can to help them,” Dr. Camblor reflects.
For more information, visit CWOB.org.
Shelby Hinte is the editor of Write or Die magazine and teaches creative writing at the Writing Salon in San Francisco. Her work has appeared in Bomb, Zyzzyva, Electric Literature, and other publications. Her novel, “Howling Women,” is set to be released in early 2025.
