Raisin’s Story
Raisin’s Story – From Survival to Family
When I think of Raisin, I remember how she came into our lives—emaciated, abandoned by her family, and fighting to survive with a prolapsed uterus the size of a pineapple. She had also contracted TVT, a contagious cancer. She was carried to our gates, broken but not defeated. What made Raisin so special wasn’t just her fight for life—it was her heart.
When we first brought her into our center on June 9, 2019, she was in critical condition. Her journey included multiple rounds of chemotherapy, treatment for severe skin and parasite infections, and open wounds from a machete. Yet through it all, Raisin never gave up. Her spirit, her strength, and her will to live are why we do what we do.
Because of her condition, she had to be isolated. We built her a 10x10 pen on the roof of my foundation, surrounded by plants and seeds. That rooftop became her healing ground. And what amazed me most was the pack—every day, without fail, they would gather around her enclosure. Some would sit by the gate, some at the back, others along the sides. Even though she was separated, she was never truly alone. Their silent presence gave her strength.
We were meticulous in protecting both her and the pack. She bled constantly, so we brought the pack up to see her, then down again before letting her roam free on the rooftop. Every time she played and felt like a dog again, we disinfected the space—washing, bleaching, making sure everything drained safely into the garden soil. Volunteers and I washed our shoes, our hands, everything—because her healing mattered.
For nearly five months, Raisin lived this way—three of them in complete separation. And then came the day we opened her world. She ran straight to the bed where I was with Mommie (another rescued pittie), Cypress, and Dhurva.
Instantly, she was part of the pack. She belonged. Within weeks, we were training her on leash and off leash, preparing her for the next step. And then, just a little over three months later, we said goodbye to her as she left for her forever home—with a woman in her first year of veterinary school in Guatemala City. A loving home, one other dog, and someone committed to giving back.
My pack has always been like this—supporting other dogs and puppies. They make sure every new member is welcomed, no matter their past. Each of them carries the same fight to live, the same will to survive. That’s what makes this pack so special. Raisin knew it the moment she entered our gates.
Raisin is one amazing dog. With all she went through, she taught us again that food, love, and shelter save lives. This is what we are working on here at the Mayan Dog Rescue Foundation. We help—and so can you.