(This article was written by Beth Marie Cantu Ensign and was featured in the February 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)
In the scorching heat of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV), it's all too common to see dogs abandoned on the streets. In a region plagued by animal neglect and overpopulation, one woman's response to this harsh reality became an urgent call for change.
Ana's Safe Haven Rescue is a nonprofit animal rescue organization, focused on rescuing, healing, and rehoming dogs in need. The rescue relies on a small network of fosters and donors in its efforts to ensure every dog is placed in a loving forever home.
Ana Tamez, founder and president of Ana’s Safe Haven Rescue, is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, believing every dog deserves a second chance at a life filled with love. A retired Border Patrol agent, Tamez became deeply aware of the neglect and abandonment faced by animals in the RGV, especially in the harsh tropical climate. Her journey into animal rescue began in the early 2000s when she started fostering animals at the Palm Valley Animal Center.
"I was already divorced, didn’t have any kids... and I had two dogs at the time, so I said, 'Let me go to the shelter and look into fostering.'" Her fostering adventure spanned many years, filled with new homes in new locations and countless furry faces, but ultimately, when Tamez returned to the RGV, she realized she had the capacity to do even more. Starting small, Tamez created a dedicated rescue area on her property to offer abandoned and abused animals a safe haven. Over the years, the rescue grew, placing hundreds of dogs in forever homes. Her work isn’t just about taking in animals–it’s about giving them a second chance at life.
Ana Tamez’s commitment to finding the best homes for her rescues often leads her to seek adoption opportunities beyond the RGV. While she and her amazing volunteers (who Tamez is extremely proud of and grateful for) work tirelessly to rehabilitate and care for each dog, she recognizes that local resources are limited, and sometimes, the best fit for the animals is outside of the region. As a result, Tamez typically places dogs in loving homes north of the RGV, even in other states, where the demand for adoptable dogs is higher.
The rescue’s success stories are countless. One dog after another has found a loving forever home through Ana’s efforts, and each adoption is a testament to the power of compassion. Ana’s network of fosters and adopters (many of whom generously support the rescue in honor of their new furry loved ones) continues to grow, as more people recognize the value in giving these dogs a better life.
And yet, with each success, Tamez remains humble, always focused on the bigger picture: educating the public about responsible pet ownership, spaying and neutering, and the importance of preventative care. As Tamez notes, “Many people really don’t care about their animals… They see dogs as things, things they can just discard when they don’t need them anymore.” This harsh reality has driven Tamez’s advocacy for better treatment of pets, with a special focus on heartworm prevention—a silent killer of dogs that many owners fail to recognize.
Heartworms, transmitted by mosquitoes, are rampant in the RGV due to the warm climate, making it a serious but often overlooked threat for animals. Tamez stresses that heartworms are preventable with proper monthly medication, but many pet owners either don’t know about it or choose to ignore it until it’s too late. By raising awareness, Tamez hopes to reduce the suffering caused by this disease and ensure more dogs live long, healthy lives. For her, prevention isn’t just about saving money on costly treatments—it’s about saving lives.
The rescue relies heavily on its foster network, donations, and fundraising efforts to keep operating. Tamez has hosted raffles, worked with donors, and utilized online campaigns to cover medical expenses for the animals in her care. In addition to these often costly procedures, the cost of general care adds up. Tamez emphasizes that food and supply donations are always appreciated and welcome. “I can never have enough dog food,” she shares with a chuckle.
Despite the financial challenges that come with running a nonprofit rescue, Tamez’s focus remains steadfast: “The most important thing is rescuing more dogs.” In addition to her ongoing efforts, Tamez dreams of expanding her reach. While the rescue has already placed hundreds of dogs in loving homes, the need is greater than ever.
“We could rescue a lot more,” Tamez says, though she acknowledges the challenges of limited foster homes. Her commitment to responsible rescue ensures that she never overextends herself, a crucial lesson that has kept the rescue debt-free, unlike many other organizations facing financial struggles.
Ana’s Safe Haven Rescue is not just about saving dogs; it’s about changing the culture of animal welfare in the RGV. Tamez’s message to the community is simple: “Have a heart. If you have space in your home, if you have an extra room, consider fostering. If you can’t foster, consider donating or volunteering. It takes a village to make a difference.”
As Tamez continues her mission, her impact on the lives of animals in the region cannot be overstated. She embodies the spirit of compassion, selflessness, and perseverance. Ana’s Safe Haven Rescue is not just a place for dogs to find a second chance—it’s a symbol of what one person can do when she refuses to give up on those who cannot help themselves.
In the years to come, Ana hopes to continue to expand her rescue, to reach more animals, and to inspire others to join the fight for animal welfare in the RGV. With her unyielding passion and dedication, Ana’s Safe Haven Rescue will undoubtedly remain a sanctuary for the forgotten souls of the region, a place where love, compassion, and hope shine brightly.
If you’re interested in learning more about Ana’s Safe Haven Rescue or want to get involved, visit their website at www.anassafehavenrescue.org. Whether you’re looking to adopt, foster, or donate, every bit of support makes a difference in the lives of animals who need it most.
Commentaires