Dogs transported from 'kill shelters' along border to safety in San Diego: how to help

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) -- A non-profit organization that rescues dogs from "kill shelters" along the border of Mexico is asking for help in finding them homes, as well as support in ensuring they stay warm this winter.

Volunteers with Calexico Border Paws safely brings the dogs to various shelters in San Diego, including Helen Woodward Animal Center, Del Mar Dog Rescue, The Animal Pad, Paws for Thought Animal Rescue, among others.

The non-profit is spearheaded by Diana Daniels, who worked in U.S. border-area law enforcement for over 14 years. It was her career that ultimately led her to create the organization. This is her story.

"I went to patrol the area north of Anza Road in Calexico, California," Daniels recounted. "Since it had been a while [since] I’ve seen that area at night, I wanted to familiarize myself with some of the terrain since it changed due to rain and heavy wind."

While on patrolling the area, she suddenly began to hear to barking dogs. She followed their sounds and discovered what she said appeared to be a trailer with a fenced in yard. She returned in the morning to further investigate the situation.

"As the sun started to rise and my shift was coming to an end, I knew I had to go back and find out what these dogs were doing there," said Daniels. "I gassed up my vehicle and started heading back south. Thankfully, I heard voices and saw two men wearing an Animal Control Officer uniforms."

She then learned that the facility was an animal pound where stray, unwanted, lost, and discarded animals were taken. Due to the harsh conditions in which the dogs were living, Daniels said she knew she needed to take action

"I started contacting People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), writing memorandums to the Calexico City Council, and getting a hold of the local newspaper called the Imperial Valley Press," Daniels explained. "Shortly after, I was able to start a volunteer program at the animal control facility where dogs would get walked, bathed and socialized."

Despite those efforts, she said volunteers eventually faded and "the politics" of money was always an issue. After that, Daniels decided her ultimate goal was to do what she could to keep the border dogs comfortable until they were able to be transported to actual animal rescues or their forever homes.

As winter approaches and cold season creeps in, Daniels, through her organization, is calling on the local community and beyond for help as the facility has no walls and no heat. She's hoping to raise enough funds to be able to build actual infrastructure to keep these dogs warm.

Donations can be made online through a GoFundMe, Venmo, PayPal, or Amazon Wishlist. For those interested in volunteering, interning or becoming part of the organization's staff, more information can be found here.

The animal advocate is also hoping that families will considered housing one of the many dogs who need a forever home. Adoptions forms can be filled out online.

Calexico Border Paws has rescued over 600 dogs from the border this year, giving these animals a second chance at a happy life.