Disabled dog’s journey from Mexico highlights Lincoln ComPAWssion’s rescue mission

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — From Mexico to Lincoln to a new home in New Jersey, Molly’s journey spanned nearly 3,000 miles after a Lincoln woman saw the disabled dog’s story and refused to look the other way.

Molly was left unable to use her back legs after being struck by a motorcycle in Mexico.

Nina Gutierrez first learned about Molly after a woman in Mexico sent her a video asking if she could help by buying raffle tickets.

“When I saw the video, I saw that, wow, I need to do more than just buy a raffle ticket,” Gutierrez said.

Gutierrez shared Molly’s story with a Facebook group, where Haley, a woman in New Jersey, saw her and said she wanted to take her in.

From there, Gutierrez raised money to help cover Molly’s care and travel, while a friend in Mexico cared for her for two months and helped get the necessary paperwork in order.

Gutierrez then flew to Mexico herself and brought Molly back to Lincoln, giving her a second chance at life.

Two days later, Haley came to Nebraska and took Molly to a sanctuary for disabled dogs in New Jersey.

Gutierrez said Haley still sends her videos of Molly, who is happy and settling into her new home.

But Molly’s story is just one of many that find their way to Gutierrez.

“There’s a lot of animals. A lot. I mean a lot,” Gutierrez said. “Every day I get videos from different cases, and lately I’ve been crying a lot because I’m not able to help in all of them.”

Gutierrez said she first saw just how great the need for animal rescue was while visiting her parents in Mexico.

She and her sister started raising money by selling food, holding garage sales and asking friends and family for help.

Now, that mission has a home in Lincoln.

ComPAWssion’s thrift store has been open for nearly two years, using its proceeds to help animals in Mexico.

Gutierrez said compassion shouldn’t stop at a border.

“Everywhere where we see need, if you can help, you know, it would be something great to change the life of anyone that needs help,” Gutierrez said. “That has to have no borders. It doesn’t matter where. If you love animals, it doesn’t matter. It shouldn’t matter where you help.”

ComPAWssion is still working with limited resources and is looking for more volunteers and community support.

People can also support its work by shopping at the Lincoln thrift store or donating used clothing, shoes and household items.