Meet the Team

Alma Salinas

I’m Alma Salinas, President of ARR (Animal Rights Rescue) in partnership with ADAC.

We’re a non-profit organization dedicated to the defense, protection, and promotion of animal rights, as well as the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of animals to responsible, loving families. Our work also includes public education and awareness, and legal support in cases of animal abuse.

I believe in a culture rooted in compassion, justice, and respect for animals.
Witnessing abandonment, suffering, and societal neglect experienced by animals on the streets has moved me deeply.
That’s when I realized my mission had to go further than individual rescues. At ARR, we work collaboratively with independent rescuers, supporting them in the process of finding safe and loving homes for the animals under their care.

We firmly believe that every life matters. Our vision is a Coahuila where animals are treated with dignity, protected by effective laws, and respected as sentient beings.

We work every day to move closer to that goal — with commitment, empathy, and action.

Tammy McVeigh

Tammy McVeigh is the founder of Animal Rights Rescue, an organization dedicated to giving homeless dogs and cats from the streets of Mexico a second chance at life in loving homes across the United States.

A lifelong animal lover and advocate for homeless pets both near and far from home, Tammy’s passion for animal rescue began in childhood—a passion her entire family shares. After losing her beloved dog Dudley when he was very young, Tammy found comfort and renewed purpose when she rescued her first dog, Piper, from ADAC two years ago. Six months later, she adopted her second dog, Baxter, and fell in love with the compassion and tireless work of a few extraordinary people in Mexico who dedicate their lives to saving animals in need.

Tammy began fostering dogs from ADAC and helping them in their cause before officially becoming a partner with them this past year to expand their lifesaving mission beyond borders, and create ARR.

A physician and devoted mother of two adult children, Tammy lives in Bedford, New York. Her compassion, dedication, and unwavering belief that every animal deserves the right to find safety, love and care continue to drive her mission to help as many homeless and abandoned animals as possible find their forever homes.

Amy Dorn Kopelan

Amy Dorn Kopelan is ARR’s marketing director and very proud mom of 4 rescue dogs, Willis, Hahna, Toby and Brooklyn. They are no longer hungry or afraid. Never alone. Always loved. And that’s the commitment we make at ARR. We believe that every dog has the right to be home, be loved and be safe.

Having saved dogs in Puerto Rico, South Carolina and Tennessee and working in rescue for more than 10 years, Amy has been on the ground with dogs who needed to be held, fed, given medical care, or rescued from drowning. Amy tells all her families that nothing can be more gratifying than seeing a rescue dog finally find the very special family it deserves. And for the family who saves a life, the deep joy is boundless.

Miriam Prieto
- Foster Mom
Hi, I’m Miriam Prieto. I’m 43 years old and I’m a nurse. I have a wonderful husband who supports me in all my work. We have a 7-year-old treasure who is the driving force of our lives.

I’m sincere, loyal, committed, friendly, and above all, deeply humane. Since being a child, I have a mad passion for animals, rescuing dogs and cats in vulnerable situations wherever I can. My soul is moved when I see suffering. I stand against mistreatment, injustice and abuse.

My parents have been my inspiration, and they continue to support me in this compassion for animals.

Dulce Bernal
- Foster Mom
My name is Dulce Bernal, and I work in sales. I live in Saltillo.

My love for animals began a long time ago when a hit-and-run dog, El Pochote, arrived at my house and my mom nursed him back to health. El Pochote lived with us his entire life, and when I gazed at him, I felt he could understand me.

I have a “thing” for big, strong dogs. And to me, pit bulls are the most affectionate. Sadly few people want to adopt them, so I knew they would become my mission in life, to make sure they could find good homes. I have big dreams, but the animals come first.

My life, my money, and my time are all for them. Alma has shown me that these wonderful animals, even though they are often rejected, do have a chance for a good family and can be loved.

Maria Luisa Reyes Castro
- Foster Mom

I’m Maria Luisa Reyes Castro and I’m 65 years old. My husband passed away when I was just 28 but my 4 children, by the grace of God, have become successful professionals. My daughter is a breast cancer survivor and she inspires me every day.

For more than 15 years I’ve dedicated my life to rescuing dogs. They have become my company, my joy, and my refuge. Some have lived with me their entire lives because they fill my heart and soul.

If I’m ever gone, I pray my little ones will find loving homes and be cared for as the special beings they are. I’m grateful to those who will make this dream come true.

Nelly Vallejo
- Foster Mom

I’m a very patient person, loving all my little “mascots” who are on the street.

I like to control my schedule and watch people to see if they deserve my trust.

Personally, I’m reserved, enjoy quiet times with my dogs, and like groups of people who are sincere with each other.

Lilia Alcorta
- Rescue Partner

I'm Lilia Alcorta, an independent rescuer for over 11 years.
My registered 501(c)(3) company, My Little World of Rescue, started by picking up puppies who were wandering the streets and finding them homes among my friends. Then a friend contacted me to go to the Canino Rd pound to save a puppy that was going to be euthanized that afternoon. It was my first visit to a shelter. I was deeply moved and affected by the suffering because they didn't want to stay in that place where their owners were abandoning them.

They took me to a kennel so I could identify the one puppy I wanted to save. But there were also four small ones and three medium-sized ones, all pleading with me with their eyes, as if to say, "Save me too." I went to reception and told them I would adopt my puppy, very happy because I had managed to save him. But on my way home, I called my friend, who had asked me to do the favor, and told her everything that happened. She asked me how many dogs were in that cell because they were going to be euthanized, so I went back, intending to adopt as many as I could.

I arrived too late; the shelter was already closed. I went home crying, and I could never get those little stares out of my mind.

From that day on, I kept going to the shelter to rescue one dog a week, until the manager stopped me. Today I continue with my rescues in the streets, with the sick and the forgotten.

Magdalena Alviso Sosa
- Rescue Partner

For several years I have been dedicated to the independent rescue of abandoned dogs and cats. I care for and rehabilitate them with love until they are ready for responsible adoption.

My experience working at a veterinary clinic further strengthened my commitment to animal welfare and allowed me to gain practical knowledge in animal care. I currently run a dog grooming and pet boarding service which allows me to continue helping, caring for and protecting animals, as they are my greatest passion.

My greatest wish is to continue having the health and strength to rescue as many animals as possible.

Claudia Vega Lopez
- Rescue Partner

I am a visual arts teacher and since childhood I have felt a deep connection with animals. My first rescue begin in kindergarten helping injured birds and kittens alongside my mother, which marked the beginning of my calling.

Over the years, I confirmed that my mission is to help animals and anyone in need. I volunteered in animal control, promoted food and water programs for dogs living on the street and participated in the creation of an animal welfare area with an adoption program called "Second Chance".

Although I have faced a difficult health journey, I have never stopped helping. Today, I care for 143 animals including dogs, cats and wildlife. I feel honored to serve them - regardless of species. I firmly believe that all beings deserve to live and be happy. My motto is: "Where one eats, two eat; and where two eat, a hundred will eat," with faith that loving hearts and homes will always open.

Gaby Ford
- Transport
Welcome to our compassion and kindness journey!!!

I’m the transporter for ARR and my name is Gaby. My company is Blaq Lab Animal Rescue and our philosophy is to get our travelers to their forever home safely and efficiently.

I started in 2015 as a volunteer fostering and transporting from Tijuana, Mexico to British Columbia, Canada, Ashland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. I met Alma back in 2021; then we became a powerful team.

Today, we travel from Saltillo, Mexico all the way to Nova Scotia, Canada, north east coast USA and sometimes west coast too.

Israel Mayol Rodriguez
- Veterinarian

Graduated: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas (Class of 2000–2005)

I have dedicated my career to the care and well-being of pets since 2014 at Maropets Veterinary Clinic.

My collaboration with Alma Salinas Barrón began in 2015, even before the creation of Sociedad Gatuna and ADAC. Since then, I’ve proudly supported both organizations from their very beginnings, providing veterinary care, guidance, and support for rescued animals.

I’m committed to continuous learning and professional development, staying current with national and international requirements for pet health certification and travel. My work includes diagnostic tests such as the Modified Knott Test for heartworm detection and blood smears for identifying blood parasites and bacteria.

Professional Certifications and Roles:

Responsible Veterinarian for hospitals and clinics accredited by SADER/SENASICA (since 2023)
Certified Veterinarian by CONCERVET (since 2025)
Good Veterinary Practice Compliance Checker accredited by VETMX Certification A.C. (since 2025)

My goal is to provide ethical, compassionate, and science-based veterinary care that improves the lives of pets and supports responsible animal welfare practices.

Carolina Aleman and Luis Carrillo
- Veterinarians

My name is Carolina Aleman, I am a veterinary doctor specializing in animal husbandry. I have completed three postgraduate degrees in veterinary oncology and finished my specialization in dog and cat medicine. With my husband, Luis Carrillo, who is also a veterinary doctor specializing in soft tissue surgery, we started Lucan in 2019. We began as a small office and are now a leading veterinary hospital in Saltillo, Coahuila.

All of us on the medical team at Lucan stay up-to-date with the latest medical information.

As a company and as veterinarians, we are extremely committed to animal welfare and to providing our support to animal rescue associations because our personal and professional ethics motivate us to always have empathy for the lives of animals.

We are very grateful to the ADAC Foundation for trusting us to handle their rescues. We will always do our best for the health of all our patients.

Meet the Team

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