Hilltop Refugio

It all started in 2012 when a lone horse led a tourist to a herd of horses in a barren pasture in Mexico. The tourist notified both George and Loretta and the J.E.E.P aka the Jaltemba Equine Education Project was born. They saved as many as they could.

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George and Loretta united the horses with 12 special-needs children from Las Varas and field trips continue to this day. Donations from other caring people helped complete the refuge with all the necessities for horses and people who came to love them. George and Loretta’s dedication of work and hard-earned money then expanded to kennels, dog runs, a surgery room and a cat house.

 

Over the years, more of the original horses died. Their skulls hold a special meaning to the Huichol, an indigenous people living in the rugged Occidental Range of the Sierra Madre Mountains. They weave a story into an ongoing vision using the animal’s skull to portray the meaning of each life.

 

The Hilltop Refugio – JEEP - continues today with summer help from George and Loretta's granddaughters, as well as year-round help from volunteers. Wyatt, wintered there as well and spearheaded fund raising for spay and neuter clinics, as well as long-distance adoptions.

 

Many near dead street dogs and cats are now living their best lives locally and in many other countries, including Pavo, Wyatt’s dog. George and Loretta Leavitt have spent decades of their lives helping animals and SO many people. If you are looking for an organization that rescues the beings that have been left to fend for themselves - this is one of the best!