Left Behind - Short Documentary - Mexico

Los Rezagados tells the story of two cases of adoption of animals considered "unlikely to adopt" in the city of La Paz, Mexico. Against obstacles such as the null government aid for the protection of non-human animals, the little culture of adoption in the area, and the prejudices towards animals with undesirable characteristics; The volunteers of the Patitas La Paz Community animal sanctuary have been able to bring together responsible and empathetic owners with their ideal companion.
​
The Stragglers captures the value that companion animals add to human lives, as well as the responsibility that the population has to provide a dignified life for so many animals that try to survive on the streets.

Director Andrea B. Millán

Director StatementThe number of stray animals in Mexico is a serious problem today; as of today there are more than 25 million homeless dogs and cats in the country. These animals face hunger, thirst, disease, extreme temperatures, human abuse and fights with each other.
Although there are associations dedicated to the rescue and rearrangement of these beings in new homes, most of them have a whole life in a shelter, when they are lucky. Or an execution, when they end up in euthanasia kennels and aren't adopted fast enough.
Many of the animals in these institutions are rejected, either for their physical characteristics or for their behavior derived from past abuse and trauma. Ignored in favor of their purebred counterparts, who are bred and sold as merchandise.
The Stragglers focuses on two animals in a shelter in a specific city. But unfortunately, the phenomenon that their stories illustrate exists in almost every city in the country and in the world.

AniFab judge's aggregate score for Left Behind is 6 out of 10 with one judge leaving the following comment, "It is so important to have these voices sharing stories of animals from around the world.  I am recommending Left Behind for selection in July."