Who is Tango?
For most people who work in the animal rescue world, there is “the one” — that one special animal who captures our hearts like no other, changing how we view the value of animal lives forever. For me, this was Tango.
I’ve always loved dancing the Argentine Tango. There’s something about it that brings a sense of peace and connection unlike anything else.
As fate would have it, when this amazing dog came into my life, and I searched for the perfect name, “Tango” fit perfectly. Our paths crossed exactly when they were supposed to.
He became my peace… and somehow, I became his too.
A 140-pound mastiff, Tango spent three years of his life on a three-foot chain wrapped around a tree, completely neglected with no shelter to protect him and no human attention. So, a rescue organization convinced the owner to surrender him.
Not long after that, a friend introduced him to me. Years of abuse left him timid and unsure of the world. He needed patience and time to heal. Though I had little experience with animals like Tango, I couldn't shake a connection to him. So on July 3, 2010, I officially adopted him — and he changed MY life!
At first, Tango didn’t even know how to enter a home through a doorway. He didn’t know how to steal naps on a sofa. He didn’t know how to play, chase a ball or go for a walk. He’d never known human love and compassion. He’d only known the horrors humans were capable of.
Over time, it wasn’t just Tango that evolved. This precious animal became MY solace and the light that ignited my calling. As I watched him grow into the life of a profoundly loved and cared-for doggy, I realized I had the power to change the lives of others like Tango, too.
And so began my journey of saving, nurturing and homing many of our community’s most unwanted cats and dogs.
Tango passed away on October 10, 2016, but he’ll never be forgotten. His impact will stay with me forever. There are so many abused and unwanted animals out there that I want to save through his memory and in his honor.
“The ‘perfectly imperfect’ animals vary. Sometimes it’s a cute little dog that's missing an eye or that’s missing a leg. Or it might be a large-breed dog that has severe food allergies, and their food is extremely costly. So it’s hard for just anyone to open up their homes. It has to be the right person.”
— Danielle Lemus, Tango’s Animal Sanctuary Board Member
Our Team
Teresa Poulos
Founder
For more than 10 years, Terry has fostered, spayed, neutered and provided medical care for El Paso and Las Cruces’ abandoned creatures. She co-founded and is the president of El Paso Trap Neuter and Return, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that humanely spays and neuters feral cats in our community. El Paso TNR alters approximately 1,500 cats per year, saving thousands from being born to suffer on the streets. Terry has also provided financially for the medical care of countless cats and dogs. She's the trusted person called when an animal in our city needs saving.
Taylor Edwinson
Board President & Future Veterinarian
Taylor’s been a lifelong animal advocate and rescuer. At age five, she knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. At 16, she completed CCTE training and began working as a veterinary technician at a clinic where she met Terry. The two bonded over their shared passion for animal rescue and have worked together ever since.
She’s currently completing her Veterinary Medicine DMP at St. George’s University, where she’s at the top of her class. Upon completion, she will be working with Tango’s as our veterinarian.
Danielle Lemus
Board Member
Danielle has been an animal rescuer for 10 years, a passion driven by the particularly desperate circumstances in our border region. Her focus is helping abused and neglected animals in Juarez, Mexico find temporary placement in American shelters and sanctuaries where they’re connected to their forever homes.
Danielle contributes unmatched wisdom and experience regarding our region’s underserved animal crisis. There’s no length she won’t go to give an unwanted creature a chance at a life of love. So it’s no surprise that Danielle has 15 dogs of her own!