Stray Dogs
Did you know there are over 300,000 stray dogs in Puerto Rico? Dogs that live on the streets all over the island are called satos. The southeast side of the island is known as Dead Dog Beach. Sadly, the name is due to the vast numbers of abandoned pups discarded on the sands.
Dead Dog Beach, also Sato Beach, has the highest concentration of stray animals. Most of the victims dumped there are not spayed or neutered.
The seasonal hurricanes battering this island often result in extensive power outages. As a result, veterinarians cannot care for the street animals. Also, as more people find themselves homeless, they abandon their pets.
Volunteers
A few special local groups are trying to remedy the sato issue in Puerto Rico. Clearly from the numbers above, street dogs and puppies are a big problem on the island. Volunteer make up the manpower resources for local rescue organizations.
They respond to calls from locals who spot abandoned litters of puppies or stray dogs. After assessing the issue they take steps to help the animals.
These volunteers provided needed medical treatment before finding foster homes. Most of these dogs are fostered locally until travel to the United States for forever homes is arranged. Most rescued puppies have experienced minimal to no human contact in their short lives. Consequently, the focus homes are scary.
Volunteers, especially kids, are great at playing with the puppies, due in part to their energy levels. This simple action provides the positive ‘good with kids’ labels often needed by adopting families.
Additionally, the kids benefit from helping acclimate puppies to people. It develops skills of understanding and kindness, as well as promoting helping hands within a community.
These volunteers all pitch in to help these animals. Playing with the animals is a great step toward the animal’s future adoption. Young volunteers often say these animals deserve a loving home and family. Further, their commitments to help keep these dogs off the streets. Together, these groups are creating an actual win-win situation every day.
Find Out More
Love4Satos is a rescue group headquartered in Gaynabo. You can find them on Facebook. There, you can learn more about this charity organization and other sato rescue groups.
This is a great place to look for your next puppy companion.
People helping people and animals makes for stronger neighborhoods. Hardships are easier to overcome when you can work together. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island, with a long history of hardworking, caring people. The soto rescue groups are another example of individuals making positive impacts.