16 images Created 26 Sep 2013
Saving the Satos
An estimated 200,000 stray dogs roam the island of Puerto Rico at any given time. These stray dogs, called “Satos” by locals, are often dumped on roads and beaches, suffering starvation and abuse. Despite being a territory of the United States, the island of Puerto Rico is notorious for the inhumane treatment of it’s homeless dogs. On the Southeast coast of the island, Playa Lucia beach “Dead Dog Beach,” is a well known dumping ground for unwanted dogs. Some of the documented abuses that have occurred are poisonings, death by machete, dogs used as target practice and deliberately run over by car.
“Island Dog” and “Save-a-Sato” are two organizations dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stray dogs on the island. Island Dog is a non-profit organization founded and directed by Katie Block. Their mission is to change the animal culture and promote responsible pet ownership in Puerto Rico. They also rescue stray dogs who are then put up for adoption.Through their Red Collar Project, Island Dog feeds and medicates over 200 homeless dogs daily who are tagged with a red collar. The dogs are also vaccinated and spayed and neutered.
Save-A-Sato is another non-profit group that rescues dogs from the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico. The rescued dogs are brought to a backyard shelter in San Juan, known as the “Albergue de los Milagros” (Shelter of Miracles), where they receive food, shelter and medical care. The dogs are then sent to shelter partners for adoption in the United States. Gloria Marti, the president and shelter manager, runs the shelter from the back of her San Juan home.
“Island Dog” and “Save-a-Sato” are two organizations dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stray dogs on the island. Island Dog is a non-profit organization founded and directed by Katie Block. Their mission is to change the animal culture and promote responsible pet ownership in Puerto Rico. They also rescue stray dogs who are then put up for adoption.Through their Red Collar Project, Island Dog feeds and medicates over 200 homeless dogs daily who are tagged with a red collar. The dogs are also vaccinated and spayed and neutered.
Save-A-Sato is another non-profit group that rescues dogs from the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico. The rescued dogs are brought to a backyard shelter in San Juan, known as the “Albergue de los Milagros” (Shelter of Miracles), where they receive food, shelter and medical care. The dogs are then sent to shelter partners for adoption in the United States. Gloria Marti, the president and shelter manager, runs the shelter from the back of her San Juan home.
