It is heartbreaking to say but there are thousands of stray dogs that struggle to live and survive in the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico every day. Many die of starvation, are run over by motorists, or are tortured and killed by cruel heartless individuals.
The abandonment of adult, young, and even newborn dogs is a severe problem in Puerto Rico, and is one that has rapidly spread across the entire island like an uncontainable virus. On any given day, you can see countless of dogs roaming city streets and country roads, and if you go to certain beaches in the island you’ll be completely shocked by the staggering number of emaciated stray dogs struggling to survive the elements.
The reason for which people abandon their pets varies, some dump their dogs on the streets or beaches because they can no longer care for them and mistakenly think that the dog can survive on their own, others can’t find buyers for the countless of puppies that result from irresponsible and unlicensed breeding, and then there are those who care for their dogs only while they are puppies and then get rid of them once they are fully grown.
It is incomprehensible why anyone would think it would be acceptable to abandon a pet, and it’s obvious that the lack of good conscience, compassion, and empathy is the root of the issue when it comes to the abandonment and negligence of animals.
Sadly, for many stray dogs in Puerto Rico, help comes too late or never comes at all. But for a fortunate few, help comes just in time from small animal rescue organizations, organizations such as “Amigos de los Animales” (Friends of the Animals). President of ADLA, Adrienne Galler Lastra and volunteers, do everything possible to rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for as many abandoned dogs as they can.
The Piñones Beach Project Shelter, which doubles as Adrienne Lastra’s home, acts as a temporary home for many dogs, sometimes as much as 30 dogs, sometimes more. There, they are given the care and attention that they so desperately need and deserve.
Adrienne Lastra hopes more than anything that the dogs that they rescue find a forever home, she says, “We have so many large adult dog residents and pets of all sizes at our shelter; all sterilized and up to date on their shots. And it's a shame that many of our big dog residents have been with us for 2 and 3 years. Some grew up here and know nothing else but this shelter. Our shelter is a pet orphanage, not a permanent home. Our kids are waiting for someone to take them home and love them as the pets they are meant to be.”
I ask that you take the time to look at the little faces of the beautiful, brave, dogs in the slideshow, all who despite having difficult beginnings are unconditionally loving, friendly, and loyal, and whom have one simple wish, to find a forever home and a loving family who will give them a wonderful life rich in love and happiness. Please Adopt.
Visit ADLA’s website to know more about this wonderful organization:
- ADLA (Amigos de los Animales/Friends of the Animals)
- ADLA Contact Information
- Full list of Adoptable dogs from ADLA
Receive free weekly updates on local pet events, animal welfare issues, and animal rescue info by clicking the subscribe link above.
To view a complete collection of articles written by Janice Vargas, click the following link: http://www.examiner.com/dog-rescue-in-allentown/janice-vargas
Want to become an Examiner, click the following link to get started: http://exm.nr/vr9wHL
Comments