One sato at a time...Un sato a la vez

2012-02-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

Dear Save A Sato Fan!
Would you like to help the satos from our shelter in a fun, easy and a free way! vote for us everyday on the animal rescue site, shelter challenge! we've been participating on this challenge for the last 3 years without having the opportunity to win the 1st place :(....but we never give up and keep on dreaming of winning, please vote for us everyday from your computer, your smartphone, laptop and tablet. The money from the prize is to continue on the recovery of our 400 and more dogs and cats on the Save A Sato Foundation, shelters!
Visit the Animal Rescue Site shelter challenge web page by clicking here ***search for Save A Sato country Puerto Rico*** and vote everyday untill the challenge ends march 18 at midnight!

A Girl and her sata, Nivea's happy ending! A rescue from S.A.S

2012-01-24T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hi all at Save a Sato.

This is Nivea and my daughter on Christmas night. I think Santa was too much for both of them.

This picture was taken Christmas night, 2011 (Niveas first Christmas). I think Santa was too much for both of them. Nivea was adopted from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA in August of 2011. She is the best dog we could have ever imagined to have. She is so loving. She loves each of her family members equally. There are no favorites. She loves to go on long walks along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in the warmer months. She is just getting used to the cold weather here in the northeast. She has only seen snow once and had noidea what it was. She ended up eating it.

Nivea is very proud of her toys especially her bone. She shows it to everyone that comes in the house and is always willing to share. Thank you and all of the wonderful people at Save a Sato for saving Nivea so now we can love and enjoy her for the rest of her life.

Gerry

"NEW LEASH ON LIFE" DOG COLLAR AND LEASH DRIVE!

2012-01-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

"NEW LEASH ON LIFE"

http://www.saveasato.org

SAVE A SATO DOG COLLAR AND LEASH DRIVE!

If you happen to have any gently used dog collars or leashes, please

consider donating them to the "New Leash on Life - Save a Sato Dog Collar &

Leash Drive!" These donated collars and leashes will be used on dogs living

at Save a Sato as they await their forever home! Don't have any old

leashes or collars - buy some new ones! Go to your local pet supply store

and rummage through the clearance or sale bins and buy new ones!! If

you're an online shopper you can buy sale and clearance

collars/leashes and have them sent directly to us - address below.

Don't forget you can also check out second-hand and thrift stores!

A collar and leash is imperative when they get taken on walks by the

volunteers - often times the collar and leash is removed from one dog to be

used on the next. There is always a shortage!

Consider this one of the first steps on their "New Leash on Life."

Collars: All sizes, all colors, buckle or snap, please make sure they

aren't broken - it would be tragic to lose a sato on a walk.

Leashes: all sizes, all colors - make sure the clasp works and isn't

broken. Please, no leashes that have been chewed or ripped.

Mail leashes directly to Save a Sato at: Save a Sato Foundation

c/o Save A Sato

P.O box 37694

San Juan P.R

00937-0694

or mail them to Yvette Pina http://www.facebook.com/enzothesato

Enzo the Sato's mom), she will deliver them when she visits Save a Sato

in May 2012:

Yvette Pina

PO BOX 0737

Chicago, IL 60690

If you are in the Chicago area, send an email and we can arrange a drop-off, Visit http://enzothesato.wordpress.com/ for direct email info

Volunteers, making our satos happy this holidays!

2011-12-19T20:48:00.000-08:00

Colegio La Merced

The week has been a happy one for our Satos at the shelter of Miracles from Save A Sato Foundation! We have received the visit to the shelter of two groups, La iglesia adventista de Guaynabo and also a nice group from Colegio la Mereced, these two groups helped us to get our satos' cages clean, get some of them bathed, clean around and also they brought food, newspapers and supplies for the Satos.

Iglesia Adventista de Guaynabo

Thanks for your help and your time, thanks for making our satos be happy this holidays!
Visit our Facebook page to watch more pics! www.facebook.com/saveasato

Happy Holidays!!

Donations for the satos!

Enzo the sato challenges you to guess his breed!

2011-12-06T14:21:00.000-08:00

Our friend Enzo the Sato, recently had a visit to the the vet, and wanted to know a little bit about his past! he took a DNA test, but the vet is a little bit busy this week, so he is taking a little bit too long with the results! Enzo is so anxious to know about his sato past, that he is challenging you to guess his breed, and at the same time donate $5 to his brothers and sisters at Save A Sato, if you guess his breed, Enzo will personally send you a little appreciation gift to you! Visit http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/enzo/guessmybreedenzothesato/ to get more details about this wonderful gesture to help Save A Sato, from Enzo and the Pina family!

Enzo the Sato

A dream slowly coming true!!

2011-11-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

During the past couples of years, The Shelter of Miracles from Save A Sato, has become the main shelter of the foundation, receiving and helping more than 500 hundred dogs per year, and flying them to partner shelters outside the island, so these dogs can find their "forever home" in the States. This shelter survives only by the charity of the good people from the United States and Puerto Rico who take the time and will, to donate money and to send by mail, supplies for the care of the dogs.

During all this years the Shelter of Miracles has suffered the consequences of living under a tropical weather, the sun, the wind, the high humidity and sometimes the worst! Hurricanes! All the damages suffered during all this years has been fixed by "patching up" parts of the shelter with materials donated by the people or some companies that from time to time give a little something to the shelter to help.

All this years has been rough for the shelter, a decrease of donations has been occurring because of the bad economy around the world, also a big increase of homeless pets has been ocurring during the last couple of years in Puerto Rico. The goverment doesn't care about organizations like us on our island, although we have been erraditacating a big problem, they dont even take time to visit, recognize or help.

Thanks to different groups like Vision 68 of Puerto Rico and some anonymous volunteers that takes the time to get help and donations for the shelter like our friend "La Lola" (www.lolavibe.com) our dream of renewing the shelter is becoming true!

The motivational group vision 68 has been working hard in getting donations for the shelter, and also getting construction materials, they started to renew our shelter last month, and they are planning to rebuild the entire shelter over the next year, because of this, the Save A Sato foundation, has been sending dogs to our partners shelters in the U.S.A every week, to protect them from the noises, dust and any harm that they could suffer while the shelter is being renewed. We have spent all our donation money on this flights! over $1,500 dollars weekly, although is difficult to feed 150 dogs everyday with a low income on donations, we are trying our best by selling shirts, stickers on our webpage and asking mayor companies of dog and cat food for donations, thank God they are helping us.

The satos are happy, new cages has been constructed with lots of space for them and even beds has been added, these beds has been donated over the years by the good people like you. A lot more has to be done, we hope to keep receiving this helps, to keep working on the care of our dogs, and cats.

We still count with you and your good heart, if you wish to keep helping the Save A Sato foundation, you can donate by clicking on the Paypal box on the left of this blog, also by visiting our main page www.saveasato.org, in there you can donate via Paypal or buy for the satos in our Sato Shop, also you can send any kind of contribution either check, or dog and cats supplies by mail to The Save A Sato Foundation, P.O box 37694 San Juan, P.R 00937-0694

A letter from the heart and a happy ending for Maria!

2011-11-17T15:52:00.000-08:00

Maria, now Mama Mia June 2011

Dear Gloria:

Above is a picture of Maria who came from your shelter, her new name became Mama Mia when we adopted her on June 16, 2011 from Worcester MA Animal Rescue League. I found the letter in her packet that explained to us where she came from, and what her life in Puerto Rico was like prior to your wonderful shelter saving her.

I can’t imagine what would have become of Maria had your support team not found her and brought her here? Our family is truly blessed by her presence.

In February of this year we had to put our beloved pointer Lucky down due cancer, he was 11 years old, and was a pointer mix that we saved from a local shelter when he was just 10 weeks old. We loved Lucky and never thought we would ever find another pet so kind and gentle…..until now, Mia selected our son when he walked into the kennel that was keeping her. My son told me that when he entered all of the dogs were barking except Mia, Mia came to him wagging her tail and making my son know this was the dog for us.

I was pleasantly surprised when my husband sent me a picture of this beautiful dog, and it reminded me so much of our precious love…. What where the chances of us of finding another pointer mix when we went looking? We believe in our hearts God had something to do with this miracle, and now knowing she came from the Miracle Shelter, well that’s just makes her more special.

She found out how to swim pretty quickly the other day, when she decided to jump off the boat! We of course jumped in to save her not really knowing if she would sink or swim. It was pretty funny thankfully she swam! She has a lot of new toys, a wonderful bed to sleep and she is learning new tricks daily. She’s very smart, we are training her to tell us with bells when she wants to go out, she’s almost house broken already, but still has a few accidents, and I’ve seen her wag her tail a few times while dreaming… We are hoping Mia loves her new home, and new family.

Although she has only spent a few days with her, we already feel she is a huge part of our family. We promise to love, and care for her all of her life. We can’t be more than happy with how she adapted to our humble home.

Please let everyone know who cared for Maria that she is in a loving home and we will raise her to be the best dog we can. She will want for nothing, and we will spoil her each and every second she is awake.

We have a history saving pets, one at a time, and we will do our best to keep Mia happy and healthy all the days of her life.

Please know we appreciate all you and your staff do for animals like Mia… God bless each and every one of you.

Thank you and God Bless

The Monahans

Linda, Stephen & Ryan Monahan

A happy ending for Maia!!

2011-11-12T18:16:00.000-08:00

Maia in her halloween costume, 2nd place winner!

This was an email sent to one of the volunteers of Save A Sato "La Lola" from Nancy Leray, a proud mom of a Puertorican Sato!

Hi Lola, it's been very exciting to watch the shelter changes taking place on facebook! How I wish we could be there to help out!! Here is a picture of Maia dressed up for Halloween. I'm not big into dressing her up, but the
winners got gift certificates to the pet store so we gave it a try. She won 2nd place and we won $25!! Of course we are using the money to buy her new toys and treats! She is a very sweet, happy dog and we love her so much!

Hope all is well with you. Please say hello to everyone from us and give Gloria a big hug!
Nancy

Thank you Nancy for writing us! we love to receive this kind of emails!! If anyone out there would like to share stories about your Sato, from Save A Sato, Puerto Rico, or any other organization, please write us to info@saveasato.org or Webmaster@saveasato.org

Dale click y esteriliza tu mascota! Castraton de PetSos

2011-11-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

Caty Morales, Vicepresidenta PetSos y las mascotas de la Dra Moya

Nuestros amigos de PetSos invitan a todo Puerto Rico, que lean esta informacion, se orienten y aprovechen esta unica oportunidad de esterilizar a sus mascotas a bajo costo, dale click a este enlace (a la foto de PetSos) y visita la pagina de PetSos donde encontraras un listado de veterinarios que estaran ofreciendo estos servicios desde hoy 1ro de noviembre del 2011 hasta el 10 de noviembre. Esteriliza tu mascota, es tiempo ya que tomemos accion por controlar la sobrepoblacion de animales en Puerto Rico.

Click para abrir

Gracias Banco Popular

2011-10-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

Este pasado sabado 22 de octubre del 2011, nuestros amigos del Banco Popular celebraron el dia del voluntariado 'Haciendo la Diferencia'. El departamento de Prestamos Comerciales de Popular, "capitaneado" por Natalia Cruz, se encargo de ayudar a los voluntarios de Save A Sato a limpiar jaulas, alimentar a los Satos, y pasearlos entre otras muchas cosas! Aqui una muestra del trabajo realizado, nuestro infinito agradecimiento a todos estos empleados, que sacaron un tiempo para colaborar con los satitos y brindarnos una ayuda que se necesita a diarion en el albergue de los milagros de Save A Sato! Gracias por Salvar un Sato!

This Last Saturday 22, our friends from Banco Popular celebrated "El dia de Haciendo la Diferencia" (making the difference day), this group of employees of Banco Popular, spent the day on the shelter, cleaning cages, feeding the dogs and walking them around. We would like to thank Natalia Cruz, and all the employees from the bank, who took the time to visit us and help us in the hard task of cleaning up the shelter and keep our satos happy! Banco Popular thanks for Saving the Satos!

Mensaje de nuestros amigos del Banco Popular

2011-10-20T23:24:00.000-07:00

El departamento de Operaciones de Prestamos Comerciales de Popular Inc estará visitando el 22 de octubre del 2011 la entidad sin fines de lucro Save a Sato. Estaremos limpiando jaulas, caminando perritos y ¡dándole mucho cariño! Desde el 1996, Save a Sato ha rescatado más de 20,000 perros y cientos de gatitos. La labor titánica que realizan los voluntarios de Save a Sato es una de amor y mucha dedicación. A todos las personas que deseen participar de esta actividad (ya sea como voluntarios o haciendo un donativo) están mas que bienvenidos. Para mas información o visitar la pagina www.saveasato.org

Our friends at PetSos invites you to this event!

2011-09-18T13:56:00.000-07:00

from : http://petsospr.org/2011/09/juego-de-estrellas/

This next October 5, 2011 our friends from PetSos and local celebrities from Puerto Rico will be playing a basketball tournament on the coliseum Hector Sola Bezares in Caguas to help in the funding of the biggest "castraton" ( spay and neuter event ) that will take place this next November, 2011 to help the different organization from Puerto Rico that rescue dogs and cats around all the island and because of the lack of help and interest from the goverment, sometimes helping on the spay of all this rescues, become impossible. Save A Sato foundation invites you to click the links provided here and read all the info available for this event! Dont miss it! we now its going to be a lot of fun, watch all those celebrities play basketball! and its for a good cause!

Dogs from Save A Sato, ready to be adopted on wednesday!

2011-08-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

http://www.local10.com/furryfriends/29027104/detail.html?taf=mia

Local 10 Local 10

Local 10, please click the link to watch the video and get more info!

The Humane Society of Broward County saves 50 satos!

2011-08-30T20:58:00.000-07:00

http://www.wsvn.com/news/articles/local/21005241904112/WSVN-TV

Our good friends from the Humane Society of Broward County, helped The Save A Sato foundation with the adoptions of 50 of our satos, because of the damaged that suffered The Shelter of Miracles from Save A Sato due the rain caused by the hurricane Irene this last week. Click the link to watch the video.

Want to help out The Save A Sato Foundation on their shelter makeover, visit www.saveasato.org and donate via paypal. Or Click http://saveasato.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=594&Itemid=98

SUMMER FUNDRAISER PRO SHELTER MAKEOVER Sunday Aug 7 2011

2011-08-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

:: "DATE LA VUELTA" ::
2da COLECTA SAVE A SATO 2011
>>> SUMMER FUNDRAISER PRO SHELTER MAKEOVER <<<

Domingo 7 de Agosto
11:00am - 4:00pm
LA RESPUESTA
1600 Fernández Juncos Esq. Calle Del Parque
San Juan, PR

www.saveasato.org
info@saveasato.org
Evento Facebook :
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=180058128728181

- - - - - - - - -

EN SAVE A SATO NECESITAMOS DE TU AYUDA : )

"DATE LA VUELTA" a nuestro Centro de Acopio en La Respuesta y
apóyanos con tu donativo el próximo Domingo 7 de Agosto ...
Cientos de satitos te lo agradecerán !!

( ^_^ ) !! ...

El verano esta por terminar y eso significa que esta por comenzar la época de huracanes.

Mucha agua que han aguantado ya nuestros satitos este verano, ha sido difícil para Gloria y las increíbles voluntarias
que hacen el admirable trabajo físico del albergue con una voluntad y compromiso inigualable.

Nos urge una remodelación del albergue para poder proteger a los animalitos del agua y el viento, mejorar nuestro
sistema eléctrico y reponer nuestros ventiladores industriales que permiten el flujo de aire entre las jaulas.

Prioridad de esta remodelación y etapa de mejoras es la construcción de dos Gazebos de Madera para dos de los
alerones en dónde se tienen las jaulas. Mismas que hasta ahora han sido cubiertas con carpas plásticas que por el
clima y las inclemencias del tiempo se han deteriorado enormemente.

De igual manera necesitamos sustituír algunas jaulas que por el agua se han oxidado causando lo cual no es bueno
para los satitos, comprar cubos de metal, medicamentos, etc.

En fin... necesitamos ayuda, buenos corazónes, compromiso y voluntad !!

Nos hemos acercado a ustedes anteriormente y la respuesta ha sido increíble, por ello nuestro enorme agradecimiento
y el de nuestros perritos : )

Los invitamos este DOMINGO 7 DE AGOSTO a que se den la vuelta a nuestro Centro de Acopio en LA RESPUESTA,
estaremos recibiendo donativos y materiales durane el día de 11:00am a 4:00pm .

- - - - - - - - - -

- Super Bienvenidas las gift cards de:
- We welcome gift cards from :

HOMEDEPOT
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ContentView?pn=Gift_Cards&langId=-1&storeId=10051&cat
alogId=10053

PETSMART
http://promotions.petsmart.com/landing/gift-center/?ab=hp_ln_gc_ql

NOTE : PLEASE ADDRESS ANY GIFT CARD OR CHECK TO

Save a Sato Foundation
P.O.Box 37694
San Juan, Puerto Rico
00937-0694

Or if you want to make a direct deposit to our bank account :

BANCO POPULAR
Save a Sato Foundation
Cta. 131269380
( Cta. Cheques / Check Account )

- - - - - - - -

:: DOCUMENTAL ::

A las 3:00 de la tarde estaremos proyectando el Documental de PBS

" MINE "
Four-Legged Survivors of Hurricane Katrina
http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/mine/film.html

Trailer
http://youtu.be/kq_TlFUgY8U

As Hurricane Katrina bore down on New Orleans, the mayor issued a last-minute order for everyone to evacuate. In the
clamor to get out of the city, many pet owners left their animals with food and water, fully intending to return in a
few days. People without the means to leave the city on their own were forced onto busses and barred from bringing
the furriest family members along.

-- - - - - - -

Como siempre estaremos recolectando :

* Comida de perro
(Seca y de lata )
* Comida de gato
(Seca y de lata )
* Periódico
* Shampoo antipulgas
* Clorox
* Jabón de fregar
* Fibras
* Kennels
* Manguera
* Bolsas de basura
(50glls.)
* Alcohol
* Vaselina
* Guantes desechables
* Collares y Correas
* Toallas Usadas
* Treats y Juguetes
( No rawhide )
*Donativos de dinero para comprar medicamentos y solventar gastos veterinarios y viajes de los satitos

MUCHAS GRACIAAAASSS A NOMBRE DE TODA LA FAMILIA DE SAVE A SATO !!!!

Att.
Lola
( Voluntaria )

www.saveasato.org
info@saveasato.org

P.S. Bring your pupps and dogs with their leash para compartir : )
L*
www.lolavibe.com

Click for full Map

La Respuesta, Santurce

Lexi, a Gift of Love!

2011-07-24T17:36:00.000-07:00

Lexi, recovering from Demodectic Mange, July 2011

Last month we introduced you, our new friend Lexi, a boxer found wandering on the streets of Puerto Rico with the terrible condition of Demodectic Mange, this is a class of persistent skin diseases caused by parasitic mites,(wikipedia) This boxer was rescued by Gloria Marti (president of the Save A Sato Foundation) on mid May. Thanks to your help and your donations via our Amazon Wish List, and also monetary donations by PayPal, we started treatment to Lexi and other satos on the shelter that had this terrible condition, she is now happy and almost recovered. Sadly we still have more dogs with this condition on our shelter, summer months in Puerto Rico makes this skin disease, extremely difficult to cure, your donations can help us continue helping this satos, we have over 200 hundreds satos on our main shelter right now and over 30 in different foster homes, we are very grateful for this donations and also the satos! This help us to buy the food and give them medical care. If you wish to help us, visit our main page www.saveasato.org , in there you can check our Amazon Wish List, also donate to Save A Sato directly via PayPal, you can also help the Save A Sato Foundation by voting everyday on The Animal Rescue Site shelter challenge, contest like this if won, help us with monetary donations. Thank you for Giving a Gift of love to our Satos.

Lexi, when rescued, after her first bath of Promeris to cure Demodectic Mange on may 2011

El mes pasado, te presenteamos a nuestra nueva amiga Lexi, una boxer que fue rescatada por Gloria Marti (presidenta de Save A Sato) la cual llevaba varios meses viviendo por las calles de Puerto Rico, y la cual presentaba la terrible condicion de "Demodectic Mange" una fuerte enfermedad en la piel de los perros, parecida a la sarna, pero creada por parasitos en la piel de estos. Gracias a tu colaboracion en nuestro Amazon Wish List con diferentes medicamentos para curar esta enfermedad y a tus donaciones directas por medio de Paypal a la fundacion Save A Sato poco a poco hemos ayudado a Lexi a recuperarse de esta terrible enfermedad. Al igual que Lexi, tenemos otros Satos en el albergue con esta misma condicion, por eso exhortamos que nos sigan ayudando, los meses de verano en Puerto Rico hacen que estas enfermedades sean mas dificil de tratar. Tenemos mas de 200 Satos en nuestro albergue en estos momentos y alrededor de 30 mas en hogares sustitutos o "foster homes" sus donaciones nos ayudan a proveerles comida y servicios medicos a todos estos perros, si deseas ayudar a la Fundacion Save A Sato, visita nuestra pagina www.saveasato.org ,alli encontraras enlaces para donar por medio de paypal y podras ver nuestro Amazon Wish List tambien nos puedes ayudar votando todos los dias en el concurso del Animal Rescue Site, concursos como este, si logramos ganarlos nos ayudan donando dinero para nuestros satos. Gracias por darle un regalo de vida a nuestros Satos!

Walgreens y Save A Sato te invitan a esta actividad!

2011-07-08T18:37:00.000-07:00

Este Sabado 9 de julio del 2011, trae a tu mascota a Walgreens de Los Colobos de 11 am a 5 pm y fotografialo con un ajuar de verano! Dale al link para que veas el video!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzSgMn45yz8

Video

A happy ending for one of our satos!!! Arturo!

2011-07-04T12:58:00.000-07:00

Our new friend , Andrew P. Huffman wrote to Save A Sato

Sato Arturo was adopted from Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA. He now lives in the city that gave birth to the famous author Jack Kerouac, Lowell, MA. Arturo loves frequent daily walks, playing fetch and small pieces of hot dog! He is also a fan of attending old-time baseball games and the Boston Red Sox. Arturo is loved by his new family! Thank you Save a Sato!

thanks for saving this sato! and for giving him a Forever Home!!!
The Save A Sato Volunteers!!

May God bless your kind heart Kristopher Kevin Owens

2011-06-26T16:42:00.000-07:00

OWENS Kristopher Kevin, 32, passed away Sun, June 19, 2011 while on work assignment in Rochester, NY. He was born Oct 11, 1978 in Richmond, KY. Kris is survived by his beautiful wife, Kris Spikes, his parents, Amy Burke and John Owens. He is also survived by his siblings, Amanda Owens, Miles Owens, Will Burke and Brennan Burke; his stepfather, Randy Burke; and his most dedicated companion "Spike". He is also survived by his maternal grandfather, Jim Karns, his paternal grandmother, Connie Owens, a multitude of cousins, aunts, and uncles. He is preceded in death by his beloved "Nana" - Jaramy Karns and grandfather, Robert Owens. Kris lived and traveled around the world during his life, and his adventurous spirit and love of learning and language was inspiring to all. He was a Governor's Scholar graduating from Tates Creek High School with an International Baccalaureate Scholarship in 1997. He went on to The University of Louisville where he studied French and linguistics. His Junior year he studied abroad in Montpelier, France. Kris will be remembered as the Trivial Pursuit Champion of the universe. He was loved most dearly by all he encountered. Kris' life will be celebrated at Christ Church Cathedral Sat, June 25th at 6pm; a reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, any contributions may be made to The American Museum of Natural History, at www.amnh.org, or to "Save a Sato Foundation", at www.saveasato.org, a dog rescue organization Kris was active in while living in Puerto Rico.

Published in Lexington Herald-Leader on June 24, 2011

Sterilizing your Dog = Saving a Sato?

2011-06-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

By Anna Winwood

SAS Volunteer

Puerto Rico – Miles upon miles of white beaches, rainforests and mountains, and an abundance of Stray Dogs. That’s right, Puerto Rico is overrun with Sato’s! It is estimated that Puerto Rico has a stray dog population well exceeding 100,000. The Save a Sato Foundation has been rescuing abused and homeless animals off of the streets and giving them hope for a life they deserve. However, the Save a Sato Foundation cannot alleviate this problem without the help of the people of Puerto Rico.

Becoming a pet owner comes with responsibilities. Not only is it your responsibility to feed and properly house your pet, you have to have them sterilized. Allowing your dog to run the streets and mate with other dogs is causing significant problems. Unfortunately, once the dogs become impregnated and have a litter of puppies more times than not, the puppies are abandoned. By abandoned, they are either thrown to the streets where if they survive they will grow up to be unsterilized dogs who themselves will breed more puppies or they are left in a box at the door of Save a Satos Shelter of Miracles in San Juan. Over the past month - 23 puppies have been abandoned at the door of the shelter.

This is making it extremely hard for the dedicated people at Save a Sato to care for and rehabilitate the Satos that are already there. Some people believe that not sterilizing their pet has advantages. They believe that they can breed their dog and make money from selling the puppies. Others feel that they will be violating their dog, especially a male dogs’ manhood. By not sterilizing your dog, you are putting them at health risks as well as bringing puppies into the world that may end up on the streets. You are not in any way doing your dog a favor. If you sell your dogs puppies, you can be taking away a home for another puppy in need. Do the right thing and sterilize your dog so the homeless and less fortunate dogs have a chance at being adopted into a good home.

Sterilizing your pet has so many advantages. Not only will it help control the population of unwanted pets on the island, it is also healthier for your pet!

Spaying your Female dog has the following advantages:

o No heat cycles, therefore males will not be attracted

o Less Desire to roam

o Risk of mammary gland tumors, ovarian and/or uterine cancer is reduced or eliminated, especially if done before the first heat cycle

o Reduces number of dogs/puppies that are unwanted

o Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives!

Neutering your Male dog has the following advantages:

o Reduces or eliminates risk of spraying and marking

o Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents

o Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease

o Reduces number of dogs/puppies that are unwanted

o Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites

o Helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives!

Sterilization will not only benefit your pet but you and your community as well. Stray animals can easily become a public nuisance, soiling parks and streets, ruining shrubbery, frightening children and elderly people, creating noise and other disturbances, causing automobile accidents, and sometimes even killing livestock or other pets. The only way to stop this from happening is to become a responsible pet owner and to sterilize your pet. Abandoning your pet or its offspring is not the answer.

New born kittens abandoned outside of Toy “R” Us in Carolina. Sadly they did not make it due to the fact they were taken from their mother too young.

Not only are the Satos of Puerto Rico suffering from hunger, they are also the victims of disease. One of these diseases is Demodectic Mange, a skin disease caused by parasitic mites. This disease is common in malnourished animals. If diagnosed early, the disease is very easy to cure. Sadly, when dogs contract the disease many times they are abandoned by their owners rather than having them treated. The disease then becomes so severe that the animal suffers extremely and the disease is spread to other Satos.

Diseases like this can easily be avoided. If your pet seems to be suffering from mange, bring them to a veterinarian so they can receive the proper medication. More importantly have your pet sterilized so the stray animal population does not continue to grow. The fewer malnourished and stray animals there are, the less the disease will spread and more attention can be directed to the already sick animals.

A puppy that was found suffering from Severe Demodectic Mange

There is no just cause in not sterilizing your pet. It makes for an all around healthier, happier animal. With the help of responsible pet owners and the Save a Sato Foundation the overpopulation of Satos on the island of Puerto Rico can be greatly reduced.

The medicated puppy recovering at the Shelter of Miracles

For information on low cost spay/neuter services, please visit the Save a Sato webpage, www.saveasato.org .

A Happy ending for Donna!

2011-06-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is an email sent to Save A Sato, from the new parents of Donna, one of our rescues!

Hello,

On March 24, 2011 I adopted Donna (rescue# 82467) from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Massachusetts. I actually changed her name to Poppy and she already knows it and responds to it!!

She has come a long way in the 2 months she's been with me...(she's actually just come into the room where I am e-mailing you to see what I'm doing!!). We walk every day with our friends and their dogs, we go in the car for ice cream, and we've been to the beach in New Hampshire... and this is just the beginning!!!

Thank you for saving her from the streets. She is a very sweet dog. I'm constantly amazed at how gentle she is. She will have a very nice life with me here and I will take very good care of her. I've enclosed some pictures my friend took of Poppy...

Best Wishes to your and your organization,

Kathleen Kimble

Thank you Kathleen for fulfilling Poppy's dream of having Love, A nice family and a Forever Home!

Pablo need your help!! this is his last chance!

2011-05-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Do you remember Pablo? the sato sentenced to death row? a couple of month ago he was saved from death row, but now he needs help again, he is still on "Jail" on a shelter, this is a Email, sent to the Save A Sato volunteers by Robin Urbani. Please read it and if you can help in any way do it! is very important for us and Robin, to save Pablo's life! If you want to read Pablo's story first, please Click Here:

I hope you remember me. I am Pablo's "owner", the Sato that was almost euthanized in April but was saved at his hearing. After we won at the hearing for Pablo they made us believe they were going to help us locate a place for him (the lawyers, the animal control officers, etc.)..I have been writing to sanctuaries and private trainers but so far have not found anyone that will take him.
He is doing very well at the facility and they adore him there..but the date they gave us is coming up..June 1st..the new deadline before he is euthanized unless someone will agree to take him home.
The good news it is does NOT have to be a trainer or a sanctuary anymore. After spending a few months with Pablo they realized that he is not a "threat" to society, and anyone that is responsible as a pet owner and does not have children, can adopt him.
I am hoping to eventually get him back. He just will never be allowed to live in my town. But, my daughter lives in NY and she could take him, or if I move, which I am planning to, he can come back to me.
I am just looking for anyone that could be approved by the ACO as a caretaker for Pablo that does not have children, has a fenced in yard and is willing to adopt him... Once we get him out of the Animal Control Facility his life will no longer be in danger and I can continue to find a permanent place for him. I am willing to pay for his food, and also behavioral training for him.
I love him SO MUCH!!! My daughter also, and everyone that knows him.
The anniversary of my son's death is coming up June 15th. I know my daughter's heart will be broken again in a very serious way if Pablo is not rescued.
Can you help us find someone that might be willing to help?
I would be so very grateful and i know whomever takes him will not be sorry they did.
The ACO told me if I even have a couple of names of people that are interested in trying by June 1st she will continue to keep him there and not euthanize him. She is a great person..it is her boss that is not an animal lover and does not have any compassion.
Please let me know. Pablo gets along well with anyone that is truly an animal lover, and female dogs, and some cats.

Thank you,
Robin Urbani
860-303-2955
Feel free to pass along my information to anyone and have them text me if they know anyone that might be able to help.

Thank You! Migdalia Negron, Scotiabank and the World's Best 10k Race!

2011-04-02T18:11:00.000-07:00

Migdalia Negron, Gerente de Distrito de Ventas y Servicios del
Scotiabank en San Juan, represento a la Fundacion Save a Sato durante
la carrera de 10 Kilometros, en el Puente Moscoso, en Puerto Rico.

Con la cooperacion de los empleados, suplidores y clientes de las
sucursales bajo su supervison, Migdalia en corto tiempo lograron
recaudar $8,000 para la organizacion. Un cheque conmemorativo fue
presentado a la organizacion a voluntarios de la organizacion el dia
de la carrera.

Troy Wright, el CEO del Scotia Bank y Rafael Acosta Presidente del
Comite Organizador de la Carrera Internacional. durante una breve
ceremonia en las oficinas del Scotia Bank en San Juan, presentaron a
todos los gerentes y supervisores que "corrieron" o caminaron por 10
organizaciones sin fines de lucro. El Sr. Wright indico que el Scotiabank llevaba 100 anos en Puerto Rico y como parte de la comunidad
puertorriqueña, el banco decidió coordinar una campana pro fondos para
ayudar a unas 10 organizaciones sin fines de lucro.

Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro fueron escogidas por los
representantes del banco entre varias que fueron nominadas por los
empleados de cada sucursal. Cada supervisor escogio la organizacion
por la cual correria para levantar fondos, asi como representar
durante la carrera. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro que fueron
agraciadas por los esfuerzos de los empleados del Scotia Bank fueron:
La Cruz Roja Americana de Puerto Rico, La Asociación de Diabética de
Puerto Rico, La Asociación del Corazón, SER de Puerto Rico,
Cuidadanos del Karso, Asociación del Althzeimer de Puerto Rico, Fondita
de Jesus, Asociacion Pequeño Josua, La Asociación del Cancer de
Puerto Rico y la Fundacion Save a Sato. Cada una de estas
organizaciones recibieron entre $7,000 a $12,000.

Scotia Bank Raises $8,000 for Save a Sato

Migdalia Negron, District Sales and Service Manager for Scotia Bank
represented the Save a Sato Foundation during the 10 Kilometer
International Race on the Moscoso Bridge in Puerto Rico. With the
cooperation of employees, suppliers and clients of the bank branches
under her supervision, Migdala in a very short time raised $8,000 for
the Foundation.

A check representing the donation raised was presented to SAS
volunteers the day of the race.

Troy Wright, Scotia Bank CEO and Rafael Acosta, President of the 10K
International Organizing Committee for the bank, during a brief
ceremony at the bank offices in Hato Rey, presented all the managers
and bank supervisors that either walked or ran for one of 10 non
profit organizations selected. Wright indicated that the Scotia Bank
has been part of the Puertorican community for the last 100 years, and
as such they decided to coordinate a fund raising event to help 10
non-profit organizations.

The non profit organizations that were chosen by the bank
representatives were selected from various organizations that were
nominated by employees of the different bank branches. Each bank
supervisor chose the organization for which they would be working to
raise funds and actively represent during the 10 Kilometer race. The
10 non profit organizations selected were: The American Red Cross of
Puerto Rico, The PR Diabetic Association, The PR Heart Association,
SER of Puerto Rico, Citizens for the Protection of the Karst
Mountains, the Altheimer Association of PR, Fondita de Jesus, Small
Joshuah Association, PR Cancer Association and the Save a Sato
Foundation. Each organization received between $7,000 and $12,000.

Save A Sato today! Save Pablo's Life! Sentenced to Death Row

2011-03-26T15:45:00.000-07:00

Click to save Pablo's life

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/5/help-save-pablo/ Click and sign this petition to save Pablo's life sentenced to death row in Connecticut.

This is a petition to save the life of Pablo, our very special 25 lb. black and tan Sato... not just any dog, but truly a part of our family. We rescued Pablo from the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico in 2005 where he was born and lived as a stray for at least a year before my daughter Samantha found him. For the past five years, Pablo has been a wonderful asset to our household. When at home, he is well behaved, playful, loyal, and full of personality. His presence in our life is a huge source of joy and comfort for us- we adopted him a year after my 19 year old son Robert died due to a congenital heart condition. Raising and spending time with Pablo has been one of the most important parts of my and Samantha's grieving process. For us, he is what is referred to by professionals as an "emotional support dog." Due to Pablo living as a stray in an area where wild dogs are often abused, he has had temperament issues in certain situations. Now Pablo is on Death Row and unless we can convince the powers that be that he deserves to live, he will be gone to doggy heaven in a week ( April 1, 2011 :( Pablo is 6 years old now and has led a pretty interesting and meaningful life so far and we just aren't ready to let it be over yet.
There is an ongoing overpopulation problem in Puerto Rico with dogs living on the streets (http://www.saveasato.org/ ) but Pablo seemed just like any ordinary affectionate pet from the moment we first met him. We took him to the veterinarian in Puerto Rico for his shots and got him his own plane ticket on another airline back to Connecticut because the plane we were on wouldn't allow pets.

Click to save Pablo

In June 2004, we suffered the tragic, unexpected sudden loss of my 19 year old son and my daughter's only brother Robert due to a congenital heart condition (http://www.DinotoFuneral.com , obituaries, Urbani). If he had had an operation in time he would have lived but sadly things didn't work out that way.

   Samantha and I were too sad to stay in Connecticut and try to have a "normal" Christmas holiday the following year, so took a vacation to Puerto Rico instead of having Christmas at all. Finding Pablo and bringing him home to become part of our family was perhaps the first time either of us had felt any sort of happiness or comfort during that very difficult time, and also why we have become extraordinarily attached to him.

Within the first month after Pablo came to live in Connecticut with us he nearly died from a life-threatening heartworm infestation, common among Puerto Rican rescues, but our friends and family managed to raise over $5,000 for the major heart surgery and 3 subsequent procedures performed by Tufts Veterinary Hospital for Small Animals in Mass. which saved his life (again). He had been given only a 30% chance of survival but we were not about to give up hope. We were not given this chance to save my son, and while many people would say "Pablo's just a dog" it didn't feel that way to us, under the circumstances, and it doesn't now either.

Pablo did well with the treatments and has been in very good health since his surgery at Tufts, although in the beginning he had some minor aggression issues with being territorial about his food, etc. The veterinarians that cared for him never muzzled him and told us he was a great dog and that with time he would outgrow the minor "fearful" or "protective" behaviors that had been ingrained in him on the streets. With loving supervision he has become a very good family pet with a happy, playful disposition. He gets along well with people and other dogs that visit (we also have another small rescue dog that lives with us who misses him very much! ), although he has shown some signs of being "territorial" on occasion when people walk by our home, or when he feels threatened in some way by a stranger within our home.

After escaping a few times and scaring the neighbors with his barking we built a large pen in our yard which, ever since, he has only gotten out on one or two occasions, without incident.

During the past several months there were a couple situations where Pablo felt threatened by a person he did not know (which I was told by a trainer is normal in certain situations) and he did end up biting one of our friends that was visiting in our home. This raised serious cause for concern and we began researching types of dog aggression and started working on different solutions including looking for a good animal behaviorist as well as keeping him inside a locked room when we had a lot of company, just to be on the safe side.

Unfortunately late on the night of Dec 4th, 2010, Pablo managed to get out of the house when some company was leaving, without knowing until the next morning that he had been out for a few hours in the cold and had bitten two of our neighbors, a man that delivers papers and a woman who is an avid walker in our neighborhood, apparently unprovoked except for his own basic instinct to protect our home.

   I feel extremely sorry that Pablo bit these two innocent people, and understand that it was my responsibility as his owner to keep him away from people in the event that this might happen, and was not their fault at all. I regret not having had a better system in place by then to have prevented him from getting loose that night. My neighbors were not seriously injured but a dog bite is not something anyone should have to suffer, regardless, and anyone that owns a dog that has even mild aggressive tendencies needs to have a secured environment to protect people from getting attacked whether the dog is provoked or not ; sadly hind sight is 20/20- BUT- I don't believe that killing Pablo is the solution to the problem! My neighbors do not agree, however, and Pablo has been incarcerated ever since at the Groton Animal Control Facility , awaiting a hearing for the purpose of an appeal on a "Disposal Order" in Hartford with the Commissioner of Agriculture and a panel of other professionals, standard procedure with reported dog bites.

We are devastated by the thought of Pablo being sentenced to death. He has the personality of a child and with some work with a trainer he will overcome his unwanted behavior.   We love him as if he were an actual member of our family.

There will be a panel of people at the hearing including my neighbors and their attorneys that do not know or love Pablo that only see him as a "vicious" or "dangerous" dog and want to see him euthanized. They want me to prove that I can prevent him from ever biting anyone again, which I believe is possible, by either allowing him to come back to live with us under new circumstances, or as a last resort by sending him to a dog farm in Texas that takes animals in situations such as this to let them live out their lives that has agreed to let Pablo come live there.

If he is allowed to come back to our home we will agree to completely fence in our yard, as well as build a second door and entryway in front of our existing doors which would prevent any future escapes into the neighborhood. If this is not enough we will install an electric fence as well. We would also agree to keep Pablo contained in his own room whenever we have guests, and or keep him muzzled. Whatever is recommended we will do.

We were told Pablo would be "in jail" until next Christmas (2011) before we could get a hearing. Recently somehow they managed to speed up the process and now the hearing is scheduled for April 1, 2011, just one week from today! We are currently working on getting a support team together to attend the hearing including a veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, and an attorney. We would like to have a petition with as many signatures as possible to bring with us to the hearing.

By signing this petition you agree that putting our best friend and companion Pablo to death is not the solution to this problem, and that his life should be spared. If you have any friends that work with animals such as veterinarians, animals trainers, PETA, etc. that will sign it please share the link.
Thank you!!

Robin, Samantha and Pablo

Date La Vuelta y ayuda a Save A Sato

2011-03-14T16:39:00.000-07:00

Date la vuelta este proximo domingo 27 de marzo del 2011, por nuestro centro de acopio "La Respuesta" localizado en el 1600 de la Avenida Fernandez Juncos en Santurce de 11 am a 4 pm y ayuda a los cientos de perritos y gatitos de Save A Sato, donando articulos de primera necesidad para estos, voluntarios estaran listos, para que te des la vuelta y recojer los articulos, sin que tengas que bajarte del auto, ni pasar trabajo alguno. Cualquier ayuda es grandemente agradecida

University of Central Florida visits Save A Sato

2011-03-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

University of Central Florida students

For the second consecutive year a group of students from the University of Central Florida visited Save a Sato's "Shelter of Miracles" during their spring break vacation to help out Gloria Marti (the shelter manager and president of Save A Sato) and give some love and affection to our much-deserving satos.

These students travel annually to different countries to give a helping hand to different organizations which in some way provide a service to their communities. This year a group of ten students, lead by Marlon Gutierrez, decided to help Save A Sato once again. While most university students use their springbreak to visit family or just have a good time and get away from the stress of their studies; this group of students came to Puerto Rico and worked for four consecutive days at the shelter, and they got their hands dirty and did some HARD work.

During their time here the UCF group cleaned cages, put labels on each cage to identify the dogs, bathed, feed, and played with the satos.

One of the UCF students, Cristina Resto, who grew up and lived in Puerto Rico until the age of 11, commented to us of how proud she was to be able to come to Puerto Rico after 8 years and volunteer for an organization that takes in hundreds of abandoned dogs and gives them a chance to be adopted into loving homes. She seemed surprised by the amount of dogs that Save A Sato has and how people donate their time and even the very houses they live in to help take in satos off of the streets. Cristina also mentioned that all of the pets that her family has are spayed or neutered, including her own Chihuahua, Nany.

Rachel and Shane, two other volunteers from UCF, commented to us that they were surprised by the number of dogs that wander the streets here and that this is not something that they see living in Florida. The students were able to rescue a stray dog that was found on the way to the shelter, which they named Princesa.

Princess was rescued during their visit, she was found near Teodoro Moscoso Bridge

Unfortunately she has heartworm, which will need to be treated so that she can get healthy and have a chance to be adopted by a family that will give her all of the love she deserves. Thanks to all of the volunteers from the University of Central Florida, Marlon, Cristina, Rachel, Shane, Juan, Yselande, Rachel K., Stephanie, Reema, and Madison, for volunteering your time at our shelter and for "saving a sato".

Puppy abandoned in a box on February

Por segunda vez consecutiva un grupo de 10 alumnos de la Universidad Central de Florida, visita a el Albergue De Los Milagros de la Fundacion Save A Sato, en sus vacaciones de springbreak, para darle una mano a Gloria Marti (presidenta de la fundacion) en las arduas tareas que se tienen que hacer diariamente en este albergue. Estos estudiantes anualmente, viajan a diferentes paises, para dar una mano amiga, voluntariamente a diferentes organizaciones, que de alguna manera u otra ayudan civilmente a una comunidad.

Gloria applying vaccines

Este año, este grupo de estudiantes, bajo el liderazgo de Marlon Gutierrez, decidio ayudar nuevamente a Save A Sato, en arduas tareas, durante toda una semana, al contrario de otros universitarios que utilizan sus vacaciones de springbreak para visitar a sus familiares o distraerse en actividadesas mas divertidas para liberarse unos dias del gran esfuerzo que conlleva estudiar a nivel universitario.

Una de las estudiantes del CFU, Cristina Resto, la cual crecio y vivio en Puerto Rico hasta la edad de los 11 años, nos comento del orgullo que sentia de poder viajar a Puerto Rico luego de 8 años y poder donar su tiempo en ayudar a una organizacion el cual le provee un bien social a la comunidad, dandole albergue y ayudando a cientos de perros desamparados; Se mostro sorprendida al ver la cantidad de perros que alberga Save A Sato, y como personas donan su tiempo y hasta sus casas, para brindarle ayuda a todos estos animales, Cristina tambien nos comento que todas las mascotas que tiene en su casa, estan esterilizadas incluyendo a Nany, su chihuahua.

Rachel y Shane, estudiantes tambien de la UCF, nos comentaron que han quedado sorprendidos de ver la cantidad de animales que merodean por la calles de la isla, y que en la Florida es poco comun ver que esto suceda. Durante la visita de estos estudiantes al albergue ayudaron a limpiar las jaulas de los perros, a identificarlos con letreros con cada uno de sus nombres, bañarlos, alimentarlos y jugar con ellos y hasta ayudaron a hacerles pruebas del corazon y otras enfermedades. Los estudiantes ademas lograron rescatar a un perro desamparado al cual le llamaron, Princesa, triztemente esta perrita rescatada sufre de "heartworms", condicion la cual con mucho esfuerzo la Fundacion Save A Sato, estara supliendo las ayudas y medicamentos necesarios para poder salvarle la vida y asi hacer que esta perrita luego tenga la oportunidad de ser adoptada por una familia, el cual le provea amor y mas cuidado que la familia anterior que quizas tuvo y la abandono en las calles de Puerto Rico.

Gracias a los estudiantes de la Universidad Central de Florida, Marlon, Cristina, Rachel, Shane, Juan, Yselande, Rachel K., Stephanie, Reema, y Madison, por su tiempo e interes y por Salvar a un Sato.

The UCF students donated their shoes for the next volunteers that comes to clean the shelter!

and one pair for the puppies to play! :)

Its time to vote for Save A Sato!

2011-03-04T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Animal Rescue Site Shelter Challenge Site

Save A Sato is on 2nd place, and we have only 16 days left! Will you vote everyday for Save A Sato and help hundreds of dogs in the shelter? Will you share this with your friends and tell them to vote? Will you be the superhero that helps Save a Sato to win this contest?

We know you will!!

click the picture, search for Save A Sato, country: USA state PR and vote!!

Thanks to all the people that has been voting and has kept us in 2nd place for the last 2 months!!

Save A Sato Fans!! Chaaarge!

Gloria Marti & The Save A Sato Foundation on Primera Hora 2/26/2011

2011-02-26T18:14:00.000-08:00

Compromise of love that last forever:

when you adopt a dog on a shelter, you save two lives, his and the next dogs that takes his place.

Teresa Canino

Primera Hora

Nobody pays her for the job that she does. Only a few knows of her hard daily routine. Gloria Marti, barely rest. Although, she works happy, believing that the work that she do everyday is a big compromise with the hundreds of dogs that she rescue.

They have come from every part of the island, in the hands of strangers, from rescue partners, others has even been tied up and left in front of the shelter. Some others has been picked up from the streets by herself and with the help of a few volunteers from The Save A Sato Foundation, they has been cured, feed and offered a secure shelter till they get adopted.

Marti, dreams with the day that finally the goverment stablish a law, that force puertorricans to sterilize their dogs, so finally the problem of overpopulation of animals in Puerto Rico can be controlled.

Puerto Rico, what is happening to us? Que nos pasa Puerto Rico?

2011-02-22T19:16:00.000-08:00

Que nos pasa Puerto Rico?

"La grandeza de una nacion y su progreso moral pueden ser juzgados por la forma en que sus animales son tratatos" -Mahatma Gandhi

En menos de un mes han sido rescatados tres grupos diferentes de puppies abandonados a su suerte sin importar como podrian sobrevivir. Personas inescrupolosas, insensibles abandonan estos inofensivos animales, que por su corta edad se le hace imposible sobrevivir ya que no pueden defenderse ni buscar comida. Que piensan estas personas al hacer tan horrendo acto? Tendran conciencia de que lo que hacen? es lo mas horrible que puede hacer un ser pensante.

Estos puppies fueron encontrados dentro de una caja en el Colegio Tecnologico de Puerto Rico, en el area de recreo de Prescolar. Los maestros y estudiantes llamaron a Gloria, presidenta de Save A Sato, por auxilio, eran siete pero dos estudiantes se llevaron dos y Gloria busco los otros cinco. Estan un poco desnutridos ya que al parecer fueron abandonados durante el fin de semana y no habian comido por varios dias.

Necesitamos seguir fomentando la Esterilizacion!! Esteriliza a tu mascota! No permitas que estas barbaridades continuen!
Si estas interasad@ en ser un "foster home" para alguno de estos puppies, porfavor escribe a info@saveasato.org

"¿Por qué un animal es maltratado? Creo que es porque el que lo maltrata cree que no siente, ni padece, ni sufre... respetemos a los animales como ellos nos respetan a nosotros."

Puerto Rico what is happening to us?

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged because of the way its animals are treated"-Mahatma Gandhi

In less than a month Save a Sato has rescued three different groups of puppies abandoned to their fate regardless how they could survive. Unscrupulous, insensitive people has abandoned these harmless animals that because of their young age its impossible for them to survive, these puppies can not defend for themselves or find food. What are these people thinking when they commit such a horrendous act? Are they aware of what they are doing? this is the most horrible thing, that a thinking being can do!
These puppies were found inside a box in the Colegio Tecnologico de Puerto Rico, in the preschool recreational area. Teachers and students called Gloria Marti president of S.A.S for help, they were seven but some students took two to their homes and Gloria took the other five to the Shelter of Miracles from Save A Sato. These puppies are malnourished and and they look like apparently they were abandoned during the weekend and had not eaten for several days.
We need to continue to encourage sterilization! Spay your pet! Do not let these atrocities to continue!
If tyou are interested to be a "foster home" for one of these puppies, please write to info@saveasato.org

"Why an animal is abused? I think it's because these people believe that they do not feel, or do not suffer... we should respect the animals like they respect us."

Scotiabank y RG de Puerto Rico te invitan a Donar por Save a Sato

2011-02-19T16:07:00.000-08:00

Migdalia Negron, estara representando a Save A Sato este proximo domingo en el World's Best 10k Race en el puente Teodoro Moscoso, haz donativo a cualquiera de estas cuentas en Scotiabank o Rg Bank y estos bancos ademas de tu donacion aportaran .25c adicional por cada dolar que recojan 100% para Save A Sato, mira la foto para detalles!

cuenta de Scotiabank: 0716088830
cuenta de Rg: 08480083

si olvidas los numeros de cuenta, cualquier empleado te lo puede dar en el mismo banco, solo menciona que quieres ayudar a Save A Sato, en la carrera de los 10k

No importa cuan grande o pequena sea tu donacion, lo importante es que estaras ayudando a salvar cientos de animales en Puerto Rico.

Walgreens Employees give a gift of love to Save A Sato!

2011-02-16T18:38:00.000-08:00

This last february 5, 2011, the employees of Walgreens gave a visit to "El Albergue de los Milagros" (The Shelter of Miracles) one of the shelters of Save A Sato in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to give a helping hand, to Gloria Marti (S.A.S president) to clean, feed and bathe the Satos!

Everyday, all the cages of the satos, are cleaned, the satos taken out to play, fresh water and food its given, its not an easy task, for Gloria, she do this 365 days, sometimes with help from some volunteers, and sometimes just by herself!

Its a blessing, everytime, that we receive help from volunteers like this great guys and gals from Walgreens, who donated their time to help the satos!

You can adopt this Walgreen's employee through our petfinder page! :)

Its not an easy task, but with a couple of friends and some effort, you'll end up, having fun and feeling the satisfaction, that you are helping this beautiful satos, to live in a healthy and happy shelter, till they find their "Forever homes"

Thank you guys, people like you keep Save A Sato saving the lives of the homeless dogs of Puerto Rico

Follow up on Samantha!!

2011-02-10T16:55:00.000-08:00

Chica (formerly "Samantha") is WONDERFUL!

She LOVES us, we LOVE her!

She LOVES the snow, it's hard to get her to come inside. Who knew a tropical doggy would love winter so much?

She has LOTS of doggy friends who she loves... Abby (also a Sato from Puerto Rico!), Raven, Sophie, Bruce, Henry, Jonesy, Shanti, Tessa, etc etc.

She goes on a big walk in the morning on the beach every day, then a big walk in the woods every afternoon.

thank you again!

Lois and Doug

Sasha needs your help....

2011-01-20T17:47:00.000-08:00

Sasha is a special girl who was not always a Sato. After the death of her owner she was abandoned on the streets by the owner’s family. Luckily she was brought to our shelter, where her loving and gentle nature has earned her a spot in the hearts of our volunteers. However, as much as we love her, she really needs a home to call her own. Sasha is a special needs dog: she is an older dog, about 8 years old, and is mostly blind. She also has a heart murmur, which means that she will need to take medication for the rest of her life and that she may not live as long as other dogs. However we feel that the years that she has left should be spent with a family that will give her all of the love that she deserves. Some of her happiest moments in the shelter are rolling around in the shredded newspaper that we put in her kennel for bedding.

She also loves being held by our volunteers; when you hold her you can feel her "hug" back. Sasha still has a lot of love to give. A quiet home with a closed in yard would be ideal for her to spend her remaining years. Every dog deserves their forever home, and we hope to find one for Sasha!

Please spread the word about Sasha and help us find her a home. Her story is also a reminder to us that part of loving a pet is planning a safe home for them should something happen to you. Otherwise, you don't know what will become of the pet you loved. For more information on Sasha please write to info@saveasato.org.

Ayudalo a regresar a su casa / Help him get back to his home

2011-01-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Sara and Tony found this dog in the Bo Turabo Arriba en Caguas, call to the phone number provided if you know where this dog lives, help him get back to his home!

Saludos, este perrito apareció hoy en mi casa, Bo. Turabo Arriba en Caguas, estuve buscando en clasificadosonline la sección de perritos perdidos pero no encontré información de el. Si no aparece su dueño lamentablemente lo llevaremos al refugio en Humacao, ya que no podemos quedarnos con el porque tenemos 5 perros. En la condición que se encuentra aparenta estar muchos días perdido porque tiene nudos y cuando lo tocamos sentimos sus huesitos, tiene collar y una sogita como partida. Es un perrito tranquilo, bien bueno.

Nos pueden contactar al (787)396.5890 o (787)396.5894

Sara & Tony

Merry Christmas from Boston!

2010-12-28T19:37:00.000-08:00

Gracey, found her forever home!

   Merry Christmas to Save A Sato. My name is Rich and about a month ago I
adopted Gracey (Sandy) the sweetest one eyed mini dachshund on earth. I
knew when I saw her among all the "perfect puppies" at the shelter that
there was something very special about this little girl. She is the
sweetest, most loving dog I've ever adopted. She now lives here in
Everett, MA with me and her new sister Natasha (a chia-Peeke) and they
are getting along great. Gracie experienced her first snow the other
day and, although she doesn't love it, the tail keeps wagging. Thank
you for all that your organization does and, for bringing this little
munchkin into our family. Attached is Gracey's christmas picture. I
hope you enjoy it it. Merry Christmas.


             Rich, Gracey, and Natasha

Proyecto Puerto Rico, entrevista a Gloria Marti

2010-12-21T12:33:00.000-08:00

El albergue de los milagros

POR: LARISSA VÁZQUEZ ZAPATA

lvazquez1@elnuevodia.com

Gloria Marti, presidenta de SAS

Siempre fue una cuestión de la más pura decencia. De honra. De dignidad. Desde que veía al vecino que agarraba a su gata por la cola y le daba vueltas hasta que la estrellaba contra los árboles -el mismo animalito que terminó aplastado por los neumáticos de un auto dizque por accidente- hasta el día en que, luego de muchos años como empleada del Albergue de San Juan, se percató de que las cosas no marchaban como debieran. Fue entonces cuando se miró al espejo y se juró a sí misma: “Gloria Marti, tú sabes que tienes que hacer algo. Aquí las cosas van a cambiar”. Y de hecho, cambiaron; la despidieron fulminantemente. Pero de eso hace ya mucho tiempo, casi lo mismo que lleva como presidenta y voluntaria, 7 días a la semana, 365 días al año, de Save a Sato.

“Lo que me motivó a empezar a trabajar a favor de los animales fue la vergüenza. Ese sentimiento terrible de impotencia, de ver que no había un sólo puertorriqueño que ayudara. Cuando conocí a la gente de Animal Rescue, allí todas eran extranjeras. Habían españolas, venezolanas, ecuatorianas y hasta una alemana. ¡Imagínate qué bochorno! Ellas trabajando por los animales desprotegidos de mi País. E inmediamente supe que esto era lo que iba a hacer por el resto de mi vida”, confiesa Marti, mientras termina de pasar revista por las jaulas de los más de 220 perros que tiene en su albergue (sin contar los gatos), en la parte trasera de la casa de su mamá, en una parcela. Y es que en el ocaso se corren las cortinas de algodón de las jaulas, se enciende una radio-casetera, de esas enormes, ochentosas, con música clásica para la hora de dormir. Así, en cuestión de minutos, no se escucha ni un ladrido en todo aquel inmaculado planeta canino. “Normalmente atiendo a los perros que tengo en casa y cuando llego al albergue abro las cortinas y empiezo a repartir comida en una carrera, porque todos quieren que les sirva primero. Entonces, examino a los enfermitos y sigue la limpieza. Ahora, si traen perros, acabados de rescatar, dejo todo y les hago un reconocimiento de carácter y de piel. Quiero saber si es un perrito adoptable, entonces se le ponen las vacunas y les hacemos las pruebas del corazón y otras condiciones”, dice con precisión casi veterinaria.

“Si el perro se queda, hay que buscar dónde acomodarlo. Si hay un viaje planeado (para enviar a los satos que han sido adoptados a su nuevo hogar), hay que ir al médico a buscar los certificados. El día del viaje también cambia la rutina, hay que ponerlos en jaulas y llevarlos dos horas antes al aeropuerto. Mientras que los sábados se bañan todos los perros y se les pone su dip de tratamiento. De vuelta a casa”, prosigue Marti, casi sin tomar aire, “hago paradas para alimentar a unos gatitos y perros que hay por ahí, aunque no saco el kennel del carro, porque casi siempre se presenta un rescate por el camino”.

¿Y cómo se acaba con los animales realengos? “El Gobierno no hace nada, no le interesa crear albergues, pero la responsabilidad debe ser compartida. Al menos con la Ley 54 se ha cobrado un poquito más de conciencia. Sin embargo, la sobrepoblación únicamente se controla con la esterilización. Y que la gente sepa que si tiene una mascota, hay que tratarla como a cualquier otro ser vivo, con empatía y compasión. Violencia es violencia; no importa quién sea la víctima”.

(Publicado por El Nuevo Día y Primera Hora)

Larissa Vázquez Zapata

Editora Revista Magacín

El Nuevo Día

787-641-8000 ext.2556

A sato has found his forever home!!

2010-11-28T17:05:00.000-08:00

Dear Save a Sato,

Thank you for saving this dog! I wanted to share with you his story and his new home.

I was living in Boston this past June when I knew I wanted a dog companion in my home to join myself and my cat. I knew that adopting a dog is a big decision, however, I had no idea how difficult it is to pick a dog. I traveled online across the state looking at organizations that are no kill to adopt an adult dog (I know that adult dogs are harder to adopt). After about my 9th dog I looked at, I went to Northeast animal shelter to look at their advertised Puerto Rican dogs. I loved Scooby's profile, built, size, age, but of course I had to meet the dog in order to find out whether it's a good fit. They had a wonderful room and outside play area where potential adoptee's can spend time the potential owners. Scooby and I were in this meeting room for about 1 minute before he was sleeping next to my lap with his head over my legs! He picked me almost instantly, and I took him home that day. Throughout the next few days, Scooby followed me everywhere, slept on my clothes I would leave on the floor, and never really left my side. I renamed him my white shadow because how attached he was to me.

Since the adoption day (back in June), Shadow has learned so much! We spent about two months in Boston where he learned how to walk on leash, climb up and down stairs (though he still trips on them regularly), eat dog food, take pills for worms (he had pretty much every parasite a dog can have) learn to take car rides and how to live with a cat. In August we moved out of Boston to Delaware and into a much larger apartment with a park right outside our door! He is finishing his beginner training course and his instructor loves him! Everyone is touched by his story. Those who don't ask about what kind of dog he is, they notice his Puerto Rican collar he wears. He is a snuggler, eager to please, gets along well with other dogs, quiet, well mannered, and no one can believe his background. Please enjoy the pictures I have attached to this email, and let me know what I can do (other than spreading around the organizations name which I do anyway).
Sincerely,
Annie and Shadow

Shadow in his forever home

KARICIA’S HAPPY ENDING

2010-11-15T19:33:00.000-08:00

Karicia is one of those special dogs that steal your heart as soon as you meet them. She immediately caught my eye when I first visited the Save a Sato shelter in October of 2009 and it was her imploring brown eyes that convinced me that I had to become a SAS volunteer.

Karicia arrived at the shelter on 09/14/09 when she was unceremoniously thrown over the fence; she was only a year old. Although she is one of the most loving dogs that anyone could ever meet, being a pit bull mix made it difficult to send her to the states for adoption. So for months I would see her once a week when I went to the shelter to help out. I would always try to give her a little extra “play time” and one (sometimes two) rawhide bones, which she absolutely goes crazy for!

At the beginning of July a new volunteer, Elouise, started helping out at the SAS shelter. She was in Puerto Rico for a couple of months with her boyfriend and had heard about SAS and wanted to help out. Karicia caught her eye on the very first day so when she told me that she was interested in fostering a dog Karicia was the first choice. When Elouise went to the shelter with her boyfriend Todd to pick up Karicia the connection was obvious and we said later that it was Karicia who picked them, not the other way around. The moment they took her home they fell in love with her and it wasn't long before they decided to adopt her. On 08/17/10 Karicia traveled to California to start a new life with her adopted family. Gloria was very sad to see Karicia go, but she was also happy knowing that she had found a good home. Karicia will always have a special place in her heart.

I recently received an update from Elouise and Todd and they tell me that Karicia (now “Krisa”) is VERY spoiled. She gets trips to the dog park and doggy day care. They tell me that Karicia’s favorite place to sleep (besides on the bed) is on a bean bag chair. Here you can see her enjoying her new life as a pampered dog!

They all went camping recently at a dog friendly park in the mountains; they say that Karicia was very good and loved to go on hikes with them. She stayed close to them the whole time and the other campers fell in love with her. At night she snuggled next to them in front of the fire and they all slept in a tent.

Karicia also got to wear her first Halloween costume!

Karicia’s story is a dream come true for us at Save a Sato. Even though Karicia came to SAS unwanted and abandoned, she eventually found her happy ending and loving home. This is what EVERY sato deserves.

Mecha

2010-11-11T16:53:00.000-08:00

In May of this year I asked Gloria if there was a particular dog at the shelter that she wanted me to work with, and she said without hesitation “Mecha!” At that time Mecha had been at the shelter for 3 years, much longer than any other dog there. She first arrived at the shelter practically dead; she had been taken away from a situation of animal cruelty and was very skinny and malnourished. By the time that I meet her, three years later, she looked physically fine but still wore the emotional scars of her past and was too timid to be sent to any of our partner shelters. She was especially scared of men and reacted so strongly to their presence that it didn’t take long to come to the conclusion that it was a man who had mistreated and starved her.

I started Mecha’s socialization by teaching her how to walk on a leash. It did not take her long to learn and through the walks I was able to gain her trust. We would walk around the neighborhood and nearby park, where she loved to lay in the grass. She started to really enjoy our walks and would get excited at the sight of a leash. I walked her once a week when I volunteered at the shelter and even though I would be very tired by the time I was done cleaning cages, seeing her so excited and wagging her tail was impossible to resist and I would always find the extra energy needed for our weekly jaunt. Whenever I would have a male volunteer working with me I would ask him to walk with Mecha; at first she was leary, but eventually she didn’t even think twice about having a guy holding her leash. We were making progress!!

Save a Sato volunteers

I would have loved to have been able to take her home and foster her there, but unfortunately I live in a Condominium that does not allow dogs, so I decided to take her to the office with me once a week (luckily my boss is a dog lover!). The first day she was a bit nervous about the car ride and at the office she wouldn’t come out from under my desk, but each week she got better and better. Eventually she came to love the car rides and as soon as she saw my vehicle she would get excited and want to jump in before I had the door open all the way! I had a big, fluffy dog pillow for her in my office, which we called her “princess pillow”. She loved to jump onto it when first entering the office in the morning and there she would take naps while I had to work!

Mecha in her princess pillow!!

At the office she had the opportunity to experience different people coming and going and was able to see that nobody wanted to hurt her. Although she was not running up to them and licking their face, she would quietly observe them from a distance, which for her was progress since at first she would just want to run away and hide. My co-worker, Martina, took a special liking to Mecha, who slowly but surely began to trust Martina more and more. Eventually Mecha added her to her “circle of trust” (a very select group!).

Here is Mecha interacting with Martina

Another coworker liked to give Mecha cheese during her visits (cheese just happens to be Mecha’s kryptonite!), and it wasn’t long before Mecha learned how to look at her with imploring eyes until she got a bite of cheese. Considering Mecha’s history and the time that she has spent in a shelter rather than a home, she had progressed by leaps and bounds. My office is located next to the ocean, so at the end of the day I would take her to the beach so that she could run off leash. She never strayed far away from me and was starting to learn how to fetch (although she didn’t always bring the stick back, but I think she is not far from getting the hang of it!) I always looked forward to taking her to the beach and seeing her so happy and free.

Mecha at the beach!!

Attempting to play fetch!

Quality time at the beach!

It is now early November and I have been working with Mecha for 6 months. Yesterday Mecha traveled to one of our partner shelters for adoption, and I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss her. However I know that I helped her to open her heart again to people and gave her experiences that will help her adapt to a new home. Mecha was the first “timid” dog that I’ve worked with and she has taught me so much. Now I can take what I learned from her and apply it to another dog who needs help being socialized. Mecha has definitely showed me that every dog deserves another chance.

If interested in fostering or helping to socialize one of our satos please contact us at info@saveasato.org!

A Sato needs your help! Manchego

2010-11-08T14:19:00.000-08:00

This was an email received by Save A Sato from Yanik:

El 29 de octubre en Hato Rey cerca de la Urb. Baldrich se perdió el perro de mi Primo. Es un satito rescatado hace 2 años. Estamos todos desesperados y muy tristes. Lo llevamos buscando diariamente y sin parar desde ese día.

Te incluyo varias fotos por si lo ves o lo encuentras. Mi número de teléfono es 787-566-7338 o puedes llamar a los números en el flyer.

Agradeceré cualquier ayuda que nos puedas brindar. ¡Muchas gracias!

Yanik
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On October 29 in Hato Rey near Urb Baldrich my cousin's dog got lost. It is a Sato rescued 2 years ago. We are all desperate and very sad. We' ve been looking for him daily, non-stop, since he got lost.
I include several photos, if you see or find him. My phone number is 787-566-7338 or you can call the numbers on the flyer.
I would appreciate any help you can provide. Thank you!

Yanik

Meet Bruno!

2010-11-05T19:58:00.000-07:00

Bruno

This Miniature Doberman is one of the newest additions to our shelter. This poor little guy is lucky to be alive; someone found him thrown away in a plastic bag and brought him to us.

He is extremely skinny and the patches where he has no fur were completely covered in ticks. Gloria gave him a special bath to remove the ticks when he got to the shelter and when they started to fall off he was left with patches of bare skin.
Poor little guy is also anemic which is not surprising after being covered in so many ticks. It's hard to believe that such an innocent life could have been treated so cruelly; however, as you can see in the pictures, he has not lost his faith in people and likes to get affection and be held. Gloria named him Bruno and is hard at work getting him fattened up and healthy enough so that he can eventually travel to one of our partner shelters. We will keep our SAS followers up to date on Bruno's progress.

A Sato from Boston needs to return home!

2010-11-04T14:29:00.000-07:00

I lost my dog Dizzy 3 weeks ago. She is a Sato adopted by a friend in the fall of 2003 from one of the shelters on the North Shore, probably the Northeast Animal Shelter. The friend could not take care of her so I took her. Her original name was Evelia.

For the last 6 years she has come to work with me everyday and lived a happy and active life in Boston. She is very popular with the Latino community in my neighborhood of Mission Hill, both children and adults love to tell their friends about her Puerto Rican heritage. On 10/13 while at work one of the doors was left open by mistake and she decided to take herself for a walk. Unfortunately someone spotted her and grabbed her but they did not bring her to one of the area shelters. I have canvassed many parts of Boston with posters and check in regularly with the shelters but she still has not been returned

If there is any way you could spread the word to the Boston Sato community I would really appreciate it.

Thank you.

Best Regards, Dan

Wear a Save A Sato T-Shirt and Support the Cause!

2010-11-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

Do you love Save A Sato, do you like to help dogs in need! Now you can donate to our cause, by buying on our online store, CLICK HERE to check our newest additions! buy a shirt, a bumper sticker, and let everybody know, who is Save A Sato! A 100% percent of all the purchases goes directly to help our dogs!

The animal rescue site contest! giving away $10k for your votes!

2010-10-08T20:27:00.000-07:00

The biggest contest to help save a sato has begun!! horray! visit http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/shelterchallenge.faces and vote everyday!!! vota todos los dias! ayudanos a ganar los $10k para salvar a todos los satos de Puerto Rico! Remember to write Save a Sato in the search for shelter box, also in the state box be sure to choose PR, this contest ends on December 10, 2010. Lets give the biggest christmas gift to our satos!

A happy ending for one of our satos! Mancha!

2010-09-30T09:13:00.000-07:00

Thought we would send you an update on one of your rescued Sato’s (Mancha – rescued from a rooftop in San Juan in May 2010). Mancha; now Bella, is living with my wife Jayne and I in Foxboro, MA. We adopted her from Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA on 9/23/10. She is a wonderful and loving dog and is doing very well. She has gotten over any shyness very quickly, and loves to curl-up in Jayne’s lap and have her belly rubbed. She is a perfect dog for us, we couldn’t be happier.

Thank you for your efforts in saving the Sato’s of Puerto Rico.
Bob & Jayne Siteman

Sasha and Betty, in need of a new home

2010-09-26T18:26:00.000-07:00

This is Sasha. Her owner died and she and her sister got left alone in a house for who knows how long. When they found her, their hair was extremely long, you couldn't even see their faces. When Gloria, Save a Sato's president, took them into the shelter, she spent hours cutting and detangling all their hair. She was in very bad condition, but she's getting better now. She is a senior dog, extremely sweet, calm, and loving. She needs someone to take very good care of her for her last years in this world. We don't know how was her life before arriving to the shelter, but she deserves someone that will love her for the rest of her life and give her lots of attention and affection. She probably doesn't see too well, so she needs someone that will treat her gently. She would be a great dog for an older person or a calm home without young children.

She will be your best company if you give her the chance. Look at those eyes, you can see her old soul waiting for her new life.

Save a Sato group on facebook has reached 4,000 members!

2010-09-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all our 4,000 Facebook followers for making Save a Sato one of their favorites! We will continue working hard on updating our pages and keep you informed of everything happening on our cause! Recommend us to all of your friends maybe with your help we can reach the 10,000! do you imagine that!

A happy ending for one of our satos!

2010-09-23T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here is a story we want to share! thanks to Mary Ebbott &
Mark Tomasko for giving a good life to this sato! here is what they wrote...

We wanted to send you an overdue update. Just over a year ago (August  
2009), my wife and I adopted Pedro (then called Pepe), who was  
originally rescued by the Save A Sato program in Puerto Rico. We got  
him from the Worcester Animal Rescue League in Massachusetts, and  
we’re both so glad that we did – he’s  a big part of our lives, and we  
love him very much.
 
Pedro was shy and timid at first, so much so that he didn’t play like  
the young boy that he was. But he has settled into his home with us  
quite well, and now he’s a very happy and comfortable little guy. He  
loves to play fetch and tug and nibble on his toys, and to lie in the  
sun in his yard – and on the couch. Pedro is sweet, gentle, well  
behaved, and smart. He’s learned to sit, stay, and come, and he’ll  
give you his paw. Pedro also loves going on his long walks with my  
wife Mary every morning (rain or shine). People often stop to tell her  
what a nice looking dog he is, and to comment on his jaunty stride.  
We’re very grateful to the kind people at Save A Sato and the WARL,  
thanks for the wonderful work you do.

First man in P.R. Convicted for violating the animal protection law

2010-09-16T20:12:00.000-07:00

A man accused of dragging a horse next to his truck became the first Puerto Rican convicted by a jury for violating the animal protection law.
Georgenan Lopez, 24, will face his sentence in November and could carry up to 15 years in prison, the prosecutor Andres Fernandez said today .
The horse could recover from all injuries in February, but still lame and no one can ride it, said Lisa Embree, director of a horse rescue center located in the town of Rincon.
Activists in favor of animal rights hailed the court's decision and believes there is evidence that is beginning to recognize the rights of animals.

Milagritos and rescuer Lisa Embree

100,000 tonight at 10:00 pm on channel 6 Puerto Rico

2010-09-11T18:36:00.000-07:00

The documentary is about the overpopulation of stray dogs in Puerto Rico. “100,000” explores the different alternatives available so that Puerto Rico can take action to eliminate this problem. The different topics that will be discussed are: myths about sterilization, the law against animal abuse, the cultural problem of abandonment of animals, adoption of animals, education of how to take care of a pet, and many others. The documentary will be aired on Puerto Rico TV (channel 6) and the public television of the other 13 participating countries of DocTV Latinoamérica II, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, México, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. You can watch it online on Sept 11 at 10:00 pm following this link TuTV Canal 6

PetSOS fundraising in Puerto Rico a complete Success!!

2010-09-04T17:04:00.000-07:00

Celbrities @ PetSOS PetDrive 2010

PetSOS Foundation, Celebrated this Saturday 4th of September, its 2nd Pet Drive at Plaza las Americas Mall in Hato Rey, Sams club Mayaguez and Sams club Ponce and it was a complete success! More than 20,000 pounds of dog and cat food were donated by people from Puerto Rico. All the food gathered will be divided and distributed among the shelters and sanctuaries through the whole island. Famous celebrities like Roselyn Sanchez, the guys from MR. Mundo 2010, reggaeton singer/artist Divino were participants in this events! A couple of minutes after this event endend Roselyn Sanchez wrote on her Tweeter: Victoria! 20k plus de libras de comida de perro/gato y muchos articulos. Gracias a todos los voluntarios, amigos, Petsos! Q lindo dia! Showing us the great sucess of this event.

food donated

Roselyn sanchez and Anna Isabbelle


Gloria Marti Save a Sato and Roselyn

Goodsearch.com is helping Save a Sato!

2010-09-01T20:21:00.000-07:00

What if Save A Sato Foundation earned a donation every time you searched the Internet? Or how about if a percentage of every purchase you made online went to support our cause? Well, now it can!
GoodSearch.com is a new Yahoo-powered search engine that donates half its advertising revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities its users designate. Use it just as you would any search engine, get quality search results from Yahoo, and watch the donations add up!
GoodShop.com is a new online shopping mall which donates up to 30 percent of each purchase to your favorite cause! Hundreds of great stores including Amazon, Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Macy's and Barnes & Noble have teamed up with GoodShop and every time you place an order, you'll be supporting your favorite cause.
And if you download the GoodSearch – Save A Sato Foundation toolbar, our cause will earn money every time you shop and search online - even if you forget to go to GoodShop or GoodSearch first! Add the Save A Sato Foundation toolbar at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/save-a-sato-foundation

Meet Panucho!

2010-08-29T19:58:00.000-07:00

-Meet Panucho! He's an extra special boy. With his undeniable beauty and the love he shares with everyone and every dog, you would never know he's been the victim of a burn.

He has a pretty bad scar on his back because he was apparently burned with hot water.

His scar will never grow hair again, but his heart will never give up on finding the family he deserves and longs for. When he first arrived at the shelter he was a little scared, but what dog wouldn't after having gone through a tragedy?

In less than a few weeks, he now knows that there are good people in the world and that one special person is waiting out there for him. At first he is cautions when meeting people, but if you are friendly to him, he'll come and play. He LOVES to give kisses, very affectionate!

If you would like to have more information about this dog you can email us at info@saveasato.org

Francisco makes the news in his new hometown!

2010-08-16T15:57:00.001-07:00

Last week we told you about sato Francisco and his rescue. The Tribune in Greeley, CO did a wonderful story on Francisco and his new family which can be read here -

http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20100816/NEWS/100819792/1051&ParentProfile=1001

A Happy Ending for Francisco

2010-08-03T21:48:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, there are strength in numbers.When you feel all hope is lost, you reach out for help and there is someone (or multiple people) there to listen and great things can happen.

Sometimes the stars align and it feels like they have come together to guide you in the path you are meant to go. Sometimes, you meet a friend along that path.

Such is the case for Ty and Francisco. A bond between a man and a dog that could not be broken. Despite all odds, they were reunited.

This is their story.

Save a Sato received an E-mail filled with desperation. We often try to help tourists with dogs they have bonded with during their stay on the Enchanted Island. Many want to leave the dog at our shelter, and a few want to take the dog home with them and we help facilitate that when possible. But Ty's story was different.

Here is his E-mail in part -

My Name is Ty. I just got back from Isabela, Puerto Rico last night. While there we came across a dog lounging in front of the restaurant entry ways. He was clearly a stray. I didn’t think much of him kindly petted him and went on my way. Well over the course of the next few days we continuously kept coming across the beautiful dog. The locals called him Francisco.

So more and more he started to follow wherever I went. In some cases astounding me by showing up where I would least expect him. Basically long story short this dog adopted me. I was overwhelmed at the love and attention this dog was giving me. He instantly took a place in my heart. I knew the day before I left I was going to be adopting this dog and taking him home to create many memories and give him a better life.

On Saturday afternoon my girlfriend and I started making our way to the closest Vet hospital to see what channels and help he needed to come home with me. We did not have a car and the walk was only about 2 miles. On the way there a car came around the corner way to fast and hit Francisco right in front of our eyes and continued on as if nothing happened. Francisco immediately bolted into the forest with what obviously looked like 2 broken back legs. We ran after him calling for him but could not find him. We spent the next 12 hours before I had to fly out trying to recover him.

You have no idea how hard this is to explain and this has to be one of the most traumatizing events recently for me. But I want to know how I can go about adopting a dog here in Colorado from Puerto Rico. It’s next to an impossible miracle that I will ever see Francisco again or the fact that someone may have found him and helped him out. But now I want to honor him and his name by saving another dog in the same situation.

I have truly lost a piece of my heart and need to find a helpful way to fill that hole in his honor.

Such a heartbreaking E-mail, and we had very little opportunity to help him - Isabela is clear across the island from where our volunteers are, and the chances of finding an injured stray were very slim. But Francisco had other ideas, and obviouly knew where he should go to seek help.

A few days after Ty's E-mail, he sent us the most amazing news! Many people were looking out for Francisco, and he was spotted by locals at the places he used to visit, where he first found Ty. They were able to feed him, rescue him and get his wounds treated. Another rescuer in the area helped with a kennel, vetting and paperwork and Francisco was prepared for the flight to Colorado!

Here are some photos of Francisco being reunited with Ty - few people would go through the extent to save a stray dog and bring him home, Francisco is a very lucky sato to have found Ty!

Francisco arrives from Aquadilla, PR

The welcoming committee in Colorado

Francisco and Ty, together at last

Francisco on his way home!

A good bath is in order!

Best Friends after a long day

Thanks to Ty and the many volunteers and kind people in Puerto Rico Francisco is home. Ty's closing words in his last E-mail to us say it best -

Francisco is officially home with me. His amazing story has concluded in a happy ending and his story is tremendous and must be heard by anyone curious about adopting from great distances. They need to know the effort is worth it and it is so rewarding knowing that you are helping an innocent life.

One sato at a time. Ty and his family are an inspiration to us.

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story A New Beginning

2010-05-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

A New Beginning (Part Four here) (Part Three here) (Part Two here) (Part One here)

The day Sofia was rescued in May 2009, we had no idea what a journey it would be. Visiting vets, receiving her diagnosis, fund raising for her care, helping her through surgery and rehabilitation - it was a roller coaster ride for all involved. After getting through all of that, we were still not completely sure what her chances were to be considered for an adoption program on the mainland. Sofia has touched all of our hearts and we all wanted to give her the chance for a family of her own.

Yesterday, Sofia got her chance. The final leg of her journey began in the early afternoon in San Juan, with tearful goodbyes from the rescuers that loved and cared for her for an entire year. She had many visitors before she left, everyone wanted to wish her well. It was a bittersweet moment for everyone, but our Princess Sofia was flying to Boston to be adopted.

Sofia spends a few moments with one of her angels

Sofia and Gloria

One last kiss

This bond will never be broken

The tears shed at the airport were very different than those a year ago, when faced with double leg amputation surgery - back then, Gloria had all but given up hope, and Sofia appeared to be feeling Gloria's pain an confusion - here they are as Dr. Mongil gave Gloria the news about Sofia -

At Dr. Mongil's Office

To all the people that donated, encouraged, cheered us on and kept Sofia in their thoughts - we thank you and could not have done it without you. Special people in Sofia's journey include - Dr. Mongil and staff, Gloria, Leilani, Ursula, Cybelle, Tracey, Caly and Maggie - each playing an important role in raising funds and caring for her during her recovery. Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA for giving Sofia her chance to find a forever home - we will be forever grateful to you for helping our Princess.

And so a new journey begins -

Sofia in flight to Boston

Welcome Sofia!

Logan Airport - Sofia and Jalea

Ready to take on the world

Thanks you all for helping me!

I was honored to meet Sofia at the airport last night and welcome her to Boston. I was greeted with tons of kisses and a wagging tail. Sofia is now resting after her flight at the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, MA and being cared for by the wonderful kennel staff. She will be available for adoption next week!

Sofia's story does not end here - this is only the beginning. We will keep you updated on her adoption and hopefully will be able to share photos of her with her new family! I hope you have enjoyed reading Sofia's story as much as I have enjoyed sharing it with you. Sofia is one of 100,000 satos who deserve a second chance, and we will continue to save them, one sato at a time.

I leave you with the closing words from her rescuers in Puerto Rico, part of the letter that was sent with Sofia for her new family telling her story -

I’m sure that, if you adopted Sofía, you have a beautiful heart full of love for dogs like her. Treasure her and please tell her that here in Puerto Rico, there’s a group of people who will always love her and think about her. We will never forget her.

We love you very much and will never forget you, Princess Sofia. We will miss you but rejoice on your new life, full of love and respect.

Gloria, Cybelle, Ursula, Leilani and Tracey

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story Part Four

2010-05-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Part Four (Part Three here) (Part Two here) (Part One here)

Sofia recovered well from her leg surgery, she enjoyed her hydrotherapy and her new found freedom in being able to be out of her kennel to socialize with the other dogs at the shelter. She would visit all the kennels to say hello to all her canine friends, and greet our human visitor's with much enthusiasm.

My words could never convey the happiness of Sofia, so I share with you instead her photos, taken between July 2009 and May 2010 -

Sofia after a swim

Sofia standing tall

Sofia and her little friend

Two kids are better than one!

Surveying the shelter, who will pet me next?

Hi, I am so happy to see you!

Love from one of Sofia's angels

Another part of Sofia's rehabilitation was to receive Reiki from our friend Caly Lehrer from Peace-By-Peace in New Jersey.

Sofia welcomes Caly

Sofia receiving Reiki

Thank you kisses for Gloria

It was our goal to help Sofia to be able to walk comfortably again, and her determination, strength and courage helped us all to stay motivated. She was not satisfied to simply walk through life, little Sofia had bigger plans -

Why walk when you can run!

...and run...

and run some more!

Sofia healed!

The little brown dog, found in a box at the park, has not only made a complete transformation in her year with us, but in the process she taught all of us a big lesson in determination. The next part of her journey will be to find a family of her own. We wait for a partner shelter to accept Sofia into their adoption program. Will there be someone that can look beyond her physical scars and see her exuberant personality? Her legs may be "less than perfect" but her spirit is canine perfection. Our new goal is to find a home for our little princess Sofia.

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story Part Three

2010-05-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Part Three (Part Two here) (Part One here)

Little Sofia is one tough sato! Dr. Mongil repaired her hernia successfully and without complications (and spayed her too!), and she recovered in her comfortable kennel at the shelter - located right in front so she can see everything that is going on. Gloria tended to her every need and tried to keep her quiet so she could heal, but Sofia had other ideas and would try to escape her kennel for playtime! Sofia's personality continued to develop and her love of the volunteers did as well, she would be first to greet anyone new visiting the shelter.

Clearly, the volunteers loved her to, and I would say she got a little too much love in the form of treats! During all that cage rest our little Sofia turned into "plump" Sofia! Once her hernia incision was well healed she went to visit Dr. Mongil again in preparation for her leg surgeries, and he declared her overweight! He wanted her to loose a little weight before proceeding with her surgery, but how would we help her do this when it was so difficult for her to walk?

Well, I had been doing some hydrotherapy here with my dog that has mobility issues, and I know how gentle it is on dogs (it is often used during surgery recovery), so we needed to find Sofia a pool! Since the temperature is just right in Puerto Rico for swimming this was a great solution. The pool would be good for her recovery from leg surgery as well, so a volunteer went out looking for the perfect thing!

Sofia and Gloria - first time swimming!

As you can see, Sofia was not too happy the first time in her pool, but I sent her a life jacket and she became more comfortable with the water. She lost her few pounds through diet (a few less treats) and exercise and was ready for her leg surgery!

Here are Dr. Mongil's notes on Sofia -

The 9th Annual PetRock Fest – Sunday, September 9th 2007 (rain date Sunday, September 16th)

" On July 29, 2010, the left femoral fracture was approached. The fracture was old and had become a hypertrophic non union with severe muscle contraction. The callus was broken down, a new medullary cavity was established and the bone was shortened. The bone fragments were aligned and then stabilized with a bone plate and screws. The fracture is now healed and the leg function is very good.

The right femoral.fracture will not be surgically stabilized, but has healed as a malunion. Sofia, however, seems to be pain free on that leg and is able to walk well with it.

I understand Sofia should live a normal happy life. The function of her hind legs is good and she is pain free."

Sofia spent the first few days recovering at the veterinary hospital, and then it was back to Gloria to continue her recovery. The good news was she would not have to have a second surgery! We don't know how long she suffered untreated, but all that was behind her now, she was one her way to running again!

Sofia arriving back at the shelter post surgery

Sofia with "nurse" Gloria, can you see her tail wagging?

Sofia was on her way to recovery, and Gloria and the volunteers were with her every step of the way. Her ability to forgive and trust humans again is so amazing to me, she has such a love for life!

Tomorrow, meet the "new and improved" Sofia!

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story Part Two

2010-05-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Part Two (Part One here)

Sofia went with Gloria and a volunteer angel to see Dr. Mongil at the Centro de Especialistas Veterinarios de Puerto Rico for an orthopedic evaluation. We were all hoping Dr. Mongil would tell us he could fix her legs easily and she would be able to live a normal and pain free life. During her short time at our shelter everyone had grown quite attached to this little girl, and we wanted to give her a chance.

Dr. Mongil examined her and noted respiratory distress upon examination. X-rays were taken of her legs and her chest. Gloria waited with Sofia and was heartbroken, knowing in her heart that if something more was wrong that we may not be able to help Sofia.

The news was devastating to all of us - Sofia had a diaphragmatic hernia which was causing her respiratory issues. Dr. Mongil was fairly certain that all of Sofia's injuries were caused by the hands of a human due to the nature and location of her injuries.No one can imagine how a person could purposefully do something like this to this sweet little girl.

Gloria left with the volunteer, held Sofia and cried. She knew the Save a Sato was not going to be able to find the money quickly to pay for three surgeries to fix the injuries Sofia had suffered. Sofia simply licked the tears away, not knowing that Gloria was going to have to make a difficult decision.

Sofia, happy to have human companionship

Our motto (and the name of this blog) is "One sato at a time." We are all fully aware that we cannot save them all, but each dog that arrives at our shelter deserves and is given a second chance. Finances are always an issue, and the love and support of our donors is what sees us through difficult situations. We had a little money set aside for much needed shelter repairs, and we have an amazing donor that offered to help pay for Sofia's surgery. We were going to give Sofia every opportunity to be happy and healthy!

Sofia snuggles into Gloria

Just seven days after her consultation, Sofia went to Dr. Mongil for her first surgery to repair her hernia. She was on her way to being able to breath easier. And she would run again!

Stay tuned for the next part of Sofia's journey tomorrow!

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story

2010-05-02T09:36:00.000-07:00

In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, I will introduce you to Sofia, one of the many dogs that suffer on the streets of Puerto Rico until a kind person crosses their path and offers them the help they so desperately need to survive.

In May of 2009, a little brown dog was found on the street in Puerto Rico. She was badly broken physically for sure, damage from an unknown source. Her eye had a shine to them however, and she gratefully accepted the help of humans. Even though it appeared both of her legs had been broken, she struggled to get to the humans and receive the help she so desperately needed.

Sofia the day she arrived at the shelter

In the photo above, you can see the damaged to her legs. She was seen by our veterinarian, who assumed she was hit by a car because of her injuries, and did not offer a good prognosis. She was diagnosed with bilateral femoral fractures - which means both of her thigh bones (femur) were broken and had healed poorly as she had received no veterinary care. Her injuries were old, and setting the breaks at this point was not an option, she would need extensive surgery to repair the damage. She was pain free, which was the only positive information from this vet visit. Gloria took her back to the shelter to take time to think about Sofia's situation, what was the kindest thing to do for this sweet girl that had never before been given a chance?

Sofia, smiling despite the suffering she had endured

Gloria discussed Sofia's case with the board and volunteers, and it was decided that even with the costs of consultation and surgery, we should at least get a second opinion for her before making a decision. One of our very generous supporters offered to pay the cost of the consult and she was scheduled to see a specialist.

Sofia's story will continue throughout Be Kind to Animals Week, so visit us again tomorrow to learn more about this courageous dog and the people that helped her.

$5,000 GoodSearch Giveaway - Three Days Only!

2010-04-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

GoodSearch will donate a $1 for every toolbar that is downloaded between April 6th at 9am EST and April 9th at 9am EST up to $5,000!! Please download the custom Save a Sato toolbar right now by following this link - http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar/save-a-sato-foundation

Here is what it looks like -

Our new Save a Sato toolbar is free to download and allows you to raise money for our cause every time you search or shop online! Once added to IE or Firefox, each time you shop at more than 1,300 stores (from Amazon to Zazzle!) a percentage of your purchase will automatically be donated to Save a Sato- at no cost to you (and you may even save money as the toolbar provides coupons and deals as well!). The toolbar also has a search box and each time you search the Internet, about a penny is donated to Save a Sato!

Please hurry and do this now so that we can earn the $1 bonus per toolbar!

And, please pass this along to all of your friends. The two minutes it takes to add this toolbar to your browser can make a lifetime of difference for our cause!

Get the toolbar NOW by clicking here!

Save the Satos

2010-03-31T23:41:00.000-07:00

So many people do not fully understand the situation in Puerto Rico. The sheer number of strays that roam the island, the cruelty they suffer and the way that they are simply ignored. I receive E-mails daily from tourists that return from their visit to the island expressing their concern and admitting that they had no idea how horrible the situation is. As they say "seeing is believing" and I think for many it takes a visit to realize the scope of the problem.

Musician Juliana Hatfield is a sato owner and supporter of Save a Sato. She recently visited Puerto Rico, rescued two dogs and spent a day at our shelter. She has written an article about her journey on Huffington Post titled Save the Satos. It speaks the truth that many do not want to read.

What strikes me most about her article is this statement -

"I saved two dogs from almost certain death in my two days in Puerto Rico, but the experience was surprisingly unsatisfying. It felt like I had taken two drops of water from an ocean or two grains of sand from a beach."

This feeling hits home for me, as I and many other volunteers often feel this same way. How can people walk by these dogs day after day without doing anything to help? Why can we not find volunteers to help with the basic needs of the shelter and the organization? If everyone did one small thing, the rescue effort as a whole would be so much further along. Is it that they have no time? Do they feel like giving a little time or effort will not make a difference?

It reminds me of the Starfish Story....you know the one -

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?”

The youth replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean.
The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

“Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish?
You can’t make a difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said…”
I made a difference for that one.”

For the hundreds of satos we rescue each year, and the hundreds other rescuers on the island help, it makes a difference. For the more than 500 that appear on our Happy Endings page, it made a difference. One act of kindness makes all the difference in the world for that dog.

These puppies were found in a box at a park in Puerto Rico...many people simply walked by them, not doing anything to help. Luckily someone called our volunteer and she went and rescued them. They are safe, well fed and comfortable now, thousands of others are not as lucky.

What can you do? Help a rescue organization - volunteer your time and talent, donate money or supplies if you are able. Don't have time to volunteer? Spread the word about the issues - post on your website, your blog, social networking sites like Facebook ,Twitter - share the story of the satos until everyone knows about the inhumanity in Puerto Rico (a US Territory). Give what you can, in any way you can. It will make a difference.

While it may seem like an unreachable goal, we must continue to work to share the story for the animals that cannot speak for themselves, and who do not deserve the treatment the receive...one sato at a time.

Extra, Extra! Newspaper needed!

2010-03-30T15:00:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, it is the little things that make a big difference.

Each day, dozens of newspapers are shredded to line each and every kennel at our shelter. This newspaper was being donated by a local newspaper, however they are no longer able to help us. The local recycling center will charge $200 per week for the amount of newspaper we need to keep the kennels clean. More is needed when we prepare a airline kennels to go to a partner shelter.

We are hoping that we can get a team of volunteers to help us find new ways to obtain this very necessary item for our shelter on a weekly basis.

If you know of a recycling center, printer, paper manufacturer or distributor in Puerto Rico that would be willing to donate large quantities of newspaper/matte paper please let us know.

The other option is for volunteers to collect clean, dry newspaper and deliver it to the shelter on a weekly or monthly basis.

This would be a great project for Girl Scout Troops, school children and other groups - ask your neighbors or local businesses to save their newspaper and collect a bundle each week. If you would prefer to shred the newspaper and deliver it to us that way please tear it into 1inch strips and store in garbage bags. This would save us a lot of time but is not necessary.

Can't collect a lot of newspaper but willing to drive to a few locations to pick it up for us? Please let us know, drives will be needed as well.

It may not sound like a big deal, but the newspaper is critical for us to be able to provide clean, comfortable cages for the dogs, and we need a steady supply urgently.

Please contact me at tracey@saveasato.org if you are able to help collect newspaper for the shelter.

A Special Visitor from Connecticut!

2010-03-28T17:19:00.000-07:00

We love when our partner shelters visit us in San Juan, they get to see the humble beginnings of the satos that they help us rehome and meet our hard working volunteers. This week Chris from Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) in Bethel, CT came for a visit!

Chris spent the day meeting the satos and our volunteers, and selected 9 dogs that she will be escorting back to Connecticut for adoption! Thank you Chris for helping Dulce, Pilar, Laura, Lluvia, Danai, Choco, Pedrito, Guadalupe and Fabian find their forever homes!

Chris arriving at the shelter, looking great in her DAWS T-shirt!

Chris meeting the welcoming committee at SAS

Chris getting kisses from a sato

Photographing Danai, one of the satos that will travel to DAWS

Chris helping prepare the satos for transport

Chris and Gloria saying goodbye

Chris delivered a letter and generous donation from the shelter, volunteers and adopters from DAWS to Gloria in appreciation of her work - we wish to thank them for their thoughtfulness! Together with our partner shelters, we are making a difference for these dogs and could not do it without the stateside shelters and their wonderful volunteers!

We hope Chris enjoyed her time at the shelter as much as we enjoyed having her! Please visit Danbury Welfare Society's website to see the dogs and cats available for adoption!

Show your Puerto Rico Pride!

2010-03-23T10:50:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful friends at PatriaPet offer a portion of the sale of their collars, leashes and T-shirts to Save a Sato! We of course are partial to the Puerto Rico items, but there are many other countries as well! Click on the banner link below to visit their site and a portion of your purchase will go to SAS!

Caly visits Puerto Rico

2010-03-04T23:06:00.000-08:00

Caly Lehrer is a Spiritual Guardian for Animal Wellness and is owner/founder of Peace-By-Peace, LLC, located in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In addition to sharing Reiki and The Journey™ with our Animal Friends, as an Intuitive and Animal Communicator Caly also shares Chakra Balancing and Meditations (for pet loss support groups). She is an advocate for our Animal Friends. For more information about Caly and the work that she shares, visit her website at www.PeaceByPeace.net.

Caly recently visited Puerto Rico and Save a Sato, and over the next few months will share the story of her visit - here is the first installment -

I recently returned from my first, but not last, trip to Puerto Rico to work with the sato dogs at Save-A-Sato. Although I’ve wanted to write about this trip for some time now; quite honestly, it’s taken me awhile to process ALL that I saw. How does one begin to share the high intensity of pain, sorrow and anguish felt with so many of the dogs, while also feeling the immense waves of friendship, support and unconditional love from all those at Save-A-Sato….along with you, our readers. I was blown away by all the loving e-mails and words of encouragement I received, especially from people I don’t even know, supporting my endeavors with the satos. I printed out each and every e-mail from you – knowing your words of encouragement would provide me with renewed strength when I was most in need.

When I first arrived at the airport in Puerto Rico, I made my way down to the baggage claim area. While gathering my suitcases, I received a phone call from Save-A-Sato’s volunteer, Leilani (one of my many Guardian Angels on this trip). Despite a lot of personal challenges which Leilani was facing at that time, she still found the time to pick me up from the airport and bring me to my hotel. Meeting Leilani was such a blessing – she is a kindred spirit, filled with immense love and positive energy. Before dropping me off at the hotel, Leilani wanted to show me one of the nearby beaches. A short drive from the airport, we arrived at the beach in Pinones. Although I wasn’t sure what to expect, I figured I’d get a glimpse of what the upcoming week would hold for me. I caught more than a glimpse though….I got a full-flavored taste! Within minutes of walking around Pinones, Leilani and I came upon a pack of dogs on the beach. ©2010 Caly Lehrer

Click here to finish reading the story on our website.

The Commitment

2010-03-01T20:14:00.000-08:00

To decrease the overpopulation problem and promote the proper care of dogs, I pledge to:

- Educate myself about dogs and think hard about it before having one.
- Adopt, instead of buying.
- Spay/neuter my dog.
- Integrate my dog to my family for his/her entire life.
- Vaccinate my dog and take him/her to the vet when he/she ...is sick.
- Register my dog with the microchip.
- Bathe my dog.
- Walk my dog on a leash every day.
- Play with my dog.
- Educate others about the proper care of dogs.
- Report dog abuse.
- Help stray dogs.
- Be the hero that my dog thinks I am.

Spread the word so everyone in Puerto Rico makes this commitment. Make a difference and be a hero!

Sign the Commitment by sending an E-mail to perro@100000movie.com

www.100000movie.com

Facebook: Documental 100,000

Twitter: 100000_Movie

New Banners for your website!

2010-03-01T19:03:00.000-08:00

Do you have a link to Save a Sato's website on your own webpage? We have made it easy to link to us, visit our links page to download a variety of banners and graphics to show your support and provide an easy way for your site viewers to visit our webpage.

We have two new banners available - featuring Gofio, Fortuño and Paco and Adopta una Mascota -

Plus our logo banners in many sizes and in both English and Spanish are available here. Thank you for linking to us and sharing the story of the satos.

Spay Day is today!

2010-02-23T10:35:00.000-08:00

Today is the day internationally known as Spay Day - a time to remind everyone how important it is to spay/neuter your pets. In truth, every day is spay day, for each time an animal is bought/adopted/found it should be spayed as soon as it is old enough. If everyone did this, the overpopulation problem would be nonexistent.

In Puerto Rico we know all too well the effects of not spaying animals - the number of unneutered dogs roaming the island is over 100,000. Many of these animals were pets or born to pets and discarded, and it is the responsibility of the humans to help stop this problem.

We have heard all of the excuses ranging from "I just wanted her to have one litter" to "it is not healthy for him to be neutered", but the one that makes me most angry is that a dog is less "valuable" when it is neutered, that a whole animal is a prized animal and a neutered animal is worthless. These dogs are allowed to roam and mate and no one thinks about the offspring that end up suffering.

What can you do? Each one of us should do our part to educate. If you have a friend that has an unneutered animal, take the time to talk to them about it - use the information on our website or others to talk about health benefits and over population statistics. Teach your children the same, we have a variety of fun activities on our web page that can help you. If you are able, consider sponsoring a spay for a shelter dog.

In these economic times, paying for spay/neuter surgery may be out of reach for many. Find out about low cost options, which are available in most every community. Understand that if you take on the responsibility of owning a pet that this expense is part of that responsibility, and seek out a resource to help you. For Puerto Rico we provide an extensive list of low cost options which can be found here. In other parts of the US, please visit Spay USA for a clinic near you.

You can make a difference.

Sato Fashion Show!

2010-02-22T15:27:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of the special dogs available for adoption at our shelter in Puerto Rico! They came to us with skin issues, and while their appearance may not be perfect, they are sweet as can be and would make a wonderful addition to a family looking for a sweet dog.

Roll out the red carpet, here are our star satos - all dressed up in their bandanas and smiling for our photographer Lita.

Moty models a green and blue bandana, she is ready for the beach!

Moty is a one year old, 20lb. spayed female that came to the shelter with Demodectic Mange so her skin is not perfect but she has healed nicely and is ready for a family of her own.

Fashionable Billabong , handsome in pink!

Billabong is not afraid to show his gentle side, he is a 3 year old, 30 lb. neutered male that had Demodectic mange that has healed completely. He is a gentle boy that would make a wonderful pet.

Here is Libertad, ready to wag her way into your heart!

Libertad is a 2 year old, 20lb. spayed female. She also has some scarring due to Demodectic Mange, but she is a gentle, obedient dog looking for a human companion.

These are just a few of the many dogs in our shelter waiting for their forever homes, please consider adoption when looking for a dog to share your life with.

Our little Puppy has a name!

2010-02-08T09:16:00.000-08:00

I blogged about naming our newest arrival and we received wonderful suggestions here and on our Facebook Fan Page. Gloria reviewed the list and chose her favorite...Gofio!!

Gofio and Gloria!

What is Gofio? In Puerto Rico, Gofio is a candy made of corn flour and sugar. It's a beige colored powder candy that you place in your mouth and let it melt. It comes in a colorful paper cone and used to be sold 2 for one penny, but now it is quite scarce. Sounds like a sweet name for a sweet puppy!

Here is a recipe I found to make Gofio at home.

Gofio Wiki

Gofio has a name, now he needs a home and a family of his own!

Thank you to all that suggested a name, we will keep the list and use your suggestions for other satos in the future.

Save a Sato Photo Contest on Facebook

2010-02-05T13:06:00.000-08:00

Click here for the contest page and here for the official rules.

For a donation of $5.00 we will upload your dog or cat photo in the category of your choice - the photos with the most votes will win wonderful prizes!

Get the votes! It is up to you how you get votes or "likes" on Facebook, post to your Wall, invite your friends, blog about it...the possibilities are endless! The most "likes" win so ask everyone you know to vote for your photos.

All of the donations go directly to Save a Sato to continue our mission to help the satos.

Categories are -

a. Love is Blind: Interspecies Adoration: Is your puppy's best friend a Maine Coon? Does your dog cuddle up to a guinea pig every night? Let's see the love between puppies and other kinds of animals.

b. Just the Two (or more) of Us: Dogs and their humans share an unbreakable bond. Let's see you in your most affectionate moments with your pup.

c. 31 Flavors of Cute: With the eyes of a huskie, the coat of a lab, and the jaw of a Dane, your mixed breed is magnificent. Show us how lovable mixed-breed dogs are.

d. Love that Transforms:Stories of Rescue & Healing: At Save a Sato, we see the how care and compassion improves the lives of dogs in need every day. If you share your life with a rescued dog, let us know how he or she went from tragedy to treasured companion.

e. Kitty Be Mine: Here's to all of us who are celebrating the love of a cat this month. Please share your cutest, funniest, wackiest, and most heartfelt photos and stories about your unforgettable feline.

Here are the prizes -

1st Place Prize for "Love that Transforms: Stories of Rescue & Healing": Many thanks to the Planet Dog Foundation for donating a wealth of goodies. Included in this package is your choice of a t-shirt, a canister of Orbee tennis balls, an Orbo, and one adorable leash.

www.planetdogfoundation.org

Prize Value: Estimated $75

1st Place Prize for "Love is Blind: Interspecies Adoration": Your dog will been delighted by this 5-pound tin of gourmet treats donated by Polka Dog Bakery. It holds "Enough wholesome wheat, corn and soy-free deliciousness to share with the neighbors, bring to the park, host a party, or just keep to yourself for the yummy glory of it all," reads the can.

www.polkadogbakery.com

Prize Value: $66

1st Place Prize for "Just the Two (or More) of Us": Kong has generous donated a trough of goodies, from their signature chew toys to treats. Your puppy will fall in love a few times getting through this bounty. (Prize will not be delivered in a basket. Exact items received will vary.)

http://www.kongcompany.com/

Prize Value: $75

1st Place Prize for "31 Flavors of Cute": Bark magazine has generously donated a goodie basket (see goodies above) PLUS a copy of their book Dog Joy customized with YOUR DOG'S PHOTO on the cover. How sweet is that?

www.thebark.com

Prize Value: $125

1st Place Prize for "Kitty Be Mine": Give your cat the whole kit 'n' kaboodle with this gift package, which includes:

--a black and white brocade NipNap, filled with three layers of batting and organic cat nip, approximately 16" x 16"

--Whisker City® Corrugated Cat Scratcher, double-sized!

--a Feathered Friend toy, a life-size bird on the end of a string, handcrafted from recycled, feline-safe products and real bird feathers

--Fortunate Kitty Catnip Toys

--two KittyBones

Prize Value: $60

2nd Place Prize for "Kitty Be Mine": Oh the fun you and your feline will have with these goodies:

--a "love bug" crinkle sack

--Whisker City® Corrugated Cat Scratcher, single size

--a set of Rapture Ravioli, nip-filled Valentines

--two KittyBones

Prize Value: $25

The first three dog-themed photos to reach 200 "likes" will receive a free one-year subscription to Modern Dog magazine.

www.moderndogmagazine.com

Prize Value: $15.00 each

2nd Place Prize for all dog photo winners: "Tails of Devotion," a beautiful, touching coffee table book of photographs of San Franciscans and their pets. It is a visual testimony to the very special relationship between pets and their families. Autographed by the author Emily Scott Pottruck.

www.tailsofdevotion.com

Prize Value: $29.95

The first photo to 400 likes will receive this wonderful book and stuffed dog, donated by Kendra and Sheila Duncan. "Here's Trouble" tells the story of a dog's journey from sadness to rescue and hope. It's an inspiring story for children struggling through tough times. Autographed by the author.

Plus, if you're not a lucky winner, author Sheila Duncan has offered to donate 15% of the sales of the book or the stuffed dog to Save a Sato. Just mention SAS when you place your order!

http://www.troublesaysbetough.com/

Prize Value: $36

Special thanks to our generous prize donors -

-Polka Dog Bakery

-Planet Dog Foundation

-The Kong Company

-Bark magazine
-Modern Dog magazine
-Emily Scott Pottruck, author Tails of Devotion

-Pet Edge

-Sheila Duncan, author Trouble Says be Tough

And to our wonderful volunteer, Tamara her sato Carla and kitties Oscar and Enzo for working so hard on this fundraiser! Thank you!!

Adoption Fair in Puerto Rico

2010-01-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

Our friends at 100,000 Movie are hosting a huge adoption fair in Puerto Rico! We are excited to participate along with many of the rescuers on the island in this wonderful event. Stop by to meet some of the wonderful dogs for adoption or to learn more about adopting an animal in need and other ways to help the satos.

When: Sunday, February 28th, 2010
Where: Pet Park De Varona, Guaynabo, PR - click here for directions
Time: 11:30am - 3pm

Click here to enlarge

Please note that we will not be adopting dogs at the event. You can submit your adoption application in advance of the event and arrange to meet the dogs we have available for adoption. Click to download the adoption application in English or Spanish.

If you have any questions about our available dogs or the event please E-mail adoption@saveasato.org

We look forward to meeting you at the Adoption Fair!

Introducing....

2010-01-24T15:19:00.000-08:00

...our newest arrival! A sweet, tiny boy that is full of spunk! And his name is...well, he doesn't have one! That's right Blog readers, we would like you to send us your ideas for a name for this cute little pup! Please post the name you would chose for this roly poly little puppy in the comment section below, and Gloria will select her favorite!

Either those are big feet or that is a tiny puppy!

Post your name ideas in the comment box below! Gloria will chose at the end of this week!

One sato at a time...Un sato a la vez

A Girl and her sata, Nivea's happy ending! A rescue from S.A.S

"NEW LEASH ON LIFE" DOG COLLAR AND LEASH DRIVE!

Volunteers, making our satos happy this holidays!

Enzo the sato challenges you to guess his breed!

A dream slowly coming true!!

A letter from the heart and a happy ending for Maria!

A happy ending for Maia!!

Dale click y esteriliza tu mascota! Castraton de PetSos

Gracias Banco Popular

Mensaje de nuestros amigos del Banco Popular

Our friends at PetSos invites you to this event!

Dogs from Save A Sato, ready to be adopted on wednesday!

The Humane Society of Broward County saves 50 satos!

SUMMER FUNDRAISER PRO SHELTER MAKEOVER Sunday Aug 7 2011

Lexi, a Gift of Love!

Walgreens y Save A Sato te invitan a esta actividad!

A happy ending for one of our satos!!! Arturo!

May God bless your kind heart Kristopher Kevin Owens

Sterilizing your Dog = Saving a Sato?

A Happy ending for Donna!

Pablo need your help!! this is his last chance!

Thank You! Migdalia Negron, Scotiabank and the World's Best 10k Race!

Save A Sato today! Save Pablo's Life! Sentenced to Death Row

Date La Vuelta y ayuda a Save A Sato

University of Central Florida visits Save A Sato

Its time to vote for Save A Sato!

Gloria Marti & The Save A Sato Foundation on Primera Hora 2/26/2011

Puerto Rico, what is happening to us? Que nos pasa Puerto Rico?

Scotiabank y RG de Puerto Rico te invitan a Donar por Save a Sato

Walgreens Employees give a gift of love to Save A Sato!

Follow up on Samantha!!

Sasha needs your help....

Ayudalo a regresar a su casa / Help him get back to his home

Merry Christmas from Boston!

Proyecto Puerto Rico, entrevista a Gloria Marti

A sato has found his forever home!!

KARICIA’S HAPPY ENDING

Mecha

A Sato needs your help! Manchego

Meet Bruno!

A Sato from Boston needs to return home!

Wear a Save A Sato T-Shirt and Support the Cause!

The animal rescue site contest! giving away $10k for your votes!

A happy ending for one of our satos! Mancha!

Sasha and Betty, in need of a new home

Save a Sato group on facebook has reached 4,000 members!

A happy ending for one of our satos!

First man in P.R. Convicted for violating the animal protection law

100,000 tonight at 10:00 pm on channel 6 Puerto Rico

PetSOS fundraising in Puerto Rico a complete Success!!

Goodsearch.com is helping Save a Sato!

Meet Panucho!

Francisco makes the news in his new hometown!

A Happy Ending for Francisco

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story A New Beginning

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story Part Four

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story Part Three

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story Part Two

Celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week - Sofia's Story

$5,000 GoodSearch Giveaway - Three Days Only!

Save the Satos

The Starfish StoryOriginal Story by: Loren Eisley

Extra, Extra! Newspaper needed!

A Special Visitor from Connecticut!

Show your Puerto Rico Pride!

Caly visits Puerto Rico

The Commitment

To decrease the overpopulation problem and promote the proper care of dogs, I pledge to:

New Banners for your website!

Spay Day is today!

Sato Fashion Show!

Our little Puppy has a name!

Save a Sato Photo Contest on Facebook

Adoption Fair in Puerto Rico

Introducing....

The Starfish Story
Original Story by: Loren Eisley