SPONSOR A CHIHUAHUA

the story:

Our team in Puerto Rico was a part of a heartbreaking rescue: over 100 Chihuahuas were living in a 400 square foot space. They were crammed in in such numbers, you could barely see the floor it was so covered in urine and feces. We were finding dogs in the storage spaces and cabinets, closets, under the bed, behind the refrigerator …. One of these dogs had just given birth in the shower. Another one had passed away under a shelving unit.

The Sato Project asked for our help and we got to work immediately; we knew that these conditions were absolutely not conducive to the happy, healthy life these dogs deserve. The smell, sound and sheer number of dogs was overwhelming. The fact that someone was living with these dogs - complicit to have not just themselves but 100+ other lives in such filthy conditions was hard to process. We believe this person began by breeding the dogs for profit. This person is incapable of caring for animals and, thankfully, local authorities are aware and this person is now legally bound to never own another animal.

It took four hours for us to rescue them all - taking them out, one-by-one and loading them into crates and carriers. We took in 51 of the dogs, The Sato Project has the other 48. They all have extensive medical issues because of the conditions they were living in: skin problems, ear infections, UTIs, dental complications and so much more. They also are obviously suffering from emotional trauma and many have behavioral issues as a result.

In the course of a day, our shelter in Puerto Rico has suddenly become responsible for 51 new dogs. 51 mouths to feed. 51 dogs that need give medical treatment and space and time and love. Though we know our incredible, dedicated team in Puerto Rico is ready for this challenge, we are calling on our ALR community to help us care for these animals and nurse them back to health.

it takes us a little over $1,000 to fully vet, house, feed and transport each dog. With a newfound responsibility of 51 dogs, we are relying upon the generosity of our incredible ALR community. a donation of any amount will help us care for these babies. A sponsorship of $1,000 will cover a Chihuahua’s entire journey from rescue to furever home.