The Sato Project is a Puerto Rican project that is dedicated to rescuing abused, abandoned and homeless dogs. Anyone who knows me will say that I am such a dog person. I just love everything about them. It absolutely breaks my heart when people abandoned, hurt or torture their dogs. They bring nothing but joy and happiness to those around them and want to do nothing but please you. To hurt or abandon them is just utterly heartbreaking. They do not deserve it.
The wonderful people at The Sato Project do everything they can to help the dogs of Puerto Rico and I think they are HEROES. I am in total awe of their work and dedication. I wish I could do more but living in the UK restricts me to having Donation as my last resort - I shall of course be donating to this amazing project! There are some incredibly kind people in the world who will always go that extra mile to help out; in this case it is for our 4-legged friends.
What They Do
This project works primarily in Yabucoa which is on the southeastern coast of the island. It is also the poorest of all 78 municipalities. Over half of the population lives below the Federal poverty line as the majority of household incomes are below the national average.
The rescue mission is focused mainly around 'Dead Dog Beach'. It is quite literally as the name suggests. This is the end of the road for these dogs. With nothing around and no residents, the dogs just get dumped there. There is no source of fresh water or food on this beach. The only way they dogs have any change of survival is from this project. They will provide food, fresh water and love on a daily basis.
The Sato Project is making some permanent changes in Puerto Rice -
1. Beach Coordination - Ivette (beach coordinator) will visit the beach every single day without fail;,
in rain or shine, storm or hurricane. A log is kept of every dog on the beach and of any medications given. Every dog will be named by the project. As long as there is space and funds will allow it, the dog will be rescued and taken to the vet. This of course has to be prioritised for very young, injured or extremely sick.
2. Emergency Vet Care - As soon as the dog gets to the vet's office they are immediately tested all kinds of viruses and diseases. They will have a skin test and be de-wormed. The dog will be quarantined until the results are back. If the results come back positive then the dog will begin immediate treatment.
3. Prevention - All dogs will be spayed and neutered whilst at the vet. On average, a "healthy" dog will stay there for 4-6 weeks. Any dogs undergoing treatments will stay for as long as they need in order for them to be signed off as healthy, disease free and fit to travel. During their time here, Bianca (the vet) will make sure every dog gets plenty of love and attention and is well socialised.
4. All Systems Go - Once a dog is ready to travel they will receive their final check up from Bianca and get their travel and health certificates. The dogs are booked onto a flight to either JFK or Newark - NYC bound! Volunteers in Puerto Rico will get the dogs ready and take them to the airport.
(Are you in the Puerto Rican area? Learn how you can help drive the dogs to the airport by contacting info@thesatoproject.com)
5. Cost - On average it can cost around $1000 PER DOG! Those that require a more intense treatment plan can cost thousands! On top of these costs, there is the flights to pay for - this can be on average $250!
6. Volunteers - Once the dogs reach New York they are met by volunteers who drive them to their foster home, their forever home or one of the sanctuary partners.
7. Fostering & Adoptions - On average it takes 2-4 weeks in foster care before a dog finds its forever home. Once a Sato, always a Sato. Even once a dog has been adopted, they will always have the project there for them if need be. If at any time a family can no longer keep the dog, the Sato Project will take them back.
What is a 'Sato'?
Satos are usually small dogs. More often than not they will have Terrier in them, making them incredibly smart and fast learners. There is something instantly recognisable about most of the Sato dogs and that is their large sticky up ears!
Living on the streets or the beach is no place for any dog and it can cost them their life. Most will not make it past their 2nd birthday. Females are giving birth to large litters of puppies which means this is a constant problem with more and more dogs being homeless everyday.
Sato - the name for the project has become widely recognised in Puerto Rico.
How You Can Help
Donate
This project relies entirely on charitable donations. Without them, the dogs will not be able to be rescued, rehabilitated or find their forever loving homes.
There are many ways you can donate! Take a look at all your options here!
Fundraise
Organise your own fundraiser. Every single pound/dollar raised will go to the dogs!
Email jennifer@thesatoproject.com for more info!
Volunteer
Foster a Sato
Transporting Dogs
Professional Skills
Email nyvolunteer@thesatoproject.com if you think you can help!
Heartworm is a awful but easily preventable disease. Around 70% of the Sato dogs test positive for Heartworm. Requiring them to have expensive and lengthy medical treatment.
This is Teddy. She passed away in August 2015 after treatment for her advanced heartworm was just too much for her little body to handle. Teddy never had the home or the loving family that she deserved. She never got to run around and play in the grass. YOU could give another dog the chance. Donate today!
Other Ways:
Ebay Auctions, Amazon Smile (Just select The Sato Project), Airline Miles, Medications.
Check out their website to see the amazing success stories and find out more ways in which you can help! PLEASE help out in any way that you can, any donation is better than nothing. I know the little dog would give you kisses if they could!
❤️A dog is for life❤️
nicole x
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