NINE STREET DOGS or “Satos” from Puerto Rico arrived in Worcester, Massachusetts via private plane before making the penultimate leg of the journey by van to Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick. Next and final stop: adoption.
The Coastal Humane Society welcomed about two dozen rescue dogs from hurricane ravaged Puerto Rico last week,
The dogs were 22 of 200 flown into Worcester Regional Airport on a specially chartered plane as part of a rescue mission coordinated by the San Juan-based All Sato Rescue, along with the help of Wings of Rescue and Mission Miracle.
Seven shelters across Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts took in dozens of dogs each to help in hurricane relief efforts. Even some cats were able to get some room on the plane, and now, they are all seeking homes in the Northeast.
While Puerto Rico normally grapples with high numbers of stray street dogs, or “satos,” the situation has grown dire after Hurricanes Irma and Maria tore through the island.
According to a fundraising page created by All Sato Rescue, assistance from other shelters is crucial as the island rebuilds: “After hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated our island, All Sato Rescue has more than 500 animals in our care in need of transportation to the Northeast to find new homes. As a foster-based rescue, our foster homes are flooded and damaged, yet our volunteers are still providing care to animals in need. With limited food, drinking water and power, it is the most critical time to fly our animals to safety and adoptive homes.”
Coastal Humane Society & Lincoln County Animal Shelter have regularly worked with All Sato Rescue in the past to take in stray dogs as kennel space allows, but the organization is especially glad to have the opportunity to help in the wake of the storms.
“It’s hard to fully comprehend the damage that Puerto Rico has sustained, the scope of the destruction is just so unfathomable,” said Dr. Mandie Wehr, director of shelter operations and veterinarian for Coastal Humane Society. “We are happy to be able to help out and will continue to take in additional animals as more flights are organized.”
Recently, Coastal Humane Society also rescued six cats displaced by Hurricane Irma from the Naples Cat Alliance in Florida, now available for adoption. As in all hurricane rescue efforts between shelters, these animals were in shelters before the storms hit. Transferring them to other facilities allows shelters in affected areas to make room for pets and animals that go missing in hurricanes and other natural disasters.
The satos are currently receiving medical exams and spay/neuter surgeries and will go up for adoption as early as Saturday at the Coastal Humane Society facility on Range Road. More updates on the satos and exact days for adoptions can be found on Coastal Humane Society’s Facebook page.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
