All tripawds have stories to tell, many of a disease that has challenged them and cost them a leg. Mine’s a little different.
I was a sato, slang for a Puerto Rican street dog. There are an estimated 100,000 to 250,000 satos living (and dying) there. Backyard breeders, poor spay/neuter rates and few shelters all contribute to our plight.
But I’m one of the lucky ones. Someone called Save A Sato one Christmas Eve to report a dead dog in a ditch in a San Juan neighborhood. Enter my personal angel, Leilani, who came to get me and saw my eyes open. She brought me to Save A Sato, an amazing all-volunteer organization that has saved thousands like me.
I had my leg amputated and stayed there for about 6 months, under the loving care of Gloria, the star who runs the shelter. Humans, not disease, cost me my leg.
Satos often have never seen the inside of a house, worn a collar, been put on a leash. We have more than physical damage to overcome. But I lucked out again and was flown to Massachusetts, where another amazing angel, Marianna, took care of me and helped get me ready to find a home.
Luckily for my family, in another 6 months or so, I chose them. I am not the most trusting dog, but when I choose people, I am forever loyal. Three years later, I reunited with Leilani here and, let me tell you, I have never forgotten she saved my life.
There are lots of satos just like me, waiting to be saved from the streets or taken from Dead Dog Beach, and ready to bring lots of love to families who can forgive our fear and accept who we are.
I belong to both the tripawd community and the sato world, which has plenty of tripawds, too.
Check out this video (starring Gloria) of the amazing work Save A Sato does.
That is an amazing story. So sad there are people out there that have caused this kind of cruelty towards dogs, but Gloria and her volunteers and those of you that adopt these dogs show us all the good that is out there also.
Keep us updated on your story.
Luanne and Spirit Shooter
Thanks, Luanne and Spirit Shooter. I’m just learning how to blog and how to read other ones.
Touching……beautiful……eartwarmng. What a beautiful soul Gloria is. You are too!
By posting this video, maybe satoa will be helped here i so e way.
Love,
Sally a d Happy Hannah
Cute pup. Welcome to the group and thanks for taking in a sweetie in need.
Charlie I was going to ask how you got your name, thank you for sharing this story.
I knew about the Puerto Rican dogs, we’ve had a few rescues here, people are doing wonderful things to help them but it’s still so sad. I’m so glad you found your pawesome pack, what a lucky Sato Dog you are.
Thanks, everyone. I recognize there are many animals in need in all kinds of situations. We all do what we can to help in whatever way we can. Whatever our particular passions or causes are, we support all needy animals by spreading awareness. Thanks for the welcome!
Great story! Thanks for sharing. We are glad to have you as part of the group. Charlie must be very special to have found you!
I have heard about the Sato Dogs. You are amazing and very lucky to have found your furamily, You are an amazing fella to be part of both worlds, Sato and Tripawd.
Thanks so much for sharing your story.
Angel Butchey’s Furamily
Wow, Thank God for all the angles wandering around down here masked as normal human beings. I am so glad you found yours.
Dawn & Henry