YOU CAN HELP
Unfortunately, this is a common sight in Costa Rica, starving dogs. There are many reasons why dogs end up in this shape but mostly it is the neglect of the owners. It is common when someone no longer wants a dog, they simply dump it in another neighborhood for the dog to fend for itself. The photo above illustrates what happens. They end up sick and diseased. This particular dog found himself being fed at a restaurant.
The reason for this post is to bring an awareness to all that there is something you can do to help. We have a local group here in Jaco that spans to the surrounding areas helping animals in need. Our local group is a branch of the McKee Project. Monthly, they spay and neuter animals and provide medical assistance. They also rescue animals that have been injured and provide care for them through the clinic. Of course, you can send in donations, the information is on their site at www.animalrescue-jaco.com. They are always in need of volunteers that are willing to foster a dog or cat in their home until a permanent home can be found.
In the years I have lived here, my good friend Trish Johnson has taken in her home many homeless dogs and nursed them back to good health. She has provided care for hundreds of dogs in the six years she has lived in Jaco. I can hardly recognized the dogs from their "before" condition after they have been treated for skin problems, starvation, disease, and they are living in good health and a good environment. It is amazing the transformation that occurs over time when a dog is loved and care is given. "Trish" does this on an ongoing basis and it is never ending. Her efforts are rewarded by the love and affection these special dogs give when they receive love and attention ...and a deserving home. They make the most devoted pets.
I am hoping this article brings to light an on-going problem here. Jaco streets used to be filled with wandering, starving dogs. The McKee Project has made great strides in helping with this problem but your help is needed. Please check out the site for the McKee organization for all of Costa Rica at www.mckeeproject.org or you can visit our local chapter here at www.animalrescue-jaco.com.
For more information, you can call Patrica "Trish" Johnson at 2643-1162 and she can give you specifics on how you can contribute to help these poor, defenseless animals. Thank you.
This photo was taken after his meal of french fries and a hamburger.
8 comments:
Hi Teri.. Helping these animals would definately be time well spent,, , but needed to let you know, neither of the sites would open,.. It may be just my computer(IE) but I thought you would want to know, later gator
Thank you so much for letting me know. I'll figure out what I "didn't do". I guess I need to check my links, huh?
Thanks again.
Teri
and you HAD to blog about this problem ! :(
I used to breed german shepherds (german style not the 'US variety') and now I am pretty much against breeding ANY dog, we dont need more dogs here......I have already adopted 3, somedays I think the only way for me not to adopt more is to stay locked in my house :(
Firefox opens it, Teri ..nice site. Have a good Day
Great post Teri! It is so hard to see all these undernourished animals in the streets. We have been foster kitty parents twice for McKee and also adopted a wonderful dog from them too. They had a spay/neuter clinic here in Esterillos Oeste a couple months ago and they were able to sterilize 60 animals, many paid for by donations of people who care. McKee Foundation does great work!
Yes Wolfie and Kate, once you've adopted a dog off the streets and see how wonderful they are, it's hard to buy a dog from breeders or even want to breed a dog here. So many need good homes. Thanks for your recommendation Kate. It's good to hear how much the McKee project has done for others.
When I am in Costa Rica those dogs always break my heart terribly. I always wondered if their were shelters or organizations that helped out...I'm so happy to hear there is. We will definitely donate.
Peace & Love.
Hi Terri, Your blog is very interesting and informative as usual. Of course the story about Roscoe captured my heart-so well done. Thanks for the kind words about the work we do, but, you have most certainly contributed a great deal yourself to The McKee Project. Volunteering at our "pool bar", taking pictures of our dogs for adoption, to mention a few and now finding a wonderful home for another loving dog. We couldn't do what we do without the help of people like you-so a great big thanks, both for what you do and for the awareness you've brought to the McKee Project!
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