The dogs of Puerto Rico

Before my trip, I had read quite a bit about the situation with stray dogs in Puerto Rico. The hardship and mistreatment seemed unimaginable and people like Adri at Amigos de los Animales seemed to be few in number. Traveling the island and also a side trip to the smaller island of Vieques gave me an opportunity to see just what some of the conditions were like. Driving the narrow mountainous roads, it was horrifying at first to round a sharp bend and see a dog belonging to a nearby finca resting in the middle of the road, oblivious to the danger. Yet, in all of my travels I saw only one dead dog, killed on a major highway on the east coast of the island. I imagine as pups these animals have to develop road sense very early in life if they are to have any chance of survival at all.

It was heartwarming to see in so many places, like Isabel Segunda on Vieques, donation jars and posters showing what I would like to believe is a growing concern and care for these abandoned and victimized pets. The reality is that it will take generations to change a society that for the most part regards these loving creatures as disposable, all too evident in some of the conditions that many of the 'lucky few' household pets are kept in.

Dead Dog Beach

I did not think I would get to Playa Lucia in my travels of Puerto Rico, but as fate would have it, I stayed two nights in the south eastern corner of the island and it was only a short drive away. I don't think I could prepare myself for what I expected to see, but I was fortunate to be spared the sights described in Stephen McGarva's book: Rescue on Dead Dog Beach. It was midday and the temperature was in the mid eighties. There were no dogs to be seen on my walk through the rows of Palm trees and the beach was also deserted. I was filled with sadness, seeing the tire tracks and paw prints in the sand, overwhelmed by the sense of unimaginable cruelty that takes place in what is supposed to be a tropical paradise. It was little relief not having to put faces to the surviving pack and I left with a heavy heart and tears in my eyes.

Arrival

I got here minus one of my bags - the one with all the donated vet supplies - which seemed to go astray in Houston. Being Christmas Eve everything was closing early and it looked like I wouldn't be able to get it today.
Luckily Christmas Day arrived and so do my bag I was able to retrieve it after much conversation with United Airlines help line, who weren't too sure if the local office was open. My dear new friend Myrna took some time away from her family to take me out to SJU to collect it and then out to ADLA to drop it off - a late delivery from Santa!
I'll be back here in two weeks after spending a bit of time traveling the island.

Packed and ready - traveling light

Just a few last minute things to do before heading to YVR to start my trip. I am really happy with my new luggage and it's versatility not only as a backpack, or a holdall (with all shoulder straps neatly zipped away) but it also has a very useful detachable day pack option. With all the donated supplies kindly given to ADLA by the wonderful staff at Sidney Animal Hospital (Freddie's Vet), I don't have any room to spare! With stops in Denver and Houston then an overnight flight, I have an early arrival on Christmas Eve in San Juan.