Ever since I was a wee little girl, I wanted a dog. In fact, I remember begging my parents for one, but no chance. Perhaps it's better that it happened like that because when I was 13, a dog wandered into my father's workplace. He became our first rescue, Chewy. Two years later, Maya broke into our home and our hearts. In college, I saved a puppy from being run over. She became Patch, our youngest until I moved to the metro area and came home one day. Genghis was at my apartment door, expecting me, looking like he was about to say, "About time you got here! I'm your new dog!"
My family and I love animals. If I could, I'd adopt more dogs, but there is no more space. That is why I try to donate and/or dedicate time to spreading the word about animal shelters and charities. SASFAPR, also known as the Santuario de Animales San Francisco de Asís, is specially close to my heart as it is in my hometown. A no-kill shelter, SASFAPR is run by Dellymar Bernal, an incredible woman who dedicates her time and gives all of her heart to these animals.
A short while ago, I visited the shelter to donate some things, and I took some pictures. Dellymar walked a group of visitors around the locale, explaining to us what they do and introducing their tenants.
They serve over 300 animals. Their facilities are quite small, and currently, they do not have water or power, as the land's contracts were not renovated by their benefactor. But they make do with what they have, and are hoping to soon move out to a bigger, better facility, with more room for the cats and dogs.
Maintaining the shelter is a hard endeavor. They help animals heal, spay, and let's not forget the costs of feeding and cleaning after over 300 animals. However, every person there is a volunteer and they do it out of love. Love for these animals and the hope that they will soon find forever homes. If you live near the area, and desire to donate they need the following:
(Newspapers, clorox, cleaning agents, treats, dry and moist food for cats and dogs, mops, buckets, scoopers, disposable gloves and surgical masks, 33 gallon trash bags.)
Please help. Adopt, donate, or sponsor one of these lovely creatures today. They will be forever thankful. And you will be all the more awesome for it. Visit SASFAPR's webpage here. Or drop by their Facebook and ask how you can help make a difference.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Please pass it on!
