It’s difficult to look at a group of tiny, wide-eyed puppies and imagine that some of them may have had a very uncertain start in life. For the people behind All Sato Rescue, however, helping dogs in situations like these is part of a much bigger mission. Based in Puerto Rico, the nonprofit works to improve the lives of abandoned dogs on the island and reduce their numbers. The organization rescues and rehomes “Satos,” a Puerto Rican term commonly used for mixed-breed dogs, but its work goes beyond finding individual animals new families. All Sato Rescue also addresses the causes of overpopulation, abuse, and neglect through public awareness, access to affordable spay and neuter services, and advocacy for humane solutions.
Over the years, that work has resulted in plenty of happy endings. The organization has shared stories of dogs who went from wandering the streets or being abandoned to settling into homes where their biggest concerns are walks, playtime, finding a comfortable place to nap, and getting enough attention from their new families. So yes, the puppies below are ridiculously adorable. But behind those tiny paws, floppy ears, and curious expressions is also a reminder of what rescue can make possible.
Scroll down to meet some of the puppies the organization has helped, and visit the organization’s page to learn more about the work being done for animals across Puerto Rico.
#21
“Aren’t Sully and Guardian adorable?! They were just rescued! Today is Giving Tuesday and we have a generous donor who is matching all donations today up to $5,000. Sully and Guardian weigh just five pounds and were tossed out into an abandoned lot with their six equally tiny siblings--no food, no water, no shelter. Someone in the neighborhood did her best to help. She provided temporary shelter and food and even found homes for six of the pups. But, Sully and Guardian had no offers. Time was ticking. This person was about to leave the island for the Thanksgiving holiday. She sent us a desperate email one night and by the next morning, we had a wonderful foster mom headed over to pick them up and care of them.
Now these two little rascals are having a blast, lounging on a comfy quilt with all the toys they could ever imagine and getting lots of attention. They've put on some weight and been treated for fleas and parasites. They've had their first round of vaccines. We think they'll be ready to leave Puerto Rico in a couple of weeks. Sully and Guardian are just two of the many deserving dogs and cats that need our help.”
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15points
#22
“There was a severe hoarding situation where more than 80 dogs and cats were rescued from a home in Carolina. We collaborated with the Humane Society of Puerto Rico and other rescue organizations to help these animals. We will be fostering 11 of them and ensuring that they get the necessary veterinary care before we send them to shelter partners on the mainland.”
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15points
#23
“Kendall and Cocoa are brothers who were abandoned in a cardboard box in Barceloneta. They are loving and playful little puppies who are about three months old. Their lives keep getting better as they recently flew to the mainland on their way to a forever home. They’ll be up for adoption through One Love Dog Rescue, Inc. 501c3.”
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15points
#28
“Dafne flew up to Massachusetts in February and immediately made life better for her humans. Their 13 year old dog passed away last year and Dafne was just what they needed. “She is the sweetest girl and has already brought us so much joy.”
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14points
#29
“Everyone’s lives are enriched when a Sato gets adopted! Arlo (formerly Vincent) is settling into his new home quite well. He gets to live with his humans and another dog! What a cutie!”
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14points
#30
“Look at all these adorable little puppies! This dog just showed up, very pregnant, at a home in Cidra. We are so thankful for the kind people who took her in just before she gave birth. The best news of all is that they are going to foster all nine puppies and the mom until they are ready to fly to a shelter partner of ours.”
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14points
#32
Travis was rescued alongside 4 other puppies after they were abandoned in a cardboard box in the Puerto Rican mountain town of Adjuntas. They were only three weeks old when they were found, and have all been given Super Bowl-themed names.
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13points
#35
Smokey is a part of a litter, alongside Bandit and Outlaw, whose rescue in Caguas took over a week before All Sato Rescue handed them over to their shelter partner Doglando Foundation.
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13points
#36
Outlaw is a part of a litter, alongside Bandit and Outlaw, whose rescue in Caguas took over a week before All Sato Rescue handed them over to their shelter partner Doglando Foundation.
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13points
#37
“Last September we personally transported Fede up to Massachusetts where he was adopted from Cape Ann Animal Aid. Our rescuers were attending Cape Ann’s Rescue Reunion and Fede was ready to find his forever home.”
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13points
#38
“Six puppies just rescued in Bayamón! We got them out of an unsafe situation and now they’re safe in a foster home!”
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13points
#39
“We found foster homes for all eight puppies and their mom! We shared their story a few days ago after a group of students and teachers rescued this litter and their mom from an elementary school in San Juan. We are forever grateful for all of those involved in this rescue!”
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13points
#40
“Here’s our newest little rescue pup we just found this weekend! We’ve named her Dalia and found her on the street in Toa Baja. We brought her to the vet where she got a clean bill of health!”
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13points
