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.
#42
“Zuki was left to die in a dumpster behind a restaurant in San Juan. She was very weak when one of our rescuers found her. Our volunteer gave her so much love and helped get Zuki healthy again. We’re relieved and so grateful because the outcome could’ve been much different. She’s two years old and is extremely playful and loving. Zuki is one of 11 Satos that we just sent to Midcoast Humane in Maine!”
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#43
“We recently flew this mama and her three puppies to Save-A-Pet Animal Rescue and love these photos they sent us! We rescued them one at a time, on different days, in Bayamón. When our volunteer was able to get one, the rest would run into the bushes, but eventually they all let our compassionate rescuer save them. We are so grateful to our all our shelter partners and the wonderful people who adopt our Satos.”
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#48
Another one of the puppies rescued alongside Oaklee (pictured elsewhere in this post), after their mother gave birth at an Aqueduct and Sewer Authority sub station.
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#49
Taylor 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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#50
“It’s International Dog Day and today we are celebrating these two tiny puppies! Both weigh less than 5 pounds and were rescued recently in Loiza. They’re about three months old. One was almost hit by a car and luckily got scooped up by our rescuer. She then found the other one in the same town. We are forever grateful for our amazing rescuers and the people who adopt our treasures.”
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