Dog Heaven: Hundreds of Strays Make Bucolic Costa Rica Shelter Their Home

[Omaha Steve]

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http://www.care2.com/causes/dog-heaven-hundreds-of-strays-make-bucolic-costa-rica-shelter-their-home.html


By: Laura Goldman April 5, 2016

Although its official name is Territorio de Zaguates (the Land of Stray Dogs), the four-legged residents of this no-kill shelter in Costa Rica probably think of it more as El Cielo des Perros (Dog Heaven) — or at least the next best thing to a forever home.

About 800 dogs rescued from the streets live on the ranch in Alajuela until they are adopted. The nonprofit shelter was founded eight years ago by the husband-and-wife team of Alvaro Saumet and Lya Battle to promote animal welfare and respect. It is funded by donations and run by volunteers.

Many of the dogs are allowed to roam freely on the property for part of the day in an effort to improve their health and adoptability. There’s also an indoor area with beds and bathing facilities.

Years before an Arizona shelter started dropping breed labels to make dogs more adoptable, Territorio found another solution. It came up with a unique breed name for every mixed-breed dog as unique as the dog itself: Alaskan Collie Fluffyterrier and Fire-tailed Border Cocker, for example. In 2013, these names helped boost adoption rates a whopping 1,400 percent.

FULL story at link. Video: https://vimeo.com/68726839

[Judi Lynn]

1. This is wonderful. Bless these angels who love doggies. Little ones need guardians in this world.n/t