Albert’s Senior Dog Fund
A senior sato named Albert changed our world. Now we want to change the world for other senior dogs in his memory.
Senior dogs are often overlooked, but they still have so much love to give. And if you’ve ever had one as a member of your family, then you know how special that love is. Will you help us give more senior dogs the second chance they deserve? Donate below to support a fund dedicated to rescuing more senior satos from the streets and overcrowded shelters of Puerto Rico. Keep reading below for the story of a very special senior dog named Albert, whose legacy will now live on forever through every senior dog we rescue through this fund.
A Sato Named Albert
On February 15th, 2021 our team embarked on a rescue mission to the municipal shelter in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Since the earthquake crisis began at the beginning of 2020, this shelter has remained completely overwhelmed, with a euthanasia rate above 98%. Our goal on February 15th, was to save as many of these dogs as we could before it was too late.
One of those faces, was a senior dog named Albert. He was extremely thin and suffering from years of neglect. He had a dirty rotten collar around his neck and his poor body was ravaged. His bones were visible through his thin skin, which was covered in sores from sleeping on hard surfaces. He also had a multitude of health issues and was already scheduled for euthanasia. We took one look at his gray muzzle and sad eyes and were determined to give him the chance he deserved to spend his golden years surrounded by love for the first time in his life. We took him back to our clinic, where he battled through a severe TVT infection (a sexually transmitted, but treatable, cancer) and then was exposed to distemper. But he kept on fighting. And during a time when our team desperately need hope, Albert gave it to us. He kept fighting and became an inspiration. He reminded us to never give up and that it is never too late to keep fighting for your dreams.
But then, his health suddenly took a turn for the worse and he was diagnosed with renal failure. Our veterinarian in Puerto Rico advised us that Albert likely did not have much time left. However, we remained determined to fulfill our promise to him.
We quickly arranged for Albert to take his Freedom Flight to New York on June 17th, where he was picked up by one of our incredible foster families, Rob and Robbie. They knew Albert was a hospice case and did not have a lot of time left, but promised to fill all his remaining moments with love. Once at their house, Albert immediately settled in. He took long naps in his own cozy bed, and delighted in snuggling on the couch and smelling the flowers and herbs in their garden. He seemed particularly smitten with mint.
Three days after his arrival, while snuggled in next to Robbie on the couch, Albert passed away peacefully in his sleep. While we deeply mourn Albert’s departure and wish we could have had more days with him, we take comfort in knowing that Albert finally got to experience the true, pure love he deserved. Our dream was for Albert to be in a home, in his own bed, before he left this world. And even though it was only for a few days, that dream did come true. Albert finally won his fight.
Senior dogs are often the last ones to get adopted at shelters and we see many of them abandoned in the streets of Puerto Rico. But they still have so much love to share. Whether it is for a few years, months, or only days, we believe every senior dog deserves a chance to find a loving family.
In many ways, we feel that Albert ‘rescued’ us. Though his time with us was brief (only 125 days in total), he gave us hope when we needed it most and he left a paw forever imprinted in our hearts.
Will you help us honor Albert’s legacy? All donations in the form above will go toward a special fund dedicated to helping more senior satos like Albert have the golden years they deserve.
Thank you for helping more senior dogs finally know love.
