This past weekend has been a very tragic weekend in the world of Island Dog. Four years ago, we created the Red Collar Project in Las Croabas, Puerto Rico. IT was the first project of it's kind in Puerto Rico...let alone the Caribbean. We had NO idea that we would go island wide with the project. Since the beginning of the project we have had over 300 Red Collar Dogs.
Our first two Red Collar Dogs were Poncha and Nena. They stole our hearts with their sweet way that included kisses and the wagging of the butt when they walked. We would of rescued them four years ago but the neighborhood claimed them and everyone took care of them. SOOOO much so we moved them out of the park and to the house of our Los Machos feeder, Lolly's house. They lived at Lolly's house for the past three years with freedom to roam as they please, visit friends, and swim in the Lagoon. On Friday of of last week Poncha and Nena went missing. Lolly went searching. She took a boat through the lagoon and went for walks throughout the neighborhood looking for the dogs. Saturday morning Nena showed up, layed down and died. Poncha followed her, layed down and died this morning in the veterinarian office. They both were poisoned, along with another Red Collar dog Tico.
Tattooed in Nena and Poncha's ears were the number 1 & 2. Poncha was our offical first Red Collar Dog and now she is gone. She is the mother of 11 puppies that we have since adopted out...you may actually own one of Poncha's pups. Nena was number 2. They were such special girls. They were the inspiration for the Red Collar Project. They gave me hope and motivation everyday when I saw them happily playing in the ocean and lagoon. They made me believe in the Red Collar Project. They loved their life as a free island dog and everyone in Las Croabas loved them. I can't imagine the heartless, evil person that would harm them...but Dr.D confirmed that it would be impossible for them to have gotten so sick without intent. They were poisoned with a chemical that kills in less then 3 minutes. Poncha fought hard and survived 2 days.
They both will be missed and never forgotten. RIP girls, you will forever be in my heart and in the heart of the lives you touched...you inspired a mission and a dream.
This is heartbreaking!! Senseless people that don't contribute to society and destroy the wonderful creatures of this world.
Posted by: Laura Montes | January 31, 2012 at 09:46 PM
Very sad to hear this RIP Poncha and Nena.
Posted by: desiree | January 31, 2012 at 10:19 PM
I think that this is a very ad commentary on the evil in our society. This is a paradise lost, not found. Puerto Rico should be ashamed of this and people on the island be made to be remorseful but Katie it happens everywhere even here, with people, dogs, cats and all types of animals and it breaks hearts. This is a disgrace. Unfortunately we live in a society that glorifies fur,greed, wealth and ignores the good things that so many like you and your agency do.What can we do to help? Please let me and others know. Dear Island Dog and the sweet dogs and people we love you
Posted by: sarileegordon@gmail.com | February 01, 2012 at 11:52 AM
It makes me cry and I dont even know these dogs. It reminds me of my time in Luquillo in Nov. when those heartless kids through an empty McDonald Bag at a stray on the pared. She was licking the paper and eating the bag for food. But none was there. I bought her a can of food and what these kids ment or mean was turned to good. I love these Island Dogs. You reap what you sow, they will get theirs in the end. ANd you will be rewarded for a job well done!
Posted by: Theresa | February 02, 2012 at 11:57 AM
I'm sorry Katie, At least they knew love because of you. RIP baby girls.
Posted by: Joyce Walton | February 02, 2012 at 12:15 PM
Selena Gomez god bless you.i lived in puerto rico for three year between the ages of 15-18 in those three years I've rescue 5 dogs.i now live in maryland and 6 years ago I was visiting my parents while driving from the airport we almost hit a small thin black dog,i made my bf stopped the car (he was not very happy with me) and put jesse I would name her later. in my car, today jesse is such a happy healthy dog who loves going bye bye in the car, swimming , playing ball etc.jesse is my best friend.oh and the bf loves her.it breaks my heart everytime I visit my family in Fajardo puerto rico.
Posted by: Jc | February 21, 2012 at 11:48 PM