tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post907362260303983851..comments2023-06-26T10:11:55.631-04:00Comments on Bringing up Bella: Saving the Satos - BtC4ALesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10538737461438864728noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-71908078176273200782013-01-23T21:43:21.758-05:002013-01-23T21:43:21.758-05:0099%... I had no idea. Wow.
I am sorry to hear th...99%... I had no idea. Wow. <br /><br />I am sorry to hear that people have said such negative things to you about adopting Bella. Saving a life is saving a life... no matter what geography is involved.<br /><br />Really beautiful and touching post - it's straight from the heart, and I hope that it helps raise awareness about these pups in need.<br /><br />A.J.<br />Team BtC4APup Fanhttp://twitter.com/wantmorepuppiesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-11301506120153659192013-01-18T08:53:13.860-05:002013-01-18T08:53:13.860-05:0099%?! That is a scary number! There is some serio...99%?! That is a scary number! There is some serious need for education. It's not like the numbers are so high that there is a public health concern, as there would be a huge story on the news. Education of youth is a powerful thing though, as I can attest to from my experience in the therapy world! The power on a family a child's point of view has is shocking! Maybe its because at that age our passions are all we care about. But as we grow older some of us start to lose that. I'm glad there's people like you that still feel that passion, as it shows in this post.chris and charlienoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-53594874287204396792013-01-17T13:06:13.928-05:002013-01-17T13:06:13.928-05:00Thank you for participating in Blog the Change Day...Thank you for participating in Blog the Change Day and for sharing the plight of the Satos. I will say that I was not familiar with this situation, but I will follow the links you provided to learn more. It's so sad that some people think we shouldn't help dogs outside of our own immediate area. All dogs (in fact, all animals) deserve to live without being subjected to cruelty and neglect.<br /><br />Vicki Cook<br />Team BTC4AVicki Stringfellow Cooknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-62926264606565875782013-01-17T11:53:31.391-05:002013-01-17T11:53:31.391-05:00Hi and thanks. I've read about (and now follo...Hi and thanks. I've read about (and now follow) the Galgos as well. I was struck by the similarities between their situation and the Satos. I think we have to be open to whatever dog presents itself to us at the time we are looking to add one to our life. There are so many in need and every one deserves the love of a good home, how do you pick? I'm glad Bella picked us - that made it easier. :)Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-40034600606113927442013-01-17T11:50:46.141-05:002013-01-17T11:50:46.141-05:00Thanks for the feedback. I modified my opening pa...Thanks for the feedback. I modified my opening paragraphs to give at least a cursory explanation as well as a link to an original post I made about them that explains in more detail who/what they are. Sorry, I usually try to be pretty conscientious about that type of thing.<br /><br />I'm not sure Googling Satos would have made for a pleasant evening (I try to carefully pick the links I share in my posts because there is some really graphic stuff out there) but thank you for caring enough to do it.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-15861717817662764932013-01-17T11:47:51.849-05:002013-01-17T11:47:51.849-05:00Thanks, Mel. You know, I knew Debbie from fearful...Thanks, Mel. You know, I knew Debbie from fearfuldogs for almost 2 years before I realized she did anything with Satos. She was actually helping me with Bella and neither one of us made the Sato connection. Small world though.<br /><br />Thanks for sharing the post. You've probably noticed it won't get much tread on Facebook but I still think it's important to try and get people to recognize the situation.<br /><br />Oh, and don't even get me started about the puppy mill connection. I'm sure you know they supply dogs to the pet shops in Puerto Rico while the strays continue to die in shelters and on the streets.<br /><br />I am very encouraged by the new laws and truly hope that we can get some movement on the pet store front there in the future. For now though, I'm afraid the spay/neuter situation has to be considered the highest priority.Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-90764804249155540842013-01-16T18:45:07.957-05:002013-01-16T18:45:07.957-05:00Thank you for reminding us that Puerto Rico is par...Thank you for reminding us that Puerto Rico is part of the U.S. - we tend to think of it as "foreign" land. Your explanation here of the plight of Satos should be copied and spread everywhere! Leslie, you've written the most moving account here, and your personal experience only enhances your vast knowledge of the issue. If I could, I'd be going out right now to adopt a Sato!<br /><br />May the time come very soon that dogs no longer are in harm's way or neglected in Puerto Rico. Until then, keep the faith -<br /><br />Thank you for blogging the change for animals!<br />Kim T<br />BtC4AKim Thomashttp://twitter.com/CindylusMusenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-66316040123810387142013-01-16T17:37:43.597-05:002013-01-16T17:37:43.597-05:00Thank you for taking the time to reply. I underst...Thank you for taking the time to reply. I understand the sensitivity this post probably raises for you. <br /><br />I do not doubt that many, if not most, people in Puerto Rico abhor mistreatment of animals and congratulate them on the incredible rise of animal protection laws - 91% improvement doesn't happen without broad support.<br /><br />I've been learning about and involved with Satos since 2000. Some of our shelters here in the Northeast, in coordination with Save a Sato, began rescuing them as far back as 1997. <br /><br />Regarding perception, my understanding is that it is along the coasts where the greatest number of reports of abuse and poisoning generally stem. Have you heard of "Dead Dog Beach"? <br /><br />I do, however, think that there is a real need in all parts of the island, city and coast equally, to spay and neuter the animals. Not everyone is an animal lover here or there and when dogs occur unrestricted in such large numbers, they are often viewed as pests and vermin by those who don't want to live with them.<br /><br />I'll leave you with a few of the links on which I based my assertions but the various links within the post can direct you to more information as well: <br /><br />http://www.dogster.com/the-scoop/dead-dog-beach-puerto-rico<br />http://www.pawnation.com/2012/11/02/the-sato-project-saves-puerto-ricos-pups/<br />http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x1746078362/Second-sato-finds-its-way-to-Cape-Ann<br />http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cesar-millan/saving-the-satos-stray-do_b_1470597.html<br />And one of my own posts with more links and information - http://www.bringingupbella.com/2011/08/sato-101.html<br /><br />I encourage you to check out those links to learn more about what happens elsewhere on the island. Additionally, please let me say I have the utmost respect for the islanders who toil thanklessly trying to save these dogs, change the laws and educate the people. Change would not be possible without their tireless efforts to lead it. Lesliehttp://bringingupbella.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-52927090025397682782013-01-16T16:36:35.916-05:002013-01-16T16:36:35.916-05:0099%! Oh my...those poor pups. Sometimes these prob...99%! Oh my...those poor pups. Sometimes these problems seem so terribly big, it is hard to remember that every little bit still makes some difference.Remyhttp://twitter.com/Remy_OneBlueDognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-25646435715648810752013-01-16T16:25:19.855-05:002013-01-16T16:25:19.855-05:00Love this post! It was touching, honest, and since...Love this post! It was touching, honest, and sinceer. <br /><br />But I will say that I disagree with some of the basic ideas. My dad is Puerto Rican, and when we visit the center of the island I see the stray dogs running around from time to time. Some on the island 'own' dogs in the sense that they come by the house for food and water, rest and affection, but wander the streets and the rivers. It is a semi domesticated state, but not one bred from cruelty. In a way it's symbiotic. The people and the animals enjoy their time together and their freedom. In the cities, some people have traditional house pets as we would understand them. More often than not, dogs run around in relative peace.<br /><br />I would argue that line about torture is a grossly unfair statement. I have found cruelty to dogs is as socially repugnant there as it is here, and the culture doesn't condone dog fighting lightly as it is found state side. <br /><br />Dogs do die on the roads, but no more so than deer do up north. It's the normal plight of animals that maneuver across roadways. <br /><br />Of course it is a wonderful thing that you adopted. Loving that the pup is island born (though I tend to agree that there is just as much need closer to home). I will say that the wording in the post tends to paint a very dystopic picture of the 'Enchanted Island', but that could just be my Puerto Rican half being a bit sensative. Thanks for posting! I'll be sure to post a link on my blog, poochieproject.comRelays Housenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-51675386151097644942013-01-16T14:11:56.789-05:002013-01-16T14:11:56.789-05:00Thank you so much for this heartfelt, informative ...Thank you so much for this heartfelt, informative post. This is all new for me and you have given me quite an education. How wonderful that Bella has you for a family! Will read more about the Satos and their sad plight. This reminds me a bit of Italy, where stray dogs roam all over and most people are afraid of them. Education is the key, always.Debbie Dogladynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-2352045145598154062013-01-16T11:55:28.185-05:002013-01-16T11:55:28.185-05:00Bella's story is such a touching one and I alw...Bella's story is such a touching one and I always tear up a little when I read about her beginnings. She has come a long way, and not just because she was a Sato. You've made some very important points that can be applied to ALL dogs, not just Satos or even rescues. Shiva's isn't a wackadoodle because she came from a shelter. She was probably in the shelter because she was a wackadoodle but that doesn't mean all dogs in shelters are the same. Every dog is an individual, no matter his start in life. <br /><br />It also doesn't matter to me where a dog was born, he or she is worth saving, worth caring for, worth the time and stress and money, if he was born in Canada or in Mexico. We all live in one world and we all need help. Arguments around helping at home first are fine if that is a person's preference. I am so glad you looked beyond your community, however, and found Bella. You are very lucky to have one another.<br /><br />Thanks for participating in Blog the Change with such an important piece!<br /><br /> Kristinehttp://twitter.com/shivathedognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-57478069117880936872013-01-16T10:53:04.747-05:002013-01-16T10:53:04.747-05:00That was a beautifully written post Leslie, thank ...That was a beautifully written post Leslie, thank you for sharing the plight of the Satos. <br /><br />You are so right, education of the children is key, children is where real change can be made. That and stronger animal protection laws and enforcement. <br /><br />Good for you for tackling the subject and addressing the issues logically, as long as an animal is rescued, does it really matter where it came from?Jodinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-53678910710407683922013-01-16T06:06:38.925-05:002013-01-16T06:06:38.925-05:00Bella may have her issues, but she's a credit ...Bella may have her issues, but she's a credit to you and a great ambassador for Satos. If just one person reads your article and ends up adopting a Sato, now wouldn't that be wonderful?! Deccy xDeclan Greyhoundhttp://www.declansdogsblog.co.uknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-50204223256471156162013-01-16T05:08:35.948-05:002013-01-16T05:08:35.948-05:00Great story! Isn't it wonderful to learn about...Great story! Isn't it wonderful to learn about all the different dogs that can use our help? I interviewed Debbie Jacobs of fearfuldogs.com for Animal Cafe - when I first met her on twitter three or four years ago, I found out about her work with Satos and had not heard of their plight before. Thanks for writing for Be The Change day =)<br /><br />Mary E Haight<br />Bethechangeforanimals.com <br />DancingDogBlog.comMary Haighthttp://www.dancingdogblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-44300036496271772482013-01-16T04:28:29.111-05:002013-01-16T04:28:29.111-05:00Woof! Woof! This is our first time to hear about S...Woof! Woof! This is our first time to hear about Sato dogs. Golden Thanks for sharing ... we learned something new today. Bella is truly a special dog. In general Bella means beautiful. You've given her such a beautiful gift, gift of a new life. Lots of Golden Woofs, SugarSUGAR: Golden Woofshttp://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-67824007092511809312013-01-16T00:20:50.166-05:002013-01-16T00:20:50.166-05:00I have never heard of these dogs before and really...I have never heard of these dogs before and really learned a lot from reading that. It's very sad that there are so many strays in Puerto Rico and that the kill rate is so high. I agree that educating others is very important in the welfare of not only the satos, but for animals everywhere. I think it's wonderful you decided to help Bella! Great story! Pawsitively Petshttp://twitter.com/mypawsitivepetnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-63519353820649372652013-01-15T23:35:53.888-05:002013-01-15T23:35:53.888-05:00I will admit to not knowing anything about Satos u...I will admit to not knowing anything about Satos until reading about your beautiful Bella. I can only imagine how the people on the front line feel as helping our local animals is overwhelming & the statistics are nowhere near what they are facing. Please do not feel as though you are doing the Satos a disservice by writing about your experiences with Bella. Many people have been made aware of the situation from what you have written & I think we all know (or should) that dogs are individuals :) Not to mention all of the people you are helping out that have shy/fearful dogs.Pauley Jamesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-56853239438625878802013-01-15T23:03:53.628-05:002013-01-15T23:03:53.628-05:00There's a similar argument about saving the Ga...There's a similar argument about saving the Galgos in Spain. Their fate is horrific. I go back and forth about thinking about adding a Galgo the next time there's room at the inn. I love the Greyhounds and I'll always have one or two in my life, but it's hard to say which dog to pick and which dog not to. You've written a great post about the Satos and really made a great point about why somebody should adopt one!houndstooth4noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-15585037716446934712013-01-15T22:58:33.862-05:002013-01-15T22:58:33.862-05:00Wonderfully written post! I had to Google the ter...Wonderfully written post! I had to Google the term Sato as I didn't see the definition in your post, but by doing so I spent probably 30 min jumping from site to site reading about the type of life Sato's have to endure.Elizabeth Bergesennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-3458657704266342272013-01-15T22:43:59.233-05:002013-01-15T22:43:59.233-05:00It's amazing that such a tiny island can have ...It's amazing that such a tiny island can have such a huge problem ;( I just can't believe that they have a beach called "Dead Dog Beach". Ugh. Sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed by the enormity of the animal population problem. <br /><br />I had no idea that Bella is a Sato! I don't think there is any breed that has "fearful" as one of their listed personality traits so Bella is definitely not a bad representative of the breed! She's so cute - thanks for sharing this, the more that we educate people about what is going on, the more people we can get involved!Julie Melfihttp://www.thedailydogblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-64077916824406851732013-01-15T21:40:30.245-05:002013-01-15T21:40:30.245-05:00Powerful and beautifully written Leslie. I learned...Powerful and beautifully written Leslie. I learned a lot about Satos from Debbie Jacobs from Fearfuldogs.com. Before meeting her, I knew nothing of Satos or the horrible life so many of them live. She does a lot to help educate the people of Puerto Rico. She brings many home to be adopted. <br /><br />Reading your post made me realize that perhaps there is something I can do to help support you and Debbie in your work to save them. I certainly think this post goes a long way towards educating people about their fate. <br /><br />And to think that puppy mills on the mainland feed this insanity. Ugh!<br />Thank you for writing this post for Blog the Change. I am sharing it on my own page. <br /><br />Mel<br />Team BTCNodogaboutitblognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228355467064891425.post-42570744541616664142013-01-15T20:14:12.643-05:002013-01-15T20:14:12.643-05:00Leslie, Thank you for sharing a post about Satos t...Leslie, Thank you for sharing a post about Satos that's so beautifully written from the heart. Your sincerity is palpable and your argument so logical. I find your facts about Puerto Rico a compelling piece of the equation. I don't think people are always aware of connections we have on this planet, national connections, spiritual connections, responsibility connections. All unhomed dogs need rescuing. I can't think of any other way to put it. I hope people open their eyes enough to see that these dogs, too, are worthy. <br /><br />Thanks so much for Blogging the Change. <br />Kim Clune<br />BetheChangeforAnimals.comThisOneWildLife.comKimClunenoreply@blogger.com