our shelter by the sea
Piñones, Puerto Rico
In the 1990s Adrienne Galler-Lastra moved back to the island where she was born, to the house by the sea where her mother used to life. Over the years she turned the house into a shelter for the abused and neglected. A home for the countless stray dogs that are roaming the streets and beaches of Puerto Rico.
Although the island had to face economic crisis and natural disasters like hurricane Maria in recent years, Adri always carried on with her efforts. For twelve years now, with the help of loyal volunteers, her organization Amigos de los Animales is rescuing, fostering and rehoming dogs.
It’s a life full of sacrifices but these playful mutts, shaped by the Caribbean sea, never cease to impress with their ability to forgive and their eagerness for life.
Sato. A Puerto Rican slang word for the thousands of stray dogs living on the island. These dogs were born in trash barrels, abandoned on the streets, tortured or abused. But also dogs who are considered highly intelligent, with a fierce will to live since they’ve learned to clung to the smallest chance of survival.
They are mutts and bastards, wild and playful, uncountable in their shapes and sizes and razzed by the struggles of life. They are the masters of solitude as well as the loyal kings of companionship.
The locals call them Satos and Puerto Rico is their island.
