Celebrating 10 Years of The Sato Project

ADRIAN/SUGAR - 2014-15
Adrian (named after Rocky’s wife) was found on Dead Dog
Beach in 2014. She had been hit by a car and dragged. Her
two front legs were so completely shredded that bones
were sticking out of her skin. One of her back legs was also
horribly dislocated. At the vet clinic, we contemplated if
humane euthanasia might be the most compassionate way to
end her suffering. However, despite being in such severe pain,
this incredible sato was still wagging her tail. She was the
happiest dog we had ever met. It was clear that she wanted
to fight. After five major surgeries, countless water therapy
sessions, and an entire year of medical rehabilitation, Adrian
was as good as new. She got adopted by a member of our core
volunteer team, who renamed her Sugar. Not only did Sugar
prove to be our ultimate champion (she even once walked
Chrissy into the boxing ring for a fight), but she also holds the
record of being our most expensive dog to date. Her medical
bills cost over $20K. The joy she brings to her family and to
everyone she meets is worth every single penny.
DANA AND DANYA - 2014
When our founder, Chrissy, first came across Dead Dog Beach
in 2007, Dana and Danya were already living there. They were
a mother and daughter pair who were feral. At around 11 and
8 years old, respectively, they had spent their entire lives on
the beach. On meeting them, Chrissy made a promise that no
matter how many years it would take her to rescue them, they
would not die there. Our team kept a watchful eye and gave
them food and water every day. We tried to rescue them many
times, but they too smart for us. However, Chrissy remained
determined to fulfill her promise. Finally, one evening in
2014, after an intense rescue mission that included Chrissy
swimming out into the ocean after them, Danya was brought
into safety. It took several more attempts before Dana was
finally rescued too. To see her safe after so many years brought
our entire team to tears. Dana was the last dog rescued from
the original pack of dogs, who had lived on the beach since
before The Sato Project was founded.
Both of these satos had a host of medical issues, including
heartworm and precancerous growths on Dana. In addition, as
feral dogs, they needed to learn how to be comfortable around
humans. They both spent more than a year living at our clinic
while they recovered. As we got to know them, we learned
that they were not bonded and would be okay if separated.
In 2016, Danya made her way stateside to a loving home and
her mother Dana found a permanent home in Puerto Rico with
one of our volunteers. Both satos lived their remaining years
surrounded by the love and comfy dog beds they deserved.
While they are no longer with us, both dogs will remain an
important part of our story forever. Every time a dog evades
our rescue - we think of them, and we know to never give up.
Photo by Myritza Castillo
Photo by Myritza Castillo
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