(Photograph courtesy of Myritza Castillo for The Sato Project. and used with permission.)
Sato Project president and founder Chrissy Beckles says her calling started with a trip to Puerto Rico, to spend time with her husband.
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During her visit, Chrissy was struck by the plight of Puerto Rico’s street dogs, called “satos”. Due to poor economic conditions, literally thousands of stray dogs were running around the island. Many times, people abandoned their animals on one of the beaches when they couldn’t, or wouldn’t, provide for them.
And one particular beach, in southeastern Puerto Rico, had so many abandoned animals that locals had nicknamed it “Dead Dog Beach”.
Struck by the dogs’ plight, Chrissy quit her job to work full-time, rescuing the satos. In 2011, she started her nonprofit, The Sato Project, to rescue the abused and abandoned animals. Daily, Chrissy and her team go to “Dead Dog Beach” to provide food and fresh water. When they can, they capture the dogs and care for them, providing veterinary services and vaccinations.
Most importantly, Chrissy and her team fly the dogs they rehabilitate off the island to new homes, mostly in the States.
Chrissy talked about her background, how she came to found her organization and the changes she and her team have been able to accomplish.
(And Happy Anniversary to Chrissy and her team! The Sato Project marks five years of animal rescue on November 10th, with their first annual “Sato Soiree” fundraiser. You’re invited!)
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you’ll hear:
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How’s Chrissy’s background paved the way for the work she’s doing today;
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How she came to start The Sato Project;
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The factors behind the plight of Puerto Rico’s stray dogs;
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How The Sato Project has started offering new services to the local community this year;
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How you can get involved and help (she needs other donations besides money!);
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The stories of some of the dogs Chrissy and her team have rescued;
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The average cost, to rescue a sato dog;
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The dramatic changes The Sato Project has made in Yabucoa, where “Dead Dog Beach” is located.
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Chrissy’s goals for the future, for the dogs of Yabucoa.
I am hoping people listen to your story, Chrissy, and begin to understand what drives a person to rescue the satos. It is complex to some but so rewarding and definitely heart fulfilling. I am glad I can say I know Chrissy Beckles and the Sato Project. I may kick that door back in someday. I’ll let you know.
You are my hero
I just love and admire you so much. I would love to help out in some way. I live in NJ and I have a rescue from Puerto Rico named Lucy, I feel the absolute same way about animals and would love to make a difference like you. GOD BLESS YOU!
Chrissy, as Im listening to this I just love you. Im so on board with what you are doing. Take them all.
Love,
Tiffany, Coqui and Kai