By John McPhaul
jpmcphaul@gmail.com
The San Francisco de Asís Animal Sanctuary Inc. (SASFAPR by its Spanish acronym) will celebrate its 14th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 13 with two drive-throughs, or “servicarros” to receive donations for the 260 dogs and cats it houses that are looking for a home.
The main point for receiving donations will be in front of the SASFAPR facilities, on highway PR-114 in Cabo Rojo, while the second location will be at the headquarters of the Reality Realty company in Santurce. The latter donation point will be operated by the friends of the 100x35 Backpacking Foundation.
SASFAPR is a non-profit organization dedicated to animal welfare that does not apply euthanasia by quota, age or adoptability. The entity is what is known as a “no kill shelter,” and currently houses 260 dogs and cats in search of a permanent home.
“SASFAPR’s monthly operation fluctuates between $22,000 and $25,000, one of the main items being veterinary expenses,” SASFAPR President Dellymar Bernal Martínez said. “This is why, on the occasion of our birthday, we turn to the great hearts of the people who believe in our labor of love, and we invite them to share their blessings with us in the form of donations.”
The shelter, which has a high population of senior tenants, relies on donations to fund its operations and provide its dogs and cats with the veterinary care they require, as well as the love and other attention they need to have a good quality of life while they wait to be adopted.
On Saturday, Aug. 13, #Sasfapr volunteers and staff will receive donations in front of the organization’s facilities between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Likewise, the Backpacking Foundation will operate its collection center at Reality Realty in Santurce, at the same time (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
“We are excited to be able to collaborate with SASFAPR and contribute to a better future for animals in Puerto Rico, full of love and compassion,” said Wilson Santiago Burgos, president of the Backpackers 100x35 Foundation and a blogger at Mochileando.com. “Wherever there is an opportunity to improve the quality of life of pets, Backpacking will be there, defending their well being.”
The following is a list of the currently most needed items: Wet food (from a can) for adult dogs and cats; wet food (from a can) for puppies and baby cats; cat litter; mop buckets; white vinegar;scouring soap; baby food made from chicken, meat or turkey; sausages; canned tuna; canned chicken; 33- and 39-gallon trash bags; pet dishes; dog collars, leashes and harnesses; ammonia; plastic pools (such as for children); toys for dogs and cats; biscuits or “treats” for dogs and cats; laundry detergent; old newspapers.
Over the past 14 years, the sanctuary has rescued and rehabilitated more than 3,000 animals, sterilized or neutered 5,000 animals in the five clinics it led during the “Spayathon for Puerto Rico,” and has collaborated with more than 20 animal welfare organizations inside and outside of Puerto Rico.
“In this time, we have also achieved the adoption of more than 3,000 dogs and cats in Puerto Rico and the United States,” Bernal Martínez added.
The organization created a “wishlist” on the Amazon internet sales platform: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1ADQ4MO78OUII?ref_=wl_share
If you choose to donate an item from the wishlist, you can send it to the organization’s mailing address: PO Box 538 Boquerón PR 00622-0538.
Monetary donations can be made by ATH Móvil at 787-612-8587, Paypal at info@sasfapr.org or checks payable to the San Francisco de Asís Animal Sanctuary.
For more information about the sanctuary, visit its social networks: Twitter (@SASFAPR), Fanpage on Facebook (San Francisco de Asís Animal Sanctuary, Inc. / @Sasfapr), Instagram (santuario.sasfapr), or visit its website (www.sasfapr.org). You can also write to info@sasfapr.org or send a text message to 787-612-8587.