The Sato Project has rescued over 7,000 dogs, each with their own special story. But there are some that will remain with us forever . . . .

Victor Amor

We rescued Victor Amor on Mothering Sunday, May 12th, 2014. We consider Victor Amor our greatest triumph to date. This video tells his story:

Hope

Hope was rescued as a tiny 6 lb puppy from Dead Dog Beach rescued on January 13th, 2013, with horrific injuries. Her little body had literally been crushed, and she had two dislocated hips, a fractured pelvis and a perforated bladder. We were horrified to learn that her injuries were not consistent with being hit by a car – they were likely caused by the hand of man. Our wonderful veterinarian in Puerto Rico, Dr. Bianca Aguirre Hernandez, had to perform emergency surgery to save Hope's life. Hope began her rehabilitation and 3 weeks later we received the devastating news that Hope had caught canine parvovirus. This terrible disease has a mortality rate of 91% in untreated cases. Dr. Aguirre treated Hope aggressively around the clock and refused to leave her side. Our entire organization and Hope’s fast growing fan base held their breath. Hope survived.

Hope traveled to New York in March with The Sato Project's Founder and President Chrissy Beckles to complete her rehabilitation. Hope required extensive, specialist surgery to allow her continued use of her back legs. Hope had bilateral femoral ostectomy surgery on April 4th. The procedure is not usually performed on both legs at once and is extremely rare in a puppy so young. Hope amazed her surgeons by walking 30 minutes after coming around from anesthesia. She went home with Chrissy the next day with 10 staples in each leg. Hope’s real fight was only just beginning. She was prescribed an intense schedule of therapy to strengthen her legs and keep her walking. Hope began water therapy twice a week and accompanied Chrissy to her boxing training sessions at the World Famous Gleason’s Gym. Hope would walk with Chrissy on the treadmill to the cheers of all the hardened fighters. Hope completed her therapy like a champion and was ready for her forever home. Chrissy, her husband Bobby and their two dogs, Basher and Boom Boom had fallen in love with Hope. Only the most spectacular person would be allowed to adopt her. Then Hope met Grace and it was love at first sight. Tears flowed as Hope made her own decision – she sat in Grace’s lap and snuggled up as if she had been there forever. Grace promised that Hope would be the most loved and cherished dog ever – and she is. Grace is the Founder of Design*Sponge design blog and an author. Hope now spends her days sunning herself on various comfy chairs and gorgeous rugs and of course a plethora of fabulous dog beds at the Design*Sponge offices, where she accompanies her Mum, Grace to work every day.

Hope’s rescue, care, surgeries and rehabilitation cost The Sato Project over $10,000 - the most expensive dog that we have ever rescued. But seeing her run, jump, play, oh yes and sleep is worth every single penny. Hope’s sheer will to survive, to live and to love will always inspire us to go back for the next one.

Paloma & Brave

Paloma & Brave were found in Gurabo, PR, facing harrowing circumstances.

Paloma, a beautiful dog with spotted, perky ears, was discovered in the woods with her eight puppies, who were just two weeks old at the time. Despite her dire situation, Paloma displayed remarkable friendliness and wasn’t very scared of humans. She interacted with our team with a wagging tail. Our veterinarian examined her and her pups, finding them in good health, except for some parasites that were successfully treated. When Paloma was rescued, she was estimated to be 1-2 years old, and her history of previous littered was uncertain.

Brave’s is also a story of resilience. We believe she was born on the streets, spending her life calling extremely harsh conditions “home.” Can you imagine a small puppy trying to survive this way? At just 10 months old, weighing 14 lbs, Brave’s tiny body bore the scars of daily hardships stray and abandoned satos endure on the island constantly; her skin was so irritated and infested with fleas and mange that even scratching for relief would cause it to bleed. The name “Brave” was bestowed upon her because she took a courageous leap into her rescuer’s lap without a moment’s hesitation.

Brave was adopted by a loving family in PA, and 6 months later, Paloma was adopted into the family too! We love receiving updates on their new lives together!

Ezekiel - In Memoriam

Despite the low odds of survival, Dr. Brito got started on Ezekiel right away. Ezekiel received a blood transfusion from another one of our healthy satos, Murphy, and it saved his life. His hemoglobin came up and with antibiotics, his infection cleared. And Murphy received a steak lunch for his critical contribution! Once his levels were normal, Ezekiel got started on his vaccination protocol and prepared to start the next stage of his rescue journey at our Sanctuary, so he could be placed in a forever home.

Ezekiel was found dying on the side of the road in PR. Despite his critical state, when he saw us, he stumbled and wobbled his way over to say hello. He was immediately rushed to the emergency vet where tests revealed his hemoglobin was desperately low, while his white blood cell count was extremely elevated, indicating he was anemic and fighting off an active infection. He was also riddled with parasites. Ezekiel was not expected to survive that first night.

**Murphy donated blood so Ezekiel could receive a life-saving transfusion.**

After healing from his dramatic condition, Ezekiel found an incredible home and flew to meet his new forever family, the Baldwins from Kentucky. We were amazed to have watched him triumph over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. At home, he enjoyed snuggling, eating eggs, begging for pizza, and his new sibling, Lilah. He was the happiest, most grateful boy, and totally spoiled - as he deserved!

Unfortunately, after almost a year of making special memories, the Baldwins received devastating news: Ezekiel was diagnosed with protein-losing nephropathy. We consulted with several veterinarians and tried everything that was suggested.
Ezekiel even had several plasma transfusions. He tried so hard to fight but his little body could not recover. Soon after, Ezekiel passed in the arms of his after this short and unexpected battle.

Ezekiel had 309 days of wonderful. It was 308 more than he should have had. Every moment was filled with love, delicious treats, smells and fun. That is how we reconcile his tragic passing. The Sato Project will always love and honor the memory of Ezekiel (who became called Zeke) and cherish his parents, Stephanie and Brent. Rest in peace, sweet boy.