The county does not pick up the trash on time, but volunteer staff (seen her bathing a dog near the old water tank) do their best to keep the grounds clean.

Oct 26, 2008, Mayra Rivera, Puerto Rico

Sr. Velez Arocho, conceda por favor la extencion del contrato de los terrenos al Santuari9o de Animales San Francisco de Asis. Estas personas encargadas de mantener y alimentar a estos indefensos animales dan el todo por ellos, ¿ por que no da usted el permiso? Es lo unico que se le pide, que extienda el uso de unos terrenos que no tienen ningun uso, por ser inundables, pero que sirven de refugio a mas de 100 almas. Sea compasivo con estos seres vivos, todos merecemos una oportunidad en la vida, sea parte de la solucion al maltrato y abandono de los animales en esta isla. Gracias

Oct 28, 2008, Barbara Leslie, Maine

I lived in PR for 2 years and worked with Arf of Rincon and the Pet Vet in Aguadilla rescuing dogs. The need for dog shelters, sterilization of animals and education regarding the humane treatment of animals in PR is great. So great it has gotten much attention from the mainland in the US. The people of PR need to step up to the plate and address the inhumane treatment of animals on the island.

Water reservoir on site. The only source of water, filled up by Cabo Rojo firemen. All water to the animals must be carried by the caretaker in 10 gallon buckets to the animals, 50 yards away and up a flight of stairs to the 2nd floor. The caretaker is a woman weighing less than 100 lbs.

3:50 am PDT, Oct 30, Francia Lantz, Puerto Rico

Animal shelters in Puerto Rico are few and far between. The closure of this shelter would have a negative impact for the cause of animal rights. The neglect of animals in Puerto Rico has become a health hazard and a safety issue for its citizens and tourists. This is something worth acting on. As a business owner and resident of Puerto Rico I formally request that the UPR extend the lease to SAFAPR and that all government offices will embrace and support these efforts in the protection of these animals.

Oct 28, 2008, Sonia L. Vazquez-Garcia, Puerto Rico

As the President of the Board of Directors of the only other No-Kill Shelter in Puerto Rico (El Faro de los Animales, Inc.) we wholeheartly support, and more than that, require from you, UPR-Mayaguez Chancellor, the immediate renewal of the Santuario San Francisco de Asis’ lease. As a UPR professor of 30 years I urge you, UPR-Mayaguez Chancellor, to actively teach human values like compassion, responsibility, love towards the needy, etc. to all the university students by signing the lease, giving this way hope and chance for a new life to all the needy rescued strays sheltered at this Sanctuary. With this action, Chancellor, you will ALSO be teaching human values(by “doing” not by “talking”)to young adults and this will indeed reduce the high incidence and prevalence of violence in Puerto Rico. Those without human values, who abuse, ignore, kill and/or endanger an animal, will do so with boys, girls, old people, homeless people; this relationship is already studied. So, sign the lease, just DO IT !!!! Not only dogs and cats will benefit for you action, but all Puerto Rico as well. Sincerely, Sonia L. Vazquez-Garcia.

Cabo Rojo small business community volunteers working over time before the Open House, pouring cement to repair a concrete base needed for the receiving tent. They worked for over 7 hours straight to make this happen. When night came, they continued working using their car lights as the only source of light. The sanctuary has no electricity.

Oct 27, 2008, Circe Arana, Puerto Rico

Agradeceria se le facilitara las facilidades al Albergue San Francisco para que continuen su obra de salvar y dar en adopcion a los animalitos. Puerto Rico tiene 78 Municipios pero solo 4 albergues municipales. Los albergues privados hacen el trabajo que el gobierno deja de hacer.

Oct 24, 2008, Sandy Martin, California

I was scouting for a film. PR was perfect until I left there ill from what I saw. I will never go back there again until this horror is taken care off. Shame to that government
NEVER

Oct 25, 2008, Maribel Mallens, Puerto Rico

Por favor, que les pasa a esta gente. Que les cuesta renovar un contrato por el bien de nuestros animales. Piensen que ustedes no tengan donde vivir y los tiren a la calle. Es lo mismo y hasta mas. Los “seres humanos” pueden hablar, nuestros animalitos no. Ya esta bueno de tanto maltrato. POR FAVOR, no les quiten ese espacio que hasta mejor cuidado esta. Dios ilumina a estas personas para que renueven el contrato.

Volunteers that came all the way from Aguadilla seen here assembling 1 of 3 large sunshade tents used during the Open House.

Oct 27, 2008, E. Huiberts, Belgium

Thank God there are people in Puerto Rico who are helping animals. They need all the help and attention.
Puerto Rico is a good example for animal rights in South America !

Oct 27, 2008, Sebastian J. Ramirez Diaz, Puerto Rico

Its sad that we see each day everywhere we go and we see these animals lost, alone, hungry, hurt, and uncared for. We see them and we dont do anything most of the time, but some of us do take time to pick them up or if they are dead to keep them out of the road, neighborhoods, or abandoned places so they wont rot there and be someone else’s food. Its a cause everyone needs to cooperate to help our Earth and the living things in this Place.

Oct 25, 2008, Arcadio Iglesias, Puerto Rico

Estos pobres animales ya fueron abusados y abandonados desde un principio y no se les puede volver a hacer semejante cosa. Este santuario , San Francisco de Asis, es un buen santuario que no piensa en lo mas minimo en poner a dormir los animales ,en contraste con muchos llamados “albergues” que creen y practican la Eutanasia. Y me da mucha lastima que esta peticion se le este haciendo a una institucion, la cual su “LOGO” y/o “ICON” es un !PERRO! llamado Tarzan al cual se trata mejor que a muchos humanos y que se comercializa hasta mas no poder, ya sea en camisas, sombrillas, libretas en fin solo ellos(RUM) saben las mil y una cosa donde sale el perrito llamado Tarzan. Arcadio

Lets be more like children! Despite the warnings from the adults to move away, these little ones were intent on filling a few buckets with sand for the concrete floor built in the back. Completion took more than 7 hours of near non-stop work. More muscle power could have helped complete it in much less time.

Oct 27, 2008, ADela Dávila-Estelritz, Puerto Rico

Concurro con todos los que piden que, juntos, seamos parte de la solución, no del problema. No podemos echar todos estos animales a la calle. Si alguien debería compadecerse de esto, sería la Universidad de Puerto Rico, como el principal centro docente del país. Por favor, demos el ejemplo, renovando el contrato del Santuario San Francisco de Asís.

Oct 27, 2008, Lirio Torres, Puerto Rico

This organization does a tremendous job and everyone should be supporting this great cause. It’s time to stop the abuse of animals in Puerto Rico. Things have gone to far. To me it is unbelievable that people can throw an innocent animal out on the street. Thank god that there are places such as Santuario San Francisco de Asis to take care of these innocent creatures; creatures that the only thing they want is love and affection, besides food and a place to lay to rest. This place has to be saved and I am willing to help anyway possible.

I will not stand for the abuse and neglect of animals in puerto rico.

Oct 25, 2008, Doriane Del Toro, Puerto Rico

Personalmente conosco el lugar y a las personas que trabajan en el y a los animales que allí son refugiados. Estas personas son humildes y a pesar de eso siempre le han dado de comer, atenciones veterinarias y muchisimo cariño a todos esos animales que un día un “ser humano” se los negó (ser humano entre comillas porque esas personas para mi no merecen ese título). Ese lugar antes de ser lo que es ahora no era utilizado para nada, estaba abandonado. No es justo que ahora que alli esta esa hermosa obra, esa hermosa casa de animales no firmen el contrato. DEBEMOS, COMO CRISTIANOS Y CIUDADANOS RESPONSABLES, DEJAR SENTIR NUESTROS DERECHOS Y LOS DERECHOS DE VIVIR QUE TIENEN LOS ANIMALES.

Oct 28, 2008, Aida Barrera, Puerto Rico

When good samaritans help those with no home, care or voice, the government does nothing to help, I think it’s about time we all got together and stormed the government offices for answers and actions.

Oct 24, 2008, Nina Torres, Puerto Rico

I believe enough time has passed for the UPR to have taken action. They are not using the premises anyway so there shouldn’t be making a big issue at htis point.
I will not stand for abuse and neglect of animals in Puerto Rico. We are a beautiful society that should not be judged for the horrible actions of others. We need to be part of the solution.

Oct 24, 2008, Steve Dale, Australia

Renew the license and give these poor animals a chance,if you take this shelter away then the animals will be killed and thats wrong.

A country will always be judged by how it treats its animals and wildlife.

Oct 27, 2008, Demoy Annick, French Guiana

persite et signe

Oct 25, 2008, Brunilda Negron, Puerto Rico

Let us hear your voice. Help us speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. RUM, renew the santuary’s lease. Don’t allow these animals certain death they do not deserve this. I do not believe that such a prestigos institution would allow something like this to occur.

Will you stand for the abuse & neglect of animals in Puerto Rico?As Puerto Ricans we pride ourselves on the beauty of the island, yet our streets are littered with cadavers of animales, and strays, please NO MORE ABUSE, there is strength in unity.

Oct 26, 2008, De LaFreniere, Canada

We need more “no kill” shelters – in fact – all shelters should have this policy
I will never vacation in any country that abuses animals – children or women. Maybe when tourism drops off – they will change their barbaric attitudes. What century are these people stuck in and where is their goodness???

Oct 27, 2008, Anonymous, Puerto Rico

Yes I will stand up for the little ones who give us so much joy and love in our lives. How can there be people who look and do not see the love the little one have for us. How can we mistreat or even just ignore those who give us so much. Please help the sanctuary. There are no enough angels for the animals.

Oct 24, 2008, Miriam Segura, New Jersey

La situacion del maltrato de animales en PR es abominable. Me da verguenza de ser puertorriquena cuando oigo que al gobierno no le importa el bienestar de los animales. Es hora de que se haga algo al respecto!!!!!!
I will NOT stand for the abuse and neglect of animals in PR–as a Puerto Rican it is embarrassing to see the government of PR behaving like a third-world country in this respect (and many others, but I guess those are a different matter)!

Oct 27, 2008, Tim Redfern, Tennessee

Justicia y compasion para los animales en todo!

Caretaker teaching some teen volunteers with bathing the animals. As the founder of the sanctuary more than 10 years ago, she has said "NO" to the abuse, neglect, and killing of animals in Puerto Rico. It is her that has to carry hundreds of 10 gallon buckets of water every month to the animals, do most site cleaning, animal feeding, caring, and love. We cannot all be as good as her, but every little bit counts.

Oct 27, 2008, Liovani Nazario, Florida

It is so sad to see all those animals in the streets of Puerto Rico. Support this shelter and let them help these cats and dogs!

Oct 26, 2008, Miriel Perez, Puerto Rico

En nombre mio y de ONDA, Organizacion nacional de derechos de los animales

Oct 25, 2008, Norma Vazquez, Puerto Rico

We need more places like this. Where homeless animals can live a decent life regardless of their owners lack of responsibility.

I WILL ALWAYS STAND FOR THOSE IN DISADVANTAGE!!!!!

Oct 26, 2008, Daniela Lavanza, France

Animals are not mere items; they should be spared!
If we don’t do everything possible to protect animals, who will???

Oct 25, 2008, Barbara Sultan, Netherlands

the abuse and mistreatment of animals in Puerto Rico has been going for too long. It is time that the island move into the 21st century. The government and citizens must stop using the “throw away” mentality and stop making excuses for it’s treatment of animals.

Oct 25, 2008, MEILYN HERNANDEZ, Puerto Rico

Es la primera vez que en pr hay un refugio q no mata animales,con su ayuda sin destruirlo estos animalitos que no tienen la culpa de haber nacido,que han sufrido toda su vida por primera vez encuentran un lugar donde no los van a matar,q con un poco de tiempo y esfuerzo encontraran un hogar donde seran feliz el resto de sus vidas.Por favor no destruyan este santuario,si tienen para otras cosas por q destruir este santuario,que esta haciendo un bien a ellos y a la comunidad.

This is why we want to renew our lease. This pregnant dog should have been at our sanctuary. Photo taken October 19, 2008 - Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Oct 31, 2008, Alana Martinez, Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

Dear Chancellor, Mayor of Mayaguez, Mayor of Cabo Rojo, Mayor of Hormigueros:

I wonder if you have realized the benefits that could result from allowing this shelter to finally have all its issues resolved. After investing over tens of thousands dollars provided by our community’s charitable contributions,(which actually means that the community supports this), fundraising activities, shirt sales and 9 years of 24 hr days of care for Porta de Sol’s unwanted animals, this self proclaimed animal sanctuary (no euthanasia) could finally enjoy of very well deserved system improvements. The shelter could serve the community better by placing itself in a “giving back” position, rather than a “needy” one.

Do you realize that your permission would allow them to get electricity and water installed? I wonder if you have ever carried 10 galon buckets of water back and forth, up and down two floors of stairs for even ONE day. Well, guess what? The lady who has done this for the past 9 years at the sanctuary already has a permanent hump on her back due to her carying these buckets to feed over 100 dogs and cats. Regardless, you can still see her smile every time she can save an animal from neglect or abuse. People have seen her spirit. And through her spirit and the help of sensitive people is that this sanctuary has survived.

We ARE living in the 21st century in PUERTO RICO. The meaning of Puerto Rico is Rich Port.  Before the Mayor of Mayaguez can think of why is it that Porta de Sol is not quite happening, and maybe thinks of blaming the president of Tourism for not having desirable results on her plan for increasing tourism in the area, think again.  It is these kinds of actions (lack of care) that scare tourists away from COMING back. You see, people from other places do come to visit ONCE, but that one visit TEACHES them not to EVER come back again. Seeing garbage on the streets, disorganization in everything we do, and stray animals top the disgust list. Therefore, Porta del Sol cannot capitalize on returning business and opportunities for a positive image of Puerto Rico in the world, nor economic prosperity within.

LISTEN to the PEOPLE. LISTEN to these petition signatures who ARE thinking voices that already think negatively of the system. It is NOT too late. The LAW Number 154 was approved a few months ago. YOU (ALL MUNICIPALITIES of Puerto Rico) have 1 year to come up with a plan.

The Sanctuary has been operating for 9 years without running WATER or ELECTRICITY other than a gas powered generator. Do you have ANY doubt that with your help we can make this world a better place?  Think about it… BE PART of the SOLUTION.  There is a team of resources with muscle power, university degrees, hundreds of volunteers, local businesses, some creative programs, an aggressive plan and a LOT of HEART. If you have not heard from the sanctuary yet, you must be totally oblivious to what is happening around you. Then, I wonder….who do you serve?  In your hands is OUR future.

Chancellor: A person who is born with carious degrees of dignity (as defined by Wikipedia).