Our wonderful friend Cristina has a birthday coming up and we would love to use this fundraiser to support her amazing work.

As many people know, our pups Lena and Lyla were rescued from the Dominican Republic. Our process of getting involved in their rescue and subsequently helping other dogs has opened our eyes to the infinite amount of need for education and resources for families, communities, and their dogs in the DR.

Cristina rescued Lena as a young puppy, painstakingly bathed her and removed all the ticks from her small body, and loved her so well. Lena was one of the lucky ones to get sponsored by a local rescue and ended up becoming adoptable to Canada. Many of the dogs Cristina helps do not get that opportunity.

This was the day Lena was rescued from the trash with her sister, Chloe.

The situation for most Dominican dogs and cats is dire. Due to lack of access to basic veterinary care, they are subject to parasite-borne diseases such as Ehrlichia, Lyme disease, and the long-term results of untreated screwworms. Mange is expected. Venereal diseases are common, often resulting in cancer. Parvovirus is rampant, and there's a large distemper outbreak on the island as well. The lucky few who survive this disease often have life-long effects. Because of limited access to spay/neuter clinics, pyometra and high-risk pregnancies are common and often deadly,. All of these things are easily prevented or treated in early stages with the proper resources and basic education.

Unfortunately, many of the largest risks to Dominican animals are the people in their communities. Some are used in dogfighting. Many others are poisoned or hit by vehicles, often on purpose. Our own dogs, Lena and Lyla, were dumped in the trash by someone who wanted to dispose of them – and this is not uncommon because people simply don't know what else to do. Those who want to help do not have the resources to do so, and are not able to provide the dogs with adequate food, water, or shelter.

This is Jack - he had many complex medical needs, but thanks to donors, he was able to have multiple surgeries and is now healed and living at Cristina's home with the rest of the pack!

Fortunately, many communities are receiving resources, medication, and education through rescue outreach efforts and veterinary clinics. The attitude toward the animals is slowly changing, and people in these communities can now love and care for their pets in ways they previously could not. However, change is slow, and that's where incredible people like Cristina come in.

Cristina is a rescuer and advocate for animals in her community in Puerto Plata. She has devoted her life to helping every dog and cat she possibly can and works 3 jobs just to be able to provide them with basic care. Cristina currently has 27 dogs in her care, along with countless other street dogs in the city of Puerto Plata who she provides with food, water, and medicine when possible. Her love for these dogs is incredible, and she makes so many sacrifices every single day just to give them a chance. When I think of the work Cristina does, I immediately think of the long distances she travels on the back of a motorbike to get an injured dog to the vet. I think of how she puts the dogs' needs before her own if it comes down to it, and uses every resource she possibly can to help them. She truly has devoted everything she has to these dogs, often sacrificing her own needs for her dogs. They are her family.

A puppy pile in one of the shelters!

Cristina's birthday is May 15, and we would love more than anything to donate a large amount that will help her with vet bills, cleaning supplies, and food. While these costs add up substantially for one person living in the Dominican Republic, every little bit you can give counts! Approximately 1000$ DOP ($22 CAD) can feed all the dogs for a day. 800$ DOP ($15-20 CAD) can vaccinate one dog. 3500$ DOP ($75 CAD) can have ta dog spayed or neutered, or can pay for 3 doses of flea and tick prevention. These needs are all ongoing as dogs are literally walking themselves to Cristina's doorstep for help. When we spoke to Cristina in February, 14 dogs needed to be vaccinated and 7 needed to be spay/neutered in her home - not including the local street dogs who she also helps.

Cristina is also working on building projects to improve her outdoor space for the pups as they currently do not have a roof and when it rains, they do not have much shelter. It would be amazing to raise enough to help finish the roof for her - which will cost an estimated 16,000$ DOP - only $350 CAD for Cristina to be able to give these dogs the shelter they need.

If you would like to partner with Cristina long-term, you can send one-time OR regular donations via e-transfer or Paypal to [email protected] (in addition to donating here) and join her facebook group Paws 4 Zion to stay up-to-date on her rescue efforts.

***Note: if you're unable to donate, I completely understand. You're still able to help though! Freefunder will donate $20 if we reach 100 shares and $1000 donated, and another $50 if we reach 500 shares and $5000. Please share and encourage your friends to do the same!

I have included a few more photos below so you can get the chance to see the precious animals your donations will support!

This puppy is one of a litter who ended up with Parvo. They all survived and now live with Cristina!

This is Zion - the namesake of the rescue. Cristina rescued him a couple years ago from a terrible situation and has nursed him back to health!

This is Diamond. He was rescued and is now happy and healthy with Cristina!

Let's not forget that she also helps the cats too!