We just found 16 neglected satos…

Not tiny puppies from the beach.

These 16 dogs were rescued from a hoarding situation in Hatillo, Puerto Rico. Some arrived with medical needs; others are deeply fearful, never having had the opportunity to trust new people. And technically, there were 17 at first - sadly, one was so medically compromised that our vet recommended euthanasia after a thorough exam. Our hearts broke to hear it. But we knew it was the most humane option.

Our trainer, Edgardo, is now working with each of the 16 dogs to understand who they are, what they need, and what kind of home will help them thrive. He’s creating individual behavioral profiles so their next chapters can be built around their unique needs. We are actively accepting and processing applications for these satos to get them to their forever homes soon!

Many are already listed for adoption on our website, with active applications in process - because next month they’ll travel to the mainland!

That’s right, SATO United will be back in September!! 

It’s not just for the cute puppies from the beach. We don’t shy away from adult satos, medium and large dogs, or animals with medical and behavioral challenges; the ones who need extra time, patience, and understanding. SATO United is our expanded Freedom Flight program, and it does not discriminate. If a rescue animal is properly vetted and has a mainland home waiting, we want to help get them there. And when other rescuers need affordable veterinary care in Puerto Rico, we want to help provide that, too.

SATO United will take to the skies again on 9/19, and that timing matters. It’s prime hurricane season, and Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico in September 2017.

Puerto Rico is in crisis: more than 650,000 stray dogs are struggling to survive, and thousands remain in danger every day; we’re racing to fly vulnerable dogs to safety before summer ends, and we need 100 new Sanctuary Sustainers by August 31 to keep this life‑saving work moving.

Saying “yes” means more than a spot on a plane. It takes veterinary care, food, medications, supplies, rehabilitation, behavioral support, foster homes, and transport to adopters.

We hope you’ll make a donation today to help us say YES to these deserving rescues.