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Hi Global Strays Partner,
I’m so excited to share with you two amazing stories from our recent spay and neuter clinic in Bogotá, Colombia. These free clinics reduce the stray animal crises in impoverished regions by providing a procedure pet owners couldn’t otherwise afford. At these clinics, we often find people with incredible relationships with their pets.
The first story is of Jhonatan and his dogs Blacky, Shadow and Luna. When I saw this photo of him (below) it immediately captured my interest as I’ve always believed anyone with a neck tattoo has a unique story.
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Jhonatan, with rescue pitbull Luna & Sombra’s daughter, Blacky
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Jhonatan’s tattoo is of his first dog, Sombra, a bull terrier who passed away last year from breast cancer. To Jhonatan, the tattoo on his neck symbolizes respect, and gratitude for everything Sombra gave to him.
Little did Jhonatan know, his first bull terrier would later turn into 3 more pets: He rescued Luna when he found her tied up on the streets of Bogota. Blacky is the daughter of the late Sombra while Shadown is Blacky’s son. Jhonatan says his pets, “...are my family. They are my reason for being.”
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Then there’s Dilan, 9 years old, and his dog Estrella (pictured below). Dilan rescued Estrella when he saw her being thrown out of a truck. He didn’t plan on having a pet, but sees Estrella as a wonderful gift. Dilan says, “She’s beautiful, she has helped me with my depression. Since my dad also left for another country and I had lost my previous dog, Estrella motivates me to live and gives me a lot of love.”
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Dilan’s life-changing relationship with his dog is something I understand, and I know you do too, Global Strays Partner.
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Dilan, 9, with his dog, Estrella
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The love we have for our pets is universal, whether you’re in Texas, like me, or in Colombia, like Jhonatan and Dilan. While love is universal, access to veterinary care is not. That’s why it’s so important Global Strays has these free spay and neuter clinics.
And in other exciting news, myself and our Programs Director, Kristy Himmler, are visiting our programs and staff in Bogotá, Colombia next week! We’ll be on the ground, so please stay tuned. Can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Warmly,
Liz
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