To raise awareness about the situation of hundreds of thousands of abandoned dogs on the Island and promote the adoption of rescued pets, Ford Puerto Rico will carry out the Ford Paws initiative in partnership with Santuario Canita to commemorate the National Rescue Dog Day, which is celebrated today, May 20.
“Here in Canita, I treat them as if they were my children, I cry for them when they leave me, but I am glad because we are giving these dogs the opportunity to place them with a good family that will be in charge of giving them the love and necessary care that a pet requires”, said Carmen Cintrón, founder of the shelter. “Efforts like this fill my heart with hope, because there are so many abandoned animals on the streets of Puerto Rico that if we promote adoption, we manage to have the space available to continue with our mission of rescuing,” she added.
As part of this campaign, Ford gave the organization – the largest sanctuary in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean – 150 kits with basic items for the care of the dog adopted at the shelter, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary. The kits, which will be given to the first 150 families to adopt a dog beginning May 20, include a convenient waist bag, bandana, portable water bottle and a commemorative adoption certificate.
“Through Ford Paws, we want to support the Canita Sanctuary in its goal of raising awareness among the Puerto Rican population about the importance and benefits of adoption, as well as the sterilization of pets and the problem of animal abuse,” said Vivian T. Dávila, Communications and Public Affairs Manager for Ford Central America and the Caribbean, who added that this is the second time that the company has made an effort to encourage the adoption of pets.
Located in Guayama, Santuario Canita currently houses over 800 dogs. The organization does not have permanent support, and it is supported by the collaboration of people who identify with its cause. Among other donations, the entity accepts food for dogs and cats, construction and cleaning materials, and volunteer work. More details on how to help the Santuario Canita through adoption can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/santuariocanita/. 
