Ch..Ch...Ch...Chia!

Our newest foster girl 'Chia' arrived from Cuba on May 10th, 2012 along with her very cute Cuban counter-part and buddy, Caleb, who is also being fostered by a LOYAL Rescue Inc. foster volunteer.  Welcome to Canada...our newest little Canadians!!

Here is Chia with a little play buddy in Cuba
 after Dr. Slavik and Ingrid nursed her back to health

Chia's story is very sad, and unfortunately, a very familiar one for many dogs in Cuba.  You see, Chia was found as a stray on a resort in Cuba, starving and dangerously thin.   As bad as that sounds, that was not the worst of Chia's problems.  Chia had horrific injuries to her body and was found to be pregnant too.  She was most likely attacked, either by humans and/or other dogs and still has the battle scars to show for it.  Chia was too sick to carry her puppies to full term, so they did not survive.  : (     
In spite of all that, Chia remains the most loving, affectionate, friendly and trusting dog.   I don't know how she's been able to overcome what she's been through so quickly and embrace a future now filled with hope, but it is definitely a testament to her inner strength and will to survive. 

The really good news for Chia is that a kind hearted tourist on the resort named Audrey cared enough about Chia to not turn a blind eye to Chia's desperation.  What Audrey did next is beyond amazing; not only did Audrey find someone to take care of Chia in Cuba until she could return, but during this time, had  researched and found an organization called APAC, a spay/neuter organization, as well as a dedicated vet named Dr. Slavik Zenkov and his wife Ingrid, who opened their hearts and home to Chia and nursed her back to health over the next 5 months.  


During this time, Audrey also found out about an organization called APAC,  a spay/neuter organization that  helps Cuban families by spaying and neutering their pets, as well as strays in small towns and resorts around Varadero.  They educate the citizens on proper animal care and health needs.  Any adoptions that are done are for tourists who travel to Cuba who find strays that they would like to adopt, or on occasion in situations like Chia's,  they are flown to rescue organizations in Canada, such as LOYAL Rescue Inc., where they are then fostered until they find their new homes.  It's a collaborative effort on the part of various animal welfare organizations, as well as many individuals who work together to help bring them to Canada.   

  Please check out APAC's Facebook Page for more details on many dogs in Cuba that need your help.  
These dogs do not need your sympathy or pity, they need your donations and / a forever home.
  Please donate what you can so that APAC can continue to save lives.
Every bit  helps and it is greatly appreciated!

People have often asked me, 'why rescue from other countries when we have many dogs here that need rescuing?'  My answer is simple:  we do not discriminate because of where a dog lives; a dog in need, regardless of where that dog lives, is no less needing of our help.  If anything, dogs in Cuba and other places need us more then ever!  Canada and the U.S. have many rescuers that work to save animals, but in places like Cuba, the need is not only an enormous one, but rescue for Cuban dogs are slim to none.  Their lives', literally, depend on us.  Without us, there is little to NO hope of survival for the majority of dogs there;  it's even worse if they are strays on the streets.  

The really GREAT news for Chia is that due to the collaborative efforts of many individuals and APAC,  Chia will now know what it's like to have a family to call her very own, probably for the first time in her young life and she will now know and experience love. 

All because of the one person who set the wheels in motion...Audrey, who was a voice for Chia when it mattered most.  

I wish there more Audrey's in the world.  The world would be a better place if there were.  

It's truly heart-warming what can be achieved when many different organizations and people come together with a common goal.

It takes a Village, or in this case, a 'Rescue Village' to save these special dogs.  Please join our Rescue Village in helping to save many more.
Thank You

This is Chia when Audrey first found her in Cuba

Chia now...

Here is Chia and Caleb on their way to the airport in Cuba; headed for Canada!!  

Thank YOU  APAC for making 

all of this possible

Chia and Caleb with their escort Melodie at the airport
 awaiting their flight to Canada!
Thank YOU Melodie !

Chia and Caleb with Ingrid and their escort, Melodie at the airport
waiting to come to Canada.

Chia was recently re-united with Audrey in Canada.  Audrey is ultimately the one responsible for saving her life!   If Audrey didn't care enough and step up to help Chia, it is almost certain that Chia would not have survived. 

Chia also got to finally meet another wonderful rescuer named Lynn, who was responsible for working with APAC to bring her to Canada.  

Chia remembers!!

A very emotional reunion

for Audrey and Chia!

They never forget those who

showed them love and compassion

Audrey giving Chia a treat

Chia with Lynn, Audrey and Me

www.loyalrescue.com