Nassau Humane Society Welcomes More Rescue Dogs from Puerto Rico

Thirteen more dogs from an overcrowded Puerto Rican animal sanctuary have arrived at the Nassau Humane Society in Fernandina Beach, and soon will be seeking forever homes.

Thirteen dogs were boarded into the Nassau Humane rescue van for a trip to the Nassau Humane Society in Fernandina Beach, arriving Friday night. Photo by Mandy Holden, Nassau Humane Society

The number of stray dogs in Puerto Rico has been estimated in the hundreds of thousands, and the sanctuary in the island commonwealth has been overwhelmed. About 125 dogs in total were airlifted to Palm Beach County on Friday.

Nassau Humane and other U.S. rescue groups agreed to take in the dogs, with the airlift conducted by Big Dog Ranch Rescue in Palm Beach County. Nassau Humane’s rescue van returned Friday night with 10 dogs and 3 puppies. They will be evaluated by the shelter’s veterinary and behavioral staff over the weekend and made available for adoption as soon as they’re ready.

NHS welcomed 15 Puerto Rican dogs from an earlier rescue mission in October. All of them have been adopted, NHS Executive Director Debbie Chissell said. 

“The previous dogs all found wonderful homes and it was such a success that we are hopeful these new dogs will find their forever homes too,” she said. “We really want to encourage people to open their homes and hearts this holiday season and give these dogs the second chance at life that they deserve.”

NHS also hopes that the community will again offer financial support for the rescue. Last time, five of the 15 dogs required heartworm treatment, and all needed spay/neuter surgery, Debbie said. One dog needed special evaluation of an old leg injury, costing several hundred additional dollars. The costs were defrayed by donations ranging from $20 to $500.

“Please consider giving a donation toward the medical care and treatment of these dogs, and toward transport costs, so we can commit to receiving even more dogs from Puerto Rico who are in dire need of your help,” she said. Donations can be made at NassauHumane.org/donate, by calling (904) 321-1647, or visiting the shelter at 639 Airport Road in Fernandina Beach.

Staff and volunteers of Big Dog Ranch Rescue unload the cargo plane that brought about 125 Puerto Rican rescue dogs to the United States Friday afternoon. Photo by Mandy Holden, Nassau Humane Society.

“The first group of Puerto Rican dogs have made so many people happy, including an 8-year-old girl whose family adopted their first dog,” said NHS Operations Manager Mandy Holden, who transported the new dogs to Fernandina Beach.

“They all seem really friendly,” she said. “My personal favorites are two big dogs, who apparently were housed together at the sanctuary. They’re super-sweet and happy in spite of what they’ve been through.

“They were all very easy to handle. Socializing won’t be an issue!” she added. “Plus they were quiet on the drive back, which was great.”

Nassau Humane Society is a not-for-profit, “no-kill” animal shelter at 639 Airport Road in Fernandina Beach. As the new Puerto Rican dogs become available for adoption their pictures will be posted at NassauHumane.org, with updates on Facebook as well.

Cutlines:
puertorico2, puertorico3: Staff and volunteers of Big Dog Ranch Rescue unload the cargo plane that brought about 125 Puerto Rican rescue dogs to the United States Friday afternoon.
puertorico1: Thirteen dogs were boarded into the Nassau Humane rescue van for a trip to the Nassau Humane Society in Fernandina Beach, arriving Friday night.
Photos by Mandy Holden, Nassau Humane Society