When I think of Costa Rica, I think of a lush tropical landscape that’s always warm, with some of the best sightseeing on earth. Surrounded by both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, this huge garden is almost like heaven on earth, and I have never assumed it could get any better. Boy, was I wrong!
Like most animal lovers, I have a soft spot in my heart for canines, and it turns out I’m not alone. Okay, sure, there are dog parks galore in the city I live in but nothing like the Territorio de Zaguates, or “Land of the Strays” that you’ll find in Costa Rica.
Like most animal lovers, I have a soft spot in my heart for canines, and it turns out I’m not alone. Okay, sure, there are dog parks galore in the city I live in but nothing like the Territorio de Zaguates, or “Land of the Strays” that you’ll find in Costa Rica.
Image Credit: Andrew George/Facebook
This privately funded, volunteer-run organization is home to over 900 dogs who roam free across the landscape and have unexpected breeds like “Chubby-Tailed German Dobernauzer” and “Fire-Tailed Border Cocker.”
To me, this sounds like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory dream come true for dog lovers everywhere. But far better than looking for a golden ticket, every single dog at this unique shelter is available for adoption. Though ‘mutts’ are usually looked down on when compared to a pure-bred breed, every dog at the Territorio de Zaguates is celebrated for their one-of-a-kind traits, and given a “breed” of their very own!
This privately funded, volunteer-run organization is home to over 900 dogs who roam free across the landscape and have unexpected breeds like “Chubby-Tailed German Dobernauzer” and “Fire-Tailed Border Cocker.”
To me, this sounds like a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory dream come true for dog lovers everywhere. But far better than looking for a golden ticket, every single dog at this unique shelter is available for adoption. Though ‘mutts’ are usually looked down on when compared to a pure-bred breed, every dog at the Territorio de Zaguates is celebrated for their one-of-a-kind traits, and given a “breed” of their very own!
Image Credit: Territorio de Zaguates
This celebration of their uniqueness has helped make these formerly overlooked dogs much admired, and they even had billboards and advertisements in urban areas saying simply, “When you adopt a mutt, you adopt a unique breed.” When someone shows an interest in a dog, they are invited to come meet them at the park and look around.
This celebration of their uniqueness has helped make these formerly overlooked dogs much admired, and they even had billboards and advertisements in urban areas saying simply, “When you adopt a mutt, you adopt a unique breed.” When someone shows an interest in a dog, they are invited to come meet them at the park and look around.
Image Credit: Territorio de Zaguates/Facebook
There, they’ll see volunteers leading the dogs on walks, or simply playing them to ensure they’re healthy, happy, and loved. If only more shelters were so positive about their animals, the world would be a much more awesome place!
Share away, people!
There, they’ll see volunteers leading the dogs on walks, or simply playing them to ensure they’re healthy, happy, and loved. If only more shelters were so positive about their animals, the world would be a much more awesome place!
Share away, people!