Help Us Care for the Dogs Don Cristóbal Left Behind

Don Cristóbal was an older man living in Dominicalito, Costa Rica, who spent years taking in dogs that had been abandoned, abused, or simply had nowhere else to go.

He didn’t have much himself, but he opened his home to them again and again.

Our story with Don Cristóbal began in December 2022, when he became extremely ill with a serious lung infection and was hospitalized. At the time, 40 adult dogs and 4 puppies were depending on him.

We didn’t know whether he would be able to return home, so PERRA VIDA stepped in.

With the help of some incredible volunteers, we made sure the dogs were fed, bathed them, provided basic medical care, and began regularly walking dogs that had spent much of their time confined to chains as Don Cristóbal’s health declined.

Even after he returned home, we continued helping him care for the dogs while working to find them permanent homes.

By the end of 2023, more than 20 had been adopted.

But as people in the community realized that Don Cristóbal would take in unwanted dogs — and that PERRA VIDA was helping him — more dogs began appearing. As soon as we found a home for one, it sometimes felt like another was abandoned at his doorstep.

Since December 2022, we estimate that 60–65 dogs from Don Cristóbal’s care have been rehomed.

Earlier this year, his health declined to the point that he could no longer safely remain in Dominicalito. He needed to move closer to family and medical care and into a home with things most of us take for granted — a proper bed, running water, and a functioning bathroom.

He took several of the dogs he loved most dearly with him, including dogs that were elderly, sick, or extremely difficult for anyone else to handle.

Sadly, in late July, Don Cristóbal passed away.

After years of helping him care for the dogs he refused to abandon, PERRA VIDA has now taken responsibility for the dogs he left behind.

We were left with 11 dogs needing our help.

Thankfully, Canelo and Manchas — two of the dogs who were particularly difficult for anyone other than Don Cristóbal to handle — have already found an experienced home.

But the remaining dogs have a long road ahead.

Some are seniors. Some have chronic medical conditions. Some have had very little veterinary care. Several still need foster or permanent homes.

Before we can begin addressing their individual medical needs, each dog needs approximately $300 in basic veterinary care alone.

That includes:

* Vaccinations

* Complete blood panels

* Testing for tick- and mosquito-borne illnesses

* Parasite screening

* Basic veterinary examinations

And $300 is only our starting estimate per dog. It does not include treatment for anything those tests uncover, medications, ongoing care for chronic conditions, or other procedures that may be needed.

One of Don Cristóbal’s beloved senior dogs is already being treated for Ehrlichia, a tick-borne illness. We know there is a very real possibility that others will need treatment as well.

For a small rescue organization, suddenly assuming the medical and daily care of this many dogs is a significant expense.

That is why we are asking for help.

Don Cristóbal spent years saying yes to dogs that other people had thrown away.

He didn’t have money. He didn’t have a beautiful shelter or perfect facilities. At times, he barely had the basics for himself.

But when an unwanted dog appeared at his door, he gave it what he could:

A place to belong.

More than 60 of those dogs have already gone on to new lives because of him — and because people in this community stepped up alongside him.

Now we want to finish what he started.

Every donation to this fundraiser will go toward the veterinary care and immediate needs of the dogs Don Cristóbal left behind. If we raise more than is ultimately needed for their medical care, the remaining funds will support PERRA VIDA’s ongoing work providing veterinary care, spay/neuter services, fostering, and adoption assistance to dogs and cats in underserved communities in southern Costa Rica.

Whether you can give $10, $50, $100, or enough to cover the initial veterinary care for an entire dog, it makes a difference.

And if you aren’t able to donate, sharing this fundraiser helps too.

Don Cristóbal gave these dogs a place to belong when they had nowhere else to go. Now it’s our turn to make sure every one of them gets the care — and the home — they deserve. ❤️