Help Juanita Heal: Her Recovery Journey Continues

One year ago, we shared the story of a little dog in Puerto Rico who had nearly given up hope. Juanita was found lying on the side of the road in the blistering heat, unable to move after being hit by a car. She had multiple fractures in her pelvis and femur, and her tail was so badly damaged it required amputation. Someone had left a solo cup with water nearby, but she was too broken and weak to reach it. Cars drove past her for days, and when Ruby finally arrived to rescue her, she could barely lift her head. The look in her eyes said it all—she had been waiting for someone to finally care.

Thanks to the generosity of so many kind people, we were able to get Juanita into emergency surgery and start her on the long path toward recovery. Against all odds, she survived. Our on the ground director in Puerto Rico, Ruby, spent many long days and nights caring for Juanita through those first few scary months. Once she was stable enough, she made the journey from Puerto Rico to Colorado, where our rescue founder, Ela, welcomed her into her home.

From the beginning, Juanita was extremely shy and fearful around people, but with patience, love, and the help of the volunteers, a dedicated trainer and the community, she has made incredible progress. She also spent some time being cared for by a dedicated team member Wes, who had to earn her trust slowly! She loves car rides and is a treat lover at her core, learning quickly to love Starbucks for their pupcups. She has also found comfort and confidence living alongside other dogs (she loves them dearly and has even been known to “manage” puppies like a little boss!)

But Juanita’s story isn’t over yet. Earlier this year, Juanita needed another surgery on her leg to support her recovery and give her the best chance at a healthy future. She has been incredibly brave through every procedure, every setback, and every step forward. While she continues to improve, her medical costs have added up significantly once again. Between her additional surgery, ongoing care, training, and recovery, the expenses have exceeded what our small rescue can cover on our own.

We are asking for your help once more so that Juanita can continue her journey toward full health and, ultimately, toward finding her forever home. She has already endured so much—pain, fear, surgeries, and uncertainty—but she continues to surprise us with her resilience and her spirit.

Your support changed the course of Juanita’s life once before. With your help again, every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving Juanita the life she deserves: one filled with love, security, and a family to call her own. And with every dog we are able to help recover and place in a loving home, makes space for another one to be rescued.

Thank you for believing in her and for standing with us as we help Juanita heal, one step at a time.

— Ela & The Blue Sky Satos Team

Costs so far:

First round of x-rays: $415

CSU Consult: $242

Second surgery procedure: $1,500

second radiographs and exams: $350

recheck $50

Physical therapy initial visit & consult: $160

Physical therapy follow up visits: $450

Trainer sessions: $280

Additional future rechecks, PT and miscellaneous medical supplies: $500