Island Dogs Rock

23/08/2024

In this age where everything is photographed there are moments that it would spoil the precious feeling...
I had 2 of these moments on Wed.
First was after a long talk with dr Calderon about Princessa and her sudden decaying and what is next for her.Afterwards I took her to the ocean, to smell and feel the breeze just like when she was a young pup raised on the beach of West Bay.It was beautiful to see her getting her sprint back for a moment.No picture would have spoiled this precious time.
The second was in the evening returning from the shelter I see an old man getting off a rusted bycicle, opening a small bag and feeding about 15 dogs..they were all so behaved on a side of the road, they ate and then all disappeared.I turned around, stepped out the car, gave him some dog food I always carry for the strays and it warmed my heart to meet him..no teeth, truly poor but with a big heart.I know where to find him now so I can give him one of the big donated bags.
A simple poor man feeding the street dogs...it spoke so much to my heart about what being truly a human means.No pictures, no advertesiment, no pubblicity for this old compassionate man.For me a true hero in this world of fakeness.
All we need is to truly look around and hidden gems are around.

21/08/2024

If there is one people dog is Tigre/Tiger.
He likes humans, laid back, no issues with other dogs, cats or chickens, smart, walks well on leash and the list could go on...
Totally wasted in a kennel. At one point he was adopted in West Bay but his adopter left the island 1 month afterwards never to return...so I went and pick him back.
He was an airport dog who faithfully walked his owner to his job , wait 8 hours as an airport greeter and return home...until the management said no more and the poor man called me with sorrow giving up his dog....I knew the man for years and he was good to Tigre but poverty is not easy and he needed his job...so Tigre was raised in a home and that is why he behaves so well.
Anyone who wants to give Tigre a home?He will be a joy to have around.

19/08/2024

Picking thru the fence at Viva yesterday after she ate.I called her Viva because she was brought to the vet to be put down and he called me asking if I could take her in.
Viva because she is alive.She is a happy dog, loves to run and explore.
Right now she has the whole "back" with Tigre and they love to play.
Like all our animals she is spayed and healthy.
PM if you want to adopt Viva.

18/08/2024

We might have an adopter for this boy😀a few more details and hopefully this week he will finally have his human.
Last week the landlord very graciously asked me to give him back part of the property and also all kennels have to be dismantled.
We are not evicted but will have to move the dogs in the "back".
Which means extrawork, fixing new areas, more cement/wood work and regrouping.
If someone wants to adopt a dog this would be a good moment since our future looks uncertain...I am more than grateful for the many years we have rented this property without having any issues with neighbors or the landlord and many animals that were rescued because we had this land rented.Land is very expensive and I understand their decision.
All our dogs are spayed, in good shape and very special.Best alarm system on Roatan is a dog.

18/08/2024

Karla Paz this is for you😀Thank you!Check the cats in the backround!!!

17/08/2024

Once the food is sent in the comunities is prepared in bags to donate to needy families too.
Watching the young girl doing it feels my heart with joy.

12/08/2024

My morning coffee companion Chico🥰
What is up with this garbage pups...they all turn gorgeous.I remember Emerson too...
Of course he was lucky to be adopted by a good woman and in Chico's case it happens to be my landlady.
Honestly Chico thinks I am his mother and obeys me, runs to me every time he gets in the yard.and like all pitbulls(he is a bit of a mix) devotes himself to one person.And that is me🥰.Really, he sits in adoration of me😀.
Reminds me of my Buster, another pit that I cried my soul when he died.
The loyalty these dogs have goes beyond anything and I don't think as a race we human excel at it.
So if you pass by a garbage and see a skinny pup you might end up with a gorgeous dog.

10/08/2024

This is my answer posted on a pet site where disturbing facts came out about animals dying in cages while transported by land from Honduras to US by an animal transporter.

My name is Olivia Munteanu and have been rescuing animals on Roatan for 17 years and Mexico and Italy for a total of 40 years. Some like me as a person some don't...but one thing is sure is that I always speak the truth and each animal that I get in contact with will be protected by me till the end.Island Dogs Rock is the evidence.
I hope my post is not deleted and that my input can save future lives.

I have followed with obviously great concern your story for the future of the pets that might travel again.
None of the people who had similar stories is posting how much they spent which would give a better idea of the magnitude of this situation.
So as long as none of the victims is willing to be open about how much they spent I think nothing will happen.Stating facts in a concise manner might help to avoid deaths of caged animals.
By the way....who in their right mind would send their furbaby on the road in Central America and Mexico with a total stranger?
So the pet owner has to take his share of responsability too.There is no offer without demand.This unknown guy saw an opportunity provided by clueless owners to make money in a third world country.Your US country has rules, you tried to circumvent them and this is the result.
His drivers probably also saw an opportunity to make money.They could have transported potatoes and would have been the same for them.It was a job, not a calling.
You want real legal action taken against this person then start the process because your complaint on FB will not keep other innocent animals from dying.
I was asked to foster 2 animals by Deb Johnston and Jeff Bryson because they were going to travel with Matthew Myers and Co and both were in desperate need with their pets.Jeff Bryson didn't even know me and gave me the dog..I could have abuse the animal, sell him, kill him...I was also a total stranger.That desperate he was that he was willing to take a chance and risk his dog's life.I saw thru that desperation and Jeff was lucky to bump on me.He was not the first US veteran I was helping so I offered help.Matthew would only transport the animals but not housing them before the trip.
One dog was driven by Matthew Myers and the other by Moises son in law of Angie Carlisle from Flight Angels of Roatan which gave him credibility.Both dogs arrived well.
From the very little interaction I had because I was not involved in the travel plans the impression I had was that Moies was not willing to give any details and I understood it because I was not his client and he wanted no prying.I could see he knew how to handle dogs especially because Baron is a huge black german sheperd and myself I respected the dog and I dealt with hundreds of dogs as a rescuer.Matthew did answer a few of my general questions.I did wonder about the paperwork and how he was able to avoid all the hoops but again this was the owner responsability not mine.He did ask me if I made sure to charge for fosteting and I told him no, I was just trying to be of help with both owners and pets simply because I could and I had an empty kennel. So not having charged allows me to be very objective.
We all want pets to be adopted in US or Canada but there are rules to follow and they are there to protect both people and animals.Otherwise don't bring your pet to Honduras because ultimately the owner is responsable of the welfare of his pet.
Transporting a few dogs could have worked but seems this became very profitable business but really...is it a business following laws and procedures and paying taxes or is it animal traffic?Because it makes me sick to think of the kind of death these dogs had...
Roatan is no stranger to peopke coming, using animals for profit then oops... the animals die, just remember Janessa and her cronnies.
I hope my input and sharing my experience can be of help.

09/08/2024

Counting....dividing...and in 30 min all went away to be spread in different communities.It felt sooo good.And to close the day I brought dog food to a guy in Coxen Hole who cares for 20 dogs in an old houseware.He wasn't expecting it so his expression was priceless.I had 2 bags for him and he only picked up one and I had to call him back..he was so surprised I would give him 2...
Once again thank you for helping and trusting me to spread it well.With this shipment we gave away 4 tons of food in 4 months!!At the point of hunger even cats can eat it so it goes for both cats and dogs since is tiny kibble.
And most of all Thank you Lord for answering my prayers.

08/08/2024

Wow!At 6am I was crying not being able to help and at 1pm the dog food is waiting at the ferry in La Ceiba!!Karla Paz thank you for making it possible in a split second.The other friends willing to step in I will call you next time😀Thank you for letting me know I am not alone and together we can have some full bellies today between Coxen Hole and East End.All the food will be to donate to others.1 tone of food.

08/08/2024

Yesterday it was a hard day...I was offered another ton of food but I didn't have the 300$ needed to pay transportation to bring it over... to know I could have helped a few more but no funds just broke me...I don't think people understand the hardships I face every day in Honduras.I fought, I pushed, I juggled every penny so I don't say no to animals in need.But this time I reached the bottom ....I had to choose between paying rent for the shelter and having that ton of free food for the strays...
To know how to do good and not being able is heartbreaking...300$ that people spend easily in a fancy dinner and I couldn't help a few more...
A friend told me once she cannot understand how I was able to live here in the midst of so much misery...because what my eyes have seen for 18 years is enough to break a person...

07/08/2024

Last week I took this boy to see dr Calderon...he was not in the best shape.
2 injections and he is back in the game now.
Lunito was left behind by his owner who went in pursue of the american dream....like thousands others.Lunito in the midst of all was lucky because he gets fed everyday now at the cat colony and if need be he can see a vet and is neutered.

06/08/2024

The joy of being able to share dog food with the needy...it may not solve the life problems but some bellies got filled.3 tons of food in 3 months...thanks to the anonymous donor😀and as soon as we received it we gave it away.We received the food for free but had to pay the transport.I still don't know how I can stretch the small budget...but I had to share the blessing with others.
Luis and Sonia were our hands in the poor communities...❤18 years and they still answer my call to help the neighborhoods...some of the finest hondurans, poor themselves with a huge heart.
Also have dog/cat food in the car and stop feed the strays can make a big difference.It is only 5 minutes of our time...

01/08/2024

Estrella getting placed in her new "home".We use the crates as beds without doors.This particular crate was donated about 15 years ago by Patricia Noll...still putting it to good use.
Last month we were again under 1000$ with our set expenses....and many times I do not know how I can still push it to help one more...5 donors in 1 month for a total of 503$.This tells me that our rescue work in Honduras after 18 years doesn't mean anything, that only 5 people believe in what we do.
Not a nice feeling knowing all the sacrifices made and all the animals and people we helped.
Last night I had a meeting with the owner and told him I cannot afford to pay the rent for all the property anymore and I will have to reduce all expenses.He has been so gracious all these years and not once we had a complaint from the neighbours.
I hardly ask for help but in case anyone still thinks our rescue is worth something please use PayPal [email protected]

31/07/2024

Lately our finances have been low but the blessings arrived in the form of dog and cat food.We had so much food that we were able to spread it in Coxen Hole and the East Side.
Simple joys of feeding the hungry..

30/07/2024

Estrella had 12 pups..on the street.
By the time we arrived there were only 6 left alive.
Last night Estrella slept in safety, clean place, food and water.
Please use our PayPal address [email protected] to help us help Estrella and so many others.
Shelters can only survive and help one more if the rent is paid food purchased, vet bills paid.
I still have to find a foster willing to help within 5 minutes of an emergency...after 42 years of rescuing animals.

23/07/2024

19/07/2024

RIP My sweet Dandy....
I just read a quote by a famous composer and when he was asked if he had pets he said no because cats and dogs are beings who chose to keep him company and they were free to come and go ..Dandy was free to come and go and he chose to die on my bed, in his home.I had a broken moskito net and that way he could come and go in the yard...I inherited Dandy from a previous renter and he was a courageous cat.Even though I cared for so many animals and I saw many die it is just painful everytime..innocent souls in a harsh world who give us so much asking so little in return..some food and attention.
When did we loose touch with the true meaning of love and compassion and what it really means to be a human being?So much we can learn from animals.
God gave, God took away, blessed be His name...
If you have time read Psalm 104 about all God's creation.

17/07/2024

How can we help this dog with TVT?What would you do?

16/07/2024

It worked...the moma cat that just gave birth 4 days ago is eating again after starting the treatment.
The stress was big because 4 days old kittens had few chances to survive without being nursed.
We need to spay her once the kittens are 2 months old.

The cat population has really increased after covid and so many kittens end up in garbage bags...at least Moma Daisy and her kitties have 1 shot to a better life.

If you want to help us spay her please use our PayPal [email protected] and add "Moma Daisy" so we can pay the vet 150$ for her spaying.The kittens will have to wait another 6 months.One step at a time...

15/07/2024

Every single day I receive messages asking to help with a dog or a cat....
The drama of the unspayed animals.
What is the most common excuse for not wanting a dog...is a "she" dog and is pregnant.
So...you kept the animal until it served your purpose to protect you from thieves then once she is pregnant you discard her...
That is one type of human...
But there is another one, that calls me at 6 am because the stray pregnant cat he fed daily had kittens and he took her inside his simple room and now she is sick and he wants to know how to help her so the newborn kittens don't die...
2 types of people...which one do you think has my respect?

04/07/2024

This dog had an owner, was hit by a car, left for days without treatment until maggotts arrived...inside and outside her...then he asked for help.
she was cleaned of them but it was too late...she passed and at least was treated with care for the last few hours of her life.
I am beyond getting angry at the person who let her suffer for days...
Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing...is the only thing I can say.
No amount of anger will bring her back.

27/06/2024

The new shelter in Tela slowly but surely being built one brick at a time...the road to reach the construction site had to be made first.If anyone wants to help just open the Fundación Perros sin nombre and find the links.
This is a project dear to my heart because of the help we received from them and the compassion they showed towards the strays of Roatan.When I am desperate sometimes it is them that I call...Just a few hondurans with no resources but a big God and a big heart.

26/06/2024

Emma and her bed....If there is a dog that loves beds is Emma...and the only one that doesn't destroy them.During the years we tried all kind of beds and none lasts...until this one.
Emma put on weight and now she became more of a couch potato...
Being a tripod never stopped her from running but somehow now she has a bed to guard😀
I still hope someone will see how special she is and adopt her...

18/06/2024

Our PayPal is working again.Same address [email protected]
Thank you to all of you who kept trying😀

11/06/2024

DO NOT INJECT flee medication but apply it ON TOP OF THE NECK.
One of the reasons I never use topical flee tick med is because people do not follow well instructions.2 days ago a young pup had to be treated because the new owner didn't understand how to apply the med.
Luckily dr C prescribed an anti alergic right away and in the morning the pup was able to survive.
Please if anyone buys/receives the drops do not give them away.You make sure the drops are applied the proper way.
I use Bravecto but is 60-80$ a pill.
So local people use ivermectine which is deadly if not given the right way ot like in this case they have the right med but no clue what to do with it.The pup was lucky it wasn't given by mouth.

31/05/2024

This is Dusty and many of islanders saw him in his better days roaming Eldon's the supermarket.
In the last months he is looking worse and now has mange.
Another rescuer posted his picture asking if anyone gave him any meds so not to double on it.
This made me go around and ask about him.
Like so many at one point he had an owner who let him loose to find food.
I thought the family would care for him if meds were provided. ..wishful thinking.
So now I am trying to help him.
We need to buy Bravecto which cost 80$ a pill and will cure his mange.One step at a time...
Once the PayPal works again I will post the link for the friends who want to help.Thank you!

24/05/2024

Lately adoptions have been hard, the rules make it harder but this story is encouraging.A few weeks ago I went against all common sense and took a chance on a US veteran who said he wanted take his dog to US but needed a safe place for a short time until the road transporter would pick him up.I even had a friend calling me warning me that the guy would not follow thru and I would get stuck with another dog...my gut said differently and I took a chance on a guy I had never met.
He was able to find a way to get his dog back to US from Honduras by car Turning can't into can.
Life happens and I can understand the struggle and pain of relocating.
Being able to help a US marine deffinitely was rewarding for my heart and is better to give than to receive..

This is Caroline. She moved overseas with all her animals.
She never wrote on Facebook "I'm giving up my cats and dogs because I'm moving"or I'm having a baby or I've had the animal a year, two years or more and now I suddenly don't have time for it or can't afford to feed it.
So, when you get an animal, remember that it’s a fragile creature, part of the family and must follow you everywhere you go, otherwise don’t get one!!
Be like Caroline.

23/05/2024

Today I saw a few dogs in a neighborhood and stopped to feed them close to an empty lot.As I was trying to lure them I noticed a man following me and then waiting until I finished.He was in raggs and I could see life was hard for him, the kind of person that makes women hold tight their bags..As I was getting back to the car very respectfully he asked if I was helping animals and if I could give him some food for his 2 puppies...he looked like he lived on the streets...I gave him some food and quickly he left...tomorrow I plan to go see the pups.
I wish I could describe better the feelings in my chest...to see a really poor man begging some food for his puppies ..I could have been easily in his place, so I remembered that he who received much, much is required of.
I deffinitely received a lot in my life, good education, clothes, food, health, opportunities,good friends...
I cannot solve his life but certainly I can help him feed his puppies with respect thanks to the few friends who each month send help.
No pictures...would have been disrespectful.