It sounds like something out of a dog lover's fantasy, but it is totally real. A private organization called Territorio De Zaguates (which translates to Land of the Strays) is a unique no-kill shelter in Costa Rica that has over nine-hundred adoptable dogs. Instead of locking the dogs in kennels or cages, the shelter allows these lucky dogs to run free in a giant dog park. It is a dream come true for dog lovers, and probably hell on earth for people who are allergic to dogs (sorry, that must really suck).
https://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pb.1459982774272974.-2207520000.1460144602./1711042665833649/?type=3&theaterAlthough these pups spend most of their time outside enjoying the warm Costa Rican weather and a sprawling landscape, they also have access to an indoor facility, soft doggie beds, washing stations, and fresh food and water; and they have vets to take care of them. It sounds nicer than most vacation packages.
https://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pb.1459982774272974.-2207520000.1460143160./1711042752500307/?type=3&theaterhttps://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pb.1459982774272974.-2207520000.1460142607./1708738762730706/?type=3&theaterhttps://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pcb.1710781992526383/1710781405859775/?type=3&theaterAs soon as the dogs come to Territorio de Zaguates, they are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and rid them of any parasites.
https://www.facebook.com/thisisinsider/videos/vb.1413475698959824/1533664683607591/?type=2&theaterPerhaps the best part of Territorio De Zaguates is that all the of pups are adoptable. However, the shelter says finding homes for these dogs is difficult because they are mixed-breed, and many people are interested in purebred dogs only. Territorio De Zaguates came up with a innovative solution, making up creative breed names and giving them to the dogs. Now instead of calling the mixed dogs "mutts," you have a "unique breed."
https://vimeo.com/68726839Who wouldn't want to take home a Bunny-Tailed Scottish Shepterrier or a Furrychest Jack Beagle Terrier? What about owning a chubby-tailed German Dobermauzer? The Alaskan Collie Fluffyterrier is a particularly popular breed, according to the organization. By giving these dogs unique breed names, the shelter is hoping that they are seen as valuable and more of them will finding loving homes. That said, Territorio de Zaguates promises to serve as a permanent home for many dogs that do not get adopted.
Those interested in adopting a dog can go to Territorio De Zaguates themselves and spend some time with getting to know the pups. The shelter welcomes volunteers to run and hike with the dogs to socialize and exercise them.
https://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pb.1459982774272974.-2207520000.1460142724./1701770050094244/?type=3&theaterIn addition to full-grown dogs, there are also plenty of puppies at the facility as well.
https://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pb.1459982774272974.-2207520000.1460142607./1708305919440657/?type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/1459982774272974/photos/pb.1459982774272974.-2207520000.1460141619./1703908686547047/?type=3&theaterYou're probably thinking "how the heck does one shelter deal with the poo of nearly a thousand dogs?" You are not alone. According to their Facebook page, one of the most commonly asked questions.
People seem to be fascinated with this topic. Yes indeed it's a lot of poo... LOL. We have a very small staff but still we manage to do everything from daily picking up the poo and disposing of it properly, to feeding and medicating the dogs, and everything in between.
If you are not quite ready to hop on a plane and head to Costa Rica right now, you can always follow the Territorio de Zaguates Facebook page or updates and pictures of adoptable cuties. And the shelter is non-profit and runs off of donations, so even if you can't adopt a dog, you can sponsor one or donate directly.