CARTAGENA PAWS
  • Home
  • Thanksgiving 2022 Mission
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • News
    • CTG Paws KIDS
    • Contact Us
    • Peter Piper the Pig
  • DONATE
  • Rescues
  • Spay & Release
  • Success Stories
  • Rescue Center
  • Education Program
  • Shop
Picture

Newsletter Stories

Pet Tip of the Month

9/1/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Imagine coming home from a long day at work and the bottom of your door is completely scratched up, the curtains have been ripped apart, and you have a little present in the house. This isn’t the first time and you are fed up with it. Along with the destruction is your dog in your face begging for attention and all you want to do is scream.

This is the reality for some owners who have pups with separation anxiety. While separation anxiety comes in many forms and for many reasons here are some tips to help ease your pain and your dog’s.

Don’t say goodbye.
When you make leaving a big deal, your dog does too and they anticipate the loss of you. Giving tons of hugs and kisses before leaving is part of human socialization and not canine, therefore leave the kisses for all the cuddling when you get back.

Like goodbye, don’t make a spectacle of your return.
By coming back in a dramatic fashion you are showing your dog that you being gone was something to fret over. Instead come in a go about your business as usual with a few pets in there. This shows your dog that being away is normal and nothing to get anxious about.

Change up your routine.
Dogs learn your routines and anticipate those actions as leading to your departure. Varying those actions up throughout the week can help your pet to become less anxious because they won’t associate certain actions with leaving. However there are some actions, like getting keys, that will happen every time you leave. Make those less stressful by walking around with your keys even when you are not leaving to help them see it does not need to be a event that triggers.
Help them enjoy alone time. 
Think about what motivates your dog, some treat or toy, and make that the thing they get when they are alone. And only then, otherwise it’s not special. Maybe even turn it into a game where you hide the object and tell them to find it as you are leaving. 
*keep in mind if the main motivator is something they shouldn’t be left alone with
(rawhide, etc.) then go to the second best motivator. 

Practice when you are home. 
Have some “alone time practice” where they are alone in a room with a treat for small amount of time and then take away treat. Work your way up to longer periods of time. 

More play time!
Work some more play time into your routine before you leave so your pup is nice a tired when it is time for you to go. Or practice different commands you have been working on. 

Lastly, talk to your Veterinarian and be patient. 
You can always talk to your Veterinarian about what you are experiencing and they might have some tips being the experts. Separation anxiety is rough on you, but most especially your dog. Patience will go long way in easing your pet and making him or her more comfortable in your house and the situation. Before long it will feel like home both when you are there and away. 

Sources: http://thespoileddog.com/tips-for-dealing-with-separation-anxiety/
0 Comments

Meet Rose

9/1/2018

2 Comments

 
Our beautiful Rose (Rex and Ryus mom!) is still looking for her forever home! We love this goofy, gorgeous girl and we know you would too! She’ll be flying stateside soon, and we’d love to have a home lined up for her! Here are some facts about this gorgeous mama:
1. She can dance on 2 feet for longer then we ever thought possible! 
2. She loves to play fetch (and, really, to play with any toy you give her!) 
3. She is super smart. We’re pretty sure she can read our minds! 
4. She is mom to 2 of our sweet pups that were adopted recently (Rex and Ryu) 
5. We pretty sure she’s the mom of the puppy our favorite vet rescued and adopted here in Cartagena! 
6. She is a survivor and a fierce mama- we met her when she was going to restaurants, begging for food to help feed her babies. ❤️
7. She loves to talk to all the people and pups
8. She is absolutely stunning- the picture doesn’t even come close to doing justice! Beautiful white with orange spots and stripes all over. 
9. She is 40 pounds, and approximate 3 years young.

And, 
10. She really wants a family to call her own (no cats, please!).

Let us know if you have room in your home (and heart) for our Rose. 
2 Comments

Paws to America Campaign

9/1/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Thank you to all of our supporters who helped out and donated to our GoFundMe Campaign, to help fly Sam, Mona, and Chula to their forever homes! Chula arrived to Boston, MA on Sunday 26th and is doing great with her new family. We had various flight volunteers and fosters all involved in getting her home, along with donors and supporters. Thank you so much! Sam and Mona are all scheduled to fly to their forever homes on September 7th, 2018 via Cargo. Cargo has offered Cartagena Paws an excellent deal on same Cargo Flight that Mona and Sam are scheduled to be on, and we want to take advantage of it. For just a little more money, we can fly 2 more animals home! 

Rose is ready to fly and we are currently receiving adoption applications for Rose. We are still working on flying another dog with Rose, Sam, and Mona, as Morris will no longer be able to fly September 7th. Poor Morris had to enter into emergency surgery on Thursday August 23rd, and his injured leg was correctly amputated this time. He is home from the clinic now and in foster, however he are not going to rush his recovery and instead will fly another candidate. Please help us reach our goal on our GoFundMe campaign by donating : https://www.gofundme.com/AugustCTGPaws
0 Comments

Pet Tip of the Month

6/21/2018

0 Comments

 
The hot summer months are here, meaning a higher chance your pup will get more time outside. As the weather gets warmer we want our dogs to experience the joys of nature just like we do. However, the warm weather also brings a huge threat to your pet, Heat Exhaustion.
    Heat exhaustion occurs when a dog is unable to regulate their body temperature through panting. The open-mouthed breathing, called panting, is the main way dogs decrease their body temperature. When a dog’s temperature reaches above 103 heat exhaustion can occur and if it becomes even higher they are at a risk for heat stroke or death.
Picture
While an overly hot day is the main risk factor for heat exhaustion, there are other factors:
  • High humidity
  • Dogs with thick coats or long hair
  • Age - very young or very old
  • Breeds with short noses and flat faces (pugs, bulldogs, etc.)
  • Overweight dogs
  • Dogs with heart problems or breathing problems
  • Active breeds (shepherds, retrievers, etc.)
     Thankfully, the warning signs for overheating are easy to spot. The first and most clear is excessive panting. Other common signs are glazed eyes, rapid heart rate, lethargy, and lack of concentration. If your pet become severely overheated they may experience loss of consciousness, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea, or gums or tongue that are blue or bright red.
Picture
    If your pup does start to show signs of overheating take action immediately to cool them down. One strategy is to move your pet to a cool area, such as an air conditioned room or in the shade. Another is to get them wet. If you are near a pool or lake, have them jump in. If not, use some wet cloths on their body, such as on their neck, armpits, hind legs, ears, and paw pads. Try to give your dog water, but do not force them to drink. Instead wet their tongue with water (not ice cubes because it could drop their temperature too fast). If the heat exhaustion is very severe, take your dog to the vet. If possible call ahead of time so the vet can be ready as soon as you arrive. 

    While knowing what to do when heat exhaustion occurs is helpful, knowing how to prevent it is even better. Here are a list of practices to do during those hot times of the year.
  • Limiting play time or walks during peak heat hours
  • Having plenty of shade and water outdoors
  • Swimming or playing in a sprinkler for exercise
  • Cooling body vest
  • Shorter haircut for the warmer months
  • Making sure your dog takes breaks in the shade when outside doing any activity 
​
Summer time is the perfect time to connect with your dog both in nature and indoors. Just remember to keep your fur baby as hydrated and cool as you want to be!
0 Comments

Remembering Bella

6/7/2018

1 Comment

 
On June 2nd at 5AM, our tiny survivor Bella finally stopped fighting & crossed the rainbow bridge.  She touched so many hearts in her short time here on earth and we will never forget her. 
This month we honor the life of Bella, a strong fighter whose life was cut short. Bella was one of the 4 siblings to be rescued by Lucy during her trip to Cartagena at beginning of 2018. While on her vacation, Lucy went above and beyond to spay and neuter twelve dogs on Playa Blanca.  Two of Bella’s siblings (Harper and Charlotte) and their mother were spayed during that trip. However, Lucy wanted to do more after seeing the struggling conditions of Bella and her siblings (Harper, Charlotte, Eloise and their brother). She took even more initiative to call Cartagena Paws to ask for help rescuing and fostering them. Maureen went to the pups and took the two weakest to the vet, Bella and her brother. On the way to the vet, Bella’s brother died. Bella, being the other weakest, had many close calls during the beginning of her rescue, but she fought hard to make it through. Lucy fell in love with this determined little girl with the adorable under bite and decided to adopt her.

Lucy then took it upon herself to sponsor treatment for Bella and all of her siblings by having them spayed and provided for in foster at the veterinarian. While at the vet for four months, it was discovered that Bella had a kidney disease and would go into kidney failure in the near future. Even knowing this, Lucy funded treatments for Bella to have a longer life and continue with the adoption. She knew Bella wouldn’t have long, but she wanted the life she did have to be the best possible.

When Bella was finally healthy enough at the beginning of April 2018, she went to live with Cartagena Paws Creative Director, Stephanie Brown, and her dog, Reesie. There Bella began to grow stronger and found a perfect puppy playmate in her foster sister. On May 11, Bella was finally able to fly to the United States and be with her savior, Lucy, in Washington D.C.

Shortly after she arrived though, what was feared most occurred, Bella’s kidneys started to fail. Lucy provided her with the best care possible with the assistance of her veterinarian in the States, but the inevitable had come. Bella was in full kidney failure. Lucy made sure that Bella’s last remaining days were as happy and comfortable as possible and on June 2 she was taken to heaven. While her life of earth was small, Bella made a strong impact on several lives and will remain in the hearts of many.

Cartagena Paws wants to thank Lucy for all of her unwavering efforts with Bella and her siblings and offer our deepest condolences for your loss.

1 Comment

Adoption Spotlight

6/7/2018

0 Comments

 

Meet Rose, Rex, and Ryu

This month adoption spotlight highlights a determined Mom and her new babies. Rose was found near a shopping center by a Cartagena Paws volunteer. She was begging for food and had noticeably given birth recently. After giving her something to eat, the volunteer followed her back to her pups and rescued all three. Cartagena Paws worked with the volunteer to get Rose and her babies, Rex and Ryu, in to vet care, where they have been ever since. Rose is about 3 years old and true lover. She is always flipping over to receive belly rubs and dotes over her babies, making sure they are okay and well fed. One thing she does not like, though, are cats and would not be good for a home that has cats. Rex and Ryu are about 6 weeks old and just utterly adorable puppies. They love to be around each other and either pounce or snuggle with one another. At this time, Rose is ready to be adopted into her forever home! Rex and Ryu will be ready for adoption around mid-July.
0 Comments

A New Litter

6/7/2018

0 Comments

 
At the end of April, our amazing friend Jaz rescued a mama cat about to give birth. 
As the story of the good Samaritan goes those that are able take in those that are in need. One of the Cartagena Paws volunteer must have taken that story to heart when she opened her home to a pregnant cat. Jaz was going about her daily business when a she saw a young cat struggling to find a place to give birth. She brought the mire kitten herself into her home, in a true showing of compassion, and created a space for the birth of Pilar’s three kittens. Now 6 weeks old, Paco, Rambo, Gracie, and Momma, Pilar, are doing well under the care of Jaz. Pilar is an absolute sweetheart and shows complete appreciation for the woman who brought her in. Paco, Rambo, and Gracie are starting to grow into their personalities, but seem to follow suit with their mother. All 4 kitties are looking for homes in the near future!

0 Comments

Safely Home

5/15/2018

1 Comment

 
On Friday May 11, four of our amazing rescues flew home with our flight volunteers Maggie and Kim. Bella and Charlotte are two puppies who were found on in a horrible, malnourished state in Playa Blanca. A wonderful woman named Lucy Solis, was very proactive and reached out to us about helping them. She also sponsored these 2 sisters and their other 2 sisters, Harper and Eloise, through their rescue. Poor Eloise developed a tumor behind her eye and passed away in April 2018. Harper, the other sister with an adorable underbite, flew home to Portland, Oregon and is with her new family, loving life.

Now it is Bella and Charlottes turn! Bella was adopted by Lucy and is beginning her life in Washington D.C. with Lucy her rescuer, sponsor, and new mommy. Bella was the smallest puppy in the litter and has overcome so many challenges. We are so happy that we were able to save her and get her home to Lucy. Charlotte is also doing great in Buffalo, NY with her new family. Charlotte is one happy, playful, loving, puppy and we are going to miss her very much.

Next up is George. George is one of our older rescues who we pulled from the FRAD foundation. George is a distemper survivor and has suffered a world of abuse and neglect on the streets of Cartagena. He is now with his new mom Kristine in Pennsylvania. Kristen actually came to Cartagena and visited the FRAD foundation, picked George to adopt and then sponsored him throughout his recovery, until he was able to fly. George is one lucky boy and we wish him the best!

Last, is our adorable Bernadette. Bernie was sponsored by a wonderful woman named Juliet Thompson. Juliet fell in love with Bernie’s cute face and was determined to sponsor her and get her better. Juliet lives in NYC and was unable to adopt Bernie, however she was determined to find her the best home ever. That we did together. Erin Cappello, from Buffalo, NY adopted Bernie and now she lives with Erin, her daughter, and another one of our Cartagena Paw’s rescues, Zoey (Zoey flew home at Christmas 2016).

None of this would have been possible without our amazing supporters, sponsors, and donors. We are so grateful and wish these 4 beautiful souls the very best in their future life!

1 Comment

Benito's Story

5/15/2018

4 Comments

 
My love of Colombian fur babies, all began on my grand adventure to Cartagena, Colombia to go salsa dancing with my college friend. 

Our first day as tourists, 12/20/13, in the charming historic walled city of Cartagena, we came across a poor homeless, sick raggamuffin dog.  I immediately ran and bought this boy a hamburger.  We ran into the little fella for the next 4 days and would immediately go and buy him food. That 4th day changed my life forever!  The little boy recognized me and started crying.  My heart broke in a million pieces and I didn’t want to leave him to fight the streets on his own. 

I could not get that little Colombiano, who I named Nikko, out of my mind.  I knew at that point, I wasn’t going to give up and was determined to find him and bring him back to USA, despite having two Great Pyrenees rescues.  With the help of a wonderful volunteer, Paola Marrugo, the search began, February 2014.  It went viral on FB and my dream came true. Nikko was found 5 days later, sleeping on the church steps.  I made two more trips to Colombia to bring my boy home, October 2014.  My lovely, beautiful soul passed away on 5/25/17, absolutely devastating and excruciatingly painful after everything he went through to come to Arizona.  My heart was broken!

In honor of my brave soldier boy, I wanted to open my heart and help rescue another Colombiano street dog and provide a forever home.  Nikko was my angel in heaven, searching for that special someone to join me, Teddy and Zoe in Arizona. 

Early January, I started looking at the rescue site of Cartagena Paws.  I was shocked, there was a poor skinny, sick little Wombat, a street dog they called Beni. He had been rescued by an American tourist and with the help of Cartagena Paws, this baby was getting the medical attention he needed.  I immediately inquired about him as he looked so much like my Nikko. 

I was in heaven after speaking with Maureen Cauttieu, director of Cartagena Paws, when she told me I could adopt the little fella once he was well.  Beni spent 4 months in the vet clinic going through Chemo and getting healthy from various illnesses. 

I was so impressed with Maureen and the team at Cartagena Paws. Their diligence, tenacity and love for these homeless babies is endless.  Their dedication in finding loving forever homes is inspiring and they even help volunteer their time to escort your chosen baby to USA.  

As the time was getting closer for Beni to be ready to come to Arizona, I knew I craved another adventure!  I wanted the honor of meeting Beni first hand in beautiful Cartagena.  I wanted to walk within the walled city, be a tourist with my new baby, eat Colombian food, hear the Latin beat while Beni laps up a gelato and me a margarita.  These everlasting memories with Beni would also give me alone bonding time, prior to him meeting his new siblings in Arizona.  

With my carryon luggage in tow, off I went on my new journey, that again would change my life.  Arriving April 20th to Cartagena, I started my trip visiting FRAD.  FRAD is a sanctuary, where Dra. Ingrid dedicates her life helping over 300 homeless dogs, cats, donkeys.  Then apart from me meeting Beni, the second most exciting event of my trip was meeting Maureen, Luis and Stephanie of Cartagena Paws.  Their warmth and love for animals shines through and I now have new lifelong friends!  

As I had never flown before with a dog sitting at my feet, I must admit, I was very anxious about it.  Maureen was awesome in walking me through the steps and preparing me for what was needed to fly home.  

My mini vacation of 4 nights was awesome!  First 2 nights gave me time to explore Cartagena, meet my old friends that helped me with Nikko and meet my new lifelong friends that were helping me with Beni.  Rooftop bars, delicious Colombian food, shopping and salsa dancing definitely was absolutely wonderful.   My last 2 nights, Beni stayed with me in the hotel, preparing for our exciting adventure ahead.  He was doing laps on the king sized bed, running down the hallways like a bullet and jumping in my suitcase, saying mama, “I’m ready to go home”!

Off we go, April 24th, my lovely “Benito Diego Dante” landed in USA.  He did extremely well on the flights.  I was certainly more nervous than Benito!  Once getting home, I wanted to make sure I did a slow introduction with Benito and my two Pyrenees. It was midnight when we got home and my friend helped with the intro, in which we all went on a long walk.  As Benito is 30lbs, Teddy 85lbs and Zoe 100lbs wanted to make sure the little fella was comfortable as I could see on our walks in Cartagena, he was a littke afraid of large dogs. I crated him at night and made sure I kept him on a leash wherever he went.  On our 3rd morning walk, Teddy started getting excited jumping like a chili pepper so I let go of the leashes.  Holding my breath and praying, success, they were all ecstatic to play, jump and run.   I was thrilled and so happy as it showed me they accepted the new little fella Benito into the pack. 

Anyone who is thinking of adopting a new family member, I truly encourage you to look at the dogs and cats of Cartagena Paws and FRAD.  Many are sick and need your help in giving them a second chance at life and a forever home.  Make it an adventure that will melt your heart!  Go and get your Colombiano, they will be forever grateful and give you their endless unconditional love!

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
4 Comments

The Beginning

5/15/2018

0 Comments

 
A letter from our Founder, Maureen Cattieu:

When I arrived in Cartagena in 2011, I was taken aback by the number of strays on the streets and the terrible injustices that took place to the animals on a daily basis. I began my fight to save animals here in the markets. Endangered parrots were being taken from their nests or were caught with super glue on painted on tree branches.  They were then sold illegally to people who would place them in cages for the rest of their lives. Luckily, I was able to rescue many of them and they are now free in the National Aviary of Baru.

Then came along my dear sweet Ramona, who was run over by a bus in the streets of Cartagena. Luis, my husband, and I were walking home from dinner one night and saw her bleeding and limping on the streets. We scooped her up and rushed her to the emergency room. She spent 72 days at the vet clinic and underwent a series of major surgeries and tests. Of course, we decided to adopt her and took her home to her new sister, my first rescue Tica. I had rescued Tica over 14 years ago in Costa Rica, and she has recently passed away on April 12th, 2018. Tica opened my eyes to a whole new world and taught me how to love and appreciate animals in a way I never knew was possible before. I miss her everyday and will never forget all that she taught me. I will continue to help animals in anyway I can in memory of her legacy.

After Ramona, it was impossible to pass an injured animal without helping it. Soon after came Amador who was stabbed by gang members and needed immediate surgery. Then came Bear, who was found lifeless at a gas station with a severe maggot infection in his ear. At this point it was becoming more than something Luis and I could handle on our own. There were too many animals in need. I knew that more had to be done, so we started a GoFundMe account and a facebook account called Cartagena Paws. From there big things began to happen.

Over the past three years, I have had the pleasure of meeting amazing people from all over the world, who share the same interest and love as I do for animals. Together we have saved many lives and I am so grateful for those experiences. Throughout the past 3 years, Cartagena Paws has been able to save hundreds of lives. We have helped over 50 animals be adopted locally, and have sent over 86 dogs and cats to both Canada and the United States. We are also in the process of becoming an official 501c3, which would allow us to save more lives and begin some larger projects within the community like spay and release programs, as well as animal rights and welfare educational programs.

I am so grateful for all of our followers, friends, adopters, donors, and supporters. I am also grateful for working with Dr. Ingrid and her FRAD foundation, Kim with Little One’s Rescue, and Paula at Buffalo Cares. I also appreciate all of the amazing veterinarians who have stepped up to help out and give us advice and donate medicines.

Today May 15th, 2018 we celebrate 3 years of Cartagena Paws, 3 years of teamwork and dedication, and 3 years of serving as the voice for the innocent animals who do not have one.
​

PLEASE NOTE: We are no longer using our Cartagena Paws FB Profile, we now have an OFFICIAL Cartagena Paws Page, which you can LIKE AND FOLLOW, if you would like to keep up with the most latest news and rescues at Cartagena Paws.


Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter at the bottom of the page!

    Archives

    September 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

    Categories

    All
    Adopted Dogs
    Adopt Now!
    Buffalo Cares Rescue
    Campaigns
    Kittens
    Little One's Rescue Group
    New Rescues
    Puppies

    RSS Feed

Subscribe to our Newsletter
Cartagena Paws  ©2020       Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • Thanksgiving 2022 Mission
  • About
    • Who We Are
    • News
    • CTG Paws KIDS
    • Contact Us
    • Peter Piper the Pig
  • DONATE
  • Rescues
  • Spay & Release
  • Success Stories
  • Rescue Center
  • Education Program
  • Shop