The Beginning

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.
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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.