Welcome to the Costa Rican town of Carrizal de Alajuela, where you'll find Territorio de Zaguates, or "Land of the Strays," a privately funded, volunteer-run sanctuary that lives up to its name as a home for more than 700 mutts.
(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
The dogs, who are all up for adoption, are free to roam the countryside during the day, with access to fresh water, plenty of food, activities, and regular vet visits. At night, they can curl up in a bed in one of the indoor facilities on the grounds.
After Costa Rica banned euthanasia in 2003, the country moved to managing animal populations through affordable spay and neutering, as well as sanctuaries like Territorio de Zaguates. The sanctuary is open to the public, and probably the best opportunity you'll ever have to be overtaken by stampede of happy and eager puppies (if you're into that kind of thing).
And if an actual visit to Costa Rica isn't on the horizon, fear not: Just enjoy a look into this puppy paradise.
(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
Alvaro Saumet rescues a stray dog in San Jose, Costa Rica. | (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
Stray dogs are taken to a veterinarian for spaying and neutering. | (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
Alvaro Saumet observes as a veterinarian neuters a stray dog. | (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)
