During my time on assignment in 2015, I fell deeply in love with a Dominican street dog who I came to call Esca. She and I quickly became inseparable. Leaving her behind was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. I never forgot my sweet girl. In fact, her memory so stayed with me that 18 months after I met her, I returned to try to find her again (during a hurricane no less), and to get her some much needed help. Whether from disease, from abuse or neglect, from lack of food and clean water, or from mass poisonings that are commonplace, in countries like the DR a street dog is never far from imminent harm. The odds of finding Esca at all, much less finding her in one piece were laughably slim. So imagine my surprise when, after so much time had passed, I found her again on day one!
With some teamwork, Esca’s continued care landed in the loving hands of the only animal rescue organization in that part of the country, a wonderful group called Amigos de Lucky. Their herculean efforts have helped thousands of animals, and prevented the birth of an estimated million more through their spay and neuter program. It was an honor to share a week with them and to see first hand the impact of their tireless work.
She was one of hundreds of street dogs I saw during my time in the Dominican Republic. From the moment we met, there was something extraordinary about this clever girl. She and I spent every single day together for a week. We played, we swam, we walked, we napped, we played some more. I was devastated to leave her. So 18 months later, against every ounce of sense I allegedly have, I returned to the last place I saw her in search of my old friend. To my total disbelief and utter delight, there she was right where I’d left her.
Felix was a German immigrant who made his way to the Dominican Republic many years ago. He chose to live on his own away from the other villagers in a dilapidated shack in the lush forest outside Sanchez. His two beloved dogs were his only family. Without assistance from Amigos de Lucky, I’m not sure the dogs could have survived since Felix barely had enough food to feed himself, and was in generally poor health. He welcomed us into his small home like family.
Miriam and Bushi of Amigos de Lucky provide the only veterinary care Felix’s dogs will ever receive. On this day, it was a desperately needed flea treatment, ear cleaning, and nail trim. Not everyone was on board with this plan however.
For as many animals as Amigos de Lucky saves, I saw firsthand the number of people for whom the organization is no less a life line. After suffering a massive stroke, Felix passed away in 2018. Miriam and Bushi helped take care of Felix in his final days. And of course they made room in their family for his two beloved dogs.
This young mother takes care of a large extended family which includes a severely developmentally disabled teen who has never attended school. They live as close to the bone as any family can. Amigos de Lucky helps provide food, medical treatment, and care guidance for the many animals who live with this family.
Miriam explains to me that she is extremely concerned about this woman and the animals in her care. The woman, who seems a little unstable, keeps many dogs and and cats — far too many in fact. Amigos de Lucky visits her regularly with food, vaccinations and flea treatments for her animals. But every time they come, the woman only has dogs and cats who are new to Amigos de Lucky. Somehow the woman’s previous animals always seem to vanish. Miriam and Bushi continue to work with the woman to try to get her to reduce the number of animals she keeps.
Antonia lived alone with her sweet old dog Nico who has since passed away. Both she and Nico were equally frail. While she has a son who looks in on her, Nico was her most faithful companion. He was one of hundreds of dogs who Amigos de Lucky cares for free of charge.
Just like Felix, Miriam and Bushi look after Antonia as much and as well as they looked after her faithful friend Nico.
Of all the obstacles Miriam and Bushi face in their battle to help as many animals as possible, ignorance is perhaps the most formidable one. In the Dominican Republic, it is a commonly held superstition that touching a dog brings bad luck. Day after day, year after year, Amigos de Lucky campaigns tirelessly to change this and many other misconceptions about companion animals. And it’s working.