In Montevideo, Uruguay, there’s a small, overwhelmed animal shelter called APA El Refugio. You’ve probably never heard of it – few have – but for around 320 rescued dogs and 30 cats, it’s the only thing standing between life and death.
Despite drowning in debt, the team never turns a single animal away.
Credit: APA El Refugio
APA El Refugio receives no help from the authorities, relying on donations from animals lovers like you to continue its life-saving work. Yet even when their funds run dry, the team continues to open their hearts to the endless stream of dogs dumped on their doorstep or rescued from the unforgiving streets.
There is no limit to the team’s compassion. Even the most broken dog or cat is given nothing but the best possible care – even when there’s no money to cover the vet bill.
But saving lives despite the cost has left them drowning in debt.
With $9,000 (£7,000) in outstanding bills, the survival of all the animals are at risk.
Animals like Malek.
Credit: APA El Refugio
Malek’s story is heartbreaking but sadly typical. This poor dog was found in a wasteland barely clinging to life, his head half-eaten by maggots, his eye gone and his skull exposed.
He had been left to die in the dirt.
The volunteers at APA El Refugio refused to let that be the end of his story. They gently wrapped him in a blanket, rushed him to a vet, and saved his life – despite its crushing debt. Malek is only alive today because of its unwavering commitment to the abandoned and neglected animals eking out a meager existence on Uruguay’s streets.
Unless we can rush emergency support, there will soon be nothing they can do for dogs like Malek.
Malek is just one of countless desperate dogs and cats who need medical care. Credit: APA El Refugio
This shelter is not backed by corporations or governments. It’s a handful of kind people, doing everything they can for forgotten animals with barely any resources. If anyone deserves our support, it’s this team of compassionate, dedicated animal-lovers.
Will you rush a donation right now to help our good work continue for dogs like Malek?
