Alan de Herrera
Freelance writer & photojournalist
Cartagena Paws
Dogster magazine
Issue Oct/Nov 2022
Story and photos by Alan De Herrera
CARTAGENA, Colombia
As the sun begins to rise over the historical seaside city of Cartagena, Colombia, American Maureen Cattier begins preparing for her day. A slip leash, wet dog food, wipes and a small blanket are quickly stuffed into her bright green backpack— all the essentials for an important days’ work. It’s during these morning hours that local free-ranging dogs roam the streets in search of food, until the Caribbean heat sends them back into seclusion in search of shade.
On this June morning, Maureen and I arrive in the local small fishing village of La Boquilla— one of the poorest neighborhoods located on the northernmost point of Cartagena. And within a few minutes of leaving our car, we find what we are searching for. “There’s one,” Maureen says. I follow as she quickly makes her way down an embankment towards a female brown dog resting on an abandoned sofa.
She’s an adorable young medium-sized mix “criollo” with one raised ear and the other floppy. Cautiously wagging its tail, she allows Maureen to crouch down and approach as she begins to roll on her back. “She’s so submissive,” Maureen says, while rubbing her belly. “Her sad eyes tell her story.”
Locals tell us she’s a friendly stray who recently birthed a litter of pups that all perished. I help Maureen slowly wrap the leash around her neck as she scoops her up like a child and we leave. We name her Cristabol.
At Cartagena’s Dog Center, veterinary doctor Ximena Perez begins treating Cristobal for parasites and a skin infection.“Unfortunately she’s tested positive for heartworm,” she says. “She will need a lot of rest.” Heartworm treatment is long and difficult but will ultimately save her life.
Maureen launched her dog rescue organization Cartagena Paws in 2015. In addition to rescuing dogs from the streets, Maureen, an elementary school teacher, knows the important role of education and community outreach. “We think it’s essential to teach local children how to show compassion for animals. We continually go back to the same communities to build relationships and reinforce our message of how to coexist safely with street dogs.
Five months after being rescued, Maureen now arrives with Cristobal in her hometown of Buffalo, New York. It’s here that her partner organization Buffalo Cares, will prepare Cristobal for adoption and a new life. “We’ve adopted over fifty dogs from Cartagena Paws,” says Paula LaVango-Tatu, who founded her non-profit Buffalo Cares in 2013. “Our fosters really take their time to find the right home for these wonderful Colombian dogs,” she says.
In January, Cristobal was finally adopted. “She has the most loving eyes” says Cynthia Germain, Cristobal’s new caretaker. “She loves her belly rubs and laying on the sofa.”
Contact organizations:
Cartagena Paws
cartagenapaws.com
Buffalo Cares
IG - @buffalocares
