Finding a forever home

Did you know that SARA – Lanzarote’s largest dog and cat sanctuary – has a permanent foster scheme (PAP) to help support difficult-to-place cats and dogs in new homes?

By Justin Kerswell, SARA volunteer photographer.

Whether it is because of age, disability or special needs, some dogs and cats find it more difficult to be adopted than others. That’s why SARA offers a scheme that provides free healthcare (provided at the shelter) for a select number of animals, to ensure that they spend their final years in a loving home.

Yamaru is a real character and a new addition to the scheme after being at SARA for six years. This seven-year-old female Pitbull-mix is a cheerful girl and would be a great addition to the right home (without other dogs).

Akira is another. This eleven-and-a-half-year-old lady has a constant smile on her face and loves everyone she meets. She is a real delight and an absolute sweetheart. Because of her advanced age and health issues, the shelter is not the right place for her. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to find her and Yamaru a place in the sun to enjoy their golden years? There are other dogs on the PAP scheme, and you can see them on SARA’s website.

There are also cats on the scheme because of disability or specific health requirements. An example is Quiqui a large, 9-year-old male grey cat. This gentle giant with adorably tatty ears craves affection and loves nothing more than to give head bumps to an outstretched hand. He is FIV+, so will need to live on his own (or with other cats with the same condition). Cats with FIV+ can – and do – live long and happy lives.

Then there’s Bora, a stunning, long-haired 4-year-old female black cat. She’s a little shy but is curious and bright and would surely bloom in the right home. Bora has epilepsy and needs to take daily medication. However, the sanctuary provides excellent support, you never have to worry about large veterinary expenses, and they supply any medications needed.

These are just a few of the animals at SARA on the PAP scheme. It is incredibly rewarding to give one of these special animals a forever home. Especially those in their twilight years. Please help us prevent them from ending up dying at the shelter. If you think you might be interested in finding out more or you would like to see which animals are currently on the PAP scheme visit www.saraprotectora.org/en/pappermanent-foster-plan or phone the office on 928 17 34 17 (English spoken).

A donation to support SARA’s vital work would also be very welcome. You can also view which animals are available for adoption and volunteering opportunities for dog walking and cat socialising on their website. The shelter can also be emailed to info@sara-lanzarote.eu.