By Brenda Ortega Abroad writer
Before I came to Costa Rica there was a video going viral on Facebook. The video showed “Dog Heaven,” or as it is actually known, “Territorio de Zaguates.”
It was a video of hundreds of dogs running, walking and trotting alongside people. It is a dream come true for dog lovers and for dogs.
At first I thought that the “Territorio de Zaguates” would be too far away for me to visit, but it was only a 45-minute drive from Heredia. This weekend I was lucky enough to go with the IFSA program, including the director Rodney and six other students.
“Territorio de Zaguates” is a huge farm with trails, waterfalls and plenty of space for the 500 dogs. Dogs come first there. They do not euthanize dogs whatever the circumstance may be. If a dog gets adopted, that is great, and if not that place will be their home for their whole lives. Territorio depends solely on donations, which is why most of the workers there are volunteers; only two employees have salaries.
When we first arrived, there was a huge red gate that allowed us to go up to the property and while waiting we heard a man say “Vamonos,” and about 50 dogs ran alongside him. He opened the gate and everyone else followed him and the dogs. Before we started the walk, one of the volunteers let us know that most of the dogs there were abandoned and left in terrible conditions. Some were undergoing treatment for their illnesses. Others looked very thin. It is not that they do not take care of them, but some of them are just too sick to even gain weight.
While she was talking there were dogs walking all over and between peoples’ legs, looking for love. That is what these dogs really seek, some love.
We started the walk and it was great. The sun was not too hot and the path was pretty easy. Dogs would randomly come up beside you and walk alongside you for a while and then they would run ahead with the rest of the pack. At one point the group of around 100 people stopped to take a break, and while on break we saw dogs had dug out holes for themselves and were sleeping in them.
When we had reached the end of the hike we had the chance to relax and be with the dogs. At some points I would be surrounded by five dogs and I felt so loved. I felt more loved than they probably did.
It was an unforgettable experience. Not many people can say they have been on a hike with hundreds of cool dogs of all kinds. I liked the dynamic of the place and I support everything that the organization believes in 100 percent—saving dogs one at a time no matter what. They never reject a dog; they give him or her a home that is literally dog heaven.
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