Any responsible pet owner knows that owning pets, especially
dogs, is a big responsibility. However, in Costa Rica there is a
big dog dilemma. With thousands of puppy mills, so-called
breeders, and pet shops throughout the island nation, dogs are
everywhere, yet sadly, an estimated one million dogs are
released to the streets each year by owners no longer able to or
perhaps no longer want to care for them. Just as in many other
countries, dogs in Costa Rica are used as status symbols, given
as gifts to children and loved ones, and brought in as
companions. However, when the novelty wears off and the dogs
grow, often without proper training or space to live, they can
become more work than their owners think they are worth, and the
dogs are thrown out into the street. Dogs once welcomed into
homes are just as quickly left to fend for themselves on the
streets and even given a new name, “callejeros” or “street
dogs”. Animals rescue workers have long urged residents to
carefully consider bringing a pet into their