💔 I Am Out of Food Again – and I Don’t Know What to Do Next
Dear animal lovers,
I am writing this post with a heavy heart. Once again, I am facing the problem of having no food left for my animals – and honestly, I don’t know how things will continue.
Thankfully, there have been no serious emergencies recently, but that has now led to a new problem: without urgent cases, fewer donations reach me. And without donations – there is no food. Yet day after day, we go out and care for more than 100 to 150 dogs – not even counting the cats.
There are so many more animals we could care for. I know where they are, where they wait hungry and sick for help. But I simply cannot do any more.
The responsibility on my shoulders is enormous. These animals only have me. They know no one else they can rely on. I do not just feed them – I also treat illnesses, take care of parasite treatments, and organize spay and neuter procedures for abandoned female dogs. And I do this every single day. Without a break. Without weekends. Without holidays.
For years, there has not been a single day when I have not taken care of them.
But now… I don’t know how much longer I can keep going.
🐾 About islastreetanimals e.V.
I have lived for more than 20 years on Isla Margarita in Venezuela, and I have made it my mission to help stray animals. Together with my friend Alexandra from North Rhine-Westphalia, I founded the organization islastreetanimals e.V. to give these animals a better life.ulistein-stiftung.de+2betterplace.org+2news.islastreetanimals.com+2
Our work includes:
Unfortunately, we receive no support from local authorities. On the contrary, there are repeated killing campaigns through the use of poisoned bait.betterplace.org
🙏 How You Can Help
What I urgently need:betterplace.org
- Food donations or financial support to buy food
- People who can help with public awareness and outreach
- Someone who can set up and manage a GoFundMe campaign
- Help with spreading this message
I know it may feel like you are reading the same plea for help again and again. And believe me, I wish I did not have to write it over and over. But I don’t know what else to do.
I hardly sleep anymore. My mind revolves around the animals’ well-being day and night. And around the fear: what if I can no longer help?
If you want to help – whether with time, a contribution, an idea, or a small donation – please reach out. Every bit of support matters. Every contribution helps us fill the bowls.
💛 Donation Account:
islastreetanimals e.V.
VR-Bank Bonn eG
Account number: 4304005012
Bank code: 38160220
IBAN: DE26 3816 0220 4304 0050 12
BIC: GENODED1HBO
PayPal (please select “Friends” so that no fees are deducted):
👉 paypal.me/TSVClaudiasTierhilfe
More information:
🌐 www.islastreetanimals.com
With sad regards
Your Claudia
🏝️ Isla Margarita – The Forgotten Paradise of Stray Dogs
When people hear the name Isla Margarita, they often think of the Caribbean, sunshine, and vacation. A beautiful island off the coast of Venezuela, blessed with stunning beaches, a tropical climate, and a rich history. But behind the façade of this apparent paradise lies a silent tragedy: Isla Margarita is also an island full of forgotten animals – especially stray dogs.
🐾 Why Are There So Many Dogs?
On Isla Margarita, there are thousands of stray dogs. And their number continues to grow. The reasons are many – and sadly, they are heartbreaking:
1. No Government Support
There is no functioning municipal animal welfare system. No effective animal protection laws and no veterinary care for strays. Instead of help, there is often indifference – or in the worst cases: killing through poisoned bait.
2. Economic Crisis in Venezuela
The country’s economic situation has been dramatic for years. Many families can barely feed themselves – pets are often simply abandoned when money for food or veterinary care runs out.
3. Lack of Widespread Spay and Neuter Programs
Without regular sterilization programs, the population grows rapidly. A single pair of dogs can – over several generations – produce hundreds of offspring. On Isla Margarita, this happens every day, largely unnoticed.
4. Tourism Without Responsibility
Many animals were once acquired to please tourists – as “cute puppies” in hotel courtyards or as photo attractions on the beach. When the season ends, many of these dogs are left behind – and end up on the streets.
💔 What Does This Mean for the Animals?
Most of these dogs fight for survival every single day.
They suffer from:
- Hunger and thirst
- Parasites and diseases
- Injuries from accidents or abuse
- Fear and loneliness
Many die young and unnoticed – even though they would be friendly, gentle, and full of trust if only they were given a chance.
❤️ And Why Am I Here?
I have lived here on the island for more than 20 years – and I could no longer look away.
What started as helping a single puppy became a life mission. Today, with my small team, I care for more than 100–150 dogs every day, help with sterilizations, treat the sick, rescue the injured, set up feeding stations – and often I am their only hope.
But I cannot do this alone.
I founded the organization islastreetanimals e.V. to collect donations, raise awareness, and make these animals visible. So that Isla Margarita is not only known for its beaches – but also for compassion and change.
🙏 What You Can Do
You can also become part of this rescue story:
- Share our posts to reach more people
- Support us with a donation – every euro counts
- Help with outreach, translating, writing emails, or setting up donation platforms
