Message from Claudia – Islastreetanimals Association

💔 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:

Daily feeding of more than 150 dogs and numerous cats
Medical care for sick and injured animals
Spay and neuter programs to control the populationislastreetanimals.com+2news.islastreetanimals.com+2betterplace.org+2
Rehoming animals into loving families
Public education about animal welfare

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