Heartwarming Animal Rescue Stories…
A Sailor’s Journey: From World Traveller to Animal Rescuer
Hello, fellow animal lovers and adventurers! Today, I want to share with you an inspiring story that touched my heart. It’s about a man named Paulo, a sailor who gave up his life of sailing around the world to help people and animals in need.
A tail of waves and whiskers…
Paulo’s journey began on his sailboat, single-handedly sailing around the world. His travels took him to Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon, Kiribas, and Tuvalu. During his visits, he would often go ashore at the crack of dawn to provide food and medicine for dogs and cats suffering from mange. But he noticed that once he left, these animals would return to their previous lives, with no one to care for them.
Despite living on a boat, Paulo never kept pets on board due to strict quarantine restrictions in countries like New Zealand and Australia. However, he deeply regretted this decision when he started rescuing animals. The first two he rescued went on board with him, and they gave him so much love and affection that he wished he had brought pets on board sooner.
His sailing journey eventually led him to a special place – Coron Island in the Philippines – where he decided to stay. This decision marked a significant change in his life, but it also gave him the opportunity to help in a more substantial way.
In Coron, Paulo built a houseboat to live in while not sailing. The houseboat, named Paolyn Houseboats, became so popular among friends and family that it turned into a thriving business. Paulo employed people from the local Tagbanua Tribe, providing them with job opportunities they wouldn’t have had otherwise.
But Paulo’s love for animals didn’t stop there. He adores cats and has ten of them living with him on the houseboat. He even shares his bed with them! Paulo has also rescued several cats and dogs from the streets, providing them with the medical care they desperately needed.
No vet near me!
Unfortunately, veterinary services are almost nonexistent on Coron Island. The nearest veterinary clinic is more than four hours away by ferry. Paulo has been fortunate to receive support from two veterinarians from Manila who were visiting as guests. They continue to assist him remotely, providing advice and guidance.
Despite these challenges, Paulo remains dedicated to helping the animals of Coron. He has even built a shelter, Paulo and April’s Rescue Center, where animals can run, play, and receive care. He also helps pet owners who can’t afford medical treatment for their pets.
However, without an adoption program, the shelter remains full, limiting the number of animals that can be helped. Paulo dreams of setting up an international adoption program, but the logistics are challenging. It’s almost impossible to find an airline that will allow animals to travel by air within the Philippines, even in cargo.
Despite these obstacles, Paulo remains hopeful and continues to do what he can to help the animals of Coron. His story is a testament to the power of love and compassion, and it serves as a reminder that we can all make a difference in our own way.
Paulo has inspired me to continue pursuing my dream for providing veterinary care to those animals and pet carers who need it both!