COLITAS SONRIENTES INC
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Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide direct assistance to dogs and cats that are neglected, mistreated or abandoned, and to help with the severe animal overpopulation problem on the Island. We also work to raise awareness in people of all ages about the importance of respect for animals through our educational activities. Colitas Sonrientes is a grassroots organization that works as a network of animal rescuers, and caregivers (foster homes), but also provides assistance to other animal welfare groups. Working principally through social media and special events, the organization's donation‐based funds are used to purchase food and provide veterinary care to animals in need.
About This Cause
Colitas Sonrientes, Inc. (Happy Tails), a small non-profit charity located in the U.S. non-incorporated territory of Puerto Rico. The organization, which was founded on February 9, 2013 by Arleen Muñiz in the southern coastal city of Ponce, stemmed from the founder’s love and concern for the great number of abused, neglected and abandoned animals in Puerto Rico. Recognizing that there were people struggling to take in and care for the many strays, and with just a handful of volunteers, the organization initially dedicated most of its efforts to food drives for the different home-grown shelters. No-kill shelters are almost non-existent in Puerto Rico, so when the first food drive in 2013 collected 7,000 pounds of food, it was donated to a small no-kill shelter in a nearby town as well as to several independent rescuers. The following year, the food drive brought in 10,000 pounds of food which were distributed between five different rescue groups, and last year’s drive collected over 15,000 pounds of food which were again donated to a nearby no-kill shelter. In addition to food drives, Colitas Sonrientes began to assist abused, neglected or abandoned animals that were in need of medical attention. It is not a shelter, but a network of foster homes for animals, and it has dedicated much of its efforts to severely abused or neglected animals that might otherwise have been euthanized. One case that brought a great deal of media attention to the organization and its cause was that of a severely burned pit bull mix. Dolores (pain in Spanish) was discovered by a kind person who called Colitas Sonrientes asking for help. It was later determined that someone had thrown hot oil on the dog, and she was suffering from 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns. The organization took care of Dolores’ medical bills thanks to a donation campaign with people sending in money from all parts of the world. Local media and celebrities joined the campaign, and Dolores was renamed Dolores Esperanza (pain and hope). When Jane Goodall visited the Island in 2015, she met Lola (her nickname) who gladly shared some wet kisses with the renowned animal rights activists. Colitas Sonrientes continues to support animals’ medical needs the best it can through fundraising activities. Lola, whose abuse case is still an open investigation has been adopted; however, several other dogs have been rescued from abuse, and the Puerto Rican Police turn to Colitas Sonrientes for temporary custody of abused animals during investigations. Because of Dolores’ abuse as well as other abuse cases, Colitas Sonrientes expanded its services to include an educational component. They are regularly asked to give conferences and workshops in public and private schools and universities and have even spoken at different juvenile and adult correctional facilities. Seventy-two (72)workshops and conference were offered last year alone, often accompanied by Dolores Esperanza and other rescued dogs. Continuing to grow, the organization now has around 17 volunteers who help with Colitas Sonrientes’ activities, and in January of this year, the organization received the 501(c)(3) (retroactive to 2013) status from the IRS allowing it to extend its reach for funding and offer some benefits to its generous donors. The organization has received recognition for its efforts by state and city governments. The Ponce city government has recognized Colitas Sonrientes and its volunteers on 4 different occasions. The state House of Representatives officially recognized and congratulated the entity in 2016. In addition, Colitas Sonrientes has received awards from the Junior Chamber of Commerce International and the Rotary Club. Furthermore, it has won the Citizens’ Choice award for Solidarity (determined by individual votes from the general public) offered by the Miranda Foundation for two consecutive years.