AHPPA Volunteer: Dorothé Bertens

Shelter Volunteer: For the Love of Animals

Dorothé Bertens

Dorothé Bertens is a volunteer at the Refugio who brings in groups of other volunteers EVERY Sunday to help clean the cages and walk the dogs. Originally from the Netherlands she has lived in Costa Rica since 1993. Although she didn’t grow up with pets, she now finds complete pleasure with each and every one of them. She claims that they “make my life complete and give me pleasure and comfort.” She currently has 4 dogs, most of them adopted.

Dorothé’s passion is that of a sport called dog agility. She trains dogs in basic obedience commands, and offers dog-sitting and dog-walking services in her neighborhood. She has witnessed dogs left home alone for days on end by owners who may not have had other options. Dorothé offers her assistance to make both the dogs and their owners happy.

Her volunteer work at the shelter started one year and an half ago, when one of her full-breeds got killed by a car. Dorothé was distraught from this experience and missed this dog terribly. She has such strong feelings towards this breed that she felt that she had to give something back to this breed and the whole experience urged her to sign up as volunteer at the Refugio. She found  AHPPA’s website, made contact and was invited to come and meet the team. Dorothé claims that it’s very satisfying work if you are an animal lover, she highly recommends the experience. She says that these dogs have been through so much of either abuse or negligence and giving back to them is such a fulfilling feeling. To look for adequate homes is more then you could ask for.

Dorothé also says that she’s gained quite a bit of knowledge during her work at the shelter and she begs that people become more respectful towards animals. “See them as another member in your family and if you intend to buy a pure breed, then please, please read about the breed before you buy.” There is so much to learn and know about an animal that the outside not always tells you what the inside has to offer. But with knowledge, make the right choices to your standards of living.

For the Love of Animals

Dorothé’s motto:“I cannot live without a pet in my life and they will be with me until I die.”

Thank you, Dorothé and your volunteer team… the Refugio and the animals are grateful for your work and dedication.

Contact Dorothé: copestuart@gmail.com or call 8896-8387.