AHPPA in Heredia Wins International Humane Society Award in Las Vegas

One of the first things I noticed upon my arrival four months ago in Costa Rica were the dogs. So many dogs wandering the streets searching for scraps of food, some so horribly skinny that I vowed to help these creatures at the first opportunity.

I found my opportunity at AHPPA (Asociacion Humanitaria Para la Proteccion Animal de Costa Rica) in Heredia. Actually it was a starving female boxer I found on the street, who eventually led me to call this organization. I spoke to Lilian Schnog, president of AHPPA who encouraged me to bring her there, as “the shelter was a no kill shelter” and they would do what they could for this dog.

Happily, she was adopted to a good home later that week. I was impressed with her concern and the organization overall, and it was here that I began to volunteer. So it was with pleasure that I learned that Lilian was recently recognized by the international branch of the Humane Society in the United States (HSI)for her personal dedication to improving animal welfare in Costa Rica.

Lilian received this international recognition and presented with the Award for Extraordinary Commitment and Achievement for her work at AHPPA at the annual Animal Care Expo held in Las Vegas on April 8. This is the largest trade and educational conference for animal shelters in the world and the first time Costa Rica has been recognized.

The AHPPA is in partnership with the Humane Society and shares this network with countries from many other developing countries. Previous award winners include recipients from Peru, India and Zimbabwe all of whom exhibit true dedication to the care of animals in their countries.

The award is to “recognize someone who has sacrificed everything for animal care in their country” said Jessica Higgins of The Humane Society. “This is a lifetime achievement award with an individual who has a longstanding relationship with our organization.”

Lilian left her native home in Holland 19 years ago to move to Costa Rica. Shortly after arriving, she noticed a need at the animal shelter and began to use her experience with animals as a volunteer, grooming and washing the dogs at this shelter. “I have always been a volunteer from cleaning shelters to helping with surgeries.”

Lucky for the shelter and the animals, she hasn’t left since, continuing her lifelong work at AHPPA and inspiring others with her energy and enthusiasm.

I asked Lilian what she hopes for the future for shelters throughout Costa Rica.
“What I wish is that people will neuter their animals so that the stray population will decrease. The best way to help is through education and the outreach program at AHPPA. We explain to the children how important is it not to have their cat or dog have puppies or kittens as many end up back at the shelter.The award was a huge surprise and never expected. I do not need recognition because I love what I do, but this is good for Costa Rica.”

I realized that even though there are many animals in this country requiring our help, there are just as many in Costa Rica willing to help and who have dedicated their lives to doing so. Perhaps we can change the future for the numerous abandoned, sick and stray animals on our streets- through education, dedication and true empathy, one person at a time.

Congratulations to Lilian and AHPPA (www.AnimalShelterCostaRica.com)

Written by Karin MacKinnon, a high school English teacher who moved to Costa Rica with her husband in 2009. Karin teaches English literature, writing and poetry units to high school students, as well as English as a Second Language. She also has international teaching and volunteer experience living and working in Zimbabwe with the Ndebele tribe where Karin worked with the AIDS team and the local hospital helping to immunize young children in the villages. In Japan, she lived with a host family, teaching English to adults and young children.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.