Andrea Herrick
Founder

On September 21, 2011 my 5 pound Yorkie Opie James was attacked at a local dog park and met his demise. On that day I swore to him that I would dedicate my life to rescue in his memory.

The next day I received a NY Times in my driveway (I do not subscribe) the universe had answered my plea. I opened it up to an article on "Dead Dog Beach" in Puerto Rico. I volunteered that day and was with the rescue for several years. Along the way I met so many amazing independent women rescuers across the island who needed help — so "PRoud Rescuers of PR" was born to help them continue to help the animals in need.

Since then we have saved over 300+ dogs/puppies and over 200+ cats/kittens. We are a team and we believe there is strength in unity.

"Run to the rescue with love and peace will follow."
-River Phoenix

Katharine Drucker
Adoption Coordinator

My name is Katharine and this is my PRoud rescue girl, Jolie. I am honored to be Adoption Coordinator for PRoud Rescuers of PR. Always having a passion for animals, and believing that rescues are just extra special, are the reasons I love doing what I do.

Theresa Bellafiore
Adoption Coordinator

My name is Theresa, but my family calls me PT (Petey) ever since an incident with a foul ball at Yankee Stadium that fractured my nose. With a successful career as a Systems Engineer, the best part of my day has always been coming home to my husband and my fur baby, Hali. I’ve always been an animal lover. Dogs, cats, birds, fish, giraffes, cows, goats... even snakes! I feel an emotional connection to all creatures.

I’m also a volunteer Paramedic at my local Fire Department. I once had someone refuse transport to the hospital after a car accident because he wouldn’t leave his dog. I get it - I wouldn’t leave my dog either! So I broke all the rules and took the dog in the ambulance and waited for his family to come. After a house fire where the Chief rescued the family dog, and an alarm where a horse was rescued from a collapsed cesspool, I started the Pet Safety Program. I put pet first aid kits in the First Responder vehicles that include canine/feline oxygen masks. I teach Pet CPR and First Aid so we’re prepared to save ALL lives.

When my Hali died, the sadness was overwhelming. I came across “Frankie’s” photo on PetFinder and filled out the application. I wasn’t sure I was ready for another dog, but it’s just an application, right? Andrea called me the next day to discuss the adoption. When she told me about herself and PRoud Rescuers of PR, her passion and enthusiasm moved me. Not only was I ready to adopt this precious puppy, but I wanted to HELP! I just had to play a part in finding forever homes for these dogs. It’s as if I had no choice because this is simply who I am.

As I write this, “Frankie” now Max is snuggled up next to me taking his nap. He’s smart, goofy and an absolute pleasure! He’s a great dog who brings so much love and happiness into our home. He had a rough start, but I can honestly say that this little guy has done more for me than I can ever do for him. We are so blessed to have him.

JeanMarie Napolitano
Event Planner and Volunteer

I am part of PRoud Rescuer of PR for the pure reason of tremendous dedication to the satos of Puerto Rico. The hearts of those on this team are the most genuine hearts I have ever witnessed. Our helpless satos are welcomed into homes, to be tended too, taken to vets, coddled before and after surgery and then careful prepping and safely having each puppy take their liberation journey to the arms of true love.

I have been one of those lucky people. I was rescued by my love Hazel. She is from my beautiful island of Puerto Rico. A place I grew up in, a place where my family lives and a place where my father is laid to rest. I have a piece of that Island with me every moment of my day because I rescued my sato from PRoud Rescuers of PR.

Dianna Michniewicz
Event Planner and Volunteer

I grew up in the suburbs of Philly and had my first dog at 6 months — which started my insatiable love of them. As an adult, I adopted 3 with my ex-husband which lived to 18, 17 and 12. After losing them all within a year of each other, I took a break for 3 years till the emptiness in my heart drew me to Petfinder where I saw Chaos and fell in love.

I was approved and now have a sidekick that I can't imagine my life without. I work for a wine importer and have the blessing to be at home as well as can take him on sales calls to the stores. He's also good for a pop in on my lap during a zoom meeting. The last 2+ years have had so many laughs, kisses and snuggles that my heart is full again. Rescuing a pup or kitten and the work the rescues do is such a labor of love and I am so grateful to be able to finally give back in some small way and help all of these 4 legged souls find homes and their furever families.

Laurie Russo
Trainer and Volunteer

Nothing gives me more joy than dogs, and especially well-behaved dogs!

Our dogs give us so much and expect so little. They love us no matter what and really do want to please us, however sometimes the communication between dog and human gets confusing. We cannot just expect our dogs to know what we want; it’s our responsibility to teach them. Your dog only needs to understand what you are asking and will be happy to please!

Training is the most precious gift you can give to your dog. The ability to understand what you are asking of them builds the bond between you so much stronger and makes for a much more enjoyable experience for all!

My passion is to build the communication between dogs and their humans. Not everyone wants a show dog, but the ability to live in harmony with your best friend is priceless!

Luz Santiago
Transportation Coordinator and Rescuer

I rescue because it’s impossible not to. If you have eyes and a soul, you can see all the suffering of this broken souls abandoned by who they trusted or born surviving the harsh conditions they parents endured.

It is hard to tell when I started rescuing. I have always had the need to help strays. I tried my best providing health care, food and went beyond the unthinkable to find local homes. Then I realized the lack of commitment of the people in the island. About 5 years ago I met great friends that introduced me to the transport of rescues to better places on the mainland. It has been non-stop since then. Sadly, there is always a continuous source of beings in need.

I have had experienced sending pups through different rescues, shelters, and foster chains. Then, I had the luck that Andrea saw one of my post shouting for help and reached out to me. Proud Rescuers of PR has delivered that deep care experience where you can be sure your rescues are placed on a good home, have the opportunity to know the adopter and receive follow ups. That is something not all organizations can assure. The atmosphere of respect and been there to help is priceless.

Amedee Torres
Rescuer

My name is Amedee Torres but many know me as bibi. I live in Humacao, Puerto Rico 🇵🇷. I am 44 years old and feel like 20. I have been rescuing for over 7 years and have been able to save over 700 dogs and a few cats, and I will go beyond for them and always give them a chance.

I have taken in very hard cases that thanks to God I was able to help them get better. I am always sad for the ones I lost, as it is never easy. I don't have a feeding route because I just take them in even if I don't have the space. I will keep going until I can't any more with the help from God and many many wonderful people I have in my life.

Lucy Bracero and her daughters Zuly, Nicole & Gabriela and up and coming rescuer Baby Alan
Rescuers

We want to help with the abandonment of dogs and cats in Puerto Rico. There are truly so many animals that need our help that we try to help as many as we can. We want to shower with the love that they probably have missed their entire lives.

We started rescuing 13 years ago when we moved to the town of Peñuelas and three puppies arrived at our doorstep. Since then we have continued this amazing journey.

We are part of Proud Rescuers because we have been blessed to have met the amazing women behind it. Extremely grateful for the help they provide to these animals and to be friends with them.