Meet Natalia
Natalia is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. When Mandy and I sat down with Natalia we were drawn in with her passion, energy and mission. We are so excited to share Natalia with you all.
​
Natalia's Passion Project: A.W.A.R.E.
Animal/Welfare/Awareness/Rescue/Education
Focusing on the source of the animal issues in CR, lack of education, lack of empathy, lack of resources, over population, ignorance. Facing those challenges through providing education for the new generations, connecting with the kids through workshops designed for them, encourage empathy and communication between family members.
Prevention, offering low-cost castration campaigns for all members of the community in which the adult is also educated on basic care.
Keeping communication channels open to the community to guide them in situations of animals at risk.
Work with trained veterinary medical personnel and authorities to educate and respond to emergency situations.
Get Involved with A.W.A.R.E.
List of Needs:
- Foster homes
-Dog/ cat food
-Monetary donations to cover our vet expenses
-Flying Angels that could transport pets
- Volunteer job such as: participate in the clinics, transport animals in their vehicle, foster animals after surgery for a few days, marketing work, building cages-fences.
My Story...
Name? Natalia Salazar
Nickname? Nat, Nati, The dog lady
Family? My family is the one I have chosen here, my animals and a few close friends
Where are you from? I´m originally from San Jose but moved here 17 years ago
Where do you live? Playas del Coco
Why did you move to CoCo and how long have you lived here? I’ve always wanted to live by the coast surrounded by nature.
Do you have a job or own a business? I have an on-line job with a Canadian company, but I dedicate most of my time to animal
Do you volunteer in CoCo ? I´m an active animal rescuer in this area. I have my own non- profit organization called AWARE in process but have been doing this work for the last ten years.
I'm also part of an organization of low cost spay and neuter clinics in Coco and I'm currently working on an educational program about animal welfare for kids with Play Green and other volunteers.
Do you have any animals? I have 16 dogs, but many are fosters, they come and go as they are adopted. And I try to do as much as possible for wildlife when is needed.
What are your hobbies? My hobbies are mostly outdoors activities with my dogs such as beach days and hiking. I also enjoy reading a good book and now studying
What are your favorite restaurants? I love the food at Masala. Dolce Vita has great-quality dishes. Ginger is excellent and unique in this area, and I recently had sushi at hacienda Blu, and it was delicious!
What is your favorite watering hole & drink? I love Father Rooster´s cocktails but often I'll just have a glass of wine at home
What is your favorite beach? I´m always in search of beach spots that aren´t so crowded, so I can’t tell you.
What is your favorite place to visit outside of CoCo? I enjoy visiting any other places that aren’t as hot as Coco, finding new beaches or even SJ for a few days to find more cultural activities.
What is something most people would not know about you? My secret talents include choosing pets' names, organizing the refrigerator, handcrafting and painting and petting four dogs at the same time with my arms and legs.
​
Contact Natalia - A.W.A.R.E.
If you are looking for a way to get involved... I would Love to connect with you!
Any person that feels their skills could serve to this cause are welcome to contact me on WhatsApp
506-8364-1073