The land of stray dogs

More than 700 dogs call this Costa Rican sanctuary home

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Lauren Hansen's avatar
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Stray dogs run at dog sanctuary Territorio de Zaguates or 'Land of the Strays' in Carrizal de Alajuela, Costa Rica.
(Image credit: REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)

(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)The dogs, who are all up for adoption, are free to roam the countryside during the day, with access to fresh water, plenty of food, activities, and regular vet visits. At night, they can curl up in a bed in one of the indoor facilities on the grounds.After Costa Rica banned euthanasia in 2003, the country moved to managing animal populations through affordable spay and neutering, as well as sanctuaries like Territorio de Zaguates. The sanctuary is open to the public, and probably the best opportunity you'll ever have to be overtaken by stampede of happy and eager puppies (if you're into that kind of thing).And if an actual visit to Costa Rica isn't on the horizon, fear not: Just enjoy a look into this puppy paradise.

(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)

(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)

(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)

(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)

(Image credit: (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate))

(Image credit: (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate))

(Image credit: (REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate))

(REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate)

Lauren Hansen
Lauren Hansen

Lauren Hansen produces The Week’s podcasts and videos and edits the photo blog, Captured. She also manages the production of the magazine's iPad app. A graduate of Kenyon College and Northwestern University, she previously worked at the BBC and Frontline. She knows a thing or two about pretty pictures and cute puppies, both of which she tweets about @mylaurenhansen.