Between houses and a stone path in Benigno González Street, in the city of Luque near Asunción, lies a refuge for four-legged friends in need of love. The Polki Squad shelter opens its doors to anyone who wishes to take home a furry friend, and make them part of their family.
Polki Squad is a non-profit organisation based near Paraguay’s capital, founded in 2015 as a response to two major problems. One was the lack of animal shelters for strays, and the other was the flooding in Bañado Sur, a low-lying area on the outskirts of Asunción on the Paraguay River’s banks.
“Many families had to leave their homes because of the flooding, and left their pets behind,” says Jazmín Galeano, one of the five founders of Polki Squad. “So we, a group of volunteers who had no previous experience in rescues, felt the need to organise ourselves and go rescue these animals. “If we do not rescue them, who will?”, we said.”
From pain to care
Pets that arrive at Polki Squad first visit veterinarians affiliated with the association for the relevant clinical tests. They then receive a medicated bath, followed by the necessary vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments, and, if required, specific care for any medical issues such as dermatological conditions or wounds.
For animals that arrive with behavioural problems, Jazmín explains: “It takes time and patience for them to realise that they are being treated well and cared for.”
For four-legged friends who remain at the shelter for a long period, she says: “So far, in ten years, we have not had any dogs that have not been adopted. Some take a year, others take two years, but they all get adopted. That is our mission.”
The shelter adopted a dog who has become its mascot, named Wala.
Polki Squad: Stories of change
Among more than 7,000 rescues carried out by the shelter in ten years, some of the most remarkable stories include those of Leo and Ramonita.
Leo was a difficult case at the time, arriving with an advanced maggot infestation in his snout. After receiving treatment, the dog recovered and he was eventually adopted by a family from the city of Coronel Oviedo, who travelled all the way there and back to take him home. “They always send us Christmas greetings and a photo of Leo wearing his Christmas hat beside the tree, a real darling.”
On the other hand, Ramonita is a dog renowned for escaping through any gate or small hole. “She was a super escape artist; we did not know what to do, because she kept running away.”
On one occasion, a family who knew her through social media returned her to the shelter after she escaped yet again.
“She walked into the shelter as if nothing had happened! The height of cheekiness!,” Jazmín recounts with humour. Ramonita was eventually adopted. “Or perhaps she continues running away and giving her adopters headaches.”
There are many similar tales across Asunción, where also the National Directorate of Defence, Health and Animal Welfare intervenes, such as in Rocky’s Transformative Story. After being cruelly assaulted, the dog was rescued and rehabilitated by the entity.
Polki guide for adoptions
General requirements for adoption include having a secure yard, being of legal age, having the financial means to cover veterinary expenses for the rest of the animal’s life, and, if the adopter has other pets, providing photos as a reference to ensure that the adoption will be responsible. The parameters may change depending on the individual characteristics of each pet.
“We do not send animals to their new homes because we believe that the effort of coming to collect your dog is already a first sign of commitment,” explains Jazmín.
Polki Squad follows up after adoptions to ensure that the pets are adapting to their new environment, particularly if they had behavioural issues. Typically, however, it is the adopters who maintain contact with the shelter. “I enjoy seeing them improve, seeing them get adopted, and I really enjoy continuing to see them happy with their families.”
Polki Squad: Day to day
The shelter is open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 16:30, and on Saturdays from 9:30 to 13:00 pm. It is located on Benigno González Street in the city of Luque. Careers arrive, are greeted by the dogs, and begin cleaning the yard and kennels, changing the water and food, administering specific medications, and arranging veterinary visits if necessary.
“We work from Monday to Monday. Even though the shelter is closed, we are online every day responding to social media, requests for help, and queries. It requires a great deal of dedication.”
The future of Polki Squad
For the future, Polki Squad plans to build a dog shower to reduce the cost of transporting dogs to the veterinarian for bathing. In the long term, they aim to open a clinic at the shelter for both the animals, and the Bella Vista community, as a way of repaying their support and patience.
For those interested in supporting the shelter through donations, or adopting a furry friend, visit Polki Squad on Instagram.
