BELLE VM September 2014 | Page 49

BELLE

Gloria Marti - President, Shelter Manager - Gloria has been overseeing the Save a Sato shelter ever since the organization was founded. She works seven days a week, 52 weeks a year, making sure that every single animal in their care is fed and medically cared for, has its kennel cleaned, and receives plenty of reassurance and lots of love. Some of the animals that arrive at the Save a Sato "Shelter of Miracles" have been through unimaginable horrors and Gloria is the first person that has ever shown them kindness. Thanks to her devotion, countless animals have had their faith in humanity restored and gone on to become very important family members. So significant is Gloria's work that she was recently nominated for the most prestigious award given by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals--the Lifetime Achievement Award. Though she didn't come away with the top honors, we recognize her in our hearts as Puerto Rico's Lifetime Award winner. Gloria pictured above with a sato rescue at the Save a Sato shelter in San Juan.