Meet the residents of the sanctuary.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Apolo is one of the oldest and most cherished donkeys at the sanctuary. When he grew too old to work, his owner threw him onto the streets and inflicted unthinkable cruelty. PAW rescued him on August 22, 2021 in critical condition — swollen with infection, weak, thirsty, and starving — but his eyes still showed a quiet will to live. Today, thanks to love, care, and time, Apolo enjoys peaceful days surrounded by gentle companions. As a senior, he needs ongoing veterinary care, special senior food, alfalfa, supplements, and daily comfort.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Simba entered our lives on June 5, 2023, the day someone tried to end his. As an elderly dog searching for food in the trash, he was brutally beaten with a wooden plank. No one helped him. No one stepped in. When we arrived, he was swollen, limping, and in unbearable pain. His spirit was broken, but he was still holding on. At the hospital, we learned the full extent of the damage. Simba was anemic, fighting infection, and suffering from a fractured skull. He spent weeks hospitalized, receiving medicated baths, physiotherapy, antibiotics, and constant care just to stay alive. And slowly, he began to fight his way back. Today, Simba is a completely different dog. He still has a little bounce in his step. He loves greeting visitors, lounging on the couch, soaking up affection, and being part of every moment at the sanctuary. He is safe, he is adored, and he has found real peace here. Simba is already an older dog, and adoption is unlikely. But the truth is that he already has a home with us. He is a permanent member of our sanctuary family, and we are committed to giving him the best life for all his remaining years.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Blue Ivy was only 6 months old when we rescued her on June 19, 2025, but in those short six months, she had already endured a lifetime of suffering. Blue Ivy is thriving now, but her care doesn’t end with recovery. Sponsorship helps us provide her with high-quality food, ongoing preventative care, enrichment, a safe environment, and the lifelong protection every rescued animal needs. It also helps us continue rescuing dogs just like her, animals who are still waiting for the chance Blue Ivy was given. When you sponsor Blue Ivy, you play an active role in her future and in the rescue missions that save lives every single day. Blue Ivy is living proof that love changes everything, and you can be part of her story moving forward. She is safe because someone chose to care. Will you stand beside her, too?

Female · Ceará, Brazil

On June 18, 2021, PAW rescued senior Safira along with four other donkeys — Jade, Turquesa, Rubi, and Topázio. They were being beaten and chased by a group of boys. As an elderly donkey, Safira needs softer senior grains mixed with supplements, plus medications and regular vet care. Sponsoring her means helping continue the gentle handling and daily comfort she needs in her golden years.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

On November 20, 2023, Toddy arrived at the sanctuary in critical condition — skin and bones, weak, and defeated. He had belonged to a neighbor who locked him in a kennel after he was attacked by other dogs and left him to suffer. Today his eyes are bright and his tail wags. He'll need lifelong daily medication and consistent vet care for leishmaniasis. Sponsorship covers his food, medication, and ongoing vet visits.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Meet Lassie — A Survivor Who Never Gave Up On May 3rd, 2021, Lassie was rescued after locals alerted us that she was being severely mistreated and raped. When she arrived at the hospital, we discovered she was also suffering from a Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT), a painful, contagious cancer, and was battling Lyme Disease as well. It was heartbreaking to see how much this gentle soul had endured, but Lassie refused to give up. With months of chemotherapy, antibiotics, and dedicated care, she slowly began to heal, her strength returning, her spirit shining brighter each day. Today, Lassie is healthy, safe, and deeply loved here at the sanctuary. She spends her days soaking up the sun, wagging her tail, and greeting everyone with her sweet smile, a true testament to what compassion can do.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Lion was abandoned by the only family he ever knew simply for growing old and falling ill. Starving, weak, and in pain — yet his tail still wagged when PAW approached him. He has a painful oral fistula that makes eating difficult, severely infected ears, anemia from heavy ticks, and a leishmaniasis diagnosis that will require lifelong treatment. He leans into every gentle touch. Sponsorship covers his medical treatments and special food.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Paçoca’s story began in silence and suffering. He and his family, his mother Pepita and three siblings, had been locked inside a room on a neighboring property with no food or water. It was only when one of the puppies became trapped in a gate and cried out that our sanctuary staff heard them. One of our team members jumped the fence and discovered them starving and dehydrated, hidden away and forgotten. That cry for help saved them all. Their owner had zero interest in them, so we rescued the entire family. Today, Paçoca is still living at our sanctuary, alongside his sister Judite and their mom, Pepita. He’s grown into a handsome boy who loves playing with his sister and napping in the sun. Though his start in life was filled with neglect, he’s never known anything but kindness since coming into our care. Life at the sanctuary comes with daily needs… food, vet visits, and deworming. Sponsoring Paçoca helps us provide everything he requires to stay safe, healthy, and loved.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Judite, her mother Pepita, and three siblings had been locked inside a room on a neighboring property with no food or water. When one puppy became trapped in a gate and cried out, sanctuary staff heard them and jumped the fence to find them starving and dehydrated. PAW rescued the entire family. Today Judite lives at the sanctuary with her brother Paçoca and mom Pepita. Sponsorship covers food, vet visits, and deworming.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

That dog was Tula. And her babies were out there, alone, vulnerable, and in danger. We rescued Tula that day, along with her five puppies. One has since been adopted, but the remaining four are still with us at our sanctuary in Brazil. Tula is still with us too She’s doing well, and her little family is a reminder of why we do this work. Tula's monthly sponsorship will help us cover essentials like food and vet care. Your support means Tula and her family can keep living the safe and happy life they fought so hard to have.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

In 2024, PAW found Chica abandoned at a gas station near the hotel they used during rescues in Ceará. She's a sweet senior with no upper teeth and one cloudy eye, who has recently been diagnosed with a full rupture of her cranial cruciate ligament — the dog's equivalent of a torn knee ligament. She needs surgery to walk without pain. Sponsorship covers her surgery, ongoing vet care, special food, and the comfort she needs to live pain-free.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Thor’s life was once a nightmare. For years, he endured pain, neglect, and daily abuse at the hands of people who saw him as disposable. By the time we rescued him in September 2021, he was barely clinging to life. Emaciated, dehydrated, and emotionally crushed, Thor had given up on humans, and for good reason. He spent nearly two months in the care of our equine veterinarians, receiving intensive treatment and round-the-clock support. And Thor did more than survive, he transformed. Today, he is a symbol of resilience. Safe at our sanctuary in Brazil, Thor is no longer a victim. He is a happy, healthy horse, respected and loved, and he will remain here, protected for the rest of his life. But caring for a horse like Thor is a lifelong responsibility, and we need your help. Your sponsorship helps provide his monthly vet care, hoof trimming, nutritious feed, supplements, tick prevention, and everything else he needs to thrive. More than that, it gives him the promise of stability and love for the rest of his days.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

In June 2024, we met Ibis under heartbreaking circumstances. He was thrown out of a car window in front of a hotel where we used to stay in Ceará, discarded like trash. The hotel employees witnessed it happen. Since then, Ibis stayed nearby, drawn to the only kindness he knew: us. We visited him every day, feeding him morning and night. He waited for us, trusted us. And we couldn’t leave him behind. We named him Ibis, after the hotel. We even asked the hotel to help with his neuter surgery and medication during recovery. But sadly, we know the answer was no. Like so many others, they look the other way when it comes to animals in need. We knew we couldn’t risk leaving him behind, not with the hotel located right next to a dangerously busy road. Stray animals in Brazil face unimaginable suffering. Ibis wouldn’t stand a chance alone.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

PAW first met Tereza as a stray near the sanctuary and made sure she received vaccines while she roamed. In June 2023 a neighbor sent video of Tereza in danger on the street. She was brought to the vet for spaying, but her checkup revealed she had Lyme disease and needed treatment first. So instead of a quick visit, Tereza came home. Today she's a cherished sanctuary member — healthy, protected, and no longer surviving on scraps.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

We brought Carolina and her four puppies with us that day. It was clear she had been through so much, yet she never stopped caring for her babies. Thanks to our incredible supporters, all of her puppies have since been adopted into loving homes. And now, Carolina is safe with us, loved, respected, and never alone again. Carolina gave everything to keep her babies safe. Now, it’s our turn to give back to her. Will you be part of Carolina’s future by becoming her sponsor?

Female · Ceará, Brazil

In February 2024, senior Cora and her companion Cosmo were attacked by dogs in a neighboring state. Cora couldn't defend herself; younger, stronger Cosmo kicked the dogs away and stayed by her side throughout. Cora suffered severe injuries to her jaw and ear, with skin and tissue loss and puncture wounds across her body. Today both are thriving at the sanctuary. Sponsorship supports their continued care.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Profile and full story available on the original PAW page.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

We recently rescued a young female donkey… just a yearling… we’ve named her Olivia. Olivia was first seen on the road leading to our sanctuary with a few other donkeys. The next time we saw her, she was alone. The others were gone, and Olivia stood there… lost, frail, and clearly not doing well. Her breathing was heavy and labored. Something was very wrong. We asked around, hoping to learn more about her. Sadly, multiple people told us they’d seen her before… pulling heavy carts for a man who was using her for labor. And the heartbreaking part? Olivia is only about a year old. She’s just a baby!!!

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Many of you might remember Fly. We did a fundraiser for him almost a year ago, back in May 2024, when he was in desperate need of help. Fly’s past is heartbreaking… he was used and abused by breeders until he became sick and suffered a horrible femur fracture. The person who initially rescued Fly found him lying on the side of a busy road in the rain, completely helpless. He couldn’t stand, walk, or fend for himself in any way. He was starving, in pain, and barely hanging on. When she took him to the hospital, it became clear that he needed major surgery to repair his fractured femur, as well as treatment for severe anemia and ehrlichia, a tick disease. But when she realized how extensive and expensive his care would be, she told the hospital she couldn’t afford it and asked for him to be discharged. Her plan was to take him home and attempt to treat him herself. We knew that if Fly didn’t get the proper medical care, he had little chance of survival. The infection alone could have killed him, not to mention the unimaginable pain he was in. We couldn’t let that happen. So we stepped in and made Fly one of our own rescues. When we took Fly in, he was skin and bones. His X-rays confirmed a severe femur fracture, degenerative joint disease, and even foreign bodies in his digestive tract. On top of all this, his ehrlichia had caused severe anemia, making his already fragile condition even worse. He was malnourished, dehydrated, and weak. He battled pneumonia and endured not one, but two surgeries. The first was to repair his shattered femur with plates and pins. The second was to remove a migrated pin that was causing him pain and inflammation. Since then, he has undergone physiotherapy and laser therapy to help with his recovery. After being discharged, Fly stayed at a boarding facility near our sanctuary for nearly a year. But today, now he is with us at our sanctuary!

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Mel spent years being used and mistreated for children's entertainment — pulled from place to place, overworked, and never truly cared for. Those days are behind her. For the past three years she has been a cherished member of the sanctuary. She still needs daily care, special medications, and ongoing treatment for chronic respiratory issues. Sponsoring Mel helps a survivor live the peaceful life she always deserved.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Valentine was already living on PAW's current property when they began renting it. He had endured years of suffering in vaquejada — pushed far beyond his limits, leaving severe leg injuries still visible around his knees today. When PAW took over the property, they insisted Valentine and his companion pony Mel stay. He has not been ridden a single day under their care. Sponsorship covers feed, supplements, farrier visits, and vet checkups so he can continue the safe, pain-free life he's earned.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

In August 2022, a young horse arrived at the vet hospital with a fractured leg after being forced to compete in vaquejada — a brutal Brazilian sport. His owner wouldn't pay for his care and was already trying to sell him off. PAW's community raised the funds to buy Sunny and bring him to safety. Today he's thriving in the sanctuary, surrounded by a loving herd and finally free to just be a horse.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

In May 2023, Layla was found abandoned in the dunes with an open leg fracture. Someone working at a small beach kiosk made the call that saved her life. After seven months of hospitalization and two major surgeries — one on each front leg — she returned to the sanctuary to begin recovery. She needs daily physiotherapy, wound care, and walks on different terrains to rebuild strength. Sponsorship stands beside a survivor who fought to live.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Early 2024, PAW was notified about a foal frantically running through traffic and almost being hit by cars. A friend safely got Shakira off the road. A man in the area later threatened the rescuer and tried to claim the foal — they did not give her back. Shakira now lives at the sanctuary with the small horse herd. She's a tiny, spunky beauty with a thick wild mane who especially loves the apple- and mint-flavored treats hung in the trees for her.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Rosie’s story began on the streets, pregnant and alone in a dangerous part of town. It was clear she was vulnerable, and running out of time. On February 16th, 2021, we brought her to safety at our sanctuary. From the moment Rosie arrived, she began to show us her gentle, affectionate spirit. She quickly made friends with the other rescues, as if she knew she was finally home. An ultrasound confirmed that Rosie was in the final stages of pregnancy. Just a few weeks later, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy, who we named Diamanté. Rosie is now thriving, living peacefully with her herd and watching her son grow up safe and loved.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Princesa is the very beginning of our sanctuary’s story. In April 2020, we rescued our very first animal in Brazil—and it was Princesa. She was a pregnant donkey, found lying on the side of the road after being hit by a car. She was heavily pregnant, late in her term, and her leg was badly injured. Someone had tied a makeshift splint around it, but it offered no real help. We desperately searched for assistance—calling veterinarians, equine facilities, and sanctuaries—hoping to find her a safe place. We were able to get Princesa the urgent medical care she needed, but no permanent home was available for her. That was when we realized: we were her home. Shortly after her rescue, Princesa gave birth to a beautiful and healthy baby girl who we named Espoleta. Together, they became the first two lives of what would grow into our full sanctuary.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Many of you are familiar with our rescue donkey pair, Cora and Cosmo. Their story is one of heartbreak and resilience. In February 2024, they were tragically attacked by dogs in a neighboring state. Cora’s situation was especially heartbreaking—she’s a senior donkey who couldn’t defend herself against the aggressive dogs. Cosmo, being younger and stronger, was able to kick the dogs away and protect himself, but his loyalty and courage shone through as he stayed by Cora’s side throughout the entire attack. Now Cosmo is living his best life at our sanctuary… though he’s no longer with Cora, and that’s entirely his own doing! Cosmo has a mischievous streak and just couldn’t help stirring up trouble with the larger herd. Always looking to start playful chaos, we had to move him into a smaller group where he can be his rambunctious self without picking too many donkey fights!

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Tigrinho — affectionately, the little tiger — was found as a fragile kitten battling the streets alone. He developed cataracts that threatened to take his vision permanently. In December 2024, thanks to PAW supporters, he had successful cataract surgery and an artificial lens implanted in his right eye. Today he has fully healed and is thriving alongside the rest of PAW's rescued cats. He's looking for a monthly sponsor to help cover his continued care.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Meet Eva, one of our most resilient rescues. We found her at the end of 2023 in heartbreaking condition—dragging her paralyzed back legs down the hot streets, suffering immensely. To our horror, Eva had undergone a botched surgery on her spine. Whoever attempted to operate on her not only failed to help her but cruelly abandoned her back on the streets to fend for herself. When we took Eva in, it became clear that her paralysis was permanent. Despite this, we were determined to give her the best life possible. Thanks to our incredible supporters, we’ve been able to provide Eva with a couple of custom wheelchairs, allowing her to explore and run around the sanctuary every day. She has dedicated playtimes in her wheelchair and loves spending time with her dog friends, always showing us her playful and joyful spirit. Eva requires round-the-clock care. When she’s not in her wheelchair, we apply ointments and barrier creams to protect her legs from sores and redness as she drags them behind her. She also needs a constantly clean environment to ensure her health and comfort. While we never rule out adoption, Eva’s extensive needs make it unlikely for her to find a home outside the sanctuary. Eva is available for sponsorship to help cover the cost of her ongoing care, including ointments, barrier creams, wheelchair maintenance, and anything else she needs to stay happy and healthy. Your support helps ensure Eva continues to live her best life despite everything she’s endured. Thank you for helping us give her the love and care she so desperately deserves.

Male · Ceará, Brazil

Thunder is a blind rescue horse. He spent his entire life confined to a stall, never able to experience the outside world. His blindness was preventable — his previous owner ignored ulcers in his eyes that, left untreated, led to permanent blindness. At the sanctuary he now has his own paddock where he can bask in sunshine and feel the breeze, with regular checkups from his eye doctor. Sponsorship helps cover his ongoing care.

Female · Ceará, Brazil

Manu was spayed, and her surgery went well. She’s still hospitalized for her post surgery treatments, and once she’s done, we will start with her vaccines. She’s not an emergency rescue, but we still need help to get her ready to find her forever home! We cannot do this alone! UNFORTUNATELY, NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE HELPED MANU. DONATIONS ARE EXTREMELY LOW, AND WE DON’T KNOW HOW TO KEEP HELPING THESE ANIMALS IN NEED. PLEASE HELP US TO BE ABLE TO HELP THIS PUPPY. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT WE ARE JUST $174 AWAY FROM OUR GOAL… SHE WAS SPAYED, AND NOW WE NEED HELP TO BE ABLE TO AFFORD HER SURGERY, POST SURGERY TREATMENTS, AND VACCINES, SO SHE CAN BE READY TO FIND HER FOREVER HOME