Like most of you, I go to Aruba yearly and absolutely love it.The current situation with natalie has caused a few to say they won't go anymore, but for years I have been thinking about changing my vacation destination due to the fact that Aruba neglects it's animals and does not provide resources to help dogs and cats in need. Some years the problem seems less serious but from what I have heard from a reliable source, the situation has not improved much. She is there now and says injured and starving dogs are all around. When are the people who love Aruba and also love animals going to speak up so that the government deals with this situation? There is an animal rights group there now, ARA, but they rely on donations alone and have a long road to go..The government who relies on our tourist dollars must find a way to help animals in need and house them and provide programs for adoption and neutering. The answer is not to round up animals and put them to sleep but to help them and educate the local people on kindness and compassion to animals and not just people. You have all seen helpless dogs looking for someone to feed and help them and you must let the government and the Tourism Authority know your feelings. I am feeling that if this situation doesn't get addressed that after 12 years I will haveto find another vacation spot. Every year I take a suitcase of dog food and bones for the aniamls but that is 1 week a year. They deserve so much more. Please don't ignore this problem anymore and let Aruba know they need to help these animals. Thank you , Linda

I was there for a week and did not see one stray dog. It cant be that much of a problem.

Hi,

I just got back a week ago. There are some dogs yes, but not at all much!
"She is there now and says injured and starving dogs are all around"
I for sure did not see starving dogs "all around". I did not see 1! I think you're friend is exaggerating. When I'm on Arubua I'm all over the place, touring visiting every thinkable spot, but the last 5 years the "situation" has become much and much better! There were some areas there were no stray dogs at all!

But if you want to change your vacationspot, you go right ahead, nobody's stopping you, right? Just do what you want to do, but don't say thing like: If you don't do that, then I won't come anymore.... That's just childish...

Ever watch Animal Cops on the Animal Planet Channel? It's truly amazing the neglect and abuse animals suffer thanks to their owners.
Maybe the schools here in the US ought to make it mandatory children be educated about animal care and the suffering they endure. Ever hear about dog shooting day up in Canada? Ever been to Puerto or Mexico? Both animal and human suffering exist all over the world. Sad but true.

Hey, stray dog 'problem' in the news and suddenly that is an issue when going somewhere on vacation? If there is a problem, it's no different from any other country. The ARA and the Aruba Animal Shelter do a lot of good work together with their volunteers and their sponsors.

Dear Linda,

I think it is great what you are doing- GOOD FOR YOU!

What I DO NOT APPRECIATE is your attempt to "GUILT" us out to feel sorry for animals.

I have no pets but if I did I would take care of them. I Like animals.

If I may be blunt with you, you animal people PETA and the rest have ONLY the perspective from the animal.

Let me ask you a question, if animals were not intended to be eaten as food, then how come they are packed full with meat?

Hey Linda did you know that hundreds of people will die TODAY because they don't have any food at all?

Hundreds more will die because they have no basic medical care?

I support organizations that I can financially that help people, ok? And those organizations need more help FROM people FOR people. After all the people are taken care of I'll consider the plight of the animals.

So I ask you, why are your priorities backwards? Or is it that you do think animals are more important the people?

Suds

While in Aruba stop at Noah's Ark pet store (near the grocery stores), they sell an assortment of gifts that benefit the animal rescue society of Aruba. You can get some great souveniers (t-shirts, mugs, etc.) and help a worthy cause at the same time.

If you are so concerned for these animals, why don't you return and start to do something about it instead of switching your destination and avoiding the situation?

Just a thought for you to consider!

If your so worried about the animals in Aruba, I have a suggestion. Stay home and send the couple thousand dollars you save on the trip to the animal groups in Aruba !

Saw a few stray cats and dogs when we were there in May. Did not seem like it was a huge problem though.