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Teresa Valdés has dedicated her life to rescuing abandoned dogs in Laguna Verde, Chile. Over the years, her home has become a sanctuary for hundreds of animals who would otherwise be left to face hunger, cold, and the dangers of life on the streets. What started with just a few adoptions quickly grew into a massive rescue effort as neighbors began leaving unwanted dogs at her doorstep.

At one point, Teresa was caring for 190 dogs on her 10,000 m² property. She realized she needed to create a proper shelter, and so she built a sanctuary with kennels, organized routines, and a system to keep the dogs safe, fed, and healthy. Today, her sanctuary houses 143 dogs, and she continues to devote herself entirely to their care, often putting their needs above her own.

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    Meet Teresa Valdés, the woman in Laguna Verde, Chile, whose compassion has saved hundreds of abandoned dogs

    A smiling woman with long hair standing indoors, dedicated to creating a sanctuary for nearly 200 homeless dogs.

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    Teresa first returned to Chile in 2004, planning a quiet life – but a twist of fate changed everything

    Woman caring for many homeless dogs outdoors at a sanctuary in a fenced area surrounded by trees and shelter structures.

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    The number of abandoned dogs at her home grew rapidly, reaching 190 at one point

    Woman caring for homeless dogs outdoors, creating a sanctuary for nearly 200 rescued dogs in a fenced area.

    Image credits: refugiotevarescata

    Realizing she needed a safe space, she turned her 10,000 m² property into a sanctuary where dogs could live, sleep, and eat safely

    Large group of homeless dogs resting peacefully in an outdoor sanctuary beside fenced enclosures on a sunny day

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    Three dogs standing on muddy ground near green potted plants in a sanctuary for homeless dogs outdoors.

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    Multiple homeless dogs gathered outside wooden kennels in a sanctuary created to rescue and shelter stray dogs.

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    Theresa carefully manages daily routines, separating dogs during feeding times and keeping others in kennels when necessary to prevent fights, while most roam freely in the yard

    Two homeless dogs resting inside a sanctuary created by a woman to care for nearly 200 dogs.

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    Teresa faces ongoing challenges with feeding and providing medical care for so many animals, especially after the pandemic affected her main source of income

    Several homeless dogs gathered in an outdoor sanctuary space beside a fire barrel in a fenced area.

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    Volunteers and community support help sustain the sanctuary and provide much-needed assistance with food, vaccines, and care

    Woman feeding a large group of homeless dogs outdoors near an old bus in a dog sanctuary setting.

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    Many of the dogs are mixed-breed and have shown remarkable resilience, having survived hardships before being rescued

    Two homeless dogs drinking water from a large pink basin in an outdoor sanctuary setting.

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    Two homeless puppies resting closely together in a cozy home shelter turned into a sanctuary for dogs

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    Four small homeless dogs on a metal table inside a vet clinic, part of a sanctuary for nearly 200 homeless dogs.

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    Two small puppies sitting outdoors on a concrete surface in a sanctuary for homeless dogs.

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    Two white dogs behind a chain-link fence in a sanctuary for nearly 200 homeless dogs.

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    Two playful dogs on a wooden deck, illustrating a sanctuary for nearly 200 homeless dogs cared for by a dedicated woman.

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    Several homeless dogs gathered outside on dirt ground in a sanctuary providing shelter and care.

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    Homeless dog resting on a blanket inside a home sanctuary filled with toys and supplies for rescued dogs.

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    Small brown homeless puppy sitting on a soft blanket in a home sanctuary for dogs rescued by a woman.

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    Happy dog in front of a yellow enclosure with another dog inside, part of a homeless dog sanctuary.

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    Teresa’s work is a lifelong commitment, focused entirely on giving abandoned dogs a safe, caring, and stable environment

    Woman caring for nearly 200 homeless dogs outside in a muddy yard with wooden shelters and fencing around the area

    Image credits: refugiotevarescata

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