Bruno, who lives near my house on the outskirts of San José, is a big, proud, brown dog with black markings, honey-colored eyes, floppy ears, a wet nose and a personality to, as they say, die for. Bruno’s lineage isn’t obvious – a bit of boxer mixed with this and that, perhaps – but that’s of no import. Everybody falls in love with the perro that almost died from abuse and neglect.
Now, Bruno is a centerfold, of sorts, appearing as Mr. August in the National Association for the Protection of Animals (ANPA) 2010 calendar.
Each month features a different dog and a different story of survival, rescue and, most of all, newfound love. “Before” photos that definitely tear at the heartstrings accompany the larger pictures of the healthy, happy animals.
In addition to the calendars, ANPA is selling 2010 date books, also with 12 animal rescue stories.
The calendars and date books, as well as a variety of ANPA T-shirts and school supplies, are on sale at the association’s office on Av. 8, Ca. 17/19, in San José. They also are sold at Librería Universal stores at La Sabana, Heredia, Desamparados, downtown San José, Multiplaza del Este and Real Cariari mall.
Calendars cost ¢3,000 ($5.40) and date books ¢4,000 ($7.10) at the ANPA office. At Universal, calendars cost ¢3,500 ($6.25), date books ¢4,800 ($8.60). Proceeds from sales are dedicated to education programs and castration of animals, according to ANPA President Gisela Vico.
For more information, call 2255-2722, 2255-3757 or 2233-0779, or visit www.anpacostarica.org (currently under renovation).
–Mary Chalker
