Andrea Herrick, a woman with breast cancer, is making an incredible impact by rescuing stray dogs in Puerto Rico. Despite facing a recent breast cancer diagnosis and undergoing intensive treatment, Herrick remains steadfast in her mission to save the “heartbeats” of the numerous pets abandoned and abused on the island. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Herrick shares her inspiration and the support she has received for her remarkable efforts.
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Herrick measures success not by numbers but by the heartbeats of the over 1,000 dogs and cats her organisation has rescued in Puerto Rico. Each animal saved represents a precious heartbeat to her. Her dedication is evident as she narrates stories of dogs being flown to Miami and driven up the East Coast to loving adopters, emphasizing the personal touch in each rescue mission.
The inception of Herrick’s animal rescue journey dates back to 2011 when she founded Proud Rescuers of Puerto Rico after losing her beloved Yorkie, Opie James, in a tragic incident. Motivated to make a difference, she learned about the dire situation at “Dead Dog Beach” in Puerto Rico, a notorious dumping ground for unwanted and abused pets. This discovery led her to join a rescue team and eventually create her own organisation to address the pressing need for help.
Proud Rescuers’ mission involves collaborating with volunteers on the island and donors in the U.S. to provide essential resources like food, veterinary care, and transportation for animals in need. Herrick sheds light on the grim reality in Puerto Rico, with over 600,000 homeless and mistreated dogs and puppies, underscoring the urgency of their rescue efforts. Through initiatives like Flight Angels, retired officers fly animals to safety, ensuring more heartbeats are saved.
Despite the challenges and overwhelming number of animals requiring assistance, Herrick’s determination remains unshaken – even as she battles an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her resilience shines through as she continues orchestrating rescue missions from her hospital bed and successfully completes her cancer treatment. Her unwavering optimism and commitment to helping animals in need serve as an inspiration to many.
One poignant rescue story involves Roxy, an emaciated German Shepherd found by a concerned individual and promptly aided by Herrick’s team. Through collective efforts, Roxy received the care she desperately needed, gained weight, and is now on the path to finding a forever home in the U.S. This heartwarming tale is just one of many instances where Herrick’s organisation has made a profound impact on the lives of animals and compassionate individuals alike.
Notably, Proud Rescuers actively engages in fundraising events like Hounds & Hitters to garner support for their cause, demonstrating a community effort to aid in the rescue and rehoming of animals. In addition to financial contributions, the organisation welcomes volunteers and fosters to provide temporary care for rescued animals until they find permanent placements, highlighting the collaborative spirit underpinning their work.
As Herrick celebrates the completion of her cancer treatment, she looks ahead to her next journey to Puerto Rico, eager to continue making a difference in the lives of animals in need. Her story serves as a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication in the face of adversity, inspiring others to join her in the noble cause of animal rescue. Andrea Herrick’s unwavering commitment to rescuing and caring for abandoned pets in Puerto Rico exemplifies the profound impact that one individual can make in the lives of vulnerable creatures.