Aruba Dog Names

It is nice to see that with the age of the internet, and the fact that the web is expanding the breadth of exposure exponentially, that the plight of the Aruba dog is improving. Rescue networks are popping up in Aruba with reaches all over the world, including the United States, the Netherlands, Canada and Sweden.

The Arubian Cunucu is a canine that typically makes their home on the streets of Aruba. They are thought to have descended from the Portuguese Podengo and perhaps the Iberian Hound. They may have been brought to Aruba by the Portuguese in the 16th century. Over time, they bred with Aruban street dogs and have developed over hundreds of years into the Cunucu, a very loyal, friendly and fun-loving breed of dog. It is unfortunate that many of these dogs are living their days on the streets. However, advances are being made to spay, neuter and adopt out the dogs, often to people who do not live on the island. Diverse in coloring and size, these dogs all have a similar look with beautiful eyes and an adorable face!

One rescue organization is making small changes in a very big way in the life of the Aruba dog, and it all started with a tiny pup native to this beautiful island. Rachel (Miller) Brathen, owner of Sgt. Pepper’s Friends rescue first rescued little Sgt. Pepper from the streets of Aruba when he was only 3 weeks old. He was in bad shape, his little body full of wounds and ticks and his belly swollen from lack of nourishment. Rachel and her partner, Dennis, brought the puppy home to live with them and their canine brood. He quickly became a cherished member of the family, even taking on the role of best man at Rachel and Dennis’ wedding a couple of years later. Sadly, Sgt, Pepper died of a tick-borne disease at the young age of four. His memory lives on though, as Rachel was called upon to honor his memory by forming the Sgt. Pepper’s Friends Foundation.

The Animal Relief Foundation of Aruba is working hard to adopt out dogs like Emmy and Eve who have found homes in Florida and New York. New Life for Paws is another busy and dedicated organization in Aruba, as is the Aruba Animal Shelter Foundation.