Curaçao is known for its pristine beaches, shady palm trees and tourist hospitality. Behind the clock of perfection, however, lies a big tragedy. In “Lost in Paradise: The Dogs of Curaçao”, Karen Soeters visits Curaçao to see for herself what life is like for the homeless, abandoned, and neglected dogs on the island.

​My husband and I recently spent three weeks in Curaçao​. Unfortunately, on our last day we left the country with a horrific memory…

On January 15, we were going for a walk near Piscadera Bay. We found a stray dog in terrible condition.

I had been visiting Curaçao in August and was blown away be the severity of the animal abuse! I left the island heart broken. Tears are in my eyes now just thinking back to what I saw…

And yes, the trash is everywhere.

Do you see this poor creature that the good Lord put on this earth? Are you seeing his ribs protruding out? Have you seen the suffering and pain in his eyes? I drove by heading to an appointment and saw him in the parking lot waiting for someone to have mercy on him, feed him, give him water, something.

Curaçaoan and guest blogger Stephany was born and raised on Curaçao. After living abroad for seven years she move back to the island. “I noticed nothing had changed in all these years. When I returned, I still saw struggling and starving dogs everywhere I went.