Abandoned Pooches? No Way, José!

Dead dogs on a beach don't make postcards. Puerto Rico's so-called Dead Dog Beach outside San Juan has cost the country $15 million in lost tourism, but Canada's largest tour operator Air Transat is hoping to improve conditions for both travelers and pets.

The tourism giant has agreed to play a more formal role in developing a solution at its Caribbean and Mexico holiday destinations by lending support to Cats and Dogs International (CANDi). The nonprofit has a stripper name but a heart of gold. They're dedicated to saving stray animals at tourist meccas through innovative feeding, spaying, rescue, adoption and education programs, as reported earlier this year on Tonic.

Air Transat's commitment includes the free transportation of dogs and cats that are rescued in the Caribbean and adopted in homes in Canada. The arrangement also includes complimentary transport of CANDi volunteers and vets to Air Transat's tourist destinations and a formal endorsement of CANDi's work.

Al Graham, president of Air Transat, credited CANDi's "involvement and assistance in making our world a better place for these cats and dogs would be most appreciated."

Photo by underwhelmer via Flickr.