In 1981, Alicia Aballi, a Key Biscayne resident, began bringing dogs that had been abandoned on the island to her home. The number kept growing, so Alicia’s husband bought a property in Homestead so that Alicia could care for these dogs and eventually have them adopted into loving homes.
The Aballi family left Key Biscayne, and thus, the Born Free Pet Shelter was created. Over the years, it has cared for and adopted thousands of dogs.
Alicia Aballi with one of the furry friends she has saved in the Redlands area.
Key Biscayne’s connection with Alicia didn’t end when she moved. Key Biscayners, acting as first responders, were crucial in taking orphaned dogs to Born Free. This continued until last year when Alicia passed away in her 90s. Despite the unsuccessful attempts to transfer the property to another shelter, island volunteers adopted the remaining dogs, except four.
And here begins the story’s second chapter, one that needs your support.
A few miles away, Newton “Junior” Sequira had begun taking in homeless dogs. He added Born Free’s last four orphans to his “family.” His “mission” was always to care for older and unadoptable dogs. None are euthanized. All of Junior’s working life focused on dogs, from vet school in his native Brazil to his entrepreneurial work operating multiple dog grooming facilities in South Florida. Junior began accepting more abandoned dogs after purchasing two more acres next to his home.
Thus, Redlands Dog Sanctuary, a no-kill shelter registered as a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization, was born.
Partnering with a fostering friend, Amy Spadaro, who had developed Dogs in Crisis, Redlands Dog Sanctuary grew quickly. Miami-Dade County has more dogs born here than in any US county. Homestead has the most dogs in the county. Many of these dogs roam freely. Animal lovers sometimes go where these feral dogs live and leave them food. Most of these dogs are unapproachable but can be brought to Redlands Sanctuary when sick or injured.
Newton “Junior” Sequira with one of his furry friends.
At the sanctuary, they are fed, de-loused, and vetted. Some become adoptable, but some spend the rest of their lives in the safe environment of the sanctuary.
Some angel investors have helped Redlands with equipment and trailers for grooming and bathing. Volunteer veterinarians often come to neuter and spay. But it is a struggle to pay for the day-to-day necessities – the food, flea and tick medications, and the minimal salary of a skeleton crew that cleans the pens and feeds the animals.
Junior’s social security and sporadic donations keep Redlands Sanctuary in business. But the needs of 100-plus dogs are endless. The money isn’t.
This is where Key Biscayners, or anyone for that matter, can help.
Redlands Sanctuary needs regular monthly or quarterly donations to know there will be enough money for necessities. The sanctuary is asking dog lovers to pledge regularly scheduled donations so its “residents” can continue to be well cared for. The amount is not as important as its continuity.
You can pledge your support at RedlandDogSanctuary.org or email Monique Van Damme at Monique.RedlandsDogSanctuary@gmail.com. Pledges are the best way to recognize the island’s Born Free legacy.
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