Colombian woman turns home into sanctuary

For more than 35 years, Maria del Carmen Quiceno has given shelter to the homeless dogs and cats in her community of Risaralda, Colombia.  “I rescued my first mixed dog when I was 27,” she told El Tiempo newspaper.  “He had been abandoned and people abused him.  I couldn’t stand for that, so I decided to help him.”  Currently Quiceno shelters 63 dogs and 36 cats, many who were once sick, injured or homeless.  She has limited resources and relies on local veterinarians to donate their services, including spay/neuter, and others for food donations and help with daily care.  Quiceno once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian but couldn’t afford the training.  She says she will continue to help animals in any way she can.  “My love for them has no limits.”