Chalk pastel and color pencils on oyster Mi Teintes paper, about 7.3″ x 8″. Reference photo by Tracey.

MacKenzie is a “Sato”, slang in Puerto Rico for street dog. He was born on the streets as a stray in Puerto Rico, and was rescued from certain death by a wonderful group called Save A Sato.
MacKenzie is a Whippet mix, and is a very unique looking dog. She is bilaterally deaf, as a result of a genetic defect. The same defect that causes deafness also caused her to have one blue eye and one brown eye, and the irregular shaped black spots on her other wise white coat. She somehow managed to survive on the streets of Puerto Rico for almost two years before being rescued by Save A Sato. She has mastered dozens of hand signals, and most people who meet her do not believe she is completely deaf.

MacKenzie and her “brother”, Baxter (also a Sato), have become ambassadors on behalf of the Satos, educating people about the plight of the dogs of Puerto Rico. They attend many community service events through out the year, and are regular participants in local parades riding aboard a Fire Engine. www.saveasato.org – Tracey

Great dog with a great story! Thank you for sharing the information on Satos, Tracey. Perhaps one of my readers will adopt one!