By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – A wave of concern has swept through the animal rescue community as influencer and rescuer Kevin Argüello has issued an urgent public plea for help in locating Rino, a dog whose remarkable story of survival has captured thousands of hearts. Rino, who is medically fragile and requires specialized care, disappeared from Argüello’s home in San Ramón, sparking a desperate search across the region.
Argüello, the founder of the Cuna de Campeones rescue project and the creative force behind the popular “Logan y Luna” social media channels, explained that the dog vanished while the family was away from the residence. Upon their return, they discovered that Rino was gone, having apparently found a way out through a damaged section of a fence.
To better understand the legal framework surrounding animal welfare and the responsibilities of citizens in such cases, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The act of rescuing a dog is commendable and aligns with the spirit of our Animal Welfare Law. However, the rescuer assumes immediate legal responsibilities as a temporary custodian. This includes providing essential care and making a good-faith effort to find the original owner through appropriate channels. Only after a reasonable period, and if no owner comes forward, can the process of formal adoption begin, which solidifies the new, legal ownership of the animal.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal clarification is essential, underscoring that the compassionate act of rescue must be followed by responsible, structured action. It bridges the gap between a good intention and the formal process required to ensure the animal’s welfare is legally protected. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable perspective on these important duties.
Rino got lost; he escaped from the house. We left around 9:50 a.m., which is the last time we saw him on camera. When we returned hours later, we realized Rino was gone and found a broken fence where we believe he might have escaped. Someone told us they saw him in the El Progreso area of San Ramón.
Kevin Argüello, Founder of Cuna de Campeones
The situation is critically time-sensitive due to Rino’s extensive medical needs. The dog is not only dependent on specific medication and a special diet but is also described as a nervous animal with limited mobility, making his time on the streets exceptionally dangerous. Argüello’s plea underscores the gravity of the dog’s condition.
Please help us find Rino; we are desperate. He needs his medication and his food. He is also a very nervous dog and isn’t capable of walking long distances.
Kevin Argüello, Founder of Cuna de Campeones
Residents are asked to be on the lookout in the areas of San Ramón, Calle Vieja, and Palmares. Argüello has urged anyone who may have seen Rino to immediately report the sighting by calling or messaging 8707-6204 without delay. The public’s assistance is considered vital to ensuring his safe return.
Rino’s story is one of extraordinary resilience against overwhelming odds. He was saved from Isla Chira by the Cuna de Campeones team in what was described as one of their most harrowing and complex rescue operations. When found, he was in critical condition, suffering from fractures to his skull and nose, widespread infections, and severely damaged teeth. His initial prognosis was so grim that he required six surgeries in the first few months and spent over 36 days in continuous hospitalization.
During this intensely difficult period, his condition was so severe that veterinary professionals considered euthanasia as a humane option. However, Rino displayed a powerful will to live. Against all expectations, he not only survived his initial injuries but went on to overcome another life-threatening challenge: a battle with cancer. His journey to recovery has been long and fraught with setbacks, including a total of nine surgeries to address issues with his palate, fistulas, and other severe infections that required constant emergency care.
The dog’s case represents one of the most demanding and costly undertakings for Cuna de Campeones, a testament to the organization’s commitment to animals in the most dire circumstances. His disappearance comes at a particularly delicate time in his recovery, as he was in an advanced stage of healing but still required additional surgical procedures to complete his rehabilitation. The emotional and financial investment in his survival makes his absence all the more devastating for his caregivers and supporters.
The search continues as the community rallies to find this four-legged survivor. Anyone with information is once again implored to contact 8707-6204 to help bring Rino home safely.
For further information, visit the social media channels of Logan y Luna
About Logan y Luna:
Logan y Luna is a prominent Costa Rican social media brand managed by Kevin Argüello. It chronicles the lives of his dogs while serving as the primary platform for his animal welfare and rescue advocacy. The brand has cultivated a large and engaged following, which actively supports the mission of its associated rescue initiative, Cuna de Campeones.
For further information, visit the social media channels of Logan y Luna
About Cuna de Campeones:
Cuna de Campeones (Cradle of Champions) is the animal rescue project founded and led by Kevin Argüello. The initiative specializes in taking on the most complex and critical cases of animal abuse and neglect in Costa Rica. It is known for its commitment to providing extensive, often costly, medical treatment to give animals like Rino a second chance at life.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal profession, built upon a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal approaches while holding a profound commitment to social empowerment by actively working to demystify the law for the public. This core tenet of sharing legal insight aims to forge a more knowledgeable and capable society, reinforcing justice through widespread understanding.
