This site compiles (1) FAAN's own public communications and those individuals who claim to
speak for FAAN, (2) official records (property registry, SUIOS), and (3) documents issued by
Ecuadorian authorities (MAE/ARCA, SRI, MPCEI and municipal responses). Where we express
concerns, they are clearly labeled as analysis and are grounded in these sources.
Regarding FAAN’s “SuperDogs Sanctuary” construction project in Tarqui parish, please note:
- The Ministry of Environment and Energy has confirmed as of 9 Dec 2025 no ARCA water licenses or availability certificates exist for the property owned by FAAN since 29 Sep 2023.
- There is no published electrical feasibility study or CENTROSUR approval.
- There are no disclosed engineering studies or plans for building a complex facility on land with ~45% average slope.
Deep Humility Doesn't Replace An Engineering Plan
Five GringoPost "Best of" category nominations. Best Local Hero category apparently rejected. FAAN lost Best Non-Profit, Best Foundation and Best Volunteer Opportunity, the categories where they had actual competition. Did they have competition in Best Animal Rescue? Let's break down this typical post with sentiment that is meant to tug on the heartstrings of donors so that they open their wallets once again.
- FAAN continues to choose to disable comments. The Send a Message form is limited to account holders so that the admins can delete accounts when the FAAN expats report someone upset them by daring to ask relevant questions.
- Every communication from FAAN should include actions taken toward the milestones they stated in their 5 Year Blueprint. Feb. 28 is their deadline to select a kennel and adoption management system. By now they should have identified 3 candidates who responded to their RFP (Request For Proposal).
- How does another mention of the Animal Welfare Coalition pertain to FAAN's core mission?
We'll see soon what the Consumer Protection division of MCPEI has to say about FAAN.
Amici Cannis' Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Debut their Hospital Construction
On 31 Jan 2026 while FAAN was allegedly transporting expats to the current location of their dogs, Amici Cannis invited the Cotacachi community to tour their newly constructed hospital with a kennel area. Let's review what made this possible.
- Amici Cannis was founded and continues to be managed by credentialed experts in companion animal welfare: veterinarians.
- They spent years building a relationship with the Cotacachi community, as well as with local and federal government agencies.
- They have non-profit status both in Ecuador and the US and state their accounting is audited by both countries.
- They hired a construction company and built on level land that had access to Cotacachi's utilities system.
- They severed ties with FAAN in early 2024. No need to wonder why...
January 2026 Newsletter: "Phase One" Without Water or Wastewater?
In FAAN's January 2026 newsletter, they report the following construction "update":
"Our architects are now working to combine two of our properties to create Phase One, which will include kitchen, office, and kennel areas."
On a rural site like FAAN's Tarqui property, this kind of statement needs context. Under normal practice (and Ecuador's own building norms), a buildable design for a kitchen + kennel block cannot exist in isolation from its basic utilities, especially water and sewage:
- A real project must start from a defined, authorized water source (connection to a public network, legally permitted well/spring, or equivalent), with known flow and pressure.
- Based on that, a hydrosanitary design (water supply and wastewater disposal) has to be produced and signed by a qualified professional, sized for all uses: dog care, cleaning, laundry, kitchen, toilets, any bathing/pool functions, etc.
- On rural land with no sewer network, this also means a designed solution for grease separation, septic/treatment, and safe disposal of wastewater.
In FAAN's case, the Ministry of Environment and Energy's technical report explicitly states that, for this property, no groundwater exploration licenses, no water-use authorizations, and no water-availability certificates from ARCA exist. Without a legally recognized source and a designed disposal system, there is no way to complete a compliant water/sewage design for a "Phase One" kitchen and kennel block.
This leads to a simple conclusion:
If the water source and wastewater solution are not yet defined and authorized, then the "architectural work" FAAN describes can only be conceptual drawings and room layouts, not a real, construction-ready Phase One. Presenting this as a concrete construction update invites donors and volunteers to believe that the project is much closer to being buildable than the current regulatory and technical facts support.
Annual Reports: FAAN's Financial Black Hole. More Illusion!
Let's monitor which expat-led animal rescue foundation in Ecuador publishes their 2025 Annual
Report first: Amici Cannis or FAAN. FAAN is already behind, never having published
the 2024 report or the total raised during the most recent $5,000 donation match campaign. The issue with partnering
with a financial instituation like CAJA is their social media team will publish the amount raised. Was this a
donation made by CAJA or funds received from CAJA customers donating through the bank app? Can
they still donate that way to FAAN? Will this amount go toward the mandatory multi-day pump test to find a water source?
As usual, many questions, no answers. Nobody, not even government agencies, should ever question FAAN's dedication to changing lives.
If anybody knows FAAN's treasurer, Ana Lucia Ramon Quezada, tell her people are looking for her. Wouldn't she be making an appearance here or anywhere on FAAN's Instagram? Only The Shadow Knows...
The Great FAAN Illusion: An "Oscars Moment" or Just Sleight of Hand?
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up! Gather 'round for the latest act in the GringoPost
circus. The spotlight is on, the drumroll is rattling, and the "Dogs of FAAN" are taking a bow
for their "Oscars Moment." They've been nominated in not one, not two, but six glittering
categories! It's a spectacle designed to dazzle, but like any good magic show, the flash and
awe are there to make sure you don't look at what's happening behind the curtain.
Let's be
honest about the stage this performance is set on. The GringoPost "Best of" contest is less a
competition and more a T-ball participation trophy annual event that even FAAN skipped in 2025. It is a silly, self-congratulatory loop where most contestants run unopposed,
sprinting to victory on an empty track. Other categories are so hyper-specific they might as
well be titled "Best Organization Exactly Named FAAN." And the voting? A masterclass in
opacity. We aren't told the vote totals. We aren't told what percentage of site account
holders—the bare minimum requirement to cast a ballot — actually bothered to click a button. In
this vacuum of transparency, FAAN will almost certainly sweep all six awards. Why wouldn't
they? They've even managed to snag nominations for both "Best Non-Profit" and "Best
Foundation" — a redundancy that would be laughable if it weren't so telling. In Ecuador, if you
have foundation status, you are a non-profit. It's like winning "Best Magician" and "Best
Person Who Does Magic" in the same night. It's padding the resume with empty air.
But here is
the real trick. This entire awards season performance is the magician's left hand, waving a
shiny golden statue to capture your gaze. It's the distraction. While you are busy applauding
the "SuperDogs" and their "Oscars," you aren't looking at the reality of the "North Star"
project FAAN is so desperate to fund. The magician doesn't want you to see the ground beneath
the trick. In this case, that ground is the land purchased for the SuperDogs Sanctuary — a plot
of earth that boasts an average 45% slope. Try building a "modern animal welfare
sanctuary" on the side of a cliff. And while the magician waves his wand to conjure visions of
a permanent home in 2023 2024 2025 2026, he hopes you won't notice the missing element essential for life: evidence
of a subsurface water source at the mandatory liters per second flow rate. FAAN is selling a dream of a sanctuary while distracting donors
from the topographical and hydrological nightmare where they intend to build it. So, go ahead.
Indulge in the spectacle by voting in the hollow contest where anyone worldwide with a GringoPost user account can participate, along with a person with multiple GringoPost
accounts doing ballot stuffing. Applaud the six inevitable trophies. But remember, when the
applause dies down and the curtain closes, the slopes are still an average of 45 degrees, the water is still
unknown on land with a known drought severity level, and knowing that reality you can either laugh or cry at your support of this years long illusion. We're confident several government agencies will be meeting
with the recipient of the Best Local Hero award very soon to compel him to reveal his illusions.
Sally Forth On The Construction Of The Sanctuary Entrance
Excitement grows as we predict FAAN's Building Committee is about to be overdue in announcing details on Phase 1 construction tasks. They are adamant fencing is the first to be built. We assume they've been shopping for gate designs. Let's indulge them by uploading a screenshot of the proposed entrance to ChatGPT and ask for an evaluation specific to dog abandonment risk. Never forget the boast from the Reins from the beginning is this will be a US-standard animal sanctuary campus, which is precisely what ChatGPT has cited. Do you ever wonder why nobody at FAAN is capable of posing these important questions to any AI model?
1) The gate geometry actively enables tie-outs
- The gate is a highly "tetherable" structure: multiple horizontal/diagonal members and open bars provide abundant leash/rope tie points.
- The decorative zig-zag lower elements and diagonal slats create easy anchor geometry (quick knot, no tools required).
- A tied dog would be positioned directly at the public-facing threshold, maximizing the chance staff/visitors emotionally "accept" the drop-off.
2) No controlled-access "receiving" zone is visible
- The concept reads as a single perimeter gate opening directly to interior circulation, not a two-stage entry (airlock) or sally port.
- There is no visible enclosed vestibule, secondary inner gate, or secure receiving bay to break the "drive up / tie dog / leave" pattern.
- Without a controlled receiving zone, the gate becomes the de facto intake point—whether FAAN intends that or not.
3) Branding at the gate increases demand-dumping risk
- Prominent signage ("Superdogs / FAAN") at the entrance functions as a beacon: it signals "this is the place that takes dogs."
- In a context where abandonment is culturally normalized, clear identification at the gate can unintentionally increase drop-off frequency because it reduces uncertainty.
4) Likely concealment + low witness probability after hours
- A remote mountain site typically has low passive surveillance (few neighbors, low traffic, limited lighting).
- A person can arrive, tie a dog, and leave with minimal chance of confrontation—which is exactly the behavioral condition that produces repeat dumping.
5) Operational harm and animal-welfare exposure
- A tied dog at a gate is exposed to cold, rain, sun, dehydration, and predation/attack from roaming dogs.
- Tethering creates strangulation/entanglement risk and bite risk for anyone discovering the dog.
- Gate tie-outs create an "intake by ambush" dynamic: staff are forced into ad-hoc triage decisions at the perimeter, which is unsafe and reputationally damaging.
6) Security assumptions are misaligned with the site's location
- Because the site is remote, every offender must drive—which makes deterrence and evidence collection feasible if and only if the design creates a controlled chokepoint and the security stack is engineered for license plate capture.
- If FAAN does not invest in staffing and/or effective systems, the gate design will predictably become a recurring abandonment node.
Practical mitigation checklist mapped to this exact gate risk
A) Immediate design corrections (low complexity, high impact)
- Replace the current gate face with anti-tether geometry:
- Prefer smooth solid panels on the public side, or tight vertical pickets with no horizontal rails exposed externally.
- Use recessed hardware and flush pulls (no protrusions).
- Eliminate decorative lower elements that function as tie loops.
- Add "no unattended drop-offs" signage at the gate, including "area under video surveillance" (deterrence + notice).
B) Minimum viable secure entry (if they will not build a sally port yet)
- Implement a two-stage "airlock" entry:
- Outer gate → enclosed vestibule (hard-lit, camera-covered, no tie points) → inner gate.
- This alone materially reduces "quick tie-and-go" behavior.
C) Preferred secure entry (best practice for a public facility)
- Build a vehicle sally port / secure receiving bay:
- Outer vehicle gate closes behind the car.
- Transfer occurs inside a controlled bay; then inner gate opens to campus circulation.
- This also enables safe, staff-controlled intake and reduces escape risk.
Security posture for a remote mountain facility: staffing vs systems
Remote + public location + published hours tends to require either continuous monitoring or engineered detection with rapid response. In practice, the most reliable approach is a layered blend.
Option 1: Two-shift guards (high deterrence, high recurring cost)
- Pros:
- Immediate intervention; highest deterrence if visibly present.
- Can prevent a tie-out in real time.
- Cons:
- Requires recruiting/retention in a remote area.
- Human coverage fails during breaks, fatigue, weather, turnover.
- Continuous cost scales indefinitely.
Option 2: Security systems designed for plate capture (lower recurring cost, high engineering requirement)
To actually capture plates reliably, FAAN would need more than generic cameras:
- Chokepoint control: force vehicles to slow/stop at a fixed point (speed bump + narrow lane + stop line).
- Dedicated LPR-capable cameras positioned for plates (correct height, angle, distance), plus IR illumination for night capture.
- Lighting engineered so plates are legible (not glare-washed, not underlit).
- Power + backup: solar + battery or generator backup if grid is unreliable.
- Data connectivity: cellular uplink or radio link; local recording with offsite sync if bandwidth is weak.
- Retention + workflow: incident tagging, clip export, and a defined escalation path.
Recommended posture for FAAN's scenario
- A hardened entry design (anti-tether gate + airlock or sally port) plus
- LPR-grade coverage at the chokepoint plus
- Either:
- (a) night patrol rounds (not necessarily a fixed guard at the gate), or
- (b) remote monitoring with rapid response (if feasible).
Because offenders must drive, license plate capture is the most leverageful control—but only if the entrance is engineered as a slow, well-lit chokepoint.
Monthly Mini Galas
What do you notice about this new initiative by the Reins, besides wondering if it
will continue beyond January's trip? Participants are getting fed 2 out of 3 daily
meals (who eats 3 meals daily anymore?). This is because it's never about the dogs.
It's about King and Queen Rein holding court at a banquet.
Imagine if participants boarded the van (complete with bathroom) bringing their own lunch
(better eat in the van and not among the pack, risk mitigation, what's that?) and their
fully charged cellphones having eaten breakfast on their own time. Imagine the Reins used
the 45-minute travel time to FAAN's current location to pitch their volunteer program.
Imagine the participants teaming up in pairs to take photos and 30-second videos of the
dogs as the start of building the adoption website that replaces the ridiculous movie clapboard
themed images currently on the adoptions page or whatever was put on a Canva site. This
volunteer effort on Jan. 31 would show progress in data collection for a dog's profile
that is necessary in achieving the milestone of purchasing a shelter, adoption and foster
program management system, a task that is scheduled to be completed by the end of Feb.
2026. It's a FAAN-tasy never to come true when the focus is more about feeding people than
adopting dogs.
FAAN Calling For More Volunteers
Let's put the construction specific critical path issues aside (steep slopes, water,
electricity, sewer) that FAAN refuses to address and assist them in preparing for this
new volunteer onboarding meeting. We know the Reins check this page regularly. Since
the beginning of their involvement with FAAN in late 2022, they seem to operate by
expecting skilled volunteers literally to arrive at their door and make the SuperDogs
Sanctuary a reality so they can once again make a grand entrance to stand on a stage
to be showered with accolades and adoration.
FAAN has updated its volunteer page listing bullet points of tasks (love the use of the ancient but useless mailto: handlers,
one working, 2 others broken). That's an indication of the extent of heavy lifting they
will do. FAAN won't even provide job descriptions online that a lunch attendee can review
beforehand to come prepared to ask questions. It appears to be a matter of "you sign up
then you figure it out". Why isn't this luncheon on CHL's events calendar?
You might wonder what qualifies us to speak on the level of effort required? It's because
this website has developed all the support functions necessary to operate an efficient
and scalable dog sanctuary management system in a Spanish-speaking country.
- Work at the Sanctuary and at Clinics Critical path process is the determination of the full-time paid staff required to support daily operations on such a sprawling campus, then you can determine how many volunteers required for staff support. This requires a process for hiring along with new employee onboarding including role-based training. A similar process needs to manage volunteers who work either onsite or at adoption clinics / events in town. The system must manage signed volunteer contracts for liability risks as well as online training curriculum per role.
- Medical Care for our Animals This can only be done by veterinary professionals with an ACESS operating permit.
- Construction Work at the Sanctuary Prohibited due to liability risk. It will be a heavy construction site. Licensed engineers, project managers and other heavy equipment operators expect to be paid.
- Donation Collection, Donor Database Management, Finance & Accounting Software do this should be purchased or developed with access limited to the Board treasurer.
- Transportation for Volunteers Unnecessary for FAAN to manage. FAAN manages risks when volunteers are on duty.
- Adoption/Matchmaking Along with sanctuary staffing operations management, is the other core function. It requires a software system that handles home visit requests and the outcome of a visit (adoption or foster for a trial period with the signing of the related contract or a rejection by staff of the dog choice or the prospect's unsuitable lifestyle).
- Writing/Photography The easiest volunteer task, but content should be on the FAAN website or social media and not embedded in newsletter PDFs. Fancy photography is labor intensive. A rapid intake process that easily takes photos and videos, then uploads it to a new dog's profile is more efficient.
- Animal Census AKA a citizen crowdsourced function where anyone with a smartphone can act as a FAAN "volunteer" to easily capture a photo of a street dog that triggers a process that notifies a mobile team to be dispatched to the area quickly for interventions such as immunizations, tagging and spay neuter release efforts. A census taking program for the purpose of a count only is useless due to not taking into account an owner's practice of allowing their dog to run free in the neighborhoods. This effort also is labor intensive program requiring time-sensitive action and a partnership with Cuenca's Animal Management Unit. It is also mission creep.
- Social Media Easy if a volunteer posts manually on one-off news. Best to be integrated into a dog management system with a rapid intake process that adds a dog's profile to an adoption/foster website and all the social media platforms.
- Foster Care for Animals awaiting adoption The program needs to guarantee volunteers won't be stuck with the foster dog indefinitely due to mismanagement of kennel space availability. This needs to be another function managed with a vetting and onboarding via training with a contract being signed that states the foster volunteer assumes risks. If an adopter wants a home visit with a dog in foster, a process must be established for the dog to be taken to a home visit appointment by a volunteer or staff trainined to assess home visits.
- Development/Fundraising If FAAN becomes a well-organized foundation, that reputation brings in donations. This is exemplified in Amici Cannis' online fundraising for a new hospital.
- Work on our Education Curriculum Why? This requires volunteers fluent in Spanish and a scheduling system for classroom visits. Improving the education program is not very value added to the core mission of providing life long sanctuary to unadoptable dogs while placing adoptable dogs in homes. Schools will not pay for the expense and liability insurance for a field trip to the sanctuary's Education Center.
- Event Planning, Event Volunteers This is another scheduling function of both events and self-serve signup to work the events with the ability of the Event Coordinator role to know the event is adequately staffed for the event duration.
If a foundation cannot quantify the results of an initiative and state to stakeholders how it supports the mission, then it shouldn't be undertaken.The Cuenca Perros Dog Sanctuary Management System is a comprehensive, permissions-by-role based system in Spanish that supports that objective. Its codebase is available for free to reputable dog rescues.
Cuenca High Life: Complicit?
How does a foundation in Cuenca fundraise in the expat community if their social media
presence is weak? They take out a free or paid ad on Cuenca High Life. We decided to
submit to CHL a "Public Service Announcement" category Community Post. It was directed
to the donors to FAAN. It was a brief summary of the findings of the Ministry of
Environment and Energy's investigation of FAAN's property. The post contained a link
to the digitally signed PDF of the report in Spanish. Simply a fact, no opinion was
offered. A post must pay $5 per link.
Less than 24 hours later, an email is received from CHL's payment processor, Stripe,
saying the $5 was refunded. It is not accompanied by an explanation. Why would a
public service announcement about an official government report be refused publication
by the owners of Cuenca High Life?
This email about the refund transaction and the explanation of the content that was rejected
was included in a complaint on FAAN dropped off at the Cuenca office 23 Dec 2025 (UPDATE: resubmitted
online 13 Jan 2026 to receive a tramite number) to the Ministerio de Producción,
Comercio Exterior y Inversiones, Subsecretaría de Defensa del Consumidor AKA the
ministry responsible for consumer protection against fraudulent acts. Now this ministry and SRI, who is also aware of CHL's involvement in supporting FAAN's
fundraising from the moment of the project concept, can contact David Morrill and Jonathan Mogrovejo to ask them
how a government report violates their site's Terms of Use and how they failed to
notice a fundraising effort on their site that has lasted over 3 years. Our most recent request for an explanation as to why they continue to publish FAAN's fundraising posts went unanswered.
GringoPost: Complicit?
We have sent numerous emails to GringoPost's info mailbox, raising their awareness of
our complaints filed against FAAN and the outcomes we've received. This was done as a
courtesy, assuming they would refrain from being seen as complicit. Most emails went
unanswered. On 14 Jan 2026, we discovered an implied answer, finding our account on
their site had been disabled.
On 23 Nov 2025, we submitted an informational post titled "Citizen Feedback Channels".
It instructed expats how the citizen complaint functions operated in Ecuador. It advised
them to communicate the results of complaints not on GringoPost but on other private expat
channels. The post didn't mention FAAN. The admins rejected the post, replied by editing
the post to their satisfaction then issued a refund when we informed them their version
was not suitable. This page has evidence below of our comments being deleted by the admins,
comments that asked questions about the SuperDogs Sanctuary's compliance to government
regulutions made on FAAN's posts before authors had the ability to disable comments themselves.
That evidence was given to SRI in our complaint.
We wish the owners of GringoPost nothing but the best of luck in their publishing policy
regarding FAAN, as it is clear they have decided to continue "participating" in permitting
FAAN to use their site for continued fundraising efforts. Like the owners of Cuenca High
Life, the owners of GringoPost will be compelled to answer inquiries coming from MPCEI,
the ministry responsible for consumer protection.
In summary, both these sites refuse to stop publishing a fundraising effort that
has languished for over 3 years, in spite of being presented with digitally-signed,
official government evidence the organization is under investigation. Also ask
yourself: what foundation would go to such lengths to refuse to answer questions and
instead respond with threats and prohibiting comments on their posts?
Ken Lucero
What a delight to read this article (archive) that is more evidence Ken handles donations for not only FAAN but his own vanity project
as 2 examples where he flouts Ecuador law on financial transactions.
In the eyes of the law, when a group of people collects money from the public, pools it,
and then "votes" on how to distribute it, they cease to be just
"people playing tennis." They have just performed the functions of a De Facto Association (Asociación de Hecho) or a Board of Directors, but without the legal charter to do so.
1. The "De Facto" Board Liability
• The Act: By "voting" on the destination of third-party funds, they
are asserting control over that money.
• The Consequence: You cannot vote on money that isn't yours unless
you are a legal entity. If Tennis in Cuenca is not a registered foundation, they are
operating as an unregistered association.
• The Risk: In Ecuador, unregistered associations that handle public
money have unlimited personal liability. If money goes missing, or if
they give it to an alleged fraudulent entity (FAAN), the individuals who "voted" can
be sued personally for mismanagement because they don't have the "Corporate Veil"
protection of a real non-profit.
2. The "Taxable Event" Problem
• If they collected extra money and "voted" to give it away, that money sat in someone's pocket or bank account between the collection and the donation.
• To the SRI, that "float" looks like income. By admitting they "budgeted" (another dangerous
word) and "doubled the money," they are admitting to running a financial operation, not just a pass-through.
3. Liability of the "De Facto" Board
• The public statement that Tennis in Cuenca "budgeted" and "voted" to distribute these
collected funds establishes that the group is operating as a De Facto Association. By exercising
control over public funds through a voting process without a legal charter, the organizers
assume unlimited personal liability for the destination of those funds.
• Specifically, if the group has "voted" to direct funds to FAAN—an entity under active
fiscal investigation for origin of funds—implicates every person who voted in that decision
as potentially complicit in financing a non-compliant entity. You cannot "vote" to bypass
Due Diligence.
Regarding Ken's donation solication acts on behalf of FAAN, note in all but one photo with
representatives from the charities there's a reference to FAAN. In legal terms, Ken wearing
branded FAAN apparel that is not available for public sale destroys the "I'm just a volunteer"
defense. He is wearing the Uniform of the Administration. If you can't buy that shirt,
you have to be issued that shirt. That makes him an agent of the organization.
Also take note of his attendance on FAAN's property for a groundbreaking ceremony in
March, 2024. He cannot claim he never experienced walking the slopes of FAAN's land
and not observing there is no evidence of a required water supply. You don't need to
be a civil engineer, you only need to have common sense. But two Saturdays each month,
you find Roz and him at FAAN's table at Sabatino's fair, happy to take your money to
build the SuperDogs Sanctuary that will have a magical swimming pool always filled
with clean water in the mountains of Tarqui. Ken will be found playing tennis Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 to 11AM. How convenient for the National Police.
Have you noticed Ken is presenting a $100 bill in a few photos? Oh dear, that is damning
evidence. Not to mention it's a hassle for the recipient, requiring a trip to their bank
or worse, to the Central Bank of Ecuador. Charities want direct access to donors for legal
compliance actions such as issuing receipts and complying with their own reporting to SRI
on each source of funds. Look at their tense smiles as Ken sucks them into violating the
law, due to his pathetic need to be seen on CHL as a hero with the viewers knowing the
exact amount he's donating. Nobody has commented on the first day of publication to shower
him with praise.
SRI is monitoring updates to this page. They will pay attention to his financial
transactions.
The Banking Breach: Regulatory Contamination
The Discovery: Despite the Ministry of Environment & Energy (MAE)
confirming the "SuperDogs Sanctuary" project is unbuildable due to a 45% slope and
zero water permits, FAAN has now partnered with a regulated financial institution,
Cooperativa CAJA, to solicit construction funds via their mobile banking app.
Why This Matters (For Regulators): This partnership bypasses standard
AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering) filters by lending the legitimacy of a SEPS-regulated
entity to a project that has been flagged for deceptive advertising ("Publicidad
Engañosa").
The Compliance Failure: The Cooperative appears to have onboarded
FAAN without verifying the viability of the project for which funds are being raised.
Status: A formal alert email was sent to the Cooperative’s Compliance
Officer regarding SRI Case #1010120250226334 and MAE Report #MAE-RH-JO-25-022.
The Takeaway: Donors believe they are using a safe banking channel.
In reality, they are feeding funds into an entity currently under active fiscal
investigation for unjustified patrimonial increase.
Update 5 Jan 2026:The Instagram Reel featuring Stefi demonstrating
the CAJA app no longer appears on CAJA's page.
The FAAN-TASTICS Are Gonna Party Like It's... Not A Felony
The most damning evidence of mismanagement by a dog rescue foundation is the overhead
expenses incurred to commission 3 virtual reality architecture videos and 1 physical
model that conceals your land slope issue, expenses that are significantly excessive
in comparison to the direct expenses going toward care for the dogs. Evidence of
mismanagement also is obvious when there is the refusal to produce any evidence such
as civil engineering study and a hydrogeological study that verify this fever dream is
feasible but perhaps at an exorbitant cost never to be met by donors no matter how
many years a project is attempted. Top priority in project management is risk
mitigation. First, you ask: who could go to prison or who could be sued. Compliance
with federal and local regulations is paramount. When you disregard this, you're the
one going to prison.
Witnessing funds raised for a construction project of this size, to be attempted through
primarily volunteer labor, donated materials and machinery and the declaration of the sanctuary
having a dog swimming pool when there's no evidence of a water supply, it is difficult
to imagine criminal charges won't be filed given this has been ongoing for years. We believe
the appropriate punishment for Rosemary, Barry, Roz, Ken, Cheryl, Mark, Mike, Jose and
Stefi will be 24 hours of community service to be spent in Turi prison persuading inmates
a dog sanctuary providing a lavish daily existence most Ecuadorians have never known is
a cause they must support. They should teach the prisoners to "Be Kind" to dogs and emphasize
how it's dishonorable to take credit for other people's work. Also lecture them how if
you fail to comply with a regulation, admit you made a mistake. Don't make a bizarre public
statement nobody but the person who caught you in the legal infraction understands.
Hundreds of donors affected, some multiple times because they care so much about homeless
dogs. What will be the dollar total since Oct 2022?
The Streisand Effect
Answering a common sense question such as what is your water supply for property in
the mountains of Tarqui is easy especially when that would be a primary criterion to
your decision in purchasing land 2 years ago. Do people with competency in dog kennel
construction reply with legal threats and a declaration the question is innacurate
(sic)? When the principals won't answer your question, you ask the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the tax authority, SRI
In the first paragraph of their response: "...the Internal Revenue Service thanks you for
the information submitted and for exercising your civic duty to report acts of corruption,
as established in item 8 of Article 83 of the Constitution of the Republic."
Roz Reymers (Ken Lucero's Wife) Responds With Threats
The lady doth protest too much, methinks. When anyone dares to question or state facts in the comments section of FAAN's posts on GringoPost, they may be subject to replies from long time patrons that will be ad hominem attacks and threats of libel suits rather than providing engineering and hydrogeological evidence. Perhaps she and Ken as the Education Directors will tell the origin story at the New Volunteer Orientation lunch about how they created the "Be Kind" program. We included this screenshot in the complaint to the SRI, along with a link to this page, to assist them in identifying the major players who have participated for years. Given SRI is proceeding with the investigation, We assume they do not appreciate someone being threatened who is coming forward about a corruption scheme.
Whatcha Gonna Do When UGA Comes For You?
It seems the Cuenca canton's Unidad de Gestión Animal doesn't take kindly to local dog rescues who show no courtesy in working with them on any major deviation of standard of care that could prove unsustainable and then becomes the canton's problem. It's best to invite adults into the room when considering what folly you as guests in Ecuador unilaterally decide to inflict on your host.
Anatomy of a Cover Up
In Ecuador, public events and galas aren't just "private parties" – they are regulated "public shows" and must be authorized in advance by the national authorities. The rules come from Acuerdo Ministerial 0069, published in the Official Register No. 475 on April 25, 2019. Article 53, Number 2 states: "Public events that contravene current legal regulations, especially those related to gambling and/or activities that deceive people and may cause harm to their assets, may not be held or promoted;" Holding a fundraising event attended mostly by people in the tercera edad demographic protected by law, doing live and silent auctions with plenty of champagne with the proceeds going to construct a dog sanctuary with plans to include a doggy swimming pool on land with no municipal water supply or evidence of subsurface water supply, is that a deceptive act causing harm to people's assets?
FAAN-gate: The Cover Up Is Worse Than The Crime
As seen in the previous section's image of Dile Al Muni ticket 17341, the Reins were phoned by the city official responsible for event permits, who informed them based on the city's newly acquired awareness of the intent stated clearly in many advertisements in the last few months, that they had failed to apply for a permit. The application process is very thorough. The outcome could be denial based on Acuerdo 69, Artículo 53(2). It was not a courtesy call clarifying if this was a "family celebration such as a birthday held at a venue for that purpose" that does not require a permit. Note the back dating ("four months ago") and the italicized "private celebration that truly matters". We have presented this incident in a second complaint submitted on 23 November 2025 (Dile Al Muni, ticket 17855) to the UGA. We also have argued this to be the most recent example of the expats who've taken control of FAAN having a callous disregard for the government office responsible for companion animal welfare.
🔍 Forensic Timeline Analysis: The $205,710 Question
Where did the money come from to purchase land BEFORE the fundraiser to purchase land?
Goal Announced
Wayback Machine snapshot shows FAAN plans to raise $65,000 by June 1, 2023 to purchase land
Newsletter Update
FAAN reports they have raised $6,013 toward their $65,000 goal
❓ MISSING: 9 MONTHS ❓
January - August 2023
No public fundraising campaigns announced
No financial reports published
🏡 Land Purchased!
Five parcels purchased from two sellers
🍽️ First Gala FAAN-tastica
FAAN website states event was held to "raise critical funds to purchase permanent land for FAAN's new US Standard Animal Sanctuary in Ecuador at Cuenca's Charity Gala of the Year!"
⚠️ But land was already purchased 16 days earlier!
📄 2024 Roadmap PDF Published
FAAN's 2024 Roadmap and 2023 Annual Report PDF reported the land purchase of $64,152.98.
🚨 Critical Red Flags
- 1. Reverse-Order Fundraising: Dinner advertised to purchase land that was already purchased
- 2. $205,710 Funding Gap: From $6,013 to $211,723 with no public accounting
- 3. 226% Goal Overrun: $65K → $212K with no explanation
- 4. Zero Transparency: Pretty infographics, but no detailed financial reports or donor disclosures for 2023
⚖️ Potential Legal Violations
- • Código Tributario, Art. 41: Failure to declare income/donations
- • Ley de Transparencia Social (2025): Failure to publish financial records
- • Ley de Régimen Tributario: Potential misuse of tax-exempt status
- • Código Civil, Arts. 564-582: Board fiduciary duty violations
📋 Formal SRI Investigation Warranted Requested Approved
FAAN's treasurer, Ana Lucia Ramon Quezada, needs to answer for this timeline that reveals sufficient irregularities to justify a formal complaint to Ecuador's Servicio de Rentas Internas (SRI) requesting:
FAAN's Construction Update in their Dec. 2022 Newsletter
2023 will be the year for FAAN's permanent home! We mean it. Really. 2023. It will be. Our sister non profit, Amici Cannis, will be severing ties with us in early 2024. Whoops, nothing to see there.
FAAN's Construction Update in their Dec. 2023 Newsletter
What topographical or civil engineering study did Barry Rein perform that justified the land purchase FAAN made in Sept. 2023, was fit for purpose? Where are his cost estimates coming from, a certain body orifice? "Only $50,000 more and Phase One can be completed!", says Barry. The Building Committee had the last 2 years since the land purchase to acquire donations of labor and materials. No competent construction project is managed this way. Compare this to Amici Cannis' 100% online fundraiser for a new hospital. Where are their gala expenses? Don't they need to get their current 200+ donors drunk to donate? How many 'Phase Ones' has the SuperDogs Sanctuary had?
FAAN's Construction Update in their April 2024 Newsletter
We wonder if the spray painted gold shovels are in the closet ready for the next groundbreaking ceremony? Nice to know they're taking into consideration environmental sustainability, while never notifying the Ministry of Environment and Energy. Also doubling down on the FAAN-tasy Cuencano construction workers will donate their free time to help privileged gringos ancianos. FAAN constantly declares the SuperDogs Sanctuary will be built to North American standards. How can they accomplish that with donated machinery, materials and labor? This project needs no maestro de obras? More claims about fencing being the top priority. It's the last thing erected.
FAAN's Construction Update in their 2025 Newsletter Web Page
This was debuted in Nov 2025, not in a PDF newsletter but as a page under the new domain
name: SuperDogs Sanctuary. Nice round numbers with each phase having a theme. Remember when your math teacher
told you to "show your work"? In construction, that's called a Bill of Materials (BOM).
It's a a comprehensive, structured list detailing every raw material, component, part,
and sub-assembly needed to build a structure, acting as the project's "shopping list" or
blueprint for procurement and assembly, ensuring accurate budgeting, scheduling, and
quality control. It specifies quantities, descriptions and suppliers.
If
you're curious how AI can build a CAPEX / OPEX calculator for a dog kennel construction, here's one. It took about 5 minutes. There is no evidence FAAN has published an OPEX estimate,
which according to their 5 Year Plan was promised Nov 2025.
Land... Lots Of Land... And Fence Me In
Rosemary and her friend visit Salvavidas Cuenca's open house on 7 Sep 2025. Let's wonder
if she learned anything from looking at their property. On 12 Oct 2024, Salvavidas
posted about their fence building minga after finding property that included a house.
The land is flat. Enclosing an area behind the house is limited to the property
boundaries. Salvavidas created a BOM from which donors could choose what to buy.
Rosemary announces 7 Jan 2026 on GringoPost Phase One construction includes fencing. Fencing
around... exactly what? Did we mention FAAN's lots have an average slope of 45%? Did we mention
they don't know where a subsurface water source might be? Obviously this reality has not
been mentioned enough.
Start the clock. Remember, FAAN has owned the land since 29 Sep 2023. That makes you wonder
how long this prep phase is going to be.
Water... Water... Not Everywhere
Do you remember the recent drought and the scheduled power outages because Ecuador's
power source is hydroelectric plants? Apparently the FAAN-atics have amnesia. This page
ridicules the water requirement, measured in liters per second the Building Committee
needs to calculate and prove with multi-day pump tests for the most modern sanctuary for
120+ dogs in South America in order to be granted a water permit. Instead they've done
fundraising on the dog swimming pool and the existing adobe dwelling to be converted
into The Education Center complete with electricity to run a projector and espresso
machine (it requires potable water).
We've discussed the electricity requirements. Looks like from this El Mercurio article CENTROSUR will LMFAO on any attempt by FAAN to submit a connection request. We wonder what
phase of construction covers the cost estimate of a solar panel and battery system? Perhaps
the FAAN-atics should have a slumber party on the next New Moon in the future Education Center.
They can hike all 5 lots at 2AM without flashlights to appreciate how large the utilities
infrastructure must be. What a delightful fundraising event!
Missed It By That Much
We expats truly don't comprehend how well Ecuador monitors water. Another government office, Instituto National de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMHI) maintains data on GEOGLOWS.org. Read about the Azuay Province project. Will the FAAN-atics ever Get Smart about how precious water is? The thin blue line is the nearest river to their property. The dots are rural locales that average 50 people. The map color is a level of drought in that area.
FAAN's Milestone Monitor
This section is dedicated to documenting promises kept and promises broken (along with evidence of the new partnership with Social Vision).
What Happened To FAAN's Partnership With Amici Cannis Foundation?
FAAN states in 2 Instagram posts in 2023 its Education Team created the "Be Kind"
program. Is that true? Time for a closer look.
FAAN mentioned Amici Cannis in both its 2022 and 2023 newsletters. Now in the 2025 Blueprint
the charity Social Vision that is not a charity for animal welfare has become FAAN's 501(c)(3)
donation conduit. That's quite odd. Amici Cannis' 2023 Annual Report shows they developed, branded and received the Ministry of Education's collaboration for
their "Be Kind" education program.
Amici's report also states it distributed
$27,418.31 of its net income to FAAN. There is no line item indicating this funds
transfer in FAAN's 2023 Annual Report. Amici's 2024 Annual Report mentions FAAN received another grant along with the same organization from 2023 but it does
not break out the amount both received. Let's assume each got half of $53,760, $26,880. FAAN was granted free money for 2 consecutive years at nearly the same amount it can
net doing galas. This is a strong indication FAAN does not have the Cuenca local donor
support to undertake expensive capital initiatives.
Update 2 Dec 2025: We received an email reply from Amici Cannis' Executive Director Alexandra
Rothlisberger: "Since early 2024, we have had no ties with them [FAAN]."
Imagine
if your friend gave you a total of $54,300 over 2 years and the rights to use the education
program they developed. You show your gratitude publicly on your Instagram account by taking
credit for developing the program. Would your amici want to be amigos with you anymore?
The New 501(c)(3) Donation Conduit: Social Vision
Now that another animal welfare foundation in Ecuador, created by expat veterinarians, severed ties with FAAN, the search was on for a new partner. How does Rosemary announce it? By creating a program called "Dogs (for or of) Hope". FAAN promises to train and certify dogs to visit hospital patients. Was this program ever advertised on FAAN's website? This seems to be evidence of yet another program that brings in donations but there's no evidence it existed beyond this initial announcement.
How It Started...
A fundraiser to build a new facility. Happy nine year anniversary.
The Reins Take The... reins
A review of the history of articles on Cuenca High Life authored by or that mention Rosemary Rein shows her and her husband becoming involved with FAAN on 20 Oct 2022 after a visit to the
refuge documented on Instagram. These dates are significant because FAAN's board member
list in SUIOS was last updated 2 Mar 2022. The Reins identify themselves in the article
footer as Volunteer Liasions. The Editor's note is powerful: it lends credence to the project
by the assertion to publish the information as a three-part series. It reiterates the Rein's
bold assertion this dog shelter's quality will be the best in the country. Did editor David
Morrill meet with FAAN to review a project charter or the subject matter experts in construction
and civil engineering as a way to determine this project was legitimate for his site visitors
to be informed about? Did Morrill ask if the canton endorsed this project?
This is the best example of expat arrogance Cuenca has ever seen.
How It's Going
Give me land... Lots of land, level in the Andes with utilities access. This was FAAN's first Old Hollywood make believe video concept.
Sanity Did Exist
A CHL article dated 20 Apr 2023 is evidence somebody had common sense regarding the land features and location. Then how did it go so wrong? This is proof they simply didn't "forget" a kennel facility requires a water supply and electricity. It's doubtful with this article the Reins can argue a plea of insanity at this point. Did FAAN finance the land purchase?
Lots of Land! Total Purchase Price: $211,722.96
City of Cuenca website RUC: 0190443035001
Terrain Analysis
A slope analysis was performed on the five FAAN parcels located in Tarqui using the Copernicus GLO-30 digital elevation model, re-projected to UTM Zone 17S (EPSG 32717). Each parcel's average slope was calculated through zonal statistics in QGIS 3.44.3. The results show that every parcel lies entirely within slopes ranging from 37% to 56%, with a mean slope of approximately 45% and minimal local variation (standard deviation ≈ 5%). In practical terms, this means the terrain rises nearly half a meter for every horizontal meter of run—a hillside too steep for cost-effective or compliant kennel construction.
Key Findings
- No area flatter than 37%: there are no naturally buildable platforms or benches.
- Average slope ≈ 45%: classifies as very steep under standard engineering criteria.
- High uniformity: the slope remains consistently steep across all five lots.
- Construction implications: would require extensive cut-and-fill earthworks, retaining walls, slope stabilization, and storm-water infrastructure to support even light structures. Cost estimates for the sitework preparation alone range from $700,000 to $1,400,000 before the first kennel slab is even poured.
Significance
At these gradients, the site poses serious challenges for drainage, accessibility, and long-term structural stability. Any large kennel facility proposed on this terrain would incur major environmental disturbance and engineering expense before meeting even basic safety and animal-welfare standards.
Legal Requirement Slopes >30%: Geotechnical Study
According to the Norma Ecuatoriana de la Construcción (NEC), updated March 2023 by the Ministerio de Desarrollo Urbano y Vivienda: “Suelos con pendientes superiores al 30% requerirán estudio geotécnico específico, con recomendaciones de estabilización y drenaje.” Download the PDF (part 2, 2015, page 36) ↗
💦 Regulatory Water Context — What Ecuadorian Law Actually Requires
Water access for any private or charitable project in Ecuador is not a local arrangement or "dig a well and see." It is a regulated public resource governed by the Ley Orgánica de Recursos Hídricos, Usos y Aprovechamiento del Agua (LORHUyA) and supervised by ARCA — the national water authority. ARCA’s official Mapa de Denuncias documents a prior water-use complaint in 2022 in the Tarqui watershed (Morascalle, Tarqui, Cuenca, Azuay, 010220). This confirms that the zone is already under regulatory observation for hydrological control, making any new project requiring water abstraction subject to close scrutiny.
⚖️ Legal Framework
- Article 1 of LORHUyA declares all surface and subsurface water a public good owned by the State.
- Articles 35 and 69 prohibit use of groundwater or springs without prior authorization.
- Any organization or individual must first obtain a Certificado de Disponibilidad de Agua (CDA) and then an Autorización de Uso y Aprovechamiento de Agua, issued only after hydrologic and pump-test studies demonstrate a reliable source.
- Regulación No. 004 (ARCA) further clarifies that every water intake—well, spring, or diversion—requires a permit and ongoing monitoring.
"El uso o aprovechamiento de las aguas, sean superficiales o subterráneas, sin la respectiva autorización, será sancionado conforme la Ley."
— Regulación No. 004, Art. 3
🧾 Practical Requirements
ARCA's official CDA form asks for:
- Exact coordinates (UTM/WGS 84) of the source;
- Topographic sketch showing neighboring owners and flow direction;
- Requested flow rate (liters per second);
- Hydrogeologic study signed by a licensed professional; and
- Proof of rights to the land and access easements.
(See: ARCA CDA form PDF)
🧱 Why This Matters for the FAAN Site
The five FAAN parcels sit on 45% average slope, above the valley floor, with no visible surface water, no ETAPA connection, and fractured volcanic bedrock—conditions typical of low-yield upland aquifers. Securing legal water rights here would require:
- Exploratory drilling and a multi-day pump test;
- Laboratory water-quality analysis;
- ARCA inspection and site report; and
- Annual compliance reporting once operational.
Even if approved, well yields could be under 0.3 L/s—barely enough for a single household, not an institutional kennel.
🚫 Non-Compliance Risks
Operating a facility or fundraising for construction without a valid CDA and water-use permit violates LORHUyA and exposes the registered board to administrative fines, suspension of activities, potential civil liability for unauthorized extraction or contamination as well as criminal investigation if donors were misled. ARCA's 2023 report notes dozens of enforcement actions nationwide for precisely these infractions.
📚 References
- Ley Orgánica de Recursos Hídricos, Usos y Aprovechamiento del Agua (LORHUyA), Arts. 1, 35, 69.
- Regulación No. 004 – Autorizaciones de Uso y Aprovechamientos de Agua, ARCA.
- Trámite ARCA-001 – Emisión de Certificado de Disponibilidad de Agua (CDA).
- Formulario CDA, ARCA (2025 version).
- Informe de Rendición de Cuentas 2023, ARCA.
⚙️ Infrastructure & Utility Risk Addendum
— Why steep rural land cannot support a complex kennel + clinic + tourism compound —
Building on steep, unserviced land in rural Azuay isn't just difficult—it's exponentially expensive. Even if foundations, funding, and enthusiasm exist, infrastructure kills feasibility.
⚡ Electricity Supply (CENTROSUR / off-grid)
- No visible CENTROSUR distribution lines reach the parcels.
- Grid extension requires a feasibility study, pole installation, transformer siting, and voltage-drop design, all approved by the local Unidad de Distribución Eléctrica.
- Costs routinely exceed $30,000–$70,000 per kilometer of new line on rural slopes.
- Backup power (diesel generator or solar + battery) is mandatory for animal welfare during outages.
- Continuous load from lighting, ventilation, pumps, and a veterinary clinic can exceed 100 kW — far above a rural single-phase connection.
🟥 Red flag: No published evidence of a CENTROSUR connection request or electrical design study.
💧 Water & Sanitation (recap)
- The five parcels sit on 45% average slope with fractured volcanic bedrock and no municipal service.
- Rainwater collection alone cannot meet daily washing, cleaning, and hydration needs.
- Any borehole requires a CDA permit from ARCA and hydrogeologic testing.
- Without a CDA, no legal source of water exists for cleaning kennels or operating a clinic.
🟥 Red flag: Fundraising for construction prior to securing a CDA is a potential violation of the Ley Orgánica de Recursos Hídricos (LORHUyA).
💩 Sewage & Dog-Waste Disposal
- 120–150 dogs generate over 200 kg of feces and 100 L of urine per day—equivalent to the sewage of a small hotel.
- Ecuador's Código del Ambiente classifies animal waste as a regulated discharge requiring pretreatment and disposal authorization.
- A compliant system would need:
- Settling tanks and sealed anaerobic digesters or lined lagoons;
- Leachate collection, aeration, and disinfection;
- Periodic sludge removal and licensed disposal;
- Laboratory monitoring for BOD, coliforms, and nitrates.
- On steep terrain, such systems must be engineered and lined to prevent groundwater contamination.
🟥 Red flag: No published environmental permit, design drawings, or effluent management plan.
⚗️ Veterinary Clinic Utilities
Adding a veterinary facility compounds all utility loads:
- Pressurized hot/cold water, sterilizers, suction pumps, HVAC.
- Biohazardous waste requiring separation and MSS (Gestión de Desechos Sanitarios) contracts.
- Energy demand rises by 30–40%.
- Licensing adds inspection by Agencia de Aseguramiento de la Calidad de los Servicios de Salud (ACESS).
🟥 Red flag: No record of ACESS licensing process or site suitability report.
🏕️ "Glamping Domes" & Tourism Proposals
Converting portions of the land to "eco-glamping" requires:
- Separate septic and grey-water systems per Ministry of Tourism regulations;
- Potable-water certification (from ARCA or ETAPA);
- Additional electrical load for climate-controlled domes;
- Fire safety, parking, and public-access road compliance.
🟥 Red flag: Terrain and lack of utility connections make glamping logistically and environmentally implausible.
💰 Comparative Reality Check
| Infrastructure Component | Typical Cost (Rural Ecuador) | Feasibility on FAAN Parcels |
|---|---|---|
| CENTROSUR grid extension (1 km, poles + transformer) | $30,000 – $70,000 | High risk – no nearby line |
| Solar + battery hybrid backup (100 kW) | $180,000 – $250,000 | Partial offset only |
| Certified well + CDA permit | $40,000 – $100,000 | Uncertain yield – fractured rock |
| Sewage + dog-waste treatment plant | $120,000 – $300,000 | Complex due to slope |
| Clinic & sterilization systems | $60,000 – $90,000 | Requires ACESS licensing |
| Access road improvements + retaining works | $80,000 – $150,000 | Essential before any building |
🏁 Conclusion — When Dreams Collide with Topography and Law
Independent analysis shows that site-work alone—grading, retaining walls, drainage, and slope stabilization—would cost between US $700,000 and US $1.4 million before the first kennel foundation is poured. Adding the legally required utilities—electrical extension, certified water supply, wastewater treatment, and access roads—pushes total pre-construction costs to well over US $2 million.
Under Ecuador's Ley Orgánica de Recursos Hídricos and Código del Ambiente, no kennel, clinic, or tourist facility can operate on this land without prior water-use, environmental, and sanitation permits. Fundraising for such construction in the absence of those approvals is not only misleading to donors; it exposes the registered Ecuadorian board to administrative and civil liability.
⚖️ Why This Construction Update Post Matters Under Ecuadorian Law
This 15 Jul 2025 announcement constitutes a public solicitation and representation of regulatory compliance. By declaring that “the road is being prepared” and that “a soil test… has given the all-clear for construction,” FAAN effectively claimed to possess both zoning and environmental authorization to begin work. Making such statements without the approvals mentioned above can be treated as false or misleading public information under Articles 9 and 16 of the Ley Orgánica de Transparencia Social (2025), exposing the legally registered board members to administrative sanctions and possible loss of the foundation’s legal status.
🎬 Pattern of Misrepresentation — The Second “Dream Campus” Video
In 2024, FAAN commissioned a Cuenca-based architecture firm to produce a digital rendering of a proposed “FAAN Animal Welfare Campus.” The architect’s video, still publicly viewable on YouTube, opens with a real drone sequence over the five rural parcels registered to the foundation and dissolves into a full 3-D walkthrough of a modern compound featuring indoor kennels, a coffee bar, a veterinary clinic, landscaped courtyards, and even tourist “glamping domes.”
For more than a year, FAAN embedded this video directly on its official website without any disclaimer that it was purely conceptual or lacked technical feasibility. By presenting an architect-branded virtual campus on the organization’s own fundraising platform, the foundation invited donors to believe that the depicted facility was approved, permitted, and ready for construction. In reality, the site lacks the most basic prerequisites for such a build—no ARCA water authorization, no sewage or electrical infrastructure, and slopes averaging forty-five percent. Under Ecuadorian nonprofit and environmental law, foundations are required to ensure the truthfulness of all public information and solicitations. Publishing a professional architectural visualization that cannot legally or physically be realized constitutes a material misrepresentation to the donating public. Unless the architect secured a signed disclaimer acknowledging the design’s non-compliance, both the firm and FAAN’s legally registered directors could face administrative scrutiny for misleading advertising and mismanagement of donor expectations.
Tripling down! The THIRD "Dream Campus" Video
Wow. So much evidence of ignoring the reality of site excavation, construction, permits, aquifer location and environmental protections. They make a THIRD architect-branded virtual walkthrough to establish their detachment from reality, as if anybody with a high school level grasp of physics still had any doubts. Where does electricity come from, Cheryl? Where does the water for the swimming pool come from? On what government website can donors verify Rosemary and you are FAAN board members?
- 25 m × 40 m pad; slope 45%; access road ~200 m; interceptor and bench ditches; down‑drains; 50 m³ water storage; temp generator; ABR + polishing wetland. Rates sourced from local 2025 heavy civil experience bands; uncertainty −30% / +50% typical for Class‑4.
- Option A (full cut platform, large rock face): USD $0.32–$0.65 million (face treatment and export can push higher).
- Option B (best) (balanced cut + MSE wall): USD $0.28–$0.49 million (incl. contractor OH&P and contingency).
- Option C (micropiles/caissons + grade beams): USD $0.35–$0.70 million. Note: These are site works only. Building costs (structure, kennels, MEP, finishes, fencing, fit‑out) are additional.
The City That Cares
Trust me bro, FAAN leadership's accomplishments cannot be considered "highly exaggerated". Or can they? Let's have a closer look.
The Sanctuary Grand Opening, Scheduled for the Twelfth of Never
Did we say in Dec. 2022 it would be 2023? We meant 2024. Mission Accomplished! Look at that beautiful sanctuary entrance, a screenshot from their first FAANtasy virtual walkthrough video. Let's all join hands and recite the Five Freedoms!
Spay & Neuter Programs
At least 4 campaigns done in 2024? How many done in 2025? Their events history page lists their typical easy effort, sit at a table at a fair public appearances.
The FAAN Cast of Thousands ? 🎬
Medical director, 24/7 Guardian (of the Galaxy, perhaps, but still a labor law violation). The massive Community Brigade of Cuencanos who have both the idle time and the dedication to solve Ecuador's one remaining societal issue: street dogs. Veterinarians strive to be granted the prestigious FAAN affiliate status that will increase their business tenfold. No doubt today FAAN has acquired the necessary paid and volunteer personnel for every initiative. No doubt today you can find FAAN's 501(c)(3) status in the IRS database. 🙄
What is FAAN? Adoptions or Sanctuary?
Our new property is too far out from Cuenca, so we're a dog sanctuary, that's our excuse for not increasing adoptions. Then it will magically become a tourist destination offering glamping domes. Another sprinkle of fairy dust and South American football stars will promote our dogs! Or maybe we put more than 10 dogs' photos online.
Oprah style: "You're a board member and you're a board member!"
Stick around long enough and it appears you're granted the title. Donors should never wonder how many supporters have come and gone in the last 3 years. Does FAAN have any plan to be compliant to the law governing non-profit foundations, specifically the 2025 Social Transparency Law?
SUIOS has the official board member list
Expats identify as FAAN board members for fundraising in the expat community. Board president never updates the official registry. Expats mismanage the foundation. Ecuadorians on the registry are liable (Código Civil Arts. 564–582). Genius.
Two of these Ecuadorians appear recently on FAAN's Instagram. Where are the others 🧐?
Reviewing the 2024 Financial Statement and 2025 Roadmap 5-Year Strategic Blueprint
Elderly expats take the lead on writing a 5-year plan. "We're happy to inherit the expats' white elephant", said no Cuencano ever. Fear not, expats will adapt to being served saliva-laced restaurant meals as the Cuencano salute to what FAAN hath wrought.
FAAN has a 5-year commitment to transparency and no data varnishing
ICYMI: FAAN's claim of being "the best" began nearly 2 years ago with the publication of their 2024 Roadmap. How do donors find it today 🤔? No worries, they've recycled the same promises, promises in the strategic blueprint! They dropped the pretense of financial reporting for 2024 (🤫 you're not supposed to notice). Nevertheless, save the date for all this animal welfare benefit to debut: The Twelfth of Never from the City That Cares!
Behold! The SuperDogs Sanctuary Education Center!
Instead of the efficient process of sending 2 or 3 gringos to 30 kids in their classroom, the gringos, school kids and scout groups now will all make the 45-minute ride from Cuenca to the sanctuary! Ask for your sin crema latte to go, niños! Need to go to the bathroom? Hold it.
SuperDogs Sanctuary Dogs and Turi Prisoners
Take a guess at what a confined population of mammals require to move from single or double occupancy cells to a common exercise yard: the cognitive ability to return to their assigned cell.
Marvel at the lush green grass fenced area outside the kennels that never needs mowing, never needs feces collection, never gets burn spots from urine, never gets holes dug by dogs and never develops muddy areas.
The Vet Clinic
Vanna White AKA Cheryl claims the clinic will serve the town of Tarqui where "veterinary care has long been scarce." Is that claim based on a market demand survey? Perhaps the statistic was discussed during FAAN's meeting with Cuenca's veterinary school faculty, assuming FAAN is not concealing this project from them also? Or is that claim extracted from the usual body orifice?
Construction Watch
Google Earth Engine is a cloud-based geospatial platform that updates images from sources like the Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite every 5 days. Assuming it's not heavily overcast, we can monitor FAAN's construction progress by running a disturbance script and the map will be uploaded to this page. The baseline and monitor dates for this example image were randomly chosen so that Layer 3, a disturbance, would appear. The monitor date will be when FAAN announces groundbreaking. Then the script will be run to verify. If true, then GAD Tarqui will be notified. Their procedure is to dispatch an architect to the site who flies a drone to look for any infractions.
