I recently spent some time in Mérida, but the real highlight of the trip wasn't the city's colonial architecture - like the iconic Plaza Grande - it was a visit to Beach Dog Rescue. My wife has been friends with Heather, one of the founders, since they were kids, so we headed out into the Yucatan jungle to see the operation she and her husband Gil have built.
They run a 350-year-old off - grid hacienda that serves as a sanctuary for street dogs. Seeing the scale of their operation in person is incredibly humbling.
The Mission: Keeping Pinto's Promise
The rescue's origin story is centered on a dog named Pinto - a starving pup Heather and Gil found back in 2016. While they couldn't save him, they dedicated their lives to ensuring other dogs didn't suffer the same fate.
Today, the hacienda is home to anywhere from 25 to 50 dogs at a time. What’s really cool about their approach is that it’s not a traditional shelter; the dogs live in the house with the founders and their manager, Karla. They have actual beds, plenty of food, and enough space to unlearn the fear they brought from the streets.
Living History: Meeting the Xolos
One of the most fascinating parts of the visit was getting to meet the Xoloitzcuintles (the Mexican hairless dog). Seeing a Xolo up close feels like looking at a living artifact. They are the national dog of Mexico and have been around for thousands of years.
I got to spend time with a few of these unique dogs, including Ragar, Ivar, and Lagertha. Without fur, their skin feels warm and velvety - it’s a unique sensation, almost like a “living hot water bottle.” They have a regal, intelligent presence that really stands out against the backdrop of the jungle.
By the Numbers
Beyond the sanctuary walls, Heather and Gil are tackling the root of the problem. Through their mobile clinics, they’ve sponsored nearly 10,000 spay and neuter surgeries. It’s a massive logistical undertaking, but it’s the only way to truly manage the overpopulation crisis in the area. How to Help
If you’re ever traveling to Mexico, specifically the Cancun or Mérida area, there are two big ways to support Beach Dog Rescue:
Donations: Every dollar goes directly to medical care and food for the dogs.
Flight Volunteers: This is a game-changer. If you are flying back to the U.S. or Canada, you can sign up to be a flight escort. It costs you nothing, but it’s the bridge that gets these dogs to their forever homes.
I left the hacienda feeling incredibly inspired. It’s hard work, but seeing those healthy, happy dogs thriving in the jungle is a powerful reminder of what a few dedicated people can accomplish.