From feral street dog to family dog, one rescue at a time. The Root of My Journey
I grew up between Manhattan, Long Island, and West Winfield, New York, navigating a life that blended the fast pace of the city with the grounding presence of nature. My early career spanned real estate, advertising, and photography, where I worked with top international hotels, resorts, restaurants, celebrity chefs, and spas, providing visual storytelling for campaigns, advertisements, and media. Yet, despite my professional success, something deeper called to me—something that had been a part of me since childhood. My connection with nature and animals began on my uncle’s farm, where I spent weekends and summers. The dark, rich soil with shimmering minerals fascinated me, and the vibrant colors of freshly harvested vegetables showed me life’s true hues. I tasted meat from animals that had lived off the land, just as they had in times long past. These experiences shaped my understanding of the natural world and instilled in me a deep respect for life in its purest form. Throughout my life, I found myself drawn to animals—dogs, horses, birds—rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding homes for them whenever possible. Guatemala: The Unexpected Calling
My journey to Guatemala was not planned—it was something of a storybook tale, a dream that manifested into reality. For years, I had recurring dreams of a woman speaking a language I did not know, yet somehow understood. When I shared this experience with a friend, she revealed that the woman I described was her mentor, a Kaqchikel-speaking Guatemalan woman. Six months later, with no prior knowledge of Guatemala, I found myself there, first in Antigua and then in San Marcos La Laguna, where everything changed. On my first night in San Marcos, walking in the rain, I heard a brutal dog fight. A friend’s dog, Daisy, ran into the fray, where a small, wounded puppy lay beneath a pack of larger dogs. Without hesitation, I scooped up the bloodied, terrified puppy and brought her with me. That moment defined everything. The puppy, later named Cypress, became my first rescue in Guatemala—the beginning of the Mayan Dog Rescue Foundation in April 2017. From One Dog to a Movement
I originally planned to stay in Guatemala for 30 days, then move on to Mexico and later India for a yoga teacher training program. But Cypress led me down a different path. One rescue became many. Through social media, I found foster homes and forever families for dogs in Guatemala, the United States, and Canada. As I prepared each dog for travel—navigating pet passports, import regulations, vaccinations, and health certificates—more people began reaching out, asking for help with other dogs in need. Calls and messages came from across Guatemala—from San Marcos, Antigua, Jocotenango, Xela, and even coastal towns like Las Lisas. With limited resources, I relied on my network and the generosity of locals who offered their homes and land to help me care for these animals. My journey expanded into Mexico, where I connected with animal welfare organizations and people who believed in the mission. More Than Rescue: A Vision for Change
Rescuing dogs was only the beginning. The deeper I delved into this work, the more I saw the need for sustainable change. I witnessed firsthand the conditions of communities affected by poverty and natural disasters, such as the aftermath of the Fuego volcano eruption. Beyond animal welfare, I turned my attention to food security and environmental sustainability. I initiated programs where locals collected plastic bottles in exchange for seeds and nutrient-rich soil, empowering them to grow their own food. However, I faced resistance—many NGOs preferred relying on foreign food donations rather than investing in sustainable local agriculture. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to my mission: to provide food, water, education, and a second chance at life for both animals and people. A Mission Rooted in Responsibility
The foundation of my work is simple: dogs, like people, need food, love, and shelter. But beyond that, they need mental and physical stimulation, training, and socialization to thrive. I have spent years working with feral, injured, reactive, and shelter dogs, using energy-based, real-world training methods. My pack of former street dogs plays a crucial role in rehabilitating new rescues—because dogs understand dogs better than we ever could. Through my work, I aim to educate dog owners on the importance of training and socialization, not just for their pets’ well-being but for public safety. The reality is harsh: an untrained, reactive dog is a liability. Without proper guidance, these dogs face euthanasia, abandonment, or a life of suffering. The responsibility lies with us, the owners. This is the core of my journey—one that started with a single rescue and evolved into a movement to create better lives for animals and the people who care for them. The Mayan Dog Rescue Foundation is more than an organization; it is a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and the belief that change begins with a single step—or in my case, a single rescue named Cypress.
