Dog Rescue in Panajachel, Guatemala

If you've been following my expat adventures, you'll know that from the first day I set foot in Guatemala I have been helping street dogs and cats. It's tough work. No matter how many you help, there are always more and more and more. It's easy to become burned out and flat broke! But I can't stop, won't stop! 😊

Because Guatemala as a country is just starting to enforce animal welfare laws and create governmental organizations to address these issues, many small charities have been operating for years here on their own. These NGOs have different views on how best to assist street dogs and cats but they all were formed with the intention to do what's best for the animals.

Today I'd like to give a shout-out to Guatemala Hope for the Animals, which operates in Panajachel and around Lake Atitlan. They have a shelter which houses many dogs and cats available for adoption. They also assist with street dog injuries, which is so important here. If a dog gets hit by a car, no one helps it! People will literally walk right by a dog with a broken leg or one bleeding from the neck. Many Guatemalans love animals but their own lives are so hard and they are struggling with poverty themselves, they know they cannot spare anything for a dog. Luckily there are charities like Hope for the Animals that can step in and help -- with a bit of emergency fundraising to offset costs, of course.

Here are two puppies that are currently looking for homes either here in Guatemala or possibly the States or Canada.

Adorable Guatemalan street puppy for adoption.

Cutie pie puppy available for adoption in Guatemala

 Please take a moment to "like" their Facebook page here -- Guatemala Hope for the Animals. Liking their page creates more awareness!
If you can afford to donate, instructions for PayPal or bank transfer are on their page. Even a small donation can go a long way to helping street dogs and cats here in Guatemala. Food is cheap! And they always need to buy things like bleach, newspapers, blankets, dewormer medicine, and of course toys to amuse the doggies and kitties. 😀
They will soon be setting up an Instagram account to share more pictures. I will try to remember to edit this page later and link it for you all. Cheers!

Mystical Evening at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan is still so beautiful! I've been here for over four years and I can't stop staring at the majestic volcanoes, the blue water, the amazing clouds. Sunset walks with the doggies are my favourite. 😊

I was thinking of doing a "Day In My Life" post but I figured it would be incredibly boring, ha ha! I sleep in, laze around, play with my pets, go for walks, and maybe work for a few hours. Livin' the dream! 

Travel Even When You're Broke!

One of the reasons I chose to move from Canada to Guatemala is to travel more and experience new cultures and geographies. I definitely need to do more exploring! I kinda thought I would be visiting more of the nearby countries in my time here -- Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua. I need to get on that! Finding the money and the pet-sitter seems to be the hardest part.
I saw this neat article shared by Thrillist Travel and was excited to see Antigua, Guatemala, featured. Honestly, Guate is so cheap and such a neat experience. I recommend it to anyone tired of all-inclusive resorts and too touristy locations. Come here and see something different. It gets in your soul!
How to Travel When You're Broke As A Joke

Paraglider over Lake Atitlan and Tolimán volcano

The above picture is what I see whenever I walk out my front door. Why would I travel? Ha ha! But honestly, my visa trips to Mexico every three months are getting a bit routine. I need to plan for a more adventurous holiday soon. 😊