day 4 #projectbliss: GIVE BACK @bluewaterlove is challenging us to pay if forward. Get out there and show some love for your community and so I did that in a way that's true to my heart. I spent the morning at a local animal shelter. With my trunk loaded with goods, I hopped in my rental car and hit the road. Rain, windy one lane roads and almost getting lost couldn't stop me from hitting to my final destination: Tierra de Animales (Land of the Animals) animal shelter about 30 minutes outside Cancun, MX. I've been meaning to visit this magical land for quite a while now & it's been on my to-do list to meet Ricardo, the charming man behind the animal rescues. To put my expeince down in words is a challenge... I was overwhelmed by the incredible depth, devotion & fortitude this man has. His absolute love for the animals under his care is incredible to witness. He's Cancun's version of Cesar Millan... only younger, inked & nicer on the eyes. (sorry, Millan). On this rainy day I was lucky enough to be granted a private tour of his shelter & lands. #TierradeAnimales is located smack dab in the middle of the jungle & over the past two years, he's worked tirelessly to create a safe haven for the 282 dogs (yup, you read right!), 20+ cats, turtles, chickens, a turkey & pigs. Each with their own special place on this land and in his heart with the cats contributing to the maintenance by being the guardians of the food. He explained, laughing, that they're the only ones with actual jobs. They help keep mice & other pests out of the food. Genius! As we entered into 'dog land', the barking filled my ears as I was bombarded with hand licks, nudges & sniffs. If you're not an animal lover/dg lover, this would prob be over the top for you... and in that case, your tour would end there. He relies on us to give his pack the respect they deserve by being calm, loving & open. Needless to day, I was in animal heaven! Noses poked at me, tails swished against my legs as we made our way over to his latest rescue... and this mama took a piece of my heart. She was a pitbull who'd had pups & was feared by the locals because she was getting a little 'aggressive'. I use quotes because it's a misunderstood word in my dog world. We humans are aggressive everyday... subtly & not-so-subtly in our thoughts & actions. But when it gets translated to the animal word, we turn it into something to be feared rather than understood. Long story short, she was cut on the head with a machete in most likely an attempt at her life & undoubtedly in pain & fighting for her life & her babies. Thank god for the women who put in the call to Ricardo to come rescue her. She's now safe... loved and, as you can see in the pics, pretty sweet on her saviour. Aggressive... not-so-much. Untrusting of humans who've taught her that we can be heartless & cruel... much. But with Ricardo's magical connection to these souls, after two days, she's putty in his hands. After the tour, we stood under a shelter from the rain and he shared his story with me. His BFF #chinopimental who helps him educate on animal kindness, treatment & sterilization. His connection to these animals in unwavering, as is his devotion. Humbled & honoured to be given a glimpse into his life, his day & his heart, I got back into my car and was on my way. But the dogs, the cats, the turtles, chickens, turkey & pigs stayed with me... there's now a space in my heart filled with Tierra de Animales. If you're headed to Cancun, Playa or anywhere along this coast, please plan a visit. The reef, the buffets, the ruins... they're not going anywhere. But without our help & support, his dream could fold. Food, bleach, $... oh, and beer is always appreciated. He's got thirsty helpers. A little goes a long way... donating, sharing, giving here or at your local shelter. When we give back a little of the love, the universe smiles... oh, and so do the pigs when they sleep :-) To contact Ricardo: www.tierradeanimales.org