PUPPY YOGA CLUB RESCUE SPOTLIGHT

Some rescue stories begin with a plan.

For others, the story begins with a moment that makes it impossible to look away.

For Dulce Vida Rescue, that moment happened on the streets of Tijuana.

Dulce Vida Rescue (dulce vida is Spanish for "sweet life") was founded in 2022 by Tati Polo, whose life took an unexpected turn after witnessing the suffering of stray dogs while filming in Tijuana.

At the time, Polo was working as a professional chef. During the shoot, she saw a puppy on the street — weak, bleeding, and barely able to survive. She asked the crew to stop the car, but it kept moving.

Watching that suffering disappear through a window changed everything.

She had already been quietly helping dogs — fostering animals, assisting other rescues, and even bringing home a stray that had followed her during a previous trip. But that moment made the reality impossible to ignore.

Soon after, Polo made a life-changing decision. She left her career, moved from Los Angeles to Tijuana, and committed herself fully to rescuing animals in need.

Today, Dulce Vida Rescue operates with a simple but powerful mission: "To give every animal the dulce vida they deserve."

Every year, Dulce Vida Rescue helps approximately 300 dogs, many of whom are found living as strays in extremely difficult conditions.

Unlike some rescues that focus on specific breeds or age groups, Dulce Vida helps any dog that needs them.

When a dog enters their care, the rescue provides comprehensive medical support, including:

• Full blood panels

• Vaccinations

• Spay or neuter procedures

• Microchipping

• Surgeries or specialized treatments when needed

• Rehabilitation care for injuries or illness

Many dogs arrive suffering from parasites, infections, injuries, or malnutrition. Some need extended medical treatment before they can even begin the process of adoption.

At the Dulce Vida rescue facility, dogs are given both freedom and structure.

They spend time in a large outdoor yard, where they can play, explore, and interact with other dogs under supervision. Staff members monitor the group closely to prevent stress or overstimulation.

Each dog also has their own crate where they eat and sleep — a safe, personal space that helps provide routine and comfort.

Puppies and young dogs are socialized early, interacting with other dogs within appropriate age or weight groups. The rescue also brings dogs to community events so they can gradually become comfortable with human interaction and new environments.

One story that captures the Dulce Vida Rescue mission is Moe's.

Moe was discovered as a tiny puppy, only a few weeks old, abandoned inside a garbage bin. His eyes were crusted shut from infection, and his small body was overwhelmed with fleas, ticks, and worms. It was unclear how early he had been separated from his mother.

The team at Dulce Vida carefully nursed him back to health.

Over time, Moe grew from a fragile puppy that could fit in the palm of a hand into a playful, energetic dog. Though he remained slightly cross-eyed, his vision recovered, and his personality blossomed.

At the rescue, Moe quickly became known as one of the friendliest dogs in the group — able to fit comfortably into any pack.

Today, Moe has a new name: Curley Fry.

He now lives with a loving family in San Diego, where he has:

• Completed dog training school

• Learned how to swim

• Celebrated birthdays with cake

• And experienced all the “firsts” he never had on the streets

According to Dulce Vida, he’s now “the king of his household.”

And the rescue still receives updates about him to this day.

Dulce Vida Rescue carefully screens potential adopters to ensure every dog is placed in a safe and loving environment.

Their adoption process includes:

• Adoption application

• Interview with potential adopters

• Home verification (including video recordings)

• Adoption contract

Once approved, some families are able to welcome their dog home the same day.

Partnerships play an important role in helping rescue dogs find homes.

According to Dulce Vida Rescue, collaborations with organizations such as Puppy Yoga Club help:

• Raise awareness about their work

• Socialize dogs with new people and environments

• Introduce dogs to potential adopters

These partnerships create opportunities for dogs to be seen — and sometimes that visibility is the step that leads to their forever family.

But the transformation that follows is what keeps rescuers going.

Bernal continues:

“When we are able to change the lives of both the dog and the adopting family, we are rewarded beyond measure. It’s not a glamorous process, but it creates lasting meaning in ways we often can’t fully fathom.”

Every dog deserves a chance at a safe, joyful life — a dulce vida.

For the team behind Dulce Vida Rescue, that mission begins on the streets of Tijuana and continues all the way to the moment a dog finally finds a home.

Supporting Dulce Vida Rescue means helping dogs receive the care they need to heal and find loving homes. From medical treatment and rehabilitation to daily care and outreach efforts, every donation helps give more animals a second chance at a safe, happy life.

Want to experience the joy these dogs bring firsthand? Puppy Yoga Club offers a chance to connect with adoptable puppies in a calm, supportive environment — while helping rescues like Dulce Vida continue their selfless work. Find a puppy yoga class near you!