Who we are

Dulce Vida Rescue is where second chances begin. We rescue dogs and cats from Tijuana and Southern California, give them safety and healing, and surround them with the love that leads them to their forever families.

What happened

Two years ago, when we were trying to figure out how to move more animals from danger into safety, our friend and soul sister Myrna did something incredible. She donated her only vehicle so we could have a rescue van.

That van has been packed with scared, hopeful, and healing dogs on their way to a better life. It has carried them:

For two years, Myrna’s car has been our rolling lifeline. Last week, that lifeline failed.

Our founder, Tati Polo, was driving a pup named Caipirinha to meet her future family at an adoption event. On the freeway, the van suddenly filled with smoke. Tati had to slow to ten miles per hour and just hope they would make it to the exit safely.

Everyone in the van was scared, and in that moment we knew that old van had taken its last rescue trip. We can no longer drive rescue dogs toward their new lives without a safe, reliable van to get them there.

Why we are asking for help

After the breakdown, we received a call from Dog Rescue Heroes Club. They did not want to see Tati and our animals back in a van that could put anyone in danger.

They offered to help by raising 10,000 dollars toward a safe, reliable replacement van.

Now we are challenging ourselves as a Dulce Vida family to raise another 10,000 dollars through this GoFundMe. Together that will create a 20,000 dollar van fund to buy the van that will keep saving dogs lives for years to come.

Our goal is to have this new van on the road by December 31, with “Dulce Vida Rescue” on the side, ready for its first trip full of dogs and cats headed to safety.

How your gift will be used

Your donation will help:

Any funds beyond the cost of the van and basic setup will stay with Dulce Vida Rescue to care for our animals through food, medical care, and other essentials.

How you can help

If this story touches your heart, there are three powerful ways you can help:

This van is more than a vehicle. It is the way scared street dogs and vulnerable cats get to safety, to medical care, and to the people who will love them.

From our hearts, and from every animal who will ride in this van, thank you for helping Dulce Vida Rescue buy the van that saves lives.

More About Dulce Vida Rescue

Dulce Vida Rescue is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization on a mission to save the lives of sick, neglected, abandoned, abused, and homeless animals in Tijuana and the San Diego area. Fueled by your generosity and driven by compassionate volunteers, we work every day to rescue innocent animals from the streets, providing lifesaving food, urgent medical care, and a path to a loving forever home. Every rescue is a new beginning, a second chance to live a Dulce Vida — a sweet life.

Our vision is to create and sustain a dedicated facility that offers spay and neuter services for homeless animals and free care for low income communities. Rooted in education and community outreach, this model is our blueprint for future growth and impact.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a real difference. Even just a few dollars can help move this mission forward and reach those who need it most.

If you cannot donate right now, sharing this fundraiser is also incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. It truly means the world to us and to the animals we serve.