Conscious Travel: For the love of dogs

Mar 07, 2025

Conscious Travel Series: Part 3

Even though I have so much to share from our travels – about conscious architecture, conscious communities, travel tips, clean spaces and favourite places – I felt unexpectedly compelled to write about dogs. Specifically, the plight of the street dogs we have encountered during our time in Peru, Mexico & Costa Rica.

By their very nature, dogs are so giving. They say cats soak up negative energy, but dogs give off a palpable positive energy. Which is why it’s so distressing to sometimes see the condition and treatment of the thousands of stray dogs we have seen on our travels.

If you have a love of nature and everything pure in this world, once you’ve seen it, you can’t unsee the suffering of street dogs out here. From neglect to verbal and physical abuse and even deliberate poisoning, the treatment of some of these dogs is deeply upsetting and hard to get your head around.

Often, there seems to be double standards for dogs on the street and dogs in the home. One man we met in Mexico described the street dogs as ‘parasitic’, even though he had his own pet dog who he pertained to have a very close bond with.

The fine line between fear and love of dogs is fascinating. In many ways, the street dogs out here are seen as ‘wild’ and part of the landscape and untameable natural world, even though dogs were bred by humans and have lived by our side for centuries.

I believe that the issue of street dogs has been created by people and so it can be resolved by people with a sense of true responsibility and compassion. After all, science shows that dogs can help us live longer, foster love unconditionally and align with us in a supportive and fundamentally healing way. Remarkably, according to recent research by the American Heart Association, if you have a dog, you’re more likely to survive a stroke or heart attack.

Please understand I am most certainly NOT in any position to pass judgement beyond the individual circumstances I see for dogs and their particular treatment. This is a worldwide issue, but the sheer volume in places is truly heartbreaking.

While we have seen many extremely sad cases, it’s important to say that we have also witnessed true kinship, happiness and freedom in some of the street dogs we’ve met out here who hangout with each other in little tribes. And the adopted & very loved rescued street dogs!

Happy Stories

Betty

Betty was one of the most friendly dogs I have ever witnessed anywhere and one I truly loved. As a friend said "her eyes tell you how much she has seen in her life". She was a wonderful lovable character & a daily visitor at the house we stayed in for a number of weeks near Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. She had been rescued off the streets by the incredibly kind neighbour there.

Beach Dogs

While on an early morning walk at a beach in Tulum, Mexico. Darren was joined by two friendly street dogs looking for their breakfast. They searched above the high tide mark for food. Wonderful companions to share the early morning sunrise.

John & his dogs

We met John at the gate of a recent place we stayed at near San Mateo, Costa Rica with his 'pack' of dogs. John was a true hero & full of knowledge about his dogs & dog behaviour in general. From Tarzan - who has survived x2 Puma attacks, snake bites and more to the smallest dog of the pack being the boss. There was so much love & camaraderie between them all. It was a blessing to see.

HOW TO HELP: SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS FOR STREET DOGS

If you travel through Mexico and beyond, whether for a short holiday or longer, try to remember that small acts of kindness towards these animals really count. Here are some simple tips to show you care:

Firstly, always hold your hand out flat to the dog to make sure it’s friendly before stroking it (some won't even come near due to being scared and mistrustful of people). Stroke either side of the face and under the neck rather than the back of the neck - where dogs are known to go when they fight each other.
Keep water in your vehicle with some small cups that you can give the dog some water in – or even buy a bottle of water and let them drink from it.
If the dog looks in awful condition, don't shy away – they may have never been shown any love or kindness in all their life. I have observed that the worse the condition (particularly skin) the worse the reaction the dog can receive from people.
Speak to a local vet and purchase some easily chewable worming/anti parasite medicine for those animals you see in a really bad way. Offer this alongside food (making sure to not feed a pack all at the same time, as this could result in a fight breaking out!) - many amazing people who we spoke to which have set up shelters have said that the deworming is one of the key things that we can do to help them.*
Consider volunteering at an animal rescue centre. You could even foster or adopt a dog in need – and, no matter where you are in the world, you can always donate to show your support and love. Browse this list of dog shelters in Mexico for example to see how you could help.

I think in the next chapter of my life I would like to do more to help animals. With the recent issues with the world – especially since 2020 – what makes sense to me more than anything is animals & nature. I feel more drawn and aligned to them than ever before.

In many ways you could argue that these animal are more conscious and present than us humans – and might prove to be our greatest teachers.

* I would suggest to speak to a local & collaborative vet to check correct dose and to give you a sense of empowerment.