When Megan Rose and her boyfriend embarked on their annual trip to the Dominican Republic, a dog was the last souvenir they planned to return home with. However, the couples’ hearts were stolen by an adorable stray who was laying in the sand as they walked along the beach.
The couple realized the stray was hungry and thirsty, so they brought a few hot dogs from their hotel buffet. Despite her hunger, the dog took the pieces of food and buried them before returning to lay down next to the couple. Megan and her boyfriend realized that their new friend was hiding morsels for later, in case she ran out of food. In that devastating moment, Megan pledged to “figure out how to get her out of here.” One way or another, they were going give the dog everything they could, starting with a name: Rumba.
Several nights later, the couple went outside to feed Rumba and discovered a second puppy on the beach. They decided to expand their mission – they would help both dogs find forever homes back in the United States. To no avail, they made phone calls in search of help with their quest.
Finally, a Yelp! review led Megan to a woman named Yanela, who worked with Dominican rescue Collares Rojos. The organization helped get the dogs to New York; and, after a long two weeks, they arrived. Rumba recognized Megan right away! As soon as her crate door opened, she leaped out and peed all over her old friend. “It was the best feeling,” Megan laughs. “I’ve never been more excited to be peed on.”
The puppy, named Papi, was adopted by one of Megan’s friends. But Megan found herself unable to part with Rumba, and decided to make a permanent addition to the family. By the end of Rumba’s first night in her new home, she had become best friends with the couple’s other two dogs, Pharrell and Rosie.
Until she met Rumba, Megan thought her love of dogs was capped by her two border collies. She has since learned that when it comes to dogs, there is no limit to the room in one’s heart.
