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.

Thank you Megan for helping Papi and Rumba
A lovely story, thank you!
beautiful start to Rumbas new life with a beautiful kind human being if only all people were as big hearted as Megan
Megan is, (and the rescuers like her are), a princess with a heart of gold. Thank you for acting with such love toward their precious lives! My heart is so happy for those dogs and to be reminded of the good in the harsh world.
nice story, thank you for saving these two strays i am glad they have homes now.
Her and her husband are awesome people. I wish everyone was like they are when it comes to animals. It’s nice to see a little light in this world when there is so much darkness and cruelty. Thank you for sharing your story.
Such a beautiful person to take these dogs. This is why I never visit the carribean Islands. It would break my heart to see so many homeless animals I wouldn’t want to do anything more than to care for them and bring them home. It would not be a vacation for me to see such misery. This couple restored my faith in humans. God bless them. They have such beautiful hearts.
Pure love
Thank you for stories like this. I really needed this! God Bless you all and I pray there are more people out there like you to help all animals. Rumba has hit the jackpot with you!!!!
It’s stories like that make me not completely despair of humankind.
I love You and such people. And I hate those who hurt and neglect them…
Ya know, I don’t know why I keep letting noisy neighbors, a pot boiling over, the stench of someone’s cigarette — let them all get on my nerves and make me a sour puss. Really, all I need are stories like this (and the one about Scooter, the special needs kitty) to brighten my day/reset my outlook. Thank you!
I love it and I would so do the same! May G-d bless you always and forever! You are so deserving of always a continuing peaceful family that is obviously loving! Congratulations to all of you!
God bless you for caring
SUCH A BEAUTIFUL HEARTFELT STORY WITH SO MUCH ABUSE AND NEGLECT TO THESE PRECIOUS ANIMALS! GOD BLESS ALL OF THOSE THAT GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP THE NEEDY! WE NEED MORE WARRIORS LIKE THEM!
good on you Megan You are a very determined young woman We need that in our society where abuse and neglect of animals rampant I personally do not visit the Dominican republic anymore because of what I have seen and how animals are treated Even the people suffer there But i commend you Hats off to you Enjoy your life with your new found friend What a lucky day for that little dog kudos
Good on ya, Megan!
That is so sweet. It is heartwarming to see something nice on this website. I’m thankful she was able to get them to America and get them loving homes. Yay!
She makes the whole transport thing sound so easy. I know it isn’t, and that’s why I appreciate these lovely people even more. Good luck to the happy family.
Megan you and yanela are hero’s most definitely!
God Bless
BLESS THEIR HEART AND BEAUTIFUL SOULS FOR THE KINDNESS THEY GIVE TO ANIMALS <3
This is why I can’t lose faith in humanity…its for angels of mercy like Megan.
Thank you, Megan (and unnamed boyfriend), for not just turning away and going back home! Many people would have thought that there was nothing they could do for these innocent dogs, but you made the great effort to find a way. I thank God for people like you who make a real difference in this world AND the lives of Papi and Rumba!
Mercie 10000 fois à Megane pour avoir sauvée et donnée une famille heureuse à cette chienne si belle et aimante ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Thanku Megan.
What a great holiday.
Thank you for sharing your love with this FurBaby
So sweet! Thank you Megan for your compassion for animals!
Wow, that brought tears to my eyes.
This is just wonderful to read! Thank you to the couple for giving those puppies a forever home
God bless you both!
What a magnificent story. Congratulations to Megan (and boyfriend) and Yanela for getting the two dogs back to the States. I love these stories! Not enough of them.
That’s why I love animals so much. They are so easy to love and to trust.
Thank you Megan for noticing these beautiful dogs in need and for changing their lives for the better. They now look so happy and contented.
This was fantastic! So glad you found them and have them forever homes!! Warms my heart!!! Rescues are the best, I have 2….
Heartwarming!!
I have rescued many dogs from Mexico and Siberia, so proud of you???
And I am so proud of you! These noble creatures need all the help they can get in a world that is largely hostile to them.
Beautiful -and the humans too!
What a GREAT story.