What started with two scruffy strays under a tree has grown into something no one (least of all Tamara) ever expected: a full-blown dog sanctuary in Ensenada.

Tamara had never owned a dog before. Renting in the Bay Area previously had made her hesitant. After moving to Ensenada, one day, she began feeding two dogs outside her gate. While she was away on a gardening trip, her neighbors invited the dogs inside. From then on, they just sort of stayed. When she traveled, the neighbors pitched in too.

On another trip, Tamara found a frightened puppy stranded on a highway. Then another. And another. Suddenly, it seemed like every time she left the house, a new doggo appeared, waiting for a morsel of food or a safe place to rest. She started finding homes for them up north in the Bay Area, texting clients photos, asking if they knew anyone looking for a dog. Then it snowballed. So many dogs needing support that she began to call it “The Dog Hotel.” At first, she was determined to find them all forever homes. She promised the dogs, “You are only guests here, just passing through”. Beds, treats, and even a little “concierge service” were provided. Sometimes the “guests” got dressed up for fun. It was all very five-star. But six years later, it was clear, not every dog was going to find a new home, and the “hotel” had officially turned into a sanctuary. Some of the residents were simply too quirky, too delicate, or too set in their ways. Tamara decided they deserved love and dignity just the same.

Take Puddles, for example. He’s the most lovable dog—until strangers get too close. He’s a biter, which makes adoption tricky. So Puddles is living out his days at the sanctuary, safe and spoiled. Then there’s Amelia. She survived distemper, but it left her with neurological challenges. After three and a half years in Tamara’s care, Amelia was finally adopted this past March, but she came back temporarily for ACL surgery—$1,200 in Mexico instead of the $5,000 it would have cost up north.