Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - On this episode of Vallarta Life, Laura Gelezunas takes us to LADRA, a non-profit organization that saves and cares for neglected animals in Las Animas, a tranquil beach town on the southern shores of Banderas Bay.

It is home to close to 30 dogs, 2 horses, 2 goats, chickens and ducks and that number is constantly changing. It is a trip to Hacienda Las Animas and its LADRA (Las Animas Dog Rescue Association) on this episode of Vallarta Life.

"I got involved with Las Animas through my buddy, who I came down here with and we found out they need "pet au pairs" as they call them and that's like helping out with the animals," says Dustin Rathjen, LADRA volunteer. "I've always been a dog lover myself and cats a little bit here and there but I definitely like working with dogs so we came down here and decided to volunteer and help them out."

At Las Animas the daily activities include walking the dogs every morning, feeding them, cleaning up after them. There are birds there, so volunteers have to clean their cages, feed and water them as well. There are also five cats, so they have to feed and keep their litter boxes kept clean.

Dustin says that this experience has changed him because this is his first time traveling somewhere and actually getting to live somewhere outside of where he is from, which is Bellingham, Washington. It has made him open up his eyes more towards the rest of the world.

"If others want an opportunity of a lifetime, then they should visit Puerto Vallarta and help with a dog rescue and at the Las Animas Ranch, which is literally a ranch with horses, ducks, chickens, cats, goats, you name it," says Dustin. "We can help plenty of animals and as far as I know there will soon be a pig soon, too. There are plenty of animals to be around if you are an animal lover."

Hacienda Las Animas does work with a good number of other animal rescue organizations in Puerto Vallarta, but they can always use a little help. Consider making a donation via their website, LasAnimasDogRescue.com.

If you are thinking about making the move to Puerto Vallarta contact Laura Gelezunas, who, in addition to hosting Vallarta Life, sells Banderas Bay area real estate at Ron Morgan Properties, via email at Laura(at)RonMorgan.net. She'll be happy to help you find the home of your dreams!