Working at the Esperanza Canina dog shelter was probably the most enriching experience of my life so far. When I arrived the dogs were living in a huge empty yard, with a few cardboard structures for shelter, and still the dogs were happy. The difference to the shelter eight months later is already astounding. Visiting the dogs every day, feeding them, changing their water and playing with them, was any dog-lovers idea of heaven. The volunteers put their all into making these dogs’ lives better through donations, fundraising and simply giving their time. I live happy knowing that the pups I left in Peru are well looked after at Esperanza Canina, and I’m just waiting for the right opportunity so I can go back to visit!