You know, everybody dies. My parents died. Your father died. Everybody dies. I'm going to die too. So will you. The thing is, to have a life before we die. It can be a real adventure having a life.John Irving in The World According to Garp

Patrice and I met Hector and Carla in Cancun when we missed our flight back home after 7 months of travelling. Hector immediately stepped in to help us and he and Carla warmly took us in for a week. They shared their home with us and our dog, ten former stray dogs and a cat. That’s how we got to witness the amazing work they do to help neglected animals in Mexico. They do everything they can to help humans and animals and we will be forever thankful! Robb always had a big heart for animals which he passed on to me. I think supporting Hector and Carla on their mission is a perfect way to honor Robb’s life.
Elina

Carla and I met in the year 2000. She was working on the tourism board of the state and I was making an interactive CD to showcase places of interest in the state. She was in charge of getting permits for me to photograph Mayan ruins and other things and we just liked each other from the moment that we met. We got married in 2001 and so my temporary stay in Cancun became permanent.

Carla had a little poodle that was bipolar but we loved him a lot. A kitten decided to adopt us and then I brought my two dogs from my hometown and we found a rabbit on the street. Later on another cat decided to make our home his home.

On a trip to Merida we adopted a Doberman puppy that we named Tasha and we fell in love with the breed so we decided to look for another Doberman to adopt and that is when I saw the picture of Chica.

We had always helped animals in need but the picture of Chica changed our lives forever. Even though I did not know where she was I decided to rescue her no matter what.

After Chica’s rescue people started to contact us about dogs in need near us and we jumped into action and helped as many as we could by rescuing them, treating their health problems and finding homes for some. I also started helping other rescuers on difficult or dangerous rescues, and I volunteer my photography skills to any cause I think could make a positive impact in the world.

One day we were picking up friends at the airport when we saw that Elina and Patrice were having trouble with all the requirements to fly with a dog and when they lost their flight I invited them to stay at our home for as long as they needed. My wife and I liked them instantly because they are smart, open and resourceful and because they obviously loved dogs. Meeting them was a great experience and even though we are separated by a great distance we consider them dear friends.

One day Elina contacted me to give me the bad news of the passing of her father and informed me that she was taking donations to help us keep doing what we do. I was really surprised by the news of the donation but not by the fact that Elina and Patrice wanted to lend a hand because they have huge hearts.

I wish I had met Robb because judging his love for animals and by his generous friends, he must have been a great person, but I am Glad to have met Elina because at least I could experience the positive impact that his life had on the world.