Couple’s Airbnb Vacation Turns Into Rescue Mission for Stray Dog

Couple Meets Dog on Trip to Costa Rica, Ends Up With a New Family Member:

While vacationing in Costa Rica, a couple had no idea their lives were about to change forever. During their stay, a friendly stray dog began making regular appearances at their Airbnb. At first, they assumed she had an owner because of the collar she wore, but after several visits and asking around, it became clear she was on her own. Locals had even created an Instagram account for her in hopes of finding her a home.

The couple quickly bonded with the sweet pup but couldn’t take her home immediately. Time ran out before they could complete the vaccinations and paperwork needed for international travel. With heavy hearts, they left Costa Rica, vowing not to forget her.

“We didn’t want to say goodbye,” they later wrote in a TikTok video that shared the story. True to their word, they stayed involved in the dog’s journey from afar. Four months later, all the pieces finally came together, and they brought her to Canada to live with them permanently.

Bringing a dog from abroad, especially from high-rabies-risk areas, involves strict requirements. According to the CDC, dogs must be at least six months old, microchipped, and have proof of vaccinations and blood tests. Despite the red tape, the couple persisted—motivated by the connection they felt from day one.

Since arriving in Canada, the once-homeless dog is now thriving in her new home. The video documenting her journey has gone viral, earning more than 488,000 views and 67,000 likes. Viewers from around the world flooded the comments with love and gratitude.

“I’m from Costa Rica and you don’t know how much I appreciate this,” wrote one person. Another added, “She found YOU and decided you were her humans.”

In the end, it wasn’t just a random vacation encounter. It was a story of fate, compassion, and commitment. A determined dog found her people, and a couple opened their hearts to a new family member—turning one trip into the beginning of a beautiful new life.

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This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.