UNLEASHED PURPOSE | CAROL KIRWOOD

Sometimes the universe aligns our paths in the most unexpected places. In this episode of Lucy
Smiles Living Room, I share the serendipitous story of how I met Carol—co-founder of
Mazatlán Animal Rescue—on my own journey moving from Canada to Mexico with my rescue
dogs.
It was late evening, and I was walking my pups outside a hotel along the route when I struck up a
conversation with a kind woman. That woman turned out to be Carol, just returning from
transporting rescued animals to safety in the U.S. As we spoke in that hotel parking lot under the
stars, I learned about the incredible work she and her husband Bill had built through the Hope
Sanctuary in Mazatlán—a no-kill refuge now home to over 400 animals.
This conversation is a full-circle moment of vision meeting reality. When I first planned on
moving to Mexico, I knew I wanted to support a local animal rescue. Meeting Carol that night
felt like a sign. In this episode, we dive into her journey from corporate Canada to becoming a
fierce voice for voiceless animals in Mexico, the founding of Mazatlán Animal Rescue, and what
it really takes to run a sanctuary of this size and heart.
If you’ve ever wondered how one person’s compassion can turn into a movement—this story
will move you.

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About Carol
After leaving corporate life in Canada in 2010, Carol followed her heart to Mexico, where she
eventually settled in Mazatlán. What began as a quiet retirement turned into a powerful calling
when she encountered the heartbreaking reality of street animals in need.
In 2013, alongside her husband Bill, Carol founded Mazatlán Animal Rescue. What started as a
grassroots foster-based group quickly grew into a full-scale sanctuary—now home to nearly 300
dogs and over 100 cats.
The sanctuary, known as Hope Sanctuary, offers lifelong refuge for animals who have nowhere
else to go. Under Carol’s leadership, the organization has built essential infrastructure, attracted a
dedicated community of volunteers and donors, and continues to fully fund all operations
through charitable efforts.
Her story is one of compassion, purpose, and resilience—and proof that one person’s decision to
care can change hundreds of lives.

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DONATE TO MAZATLAN ANIMAL RESCUE!
https://mazatlananimalrescue.com/donate/
Canadians can etransfer to [e-mail]
Connect:
Website: https://mazatlananimalrescue.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mazatlananimalrescues
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mazanimalrescue/

 

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Listen to Full Audio:
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About Diane (Lucy Smiles), Your Host: Dian...