My Heart Belongs to the Dogs: Volunteering with Soi Dog in Phuket
There’s something about locking eyes with a dog that instantly grounds me. In their gaze, I find a kind of honesty and love that words can rarely capture. I’ve always been an animal lover (dogs especially) and last year, I was finally able to connect with an international rescue I have been supporting for several years with donations. I spent weeks volunteering at Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket, Thailand, and it changed me in ways I’m still processing.
Every morning I’d wake up excited to head to the shelter. The work wasn’t glamorous. I stayed in a small room next to the shelter and spent my days cleaning kennels, feeding, walking, bathing, and giving medication, but it filled me with a deep sense of purpose. There’s real joy in watching a scared, street-hardened dog slowly learn to trust again. There’s serenity in the quiet moments: sitting on the ground while a pup rests its head in my lap, or feeling the warmth of a rescued dog leaning into my hand for comfort. And there’s healing, too. Something about pouring love into these animals heals parts of you that you didn’t even realize were aching.
Here are a few of the beautiful souls I got to care for:
A Sweet Hurt Angel
The sweet senior in the first photo stole my heart immediately. His gentle face, those soulful eyes (one with a little injury that we were treating), and the way he looked up at me as I stroked his cheek… I could have sat there with him all day. He reminded me that every dog, no matter their age or condition, deserves tenderness and respect.
Sunstreaker
Then there was Sunstreaker (pictured on my phone). What a character. The profile warned “DO NOT TOUCH OR PET HIM” because he can bite when he’s overwhelmed, but I still felt such a pull to help him feel safe. These dogs come from such difficult backgrounds, and it takes incredible patience to earn their trust. Every small victory with a dog like him feels like a triumph.
Garden Beauty
And this happy pup in the garden? Pure sunshine. Sitting there with her tongue out and that joyful expression after a good walk… moments like these made the hard days worth it.
One dog in particular completely captured my heart. I won’t share her photo here because it still stings a little, but I fell head-over-heels in love with her. I spent hours with her every day, dreaming about bringing her home with me. I had her adoption application ready. I was already imagining our life together. Then one morning I arrived and learned someone else had adopted her the day before. I was devastated. I cried in my rented room that night. But I also felt grateful that she found her family. That’s what Soi Dog is all about: getting these dogs out of pain and into loving homes, even if it’s not mine.
I was lucky enough to stay for weeks, and by the end I felt more connected to myself than I had in years. Helping animals reminds me of what really matters: compassion, patience, presence, and unconditional love.
Being a companion is a choice I made intentionally because it gives me the freedom and financial independence to disappear for months at a time to volunteer at animal rescues around the world. I can fly to Thailand, Greece, Costa Rica, and pour my energy into causes that feed my soul. My career isn’t just about luxury and connection; it’s about creating a life where I can live my values fully.
I already miss Phuket. I miss the long hot days, the sound of happy barks echoing across the property, the volunteers from all over the world who become fast friends, and most of all, I miss those dogs. I’m counting down the days until I can go back. My suitcase is practically packed. (I’m not kidding)
If you’re an animal lover too, I can’t recommend volunteering at Soi Dog (or any ethical rescue) enough. Even a short stay will remind you how beautiful this world can be when we show up with open hearts.
Until next time, Thailand… I’m coming back for you and your dogs.
With love and wagging tails, Gigi Lenoir
P.S. Every time you book with me you are donating to my rescue fund. I save up 90% of my earnings to be able to afford to volunteer around the world for weeks at a time. Your support is their support.
