Unified Purpose

Rebuilding Trust: How The Animal Retreat Gives Behavioral Dogs a Second Chance

Episode Summary

In this powerful episode of Unified Purpose, host Daniela sits down with Karina Lozano, board president of The Animal Retreat in Idaho. Karina shares her inspiring journey from Peru to leading a unique nonprofit that specializes in rehabilitating dogs with behavioral challenges. Learn how The Animal Retreat provides a second chance to dogs that others often give up on—and why behavioral issues are frequently rooted in fear, not aggression. Karina explains how her team uses positive reinforcement, science-based training, and deep compassion to transform lives—both canine and human. Whether you’re a dog owner, animal lover, or simply someone who cares about making a difference, this episode sheds light on what it really means to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome with purpose.

Episode Notes

Three Things You’ll Learn:

Why behavioral issues—not aggression—are often misunderstood and mismanaged in dogs.

How The Animal Retreat transforms crisis cases into adoptable pets through training, compassion, and patience.

What it really takes to create long-term change in animal welfare through community education and support.