Ron King used to be a highly successful media executive. Then, after COVID he began a search for joy which led him to rescuing donkeys and creating Oscar’s Place Adoption Center & Sanctuary

This Vimeo link sums up his journey: https://vimeo.com/monument/dk

Through his love of donkeys, he found his path to joy and the difference between things he enjoys and things that bring him joy.

Links

https://www.oscarsplace.org

ttps://www.facebook.com/oscarsplaceofficial

https://www.instagram.com/oscarsplaceofficial/

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Lya Battle Bonilla is the Founder of Territorio de Zaguates, a sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 15 years of experience. More than 1,800 rescued dogs now live in freedom, safety, and love.

What started as a small rescue effort from her own home slowly grew into a lifelong mission, to give every dog, no matter their story, a chance to heal and to be happy.

From a very young age, she couldn’t look away from suffering. Every abandoned, hungry, or hurt dog she saw pulled at her heart, and she realised that if she didn’t help them, maybe no one would.

At Territorio de Zaguates, every dog is welcome, where mutts are celebrated, and each life is valued simply because it exists.

They believe every dog deserves a second chance, not because they’re cute or adoptable, but because they are living beings capable of love, joy, and gratitude.

Many of the dogs they rescue arrive broken, scared, or sick. Watching them recover, trust again, and run freely across the hills is one of their greatest joys. Through this work, they hope to change the way people see stray dogs, not as a problem, but as souls who deserve kindness.

Territorio has become their forever home, and Lya is deeply honoured to share her life with them. None of this would be possible without the incredible support of people who believe in compassion as much as she does. Together, they have proven that love can truly transform lives, one wagging tail at a time.

Links

https://www.instagram.com/territorio_de_zaguates/

https://www.youtube.com/@territoriodezaguates

https://www.facebook.com/LandOfTheStrays

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

In this episode of Animals and Us, we meet Dr Ian Douglas, a pioneering veterinarian whose career spans five decades, continents, and countless animal lives improved through his dedication to welfare and education.

From his beginnings in Scotland to his long-standing leadership with Vets Beyond Borders, Ian’s work has shaped international animal health programs across India, Bhutan, and the Pacific. He played a key role in establishing the Sikkim Anti-Rabies and Animal Health (SARAH) Programme, authored foundational veterinary training manuals, and continues today as Coordinator of the Vanuatu Dog Population Management Program.

Beyond his veterinary achievements, Ian’s story is one of purpose – showing how expertise, empathy and persistence can drive systemic change for animals and the communities that live alongside them.

Dr Douglas’s journey reminds us that one person’s compassion, backed by skill and vision, can influence animal welfare far beyond the clinic.

• Vets Beyond Borders

• Dr Ian Douglas on ABC News

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

YouTube || Facebook || Instagram || LinkedIn || Website

Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd