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
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Theme Song: “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
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