Our Brave Little Toaster

A Journey Made Possible By You

Toaster was a scared stray on the streets of Salinas—until UnChained's Canines Teaching Compassion program changed his life. Now, he's part of a loving family.

Read on to follow Toaster’s heartwarming journey from homeless dog to finding a loving family.

Alexandra, Toaster’s Adopter, Shares:

"Toaster is our dream dog. He has come a million miles from where he started on the streets of Salinas. He’s brave, independent, and the snuggliest little muffin we could ever hope for. He makes friends wherever he goes—whether it's playing off-leash with his dog pals at the park or charming everyone at the Napa Valley wineries, Toaster’s confidence shines through. He even loves riding the forklift while Robbie works in the wine caves!"ke all the difference.

"Toaster has changed our lives forever.”

“He’s a great listener, a trustworthy companion, and a true cuddle monster. To think he was once apprehensive with men is unfathomable—he and my husband Robbie are now inseparable. The incredible youth at UnChained helped Toaster become the confident, loving pup he is today, and we couldn’t be more grateful.”

Nicole, Toaster’s Foster Parent, Shares: "When I first met Toaster, he was a scared and skittish street dog. Watching him grow through UnChained’s program was like witnessing magic. He found his courage, learned how to trust, and let his playful, silly personality shine. Seeing him leave for his forever home was one of the most rewarding moments of my life—he’s truly the king of his castle now."

Stories like Toaster’s are possible thanks to the incredible support of our community partners.

To keep creating second chances for dogs like Toaster and empowering at-risk youth, we need your help. This holiday season, consider supporting UnChained through Santa Cruz Gives or Monterey County Gives.

Your generosity fuels transformations, bringing hope and new beginnings to both youth and dogs in our community. Thank you!

MARTINA - PETEY’S TRAINER

When I first saw Petey in the UnChained program, I thought “He’s just like me”.  I have to work with him.  He was a perfect dog, he just needed somebody who understood him. He’s been misunderstood, like I’ve been misunderstood.  We were a perfect match!

Being in UnChained absolutely changed my outlook on life and on myself! While I loved working with Petey, I also loved the staff who gave me such positivity, warmth and care.  When I got to class each day, it was so great to check in with staff and feel really cared for.  I didn’t have this in my life.  Nobody knew what was going on in my head during that time in my life.  At that point in my life, I couldn’t see all the things life had for me, all the positivity available to me.  I couldn’t see me.  I didn’t know who I was, or who I wanted to be.  I was very depressed with sky-rocketing anxiety ALL the time.  I was always scared…like I would get in trouble for breathing.  I didn’t want to die, but I also didn’t want to be.

When I was either 9 or 10 years old, my birth mom actually tried giving us away (my brother, two sisters and me) by leaving us in the middle of some fields, because she didn’t want us anymore.  She chose her boyfriend over us.  Interestingly, it was her boyfriend who spoke up and said he couldn’t support this.  This was just the beginning.

From then, we were shuttled off to live with an Aunt and Uncle in Salinas. They were toxic to live with.  Lived with them for 2 years where they caused a lot of mental damage to me and my siblings. I couldn’t feel comfortable in my own home.  I got punished for going to bed too early, as one example.  

They kicked me out. They won’t let me see or talk to my little brother.  I was couch-surfing for a long time.  I wanted to finish high school and I was really tired of being homeless, so I went to my other Aunt and Uncles house.  I was under the impression that they would take care of me.  I was always in trouble.  I never got reassurance. Everything was always my fault.

I was sexually assaulted by a family member. 

It’s so much to go back and think about. It all happened and I’ve grown from it.  It’s allowed me to realize it’s not what I want.  I’m not going to be what my family has been; drugs, gangs, violence, jail.  Not finishing anything.

I told myself - I’m not doing this anymore.  I’m going to be the one that breaks the cycle.  I’m growing up to be, who I know I can be.  Why would you want to be one of those negative people who puts everyone else down, when there’s already so much negativity in the world?  I don’t want to add to that.  I want to subtract from that. Family was supposed to help me and take me out of my sadness.  I started to think this life was normal.  Now and then, I’d get a glimpse of what was normal and think I’ve got to get out of here.  

A turning point to see my potential – was when my best friend and his parents died.  He would constantly talk about all the things he wanted to do.  The things he saw that were negative, he would always commit to doing the opposite.  I’m going to carry on the way he lived.  Lesson from him: to love yourself and it all starts in your head.  The only person who gets in your way is yourself. 

I’ve got a crazy-supportive family that I live with now.  My sister, brother-in-law and niece, who I love SO much!  I’ve got support that will benefit me, as long as I’m growing and doing the things that they couldn’t do.  We didn’t grow up with each other, but I know that if anything happened to me, they’d be there faster than anyone else that I grew up with. 

I’m now doing the things that I’ve always wanted to do, but never thought I could do.  It’s the best-scariest feeling I’ve ever had in my whole life. That I’m pursuing something I’ve always wanted to do but have had strong doubts.  I don’t have that extra doubt…like people telling me I can’t do things.  I have people in my life who totally believe in me and tell me to totally freakin’-do-it! Nothing but encouragement from them.  If I were to do something crazy, they’d steer me back on track.  I’m doing more here in my life, than I was able to do with people from my past. My past is helping me create a stronger foundation for my future.  May 2022 – I graduate high school.  Then off to the military.  With the military funding my education, I’ll pursue college.  When the time is right, I want to pursue custody of my little brother, who’s still living with my aunt.

Petey was just under a year old when he was returned to the shelter for the 2nd time. Petey was "too much energy" and "didn't listen."

It was not clear if anyone tried "listening" to Petey, or if his energy just needed to be channeled into play, exercise and training. 

At graduation, Laura was proud to show Petey's focus, follow-through and devotion. Laura spoke from her heart about relating to Petey because she also had felt rejected and insecure. 

She too had moved through foster homes as a child and only really began to feel safe and loved when she was adopted. Laura brought tears to the eyes of Petey's adopters. 

While Laura helped Petey find his happy place, he helped Laura realize her own journey was one of gratitude for her own family. 

ROBINLYNN’S STORY: GIVING BACK

WHEN I HEAR UNCHAINED, I VISUALIZE OPPORTUNITY.  When I participated in the UnChained program at Kinship Center in Salinas two years ago, I went in not knowing what to expect. I graduated from it with new skills and a new awareness of myself. 

The UnChained program gives struggling youth a chance to find themselves, to take responsibility for a dog and build connections with that dog.

In this program, we work with homeless animals, many that have been abandoned or surrendered at a shelter. We train them, love them, and give them the skills they need for their forever home. 

The first day I walked into the program, I was nervous because I didn’t know anybody. Within the first few minutes, we all introduced ourselves, and a huge friendship began. I will never forget the first day of class because I learned how to let myself go and act like somebody different. On that day, I played the part of a dog! I walked all around the room, was trained with a clicker, and rewarded with candy. We all got to see how much faster we learned with praise and a treat! 

After we left the center that day, I was bragging to my grandma about all the wonderful people I met and the tasks that the group and I had accomplished. I talked about the program to my friends – I was so happy and proud of starting something new that could help animals and other people. 

Over the next eight weeks, I was partnered with a girl named Leslie, and we worked together to help train our program dog, Lady. Our group was made up of six girls and we trained three dogs. Leslie and I had the opportunity to work with our coach, Joel, who taught us a lot about how to help Lady, to train her, and to be appreciative toward her. 

RobyinLynn explained, “I never wanted to go home after class. Being there made me feel calm and excited at the same time. Lady was somebody who wasn’t a person, but who needed my help. I really liked that.”

“Lady was like a good book that I didn’t want to put down. We understood each other without even talking.”

Following my graduation from the program, I stayed with UnChained as a volunteer. From work- ing with Lady to working UnChained events, I have enjoyed every bit of working with these amazing people. One day a few months after the program, I was reunited with Lady and we went to an event to show the skills we had both learned. I was so proud of her – she remembered the cues and shared her sweet nature with the audience. It was heartwarming for me to see how healthy she looked, how happy she was, and how well she was doing in her new home. 

I know other Youth Trainers who have participated in the program and they talk about what a difference it has made in their lives. From realizing how patient they can be to what it feels like to help a dog find a home, each of us takes something special from our experiences with UnChained. I still think of it each time I see the photo of Lady and me on my desk. It has put me on a new, more positive path and I wish an opportunity like this for every youth. 

RobynLynn’s interview with KSCO Pet Radio in Santa Cruz.

UnChained feat. RobinLynn 11/28/21

KSCO Pet Radio Santa Cruz

TENACIOUS TANK

Tank was a classic, beautiful, silver-grey American Pitbull Terrier dog, who often startled people when they first saw him. With a stocky, strong body and a square-block head, he was a typical 1 year old bull-in-a-china-shop puppy. 

Yet Tank oozed love and affection with everyone he met. By his looks alone, he often was misunderstood; but, the kids in juvenile hall understood him, because they were often misjudged, too.

Tank was up for adoption for a long time and UnChained and Tank’s Rescue, AFRP, committed to find him a home no matter how long it took. Tank was in class at Rancho Cielo, where he was a favorite and known as the "big dog on campus.” He then co-taught a class, alongside an UnChained youth trainer graduate, on Positive Reinforcement at San Jose Juvenile Hall. 

Through his charm and affection, he won the hearts of several boys in Juvenile Hall, inspiring them to sign up for the next UnChained class. Tank was also in class at Kinship Center where his Youth Trainers fell in love with him and made a commitment to help Tank find his new family.

Through all the love, Tank still had a rough go of it. What people often didn't see was Tank's intelligence and eagerness to please. Because he was playful, bouncy and crazy-strong, he had trouble finding the right foster home; as a result, he lived in a kennel at a local vet clinic for months, with UnChained and AFRP volunteers getting his bouncy, leash-pulling self outside for walks every day.

Enter Jeff. Jeff saw the special qualities in Tank and made a commitment to adopt him. Jeff then flew from Washington State to Monterey, where he rented a car to drive himself and Tank back home to Washington. Tank’s new family has reported how well he’s doing:

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“He is such an amazing pup. Tank is an amazing brother to his sister and to foster dogs that come and stay with us. He is such a special boy! We love him so much! He makes our lives better every day, so to thank him we take him on awesome trips, give him lots of snacks and love, and make sure he has amazing adventures!”

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We love Tank and his story: he found his own family and helped his Youth Trainers believe that challenges are worth seeing through to the end.  

A BOY AND HIS BEAR

Thirteen-year-old Marc was paired with Bear, a 70-pound Shepard/Black Lab mix, for training. Marc learned of Bear’s story during his first UnChained class. Bear was one of 12 puppies who were separated not long after the birth and placed into 12 homes for fostering or adoption. 

The separation of the puppies struck a nerve with Marc. He asked the UnChained staff why the siblings were separated. He learned that the chances of Bear being adopted with his 11 siblings were very unlikely and Marc shared this with his mother.

Marc's mother adopted Marc and his 3 siblings when they were young, ensuring that they would not be separated. Marc appreciated, perhaps for the first time, how precious this gift was. Through Bear’s story, he shared his appreciation with his mother. 

Marc's mother credits Bear with helping Marc to talk honestly with his mom about his past experiences. She was so grateful for this gift she received from Marc and from Bear. Thank you, Bear, for your gift of building trust between a mother and her child!  

DON & HIS BUDDY

Buddy was pulled from the Monterey County Shelter and went into foster care because he was shutting down in his kennel. It's not uncommon for dogs to behave this way, when they're no longer able to tolerate the stresses of shelter life. Buddy stopped eating, drinking, accepting invitations for walks, or even approaching people who passed his kennel. Buddy was deeply depressed.

After going into a loving foster home, Buddy went to his first class in Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall and immediately felt safety and comfort from his Youth Trainer, Don. Don had been detained in Juvenile Hall for over 2 year and struggled with depression.

He was shut down, would not talk with his therapist, teacher or social worker and would not participate in therapeutic programming at Juvenile Hall. Probation staff were very concerned that Don wasn't doing the therapeutic work needed for his rehabilitation from years of abuse and neglect.

By the end of the first UnChained class together, Don was laughing and Buddy was tail-wagging. This was the first experiences of joy by both in a long time. Staff reported that they had not seen Don smile or laugh since his incarceration over two years prior. It was obvious that they needed each other.

Buddy was pulled from the Monterey County Shelter and went into foster care because he was shutting down in his kennel. It's not uncommon for dogs to behave this way, when they're no longer able to tolerate the stresses of shelter life. Buddy stopped eating, drinking, accepting invitations for walks, or even approaching people who passed his kennel. Buddy was deeply depressed.

After going into a loving foster home, Buddy went to his first class in Santa Cruz Juvenile Hall and immediately felt safety and comfort from his Youth Trainer, Don. Don had been detained in Juvenile Hall for over 2 year and struggled with depression.

He was shut down, would not talk with his therapist, teacher or social worker and would not participate in therapeutic programming at Juvenile Hall. Probation staff were very concerned that Don wasn't doing the therapeutic work needed for his rehabilitation from years of abuse and neglect.

By the end of the first UnChained class together, Don was laughing and Buddy was tail-wagging. This was the first experiences of joy by both in a long time. Staff reported that they had not seen Don smile or laugh since his incarceration over two years prior. It was obvious that they needed each other.

By the 3rd week of class, Don began participating in programs and meeting with his Therapist on a regular basis. The Probation Manager was astounded that after all the staff of Juvenile Hall had been trying for years to get Don to talk, it was Buddy who gave him the confidence and comfort to start the therapeutic work needed to heal his soul. Buddy became the best buddy to a young man in need!

STEWART: LITTLE BUT MIGHTY

Once upon a time, there was a little dog named Stewart.

He passed his evaluation for UnChained with flying colors but when this little guy got into class, he froze! He didn’t understand where he was or why and didn’t want affection or even treats from his trainers… at first.

After a few classes, the UnChained staff offered to get Stewart’s Youth Trainers a different dog because they just weren’t sure whether Stewart would respond in class.

The youth trainers refused to give up on Stewart, explaining that they knew he needed them. And, they were right! Stewart went from shut down to accepting cheesy treats to taking walks with them and finally to taking a little run around the building before graduation!

The change in Stewart was amazing but the real change was in the youth.

The youth had been recently adopted and the experience of helping Stewart come out of his shell helped her, too. She started to talk with her new mom about her experiences in foster care and what it meant to find a home and a family. Stewart and his youth trainers taught us so much through that class and we continue to be inspired by them!

A STORY OF GRATITUDE

In honor of Thanksgiving 2020, we are pleased to share a story from Felipe De La Cruz who joined UnChained in 2017.

“Joining UnChained is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve witnessed dogs who were scheduled for euthanasia and others who were mistreated and left behind find brand new lives full of love and happiness.

Through partnerships with local dog rescues and animal shelters, we’ve helped to build better futures not only for the 100+ dogs that have come through our program, but also the youth’s lives that they’ve been a part of.

As a survivor of physical and emotional abuse as a child, I especially empathize with the youth we serve.”

I always had animal companions growing up so I knew first hand how powerful the human-animal bond could be against the feelings of isolation and negative emotional patterns.

There’s no doubt in my heart about the bond between animals and humans. Seeing UnChained youth grasp concepts they’ve never had the opportunity to explore and feeling safe enough to let their guard down are no small things. Watching them learn a new skill and feel proud of themselves for what they’ve accomplished is priceless.

UnChained offers the tools to fight back the darkness and ignorance that creates grim realities for our youth today. This is how I choose to save the world in my own way, unleashing human potential… one dog at a time.”

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SAMMY’S STORY: THE GIFT OF PATIENCE

When Sammy, a 6-year old Shih Tzu, found himself at the shelter a second time in less than a year, this time with the request that he be euthanized, he was confused about what was happening. Overweight and neglected, he had chronic eye problems and a benign cyst on his neck. The shelter vet recognized the little guy and quickly treated his health problems. On the road to recovery, Peace of Mind Dog Rescue took him in and recommended him for UnChained. Little did we know his influence would go way beyond just bonding with his two youth trainers.

In January 2019, Sammy happily trotted into the Monterey County Youth Center to meet his Youth Trainers and get a fresh start. He loved his trainers, looking forward to belly rubs, snacks and positive feedback from the youth. He learned manners like sit, down and stay and tricks like sit pretty and agility. He graduated alongside his Youth Trainers who shared how much they adored Sammy and how “chill” he was.

His Youth Trainers handed over Sammy’s leash to his adopters at graduation who took him to his new home that day.

A few months later, UnChained staff heard from Marcus, one of Sammy’s Youth Trainers, who was working and parenting his two young daughters. He shared how proud he was to have helped Sammy find a new home and happy life. But, more important for Marcus was what Sammy had done for him: made him a better parent.

Marcus had a new-found patience with his daughters and understood the value of speaking positively to them and reinforcing good habits with honest praise and joy. The beautiful gifts of kindness and respect being transferred from dog to young parent to children - we couldn’t be more proud!

LEILANI FALLS IN LOVE A SECOND TIME

In 2016, Leilani trained a little dog named Rodney in UnChained’s Canines Teaching Compassion program. Compassion was in full supply with Leilani. She and Rodney adored each other and Leilani helped Rodney find a loving home.

Because of her love of giving, Leilani returned in 2017 for her 2nd Canines Teaching Compassion program where she worked with Mango, a little guy with a big heart. Before coming into the program, Mango lost one of his hind legs and was a bit (understandably) timid. Leilani offered Mango patience and affection that helped him learn trust and confidence. Ultimately, Leilani’s training and love helped Mango overcome his anxiety and reveal his true colors.

Leilani talked about her experience with both dogs in this video from fall of 2017. We hope you enjoy this young woman’s passion and compassion as much as we do!

UNCHAINED YOUTH

MAKING A DIFFERENCE AT SAN JOSE JUVENILE HALL

Our youth in Juvenile Hall often feel forgotten and without hope … but helping to train shelter dogs and prepare them for a new home gives our youth hope for their own futures. Hear from Youth Trainers and Probation staff about the impact of UnChained’s Canines Teaching Compassion program inside San Jose Juvenile Hall and watch the youth show what their dogs have learned. 

Many thanks to our Video Producers from Santa Clara County Office of Immigrant Relations in partnership with Santa Clara County Probation Juvenile Hall and UnChained.

MORGEN & HER GIFT OF SONG

UnChained staff couldn’t believe they were listening to such a young lady sing so wonderfully at only 13 years of age when we participated in the Live Like Coco Fun Run in spring of 2018 in Watsonville presented by the Live Like Coco Foundation.

Moved by her musical gifts, we humbly requested Morgen to write a song for UnChained, to which she and her mother agreed with great esteem. Inspired by our Youth Trainers and what they give to their dogs, Morgen penned a beautiful song entitled “Living UnChained” that perfectly captures our mission and the special bond between our students and their program dogs.

Visit Morgen on YouTube.

And, view Morgen perform Living UnChained at the 2019 California Roots Music Festival (Cali Roots X).