About

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Hello, I’m Karina Goldenberg, the Founding Executive Director of About the Animals.

My journey began in Argentina, where I was born, and took me through Brazil and several countries around the world. From a very young age, I felt a deep and special connection with all animals.

At the age of two, while other little girls played with dolls, I was nurturing a small white bunny with red eyes named Pompom. I remember feeding him on my lap and watching him happily munch on flower stems. Though I have no photos from that time, those memories remain vivid and I think they were the spark that ignited my lifelong devotion to animals. My dream was to become a veterinarian, but life led me down a different path.

I studied Advertising and Marketing in college, followed by Business Administration and Languages. I also hold a degree in translation and consecutive interpretation. I started my career in the corporate world, and in 1998, I made a life-changing to move to the United States. 

In Miami, I led the development of the internet department for Sony Music’s Latin Division, located on lively Lincoln Road in South Beach, FL. It was a time of creativity, growth, and professional fulfillment and an era of optimism and success. 

In a subsequent corporate role, I found myself living in the Washington, DC area during the tragic events of 9/11. In the months that followed, as the world changed and uncertainty grew, I felt the need to seek a renewed purpose. In 2002, I moved back to my beloved Italy and it was a decision that reshaped my life.

There, I began volunteering at an animal shelter that housed more than 1,000 dogs. The experience soon evolved into a deeper commitment when I was invited to join the veterinary team. We did spay/neuter surgeries, treated illnesses, and cared for dogs in a large outdoor facility.

Working in that environment, I discovered what I truly wanted: to dedicate my life to animals, especially those most in need. The financial rewards might have been modest, but the fulfillment was immeasurable. Surrounded by a small, passionate team, I learned from their experience and compassion every day.

The veterinary team at the shelter shared a deep love for animals, much like a handful of dedicated individuals, including myself, who worked tirelessly there. Their expertise became an invaluable source of knowledge, shaping my understanding of animal care, and I am grateful for the continuous learning journey.

The shelter wasn’t high-tech, but our shared love for the animals kept us going. We worked without holidays or weekends off, knowing the dogs depended on us daily. In addition to my work within the shelter, I had the privilege of collaborating with volunteers to establish outreach programs for the local community. Our events were vibrant, filled with joy, high energy, and compassionate individuals. Together, we successfully found wonderful homes for hundreds of dogs and educated pet owners about the vital importance of sterilizing their animals.

Though there were moments of regret over the years for not pursuing my dream of becoming a DVM, I returned to Miami in 2006 with a renewed purpose. I was able to apply the knowledge gained in Italy and continue rescuing animals and addressing various health conditions that affected thousands of stray animals in Miami-Dade County and beyond. 

In 2014, I founded Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation, an organization built from the ground up with a mission to give animals a second chance. I envisioned it, secured its nonprofit status, and led its growth with dedication and strategy. I designed the foundation’s logo, built its website, managed its social media, and created partnerships — including one with Petco in Hallandale, FL, where we hosted adoption events. I remained deeply involved in the animals’ care, administering vaccines and assessing medical cases before transferring them to a DVM.

Looking back, I’m proud and grateful to have inspired many others to follow in this path. Together, we’ve changed countless lives and continued spreading compassion where it’s needed most.

In time, I embarked on a new journey — one that brought me full circle. Drawing on all I’ve learned, I founded About the Animals Corp. Here, I work tirelessly, often alone but always with purpose, guided by a simple mission: to make a difference in the lives of animals.

...to be continued... but now, I can confidently say that I no longer regret not pursuing a career as a veterinarian. Instead, I find myself both thrilled and humbled by the profound impact my work is having on the lives of countless animals.  Even if it's one animal at a time now that I am back in Corporate America.