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 various countries worldwide. From a young age, I harbored a profound and special connection with all animals.

At the tender age of 2, while other girls played with dolls, I nurtured a little white bunny with red eyes named Pompom. I have vivid memories of feeding him on my lap, watching him delight in munching on flower stems. Though I regret not having photos, that early bond ignited my lifelong passion for animals. Despite initially aspiring to become a veterinarian, life led me down a different path.

My academic pursuits led me to specialize in Advertising & Marketing during college, followed by studies in Business Administration and Languages. Additionally, I hold a degree in translation and consecutive interpretation.  My professional journey initially unfolded in corporate roles, and a transformative moment occurred in 1998 when I relocated to the United States.

In Miami, I spearheaded the development of the internet department for Sony Music's Latin division, situated on the lively Lincoln Road in South Beach, FL. Those times were more than professionally satisfying; they were an era of profound positivity and triumph in my career. Despite the unforeseen turns that came afterward, I embrace the journey with no regrets, for it carried the weight of invaluable lessons and serendipitous emotional depth.

During my tenure in other corporate roles, I found myself in the Washington, DC area during the tragic events of 9/11. Faced with the economic aftermath and the lingering trauma from the attacks, I made a pivotal decision in 2002 to return to Italy, seeking a renewed sense of purpose.

During this period, I immersed myself in volunteering at an animal shelter housing over 1000 dogs. This transformative experience led to an invitation to join the veterinary team, where we conducted vital spay/neuter surgeries and addressed various illnesses among the dogs in the expansive outdoor facility.

Working in this environment, a profound realization struck me—I wanted to dedicate my life to animals, particularly those in need. Despite the potential for fewer financial rewards, the immense satisfaction and sense of purpose derived from helping animals became my driving force.

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.

Despite the clinic's non-high-tech setup, our shared passion for the work fueled our commitment. No holidays or weekends off—we understood that dogs needed us every single day. 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. Applying the knowledge gained in Italy, I continued rescuing animals and addressing various health conditions that affected thousands of stray animals in Miami-Dade County and beyond. 

My unwavering love for animals has come full circle, leading me to founding Saving Sage Animal Rescue Foundation in 2014. In my role as the driving force and market-establishing strategist behind the animal rescue, I not only envisioned its inception and secured nonprofit status for the organization but also meticulously shaped its growth. From strategic planning to market establishment, every step reflects a personal commitment to advancing the cause of animals in need. In addition to these responsibilities, I also lent my creative touch to the foundation's identity. I personally crafted the beautiful logo and directed all aspects of visual communication, creating the website and managing our social media pages. Beyond that, my dedication extended to forging meaningful partnerships, and I successfully negotiated a collaboration with Petco in Hallandale, FL, facilitating events and adoptions at the store. The well-being of our rescues was paramount, and I assumed a hands-on role in their health and care. This included administering all vaccines and carefully evaluating medical cases before transferring any animals into the care of a DVM, ensuring their welfare at every stage.

Reflecting on this journey, I am grateful and proud to have inspired numerous individuals to follow in my footsteps. Together, we continue to make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.

In just a few short years, I embarked on yet another poignant animal rescue journey. Drawing from the lessons of my academic years and the fortitude instilled in me by the Universe, I started anew. About the Animals Corp. was born! Here, I labor tirelessly, standing alone yet resolute, driven by the profound desire to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. It's a space free from interference, a testament to the unwavering dedication invested in uplifting the welfare of our cherished animals.

Driven by the same commitment, I started afresh on a journey fueled by the mission to innovate. My vision goes beyond establishing another shelter or clinic; instead, I aspire to create a revolutionary tool that enhances the effectiveness of Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) operatives on the ground. This endeavor is rooted in the firm belief that a straightforward yet robust feature set can streamline processes and expedite best practices through direct communication and swift iteration.

Stay tuned for the unveiling of this exciting new project—all will be revealed in due time, and I'm eager to share this transformative endeavor with you.

...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.