Dogs Beyond the Lab

David and Ginny share their adoption and rehabilitation of Celie, a severely fearful former research beagle from Kindness Ranch. They describe choosing Celie, her initial terror at the ranch and home, and the slow work to build trust through routine, “place” training, and positive games like “boop” and ball play. Bowman, their calm older beagle, served as a critical mentor, helping Celie gain conf...

This week's episode features photographer/activist Robert Sturman, and of course, his good pal Otis - a former research hound. Robert shares how early exposure to the realities of animal testing shaped his compassion, eventually leading him to adopt Otis after seeing him through Beagle Freedom Project. While Otis is still triggered by loud noises like trains and fireworks, Rob explains all the way...

Angelique shared her journey of adopting research beagle Oliver from Kindness Ranch. Oliver is a deeply fearful dog who required months of patience before showing signs of progress. Her journey stands in stark contrast to easier adoption stories, illustrating what happens when an adopter commits to a dog with severe trauma and learned helplessness. John, Lori and Chelsey discuss: - Why Oliver ente...

Meet Jean Unger, a longtime Kindness Ranch volunteer and adopter whose life has been transformed by former research beagles. Jean shares how adopting her first lab beagle, Henry, opened her eyes to the hidden world of animals used in research and set her on a path of deep involvement with Kindness Ranch. She describes working hands‑on with hundreds of dogs at the sanctuary, helping match...

Hosts John Ramer ( Kindness Ranch ), Lori Cohen ( The Beagle Alliance ), and Chelsey Marino ( Keeper & Kin) talk with Christy Cooke, a teacher and “foster fail” adopter of Casey (formerly Fiat), a former research beagle. Christy shares how her family, intending only to foster, instantly fell in love when Casey walked out of the kennel and into her daughter’s arms. She describes Casey as unusua...

Dogs Beyond the Lab’s first episode introduces John Ramer (Kindness Ranch, Wyoming), Lori Cohen (The Beagle Alliance, Manitoba), and Chelsey Marino (Keeper and Kin, North Carolina), and the unique collaboration among their organizations. They recount how a viral article about the 4,000 Envigo beagles and Lori’s supportive voicemail led to their partnership and later town halls and joint rescue eff...

This is Dogs Beyond The Lab. This show explores what happens after rescue — when dogs raised in research facilities encounter freedom, trust, and everyday life for the very first time. Featuring insights from John Ramer, Lori Cohen, and Chelsey Marino. John Ramer is the Executive Director of Kindness Ranch , one of the leading sanctuaries in North America dedicated to former research animals. Work...