Unique Interview with Lara Magallon: Dogs Who Changed Our Lives

Here at Doggozila Magazine, we’re always on the lookout for stories that celebrate the incredible bond between humans and their dogs. So, when we got our paws on “Dogs Who Changed Our Lives “, the latest book by Lara Magallon, we knew we had to learn more. The reputation of the author precedes her. Those who know Lara Magallon describe her not just as an author, but as a passionate animal advocate whose work carries genuine warmth and purpose.

Readers have called her books “great” and “beautiful,” with one longtime friend noting, “Laura has been my friend for over 20 years“, a testament to the lasting relationships she builds both with people and with the dogs she champions. With her blend of academic achievement and hands-on rescue experience, Lara has earned a quiet but unmistakable respect among fellow dog lovers. It’s clear from every carefully chosen word that this isn’t just a career for Lara, but it’s a calling. And like all great callings, it started somewhere.

• Lara Magallon:

• Thank you for interviewing me! Is there anything I can do for you?

3. Doggozila Magazine Asked: 

• Between your Master’s degree in Business Management and a Doctorate from Emerson Theological Institute, you have a pretty unique background for a dog writer! How do those two very different worlds, business strategy and spiritual study, actually intersect when you’re advocating for dogs?

• Lara Magallon:

• Simply put. I firmly believe God put me on earth to guard his animal kingdom. It’s about purpose and action. As a child I was blessed with a wild imagination, totally creative who could create stories in my head because I was too lazy to read a book. I was a rat!
  
  I would present my paragraph about this “pretend” book that I had totally made up and give it to the teacher, saying here is this great book I just read. Also I always wondered if someday they would catch on. But they never said a word!! Lol!
  
  I have always been very focused. Strategy helps me make an impact, and spirituality which I have known since childhoods hour, keeps the mission firmly grounded in compassion.

7. Doggozila Magazine Asked: 

• In the book’s description, you say that dogs are “nothing short of miracles in our lives.” In your experience, what is it about a dog’s love that feels so uniquely miraculous?

• Lara Magallon:

• Why are they miracles? It’s their affection and unwavering loyalty. Dogs love without conditions, (unlike humans) without hesitation, and that kind of pure connection is rare and powerful.
  
  They could care less if you are rich or poor, plastic surgery or not, fat or slim, old or young. You are just perfect in dogs’ eyes. Even dogs who are living on the street with their homeless masters seem so grateful to just be beside them.

• Lara Magallon:

• Every purchase directly supports rescue efforts. It helps provide food, medical care, and shelter for dogs in need. Even one book can contribute to feeding a dog or covering part of a vet bill, it truly makes a difference.

• Lara Magallon:

• The biggest misconception is something is “wrong” with shelter dogs. Most are there because of circumstances beyond their control, not because of their behaviour or worth. Some sad instances I have witnessed is loss of a home, relationship, job, not being able to even feed yourself. I get upset when people say they purchased new carpet and can no longer keep their beloved family member… the dog.

• Lara Magallon:

• There’s a unique bond that forms when you earn the trust of a rescued dog. I currently have three. These dogs are desperate and their spirits and self-identity are often broken. Many humans are broken too, and both can heal together.
  
  Older dogs are so grateful to just have a home… It’s deeper, more meaningful relationship. When someone chooses a dog that others pass by, they’re giving that animal a second chance at life and love. There’s something incredibly special about that kind of bond. Its overflowing great compassion and love.

• Lara Magallon:

• The ones that always stay with me are the first-time rescue stories like Maynard who kept outside on a chain for his whole life. Maynard was skin and bones, 25 pounds of a dog who should have been a good solid 75.
  
  The outpouring of love and donations were incredible. We changed Maynards life and that feels good. Witnessing someone adopt a broken spirit and open their heart, home and wallet, this is what rescue is about.
  
  Making a change. Stop talking. Do it!
  Please realize how much love rescuing a dog brings into your life, it never gets old.

• Lara Magallon:

• The “Heavenly Dog Father Prayer” books are meant to bring comfort, hope, and peace. For anyone grieving, I want them to feel surrounded by God’s love and reminded that their dog is safe and at rest.
  
  These pages are meant to gently strengthen faith and reassure them that love never truly leaves us. In addition, we can go on after their passing. How do we do this? Simply by saving a life…this keeps the legacy alive. 
  
• I learned this lesson during my profound grief watching Granny’s life being chipped away inch by inch by cancer. When Bandit his sister died, I cried so hard I couldn’t see. I cancelled all my meetings for the day.

The Adoption of Angel Jeannette and her brother Rex

• An idea came to me. Why not go onto a rescue site and see if I can save a life. The next day I filled out an application and decided to adopt a dog. I put my name to adopt Rex and the next day I decided to see if Rex had a sister. And guess what he did?  Here comes Jeannette. I’ll take two!
  
• I filled out the application while Granny was in the process of dying. I thought the rescue agency would deny me because I had a dog dying of cancer and Bandit had passed the previous month. So, I wondered…Did I look like a bad owner? I thought I may look unfit.
  
• I was embarrassed when they saw the room set up like a hospice for Granny. Surprisingly I got approved and adopted two nine-month-old puppies. So here we have Angel Jeannette (named after my beloved grandmother Jeannette) and her brother Rex.
  
  No one told me Jeannette was deaf! Now at ten years she is blind. Deaf and blind what a combination! She chose the right owner to adopt her. I carry her around.

• Lara Magallon:

• Absolutely. It reflects my personal growth and a deeper understanding of the bond we share with our dogs. What started as light-hearted moments became something more meaningful, recognizing how much they shape our hearts, our healing, and even our spirituality.
  
  l wanted the reader to dip their toes in my works “Things We Say To Dogs” then go full force with spirituality surrounding dogs which is why I came out with “Heavenly Dog Father Prayer” books and “Dogs Who Changed Our Lives.” I can’t hide my belief in the spiritual world and I am not about to try. Welcome to the real me.

• Lara Magallon:

• It often depends on how people are raised and their personal experiences. But at its core, the bond is rooted in love. As humans, we can guide and nurture our dogs in a positive way, and that shared connection exists no matter where you are in the world. I truly believe all of us dog lovers are one big family.
  
• For example, when my dog Peanut died in 2025 I had over 5000 people worldwide messaging me and posting his picture on their group page in loving memory. I cannot tell you how supported I felt in my seemingly bottomless grief. It became clear that I was not alone treading upon the road called “grief.” Many times, tears flooded my eyes to the degree I could barely make out the kind comments.
  
• Peanut died at home in his dog bed and I prayed for two solid days that he would die at home. I had the pleasure to set him free. Peanut’s last memory was in his dog bed in the room he loved. Not a white coated vet with a shot. Peanut is resting peacefully buried between two trees in my backyard and I talk to him often.

20. Doggozila Magazine Asked: 

• Is there a book you’ve written that holds a particularly special place in your own heart, maybe one that was the most challenging to write or one that felt the most personal to you?

• Lara Magallon:

• Each book represents a part of my inner journey, some were more emotional, others more challenging, but everyone holds deep personal meaning for me. If I had to choose one in particular…The first “Heavenly Dog Father Prayer Book.”
  
  This book features dogs praying in earnest for their owners facing various trials. Usually on my FB group I am asked to pray for dogs. But this book is the opposite. Dogs praying for their beloved owners. This idea came to me at the lovely hour of 5:30 am while walking.
  
• During the creation of the “Heavenly Dog Father Prayer Book” I was married to a mentally ill man who did his absolute best to break me into two. I saved myself. How? Through my writing. I let my mind fly away and live in a different reality of doing good and that’s what I focused upon. Now I am an expert about mental illness. I am a survivor. And I hope to use the hell I lived through to help someone.

• Lara Magallon:

• Absolutely! My team and I will continue working diligently to promote and encourage adoption, while growing a strong, supportive rescue community. We’re excited to connect both in person and virtually.
  
• I have just released “Dogs Who Changed Our Lives “and I want to gain a larger platform picked up by the media, film producers and sharing my message about dogs. My goal is to raise funds and save a million dogs Like the bible says, “Ask and you shall receive.”

• Lara Magallon:

• Yes, it’s very much an extension of the book. Readers can simply log into Facebook, search for the group “Dogs Who Change Our Lives” and request to join, once they meet the entry criteria, they’re warmly welcomed into a supportive and loving space to share their stories.

24. Doggozila Magazine Asked: 

• Looking at the entire landscape of animal rescue right now, what is one small, simple action you wish every single one of our Doggozila readers would take today to make a dog’s life just a little bit better?

25. Doggozila Magazine Asked: 

• If someone reading this interview feels inspired to start writing about their own dog stories, whether for a blog, a journal, or even a book, what advice would you give them to get started?

• Lara Magallon:

• Just start, don’t procrastinate. Each one of us has a story whether ours or someone else’s. It may feel challenging but get your thoughts down on paper. You can always come back to refine and rewrite.
  
  As Bible Scripture reminds us, to write our vision down and to make plain in Habakkuk 2:2-3, so we encourage you to begin; there is nothing to fear. So many people are hungry for loving and uplifting dog stories. And the support you get is incredible.

26. Doggozila Magazine Asked: 

• Finally, if you could share just one sentence from “Dogs Who Change Our Lives”, one line that you hope sticks in our readers’ hearts long after they finish the book, what would it be?

• Lara Magallon:

• Dogs are our heart and soul.
  Just let them in.
  You will change their life, and they will change your life……