UNCHAINED + EQUINE HEALING COLLABORATIVE
The work continues. The possibilities grow.
For 15 years, UnChained brought young people and homeless dogs together through Canines Teaching Compassion, creating opportunities to build trust, skills, and connection through training and socialization.
On July 1, 2026, program management transitioned to the Equine Healing Collaborative. Today, Canines Teaching Compassion continues as EHC’s canine youth-development and dog-adoption program.
One Organization, Two Pathways to Healing.
THE TRANSITION
What changed, and what did not?
UnChained’s transition into EHC changed the organizational home supporting the work, not the purpose of Canines Teaching Compassion. CTC continues to bring youth trainers and homeless dogs together through practice, trust, and connection.
UnChained built the foundation.
15 Years
For 15 years, Canines Teaching Compassion has brought young people and homeless dogs together, giving youth opportunities to develop skills and confidence while helping dogs build the social skills that support adoption.
EHC became the organizational home.
July 2026
On July 1, management of Canines Teaching Compassion transitioned from UnChained to the Equine Healing Collaborative, giving the program a new organizational home while preserving its canine focus, youth-trainer role, and connection to dog adoption.
Keep Moving Forward
EHC carries the work forward.
CTC continues as a distinct EHC program. EHC’s equine mental-health services and CTC’s canine youth-development work remain separate pathways within one organization, each with its own method and purpose.
WHY TOGETHER
Different methods. A shared belief in the power of connection.
A natural home for the work to continue.
EHC and Canines Teaching Compassion approach their work differently, but both are grounded in meaningful relationships between people and animals. Bringing CTC into EHC allows the program to continue within an organization that already understands the value of connection, care, and growth.
Preserving what makes CTC distinct
CTC keeps its focus on youth trainers, homeless dogs, skill-building, socialization, and adoption.
Building from shared values
Both programs recognize that relationships with animals can create opportunities for trust, growth, responsibility, and connection.
Creating room for the work to grow
Within EHC, CTC can move forward with a stable organizational home while remaining true to the program UnChained built.
CANINES TEACHING COMPASSION
A program built through practice, trust, and connection.
Canines Teaching Compassion brings youth trainers and homeless dogs together through training and socialization. As youth practice communication, patience, consistency, and relationship-building, the dogs gain valuable social experience that helps prepare them for adoption.
CTC remains focused on youth development and dog adoption. It is distinct from EHC’s clinical equine services while sharing the larger belief that meaningful connection can create opportunities for growth.
15
YEARS OF IMPACT
400+
YOUTH REACHED
380+
HOMELESS DOGS HELPED
ONE ORGANIZATION, TWO PATHWAYS TO HEALING
One home does not mean one service.
EHC and CTC now share one organizational home while remaining distinct in how they serve people, work with animals, and carry out their programs.
EQUINE HEALING COLLABORATIVE
Equine-Assisted Mental Health Care
Registered Pre-licensed (e.g. Associate Clinical Social Workers, Associate Marriage & Family Therapists, clinical trainees) and Licensed (e.g. LCSWs & LMFTs) mental health professionals provide psychotherapy that incorporates horses, donkeys, and other animal friends into the therapeutic process. EHC also acts as a sanctuary for rescued, surrendered, and retired horses, giving them space to heal and live out the remainder of their lives in peace with their herd.
CANINES TEACHING COMPASSION
Canine Youth Development + Dog Adoption
Youth trainers work with homeless dogs through training, socialization, and relationship-building. CTC remains focused on youth development and dog adoption.
THE LEGACY STAYS VISIBLE
UnChained’s history is part of what comes next.
For 15 years, UnChained built Canines Teaching Compassion alongside youth trainers, homeless dogs, community partners, volunteers, and supporters. That history remains part of the program’s identity as EHC carries CTC into its next chapter.
CARRYING THE TORCH FORWARD
What continues from here.
The program continues
CTC continues to bring youth trainers and homeless dogs together through training, socialization, skill-building, and relationship-building.
EHC is CTC’s organizational home
CTC now continues within EHC, with support for the program as it grows into its next chapter.
The community remains part of the story
Longtime UnChained supporters, partners, adopters, volunteers, and friends remain part of the community surrounding CTC’s next chapter.
The legacy remains visible
UnChained’s history, impact, and relationships will continue to be acknowledged as part of CTC’s story within EHC.
NEW PASTURES AND OPEN TRAILS
Clear answers for the people who knew UnChained.
Is Canines Teaching Compassion continuing? Yes. CTC continues within the Equine Healing Collaborative as its canine youth-development and dog-adoption program. Its focus on youth trainers, homeless dogs, training, socialization, and adoption remains intact.
Did CTC become equine-assisted psychotherapy? No. EHC’s clinical equine services and CTC’s canine youth-development work remain separate pathways within one organization.
How can I stay connected to CTC? Current CTC updates, adoption information, and ways to support the program will be shared through EHC's website and social media channels.
What happens to the UnChained story? UnChained’s history remains part of CTC’s story. The transition is not about erasing that chapter, but carrying forward the program, relationships, and impact that grew from it.