weR4dogs began with a simple but powerful love of dogs and a deep desire to help humans and animals truly coexist. The idea grew out of the personal journeys of Lonnie Paschal and Idalia Diaz—two people united by a shared passion for training, domesticating, and understanding their dogs. Together, they envisioned a place where humans and dogs could connect, learn, and grow side by side.

Idalia: A Life Dedicated to Dogs

Born in Rio and raised in Central America, Idalia Diaz grew up surrounded by animals. From a very young age, she knew her calling was to serve the animal kingdom. She seemed to communicate with dogs naturally, and she continued to develop an effortless understanding of them, alongside chickens, horses, pigs, and more. Through 30 years of hands-on experience, research, and work in Brazil, Central America, and the United States, Idalia has honed an approach that blends instinct with structure. She focuses on mimicking natural behavior, setting boundaries, embracing pack mentality, and teaching the importance of sacred space, leadership, and love. She has spent her life helping dogs—and the humans who care for them—learn to coexist in balance, whether through rehabilitating dogs from shelters, guiding puppies through their first year, or helping families understand communication, hierarchy, and socialization in the modern world.

Lonnie: A Journey Rooted in Connection

Born in Simi Valley, Lonnie Paschal has loved dogs since he was a child. Though his career path led him into aviation mechanics, he always felt that his bond with dogs was what grounded him, brought him comfort, and connected him to life in meaningful ways. Twelve years ago, he adopted a shepherd named Bruno, forming a deep connection that would change the course of his life. What started as boarding horses on his property took an unexpected turn when Bruno and the horse trainer’s dog had nine puppies. Lonnie originally planned to keep two of the puppies and brought in a trainer who specialized in domestication, marking the beginning of his journey with Idalia. For the first time, he fully immersed himself in learning how to communicate with and develop his dogs intentionally, deepening his understanding of dog behavior and pack dynamics.

Watching the Pack Evolve

Today, Lonnie, Idalia, Bruno, the mother, and four of the puppies grow together as a pack, giving Lonnie and Idalia the rare chance to witness family and pack dynamics firsthand. While Lonnie had originally planned to keep just two of the puppies, he ultimately welcomed four into the family. Watching the dogs interact, learn, and grow has been a deeply grounding experience—a constant reminder of nature’s wisdom, the importance of connection, and the joy of a shared journey. Every day, this journey strengthens the bond between humans and dogs and inspires the heart of weR4Dogs: a space where humans and their companions can connect, learn, and grow together.

Our Mission

At weR4dogs, our mission is simple: to help people connect with their dogs and with the natural world. We are passionate supporters of rescue and new homes, and we strive to create balance in every interaction. Through our nonprofit, Voices for Dogs, we aim to help society heal animals and create new opportunities for dogs to have a second chance. We work with foundations to develop sanctuaries, find loving homes, and reduce abandonment, opening new doors for dogs while supporting the broader animal community. weR4dogs and Voices for Dogs also provide a space for community building, hosting events open to talent, art shows, and gatherings where people can come together with their dogs. Our goal is to strengthen the bond between humans and animals, foster understanding, and support initiatives that serve the animal kingdom with love, respect, and care.