Conversations with Dana Klose

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Klose.

Hi Dana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If you told my younger self I’d one day dedicate my life to animal welfare—especially to helping big dogs—I never would have believed you. I was actually terrified of large dogs after being attacked as a child. For years, I stuck to cats, rescuing a few from the streets of Albuquerque. My favorite was my Kolby boy, who was truly more like a dog in a cat’s body. He was with me for almost 18 wonderful years.

When I got married, my husband, our son and I started talking about getting a family pet—a dog. I had my heart set on something small, maybe a pug. My husband, though, had other ideas. He’d grown up with pitties and wanted one. I’ll be honest, I resisted. Everything I’d heard in the media made me nervous. But my husband is persistent… and so was a close friend who kept sending us photos of adoptable pit bull puppies.

One day, Jaxon’s photo popped up on my screen, and something just clicked. I can’t explain it, but I knew he was meant to be mine. The day I met him changed everything. My fear disappeared the moment I looked into his eyes. He was gentle, goofy, and full of love—nothing like the stereotypes I had believed.
But then I started noticing something strange. When we’d go on walks, people would cross the street to avoid us. They’d give Jaxon fearful looks. I couldn’t understand how anyone could be afraid of this sweet, wiggly boy. That experience lit a fire in me. I wanted to help change the narrative, to show the world the truth about these incredible dogs.

So, I started volunteering and advocating for the breed any way I could. What began as one dog who stole my heart turned into a lifelong passion for rescue and education. That was back in 2011—and I’ve never looked back.
Today, I run One Love Arizona, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting dogs in need and the people who love them. I also volunteer with Maricopa County Animal Care and Control and work at Heidi’s Village, where I continue to learn, connect, and give back to the animals who have given me so much.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth? Not even close — but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. There have been moments that broke my heart wide open, and others that filled it right back up. Rescue is messy, unpredictable, and full of lessons you don’t expect. But it’s also beautiful. Every dog who’s come into my life has taught me something new about patience, trust, and unconditional love. So, no, it hasn’t been easy, but it’s absolutely been worth it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At my core, I’m an advocate for dogs who’ve been overlooked, misunderstood, or given up on. Through One Love Arizona, I focus on creating programs that support both dogs and the people who love them — whether that’s through medical assistance, fostering, community education, or partnerships that help keep pets with their families and out of the shelter system.
I’m especially passionate about helping large-breed dogs, particularly pit bull–type dogs, who often face the biggest stigma. My work is centered on changing perceptions and showing that every dog deserves a chance, no matter their size, breed, or story.
I’m most proud of the community we’ve built — a network of fosters, volunteers, and partners who show up every day with compassion and determination. Rescue is never a solo mission, and I’m constantly inspired by how our team works together to create second chances.
If I had to name my superpower, it would be relationship-building. I genuinely love connecting with people, remembering the little things that make them light up, and finding ways to make them feel seen and valued. Those connections — with people and with animals — are what keep this work moving forward.
What sets me apart is that I’ve lived both sides of this story. I went from being afraid of big dogs to dedicating my life to advocating for them. That personal transformation fuels everything I do and reminds me that real change starts with empathy and understanding.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my goal is to never stop growing — both personally and as an organization. I want to continue developing forward-thinking programs that evolve and adapt with the ever-changing needs of our community and the animals within it.
One thing that will always guide my work is the understanding that we can’t truly help animals if we don’t also support the people who love them. That means focusing on accessible resources, community partnerships, and compassionate solutions that keep families together whenever possible.
I’m excited for what’s next — continuing to build stronger connections, expand our impact, and push for a future where every animal and every person who cares for them has the support they need to thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.oneloveaz.org/
• Instagram: @onelovearizona
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onelovearizona