The Animal Rescue Podcast: what you always wanted to know but didn’t know who to ask

40 Episodes
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By: Keshia

We will talk with rescues, shelters, and the people getting creative with supporting animal rescue efforts.

Ep. 129 - Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet
Last Monday at 5:00 AM

This week I talk with Dr. Cliff Redford, Worldwide Vet. We discuss how he got into veterinary medicine, his global travels to volunteer with different organizations helping with wildlife rescue in places like Greece, India, and Ukraine, and his righthand woman, his daughter Emily. Even if you aren't interested in becoming a vet, this episode is a great reminder to have compassion for the people and animals around you. To learn more about Cliff you can check him out on Instagram @drcliffworldwidevet and online at www.drcliff.ca


Sponsor:

LIX - check o...


Ep. 128 - Pure Water Northwest
06/23/2025

 

This week I talk with Cydian Kauffman of Pure Water Northwest to discuss all things water! This was a rollercoaster of an episode. There are some daunting things about water quality and treatment, but fortunately there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your pets from some of the harmful things that end up in our water. To learn more about Pure Water Northwest check them out online at www.purewaternorthwest.com. You can also check out the Environmental Working Group to see if your municipality has water tests on their database at www.ewg...


Ep. 127 - Doug Green and Shirelle
06/16/2025

This week I talk with Doug Green about his books The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names. We get into his history with rescue dogs, what led him to want to write a book about his experiences with Shirelle, and what we can all learn from dogs. I definitely walked away from this book and this interview with a renewed perspective on what it means to live with dogs. The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names are available directly from the...


Ep. 126 - Moose's March
06/09/2025

This week I talk with Tricia Montgomery of Moose's March. We discuss her journey in the pet wellness world, how Moose came into her life, and the legacy he has now left behind. Moose's March focuses on early detection of pet cancer by providing resources for pet owners. In addition to these resources they are also launching the Moose Approved Badge program. To learn more about pet cancer and Moose's March check them out online at www.moosesmarch.com or on social media @moosesmarch.


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to l...


Ep. 125 - Aviary Creature Rescue
06/02/2025

This week I talk with Alyssa Muse, director of Aviary Creature Rescue in Deep South Louisiana. We discuss how she got started in rescue, cases she has been involved in, and how she keeps her cup filled in order to keep going back out there to do this work. If you live in a rural area and don't know how to get started or how to keep going, this is the listen for you. To learn more about Aviary Creature Rescue you can check them out on all the socials @aviarycreaturerescue.


Sponsor:

...


Ep. 124 - Heavenly Paws of MI
05/12/2025

This week I talk with Lori and Denise of Heavenly Paws of Michigan. We discuss how they got started in rescue, the changes they have seen in the rescue world over the last 16 years they have been in operation, and the surprising reason they have a different adoption fee for designer breeds, because they do end up in rescues just like any other breed of dog. To learn more about the work they do or how to support them you can find them online at www.heavenlypawsofmi.org or on social media @heavenlypawsofmi. 


Sponsor:

<...


Ep. 123 - Marketing with Skarlet Rockwood
05/05/2025

This week I talk with Skarlet Rockwood about marketing in the animal welfare world. We discuss what led her into marketing, what she has learned about animal shelters and rescues, and how you can get involved. Listen to the end to hear some pretty fascinating facts about how social media algorithms work and how you can use that to your benefit! To learn more about Skarlet's work, check out www.petbusinessmarketer.com. Her website has tons of resources ranging from a free community, different levels of support and trainings, and even one-on-one support. 


Sponsor:

...


Ep. 122 - Dog Heaven LLC
04/28/2025

This week I talk with Nita Godwin of Dog Heaven LLC. We discuss her experience with animals, healing from trauma, and how she has figured out a way to merge animal rescue and helping others heal from their own trauma. We also talk about how animals can help you on your journey of finding yourself and learning to hear your intuition. To learn more you can check them out at www.dogheavenllc.com

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first ord...


Ep. 121 - Pawsitive Beginnings
04/14/2025

This week I talk with Nicole Navarro founder of Pawsitive Beginnings, a fox sanctuary located in Key Largo, FL. We discuss how she got into fox rescue, what a Sheriff's Office Animal Farm is (I had no idea!), and how she has figured out a way to merge fox rescue with human healing. We also touch on the fox fur trade and how it is STILL happening today. To learn more about Pawsitive Beginnings, how to help end the fur trade, or how to get involved you can find them at www.pawsitivebeginnings.org and on social media @pawsitive_be...


Ep. 120 - Pet Protect and Connect
04/07/2025

This week I talk with Liz Adams of Pet Protect and Connect. We discuss her journey in the animal rescue world, the moment she realized she could do something more, and the app she is designing with the goal of helping to match adopters and pets. To learn more about Pet Protect and Connect you can check them out online at www.petprotectandconnect.com, which I recommend even if it is just to check out their adorable Pet Team, and on social media @petprotectandconnect.

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more abo...


Ep. 119 - Catio Spaces with Cynthia Chomo
03/31/2025

This week I talk with Cynthia Chomos, founder and designer of Catio Spaces. We discuss how she fell into the world of designing catios, what it's like for a woman in a primarily male industry, and just how deep her passion runs when it comes to keeping animals safe! You can learn more about Catio Spaces at www.catiospaces.comand on social media @catiospaces. 


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

 

Thanks for l...


Ep. 118 - Dogs Have Angels Too
03/24/2025

This week I talk with Sarah Cavallaro about her book Dogs Have Angels Too. We discuss how she fell into animal rescue, her inspiration for the book, and what her goals with the book and merch are. You can learn more about Sarah's work at www.dogshaveangelstoo.com and on social media @dogshaveangelstoo.

 

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

Thanks for listening! If you liked what you heard, please rate, review, and subscribe. If you h...


Ep. 117 - The Bissell Pet Foundation with Cathy Bissell
03/17/2025

This week I talk with Cathy Bissell. Somebody pinch me. Her dedication to animal rescue and welfare is something I have admired for a long time and now we get to hear from her! We discuss how she got started and advice she has for those who may be nervous to go into their local shelter, the time it took to get the foundation up and running, and the eye-popping number of animals they have had spayed or neutered in the short time they have had the Fix the Future program running. You can learn more about Bissell Pet...


Ep. 116 - Lions, Tigers, and Bears
03/10/2025

This week I talk with Bobbi Brink, founder and director of Lions, Tigers, and Bears, a sanctuary in Alpine, California. We discuss how she got started in big cat rescue, the types of calls they get (not what I expected), and the work that is left to be done to support exotic animals. To learn more about the work Lions, Tigers, and Bears is doing you can check them out online at www.lionstigersandbears.org and  @lionstigers_andbears on Instagram and @lionstigers&bears on Facebook.


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com t...


Ep. 115 - Pawsitive Shelter Change and Good Salt Life
03/03/2025

This week I talk with Adrian Fulle and Zach O'Shea of Good Salt Life. We discuss how the pandemic led them to look for safer ways to clean. Over the past few years they have grown this mission and have now created the Pawsitive Shelter Change program, which gives to shelters and rescues in need of safer ways to clean around their animals and employees. To learn more about Good Salt Life and Pawsitive Shelter Change visit www.goodsaltlife.com and www.pawsitiveshelterchange.org.


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to le...


Ep. 114 - Who Will Let the Dogs Out
02/24/2025

This week I talk with Cara Achterberg about her new book Who Will Let The Dogs Out. We discuss how she got started in animal rescue, what led her to start touring shelters across the south, and why we should be optimistic about the future of animal sheltering. Truly, this book gives so many great ideas for how to support the animals and people in your community. She is offering the book free to shelters and rescues, and sales of the book will help her to continue the work she is doing to support this community. You can find...


Ep. 113 - The Bubble Man John Reider
02/17/2025

This week I talk with John Reider, The Bubble Man. We discuss how he combined his curiosity and entrepreneurship to create a business that brings joy to the masses, and now pets. He also shares the inspiration behind their newest endeavor to support animal rescues, Bubbles4Besties. To learn more about The Bubble Man you can find them online at www.atomicbubbles.com.


 

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

 

Thank...


Ep. 112 - Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue
02/10/2025

This week I talk with Kelly Money, Executive Director of Rocky Mountain French Bulldog Rescue. We discuss why she started the rescue, ways she gets involved in the community, and even some of the laws surrounding animal rescue in Colorado. To learn more about RMFBR and French Bulldogs you can check them out online at www.rmfbr.org or on social media @rmfrenchbulldogrescue. 


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

 

Thanks for listen...


Ep. 111 - Pilots to the Rescue
02/03/2025

This week I talk with Michael Schneider from Pilots to the Rescue. We discuss the work they do, how the organization got started, and how you can get involved. If you are looking for inspiration on ways to combine things you love to support rescue, this is the episode for you! To learn more about Pilots to the Rescue you can check them out on social media @pilotstotherescue or online at www.pilotstotherescue.org.


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for...


Ep. 110 - Mark Rowlands
01/28/2025

This week I talk with Mark Rowlands, Philosophy professor and author, about his most recent book "The Word of Dog". We discuss what led him to being an author, how we can learn from our dogs, and ways to reframe your view of the world with your dog. "The Word of Dog" is available everywhere books are sold January 28! 

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

 

Thanks for listening! If you liked what you heard, plea...


Ep. 109 - Leo's Animal Rescue
01/20/2025

This week I talk with Mar Blanco of Leo's Animal Rescue. Mar recently started this rescue with senior animals in mind, however with the recent fires in LA has branched out to offer support to both people and animals. As a therapist by trade, they have offered assistance to anyone in California who may need to talk to someone about what they are experiencing. To learn more about Leo's Animal Rescue you can find them on Facebook and Instagram @leosanimalrescue.

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Us...


Ep. 108 - Grace Duy
01/13/2025

This week I talk with Grace Duy of Lead with Grace Dog Training about her program, the importance of community, and her goals for working with people and their pets. We also debunk several common sayings in the dog training world. To learn more about Grace and her work you can check her out at www.leadwithgracedogtraining.com or on social media @_graceduy_.


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

 

Thanks for liste...


Ep. 107 - Desperate Dogs of Azerbaijan EDITED
12/20/2024

While many countries support animal rescue and welfare efforts, not all countries share the same values. To minimize risks to the rescue, I needed to pull the original episode and edit out some portions of my conversation with Debbie. Please consider donating at the links below or sharing their posts to help support the animals and rescuers.


This week I talk with Debbie Spencer from Desperate Dogs of Azerbaijan. We discuss how the rescue started, what the animal climate is like in Azerbaijan, and their plans for growth. It costs approximately $14,000 USD monthly to ho...


Ep. 107 - Desperate Dogs of Azerbaijan
12/16/2024

This week I talk with Debbie Spencer from Desperate Dogs of Azerbaijan. We discuss how the rescue started, what the animal climate is like in Azerbaijan, and their plans for growth. It costs approximately $14,000 USD monthly to house and care for the animals that end up as strays in the area. Any rescue knows that, especially in the beginning, funding is the hardest to come by. To learn more about Desperate Dogs of Azerbaijan you can find them on Facebook at Desperate Dogs of Azerbaijan DDA. They also have information listed there on how to donate if you are...


Ep. 106 - Katherine Carver
12/09/2024

This week I talk with Katherine Carver about her book ABANDONED: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs. We discuss how her first rescue dog, Biscuit, inspired her to take a closer look at sheltering and rescue, and what she has learned from this experience. You can learn more about Katherine and her work at www.katherinecarver.com. To pick up a copy of Abandoned: Chronicling the Journeys of Once-Forsaken Dogs head over to www.bookshop.org to support local book sellers near you!


Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn...


Ep. 105 - sid sibo
12/02/2024

This week I talk with sid sibo about her book The Scent of Distant Family. This was such a good read and I was excited to chat with her about her experience in animal welfare, the inspiration for the book, and how she is using it to help animals in need. I highly recommend picking up this book for the reader in your life. Her writing style leaves space for anyone to find the message they need. To learn more about sid you can check out www.sidsibo.com. And to pick up a copy of The Scent of D...


Ep. 104 - LifeLine Animal Project
11/18/2024

This week I talk with Sam Warner from LifeLine Animal Project. We discuss how the organization started, the population they serve and the absolutely staggering numbers of animals and people they support each year! If you are in the Atlanta area, please consider checking out their Home for the Paw-lidays event! You can foster an animal in need for the Thanksgiving break, learn more about the dog, and help them find their forever home. To learn more about LifeLine Animal Project go to www.lifelineanimal.org or check them out on social media @lifelineanimal.

 

Sponsor:

...


Ep. 103 - State of Shelter Pet Adoptions
11/11/2024

This week I talk with Dr. Karen Shenoy, Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill's, and Stephanie Filer, Executive Director at Shelter Animals Count. We discuss the 2024 Hill's Pet Nutrition State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, how they gather their data, what it all means, and why we should be paying attention. We also discuss JP, a senior dog at Bideawee in New York. Hill's has generously donated a year's supply of Science Diet Senior Vitality dog food to help JP and his new family settle in. To learn more about JP check out www.bideawee.org. Also check out Shelter A...


Ep. 102 - Leif Cocks Returns
11/04/2024

This week Leif Cocks returns to talk about updates in Orangutan research, conservation, and how you can have an impact. We also discuss why people should care about the environment and animals around the world. To learn more about the work Leif is doing, how to get involved, or if you are like me, to buy his book Finding Our Humanity, go to www.leifcocks.org

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

Thanks for listening! If you...


Ep. 101 - Zoonotic Diseases with Dr. Jess Stroble
10/28/2024

This week I talk with Dr. Jess Stroble about wildlife urbanization and zoonotic diseases. We cover what a zoonotic disease is, how they can affect your pets, and how they can affect you. We also discuss some good tips for viewing wildlife from a respectful distance and resources for learning more about zoonotic diseases and preventative measures. For the most up-to-date information on symptoms and prevention check out the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov.

Thanks for listening! If you liked what you heard, please rate, review, and subscribe. If you have ideas for f...


Ep. 100 - Jerri Scherf of Tulsa Pack Athletics
10/21/2024

This week I talk with Jerri Scherf of Tulsa Pack Athletics. Episodes with trainers typically revolve around training methods and energy, but this one took a fun turn I did not see coming. We discuss Jerri's Open-Minded approach to training, white supremacy in training, the use of medications for behavior modification in dogs, and how we sometimes act out of desperation when it comes to our dogs. Trust me, I have been there! You can learn more about Jerri and Tulsa Pack Athletics at www.tulsapackathletics.com or on social media @sailorjerrithedogtrainer.


Sponsor:

...


Ep. 99 - Kassidi Jones
10/14/2024

This week I talk with Kassidi Jones. She runs the Instagram page @gingers_naps. We discuss antiracism work in the animal welfare world, what that means and looks like, and how she balances mental health in all of this. In the several years that I have been involved in animal rescue and this podcast, I have seen racism and classism at play. I will be the first to admit that I have shied away from being too loud about what I am seeing out of fear of rocking the boat. But this episode has given me the motivation to...


Ep. 98 - Earthday.org
10/07/2024

This week I talk with Aiden Charron of Earthday.org. We discuss the use of plastics and why they are so harmful, some of the effects of microplastics on our systems, and just how pervasive plastics and their chemicals are. While this can feel like a heavier episode, there is still hope because we can all do something to help out our pets, families, and the planet. You can check out www.earthday.org to read more about the Pets VS Plastic and Babies VS Plastic reports, sign the online petition, and so much more! You can also find th...


Ep. 97 - The Pet Memorial
09/30/2024

This week I talk with Laura Simpson of The Harmony Fund and The Pet Memorial. We discuss how she started The Harmony fund, where the idea for The Pet Memorial originated, and the work they are doing internationally. We also get into the work they are doing in Ukraine and Romania, as well as the spay/neuter campaigns they are running. You can learn more about The Harmony Fund at www.harmonyfund.org and The Pet Memorial www.thepetmemorial.org. They are also on social media @harmony_fund and @thepetmemorial. 


This episode was sponsored by L...


Ep. 96 - Gauntt Farm Antics Rabbit Rescue
09/23/2024

This week I talk with Sabrina Gauntt of Gauntt Farm Antics Rabbit Rescue. We discuss the domestic side of rabbit rescue and rehabilitation, how Sabrina got into this work, and how you can get involved. To learn more about Gauntt Farm Antics Rabbit Rescue check out their website www.gaunttfarmantics.com or you can find them on social media @gaunttfarmantics.


This episode was sponsored by LIX www.lixpetwellness.com


Thanks for listening! If you liked what you heard, please rate, review, and subscribe. If you have ideas for future gu...


Ep. 95 - Feed Real Institute
09/16/2024

This week I talk with Kay Stewart from the Feed Real Institute. We discuss how she got involved in the Feed Real Movement, what feeding real means, and the goal behind the movement. I learn the difference in ways of cooking foods and the research that goes into all of the articles they write. If you have ever been curious about the different ways to feed your pet but always felt like a lot of the sites shamed you for feeding kibble, this is the episode for you. Kay takes the shame out of feeding and shares ways to...


Ep. 94 - Handsome Dan's Rescue
09/09/2024

This week I talk with Heather Gutshall of Handsome Dan's Rescue. We discuss how she got started in animal welfare, the history of Handsome Dan's, and what she has learned about the human-animal connection. We also discuss her experience with dog fighting survivors and why people should care about ending dog fighting. To learn more about the work of Handsome Dan's Rescue you can check them out www.handsomedansrescue.org or on social media @handsomedansrescue. 

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off you...


Ep. 93 - Project AnimalAid
08/26/2024

This week I talk with Maya Key of Project AnimalAid. We discuss Maya's history with animals, how the organization got started, and the impact they have had since founding. We also discuss how you can get involved in supporting their organization and it's easier than you may think! To learn more about Project AnimalAid you can check out their website www.projectanimalaid.org and on social media @projectanimalaid. 

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

Thanks for lis...


Ep. 92 - Let's Be S.M.A.R.T.
08/12/2024

This week I talk with Julie Kelley of Let's Be S.M.A.R.T. We discuss the inspiration behind her idea of combining travel with volunteerism, how the organization is bridging cultural gaps by bringing people together, and how you can get involved. To learn more you can find them on social media @letsbesmart or at www.letsbesmart.org.

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

Thanks for listening! If you liked what you heard, please r...


Ep. 91 - Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary
07/29/2024

This week I talk with Austin Quarles of Old Friends Senior Dog Sanctuary. We discuss the history of Old Friends, the jaw-dropping number of animals they currently support, along with the types of support they offer, and how you can get involved. To learn more you can find them on social media @oldfriendsseniordogsanctuary on Facebook and @ofsds on Instagram or check them out on their website www.ofsds.org.

Sponsor:

LIX - check out www.lixpetwellness.com to learn more about CBD for pets. Use code Rescuepod20 for 20% off your first order!

Thanks f...