In this heartfelt episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with Lisa, owner of Pet Wants Metairie, to explore how unimaginable loss transformed into a mission to help pets live healthier, longer lives. After losing her beloved soul dog, Darby, to an aggressive cancer, Lisa began searching for answers. That search led her deep into the world of pet nutrition and ultimately inspired her to open her own Pet Wants franchise.

The experiences, opinions, and information shared in this episode are personal to our guest and are intended for general discussion only. They are not veterinary advice...

"Be prepared" is a simple phrase, but for Ashley Gardenier of Southern Paws Inc., it’s a life-saving mission. From the devastating aftermath of Hurricanes including Helene, Michael, Laura, Ian and Ida to the unpredictable chaos of floods and fires, Ashley has seen it all. She joins the show to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of animal disaster relief, sharing what it really takes to protect the vulnerable when the unthinkable happens.

In this episode, we dive into the logistical hurdles of transporting pets out of harm's way, the emotional toll of rescue work, an...

In this episode of Animal Posse, we meet Hannah Louviere, who founded Forgotten Felines Rescue of Louisiana as a 19-year-old college student after witnessing a stray cat give birth on her campus sidewalk. Now a professional surgical vet technician, Hannah shares how she grew that initial student project into a thriving 501(c)3 nonprofit that handles some of the most complex medical cases in the state. We discuss the "St. Mary Parish pipeline," where her rescue serves as a critical lifeline for animals in rural areas facing euthanasia due to a lack of local resources, severe injuries...

When a beloved pet disappears, the silence can be deafening. In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Barry of Precision Drone Services to discuss the high-tech frontier of lost pet search and rescue.

Joshua joins the podcast to pull back the curtain on how he uses thermal drone technology to locate pets in the toughest conditions. We focus on the high-stakes world of pet search and rescue, the science of how he tracks a scent or a heat signature, and the incredible moments when a lost pet is finally back in their owner’s arms.

In this inspiring and deeply educational episode, we welcome Jenni Johnson of Opi•Earth, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator whose work centers on giving vulnerable native wildlife a second chance—especially orphaned opossums.

Jenni walks us through what it truly means to rehabilitate wildlife in Louisiana, from the moment an orphaned joey arrives to the careful, skilled process of tube‑feeding the tiniest babies who depend entirely on human care for survival.

If you’ve ever been curious about wildlife rehab or want to understand the misunderstood opossum on a deeper level, this conversation will stay with you...

Mr. Ed, the longtime beekeeper of St. Joseph Abbey and one of YouTube’s most trusted voices in bee rescue, joins the show to talk about ethical bee relocation, swarm behavior, and the art of working with honey bees.

We talk about how he approaches swarm calls, why bees choose the places they do, the gentle techniques that keep colonies intact, and the deeper lessons bees offer about community, patience, and purpose.

If you’re fascinated by bees, rescue work, or the quiet wisdom of the natural world, this episode is full of insight, humor, and...

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, the duo behind Frame Your Feline, to explore the fascinating journey of how they merged a passion for cats with high-end interior design. They share the story of how they moved from a creative spark to a rigorous design process that prioritizes feline safety and comfort, ultimately creating a product that treats your cat like the masterpiece they are.

By transforming the way cats are presented in the home, Brian and Kristina’s unique "living art" concept is doing much more than elev...

Independent rescuer and animal advocate Stephanie Smith joins us for a powerful, eye‑opening conversation about what it really takes to protect animals in communities where resources are thin and the need is overwhelming.

Stephanie shares the story that changed everything for her in 2022 — a heartbreaking discovery that pushed her from “someone who loves animals” to a full‑time advocate working directly with sheriffs, judges, and local officials across multiple states.

She opens up about:

• The difference between keyboard warriors and true community action

• Why video evidence is essential for prosecuting abuse

•...

In this episode, we sit down with Sally Williams to discuss Mission Meow's unique crowdfunded grant model, which brings animal lovers together to provide life-changing resources for small feline rescues. Throughout our conversation, Sally explains how focusing on these local, grassroots organizations is the key to solving the overpopulation and care crisis.

We take a deep dive into the importance of collaboration over competition, discussing why the rescue community thrives when we share resources rather than fighting for them. Sally also offers a candid look at compassion fatigue, sharing insights on the emotional toll of animal welfare...

For most travelers, the Escambia County Welcome Center is a quick rest stop at the Florida state line. But for a colony of nearly 50 cats and kittens, it has become a place of abandonment and survival.

In this episode, guest Veronica Belletto joins the show to share her firsthand account of discovering these animals. What she found wasn't a group of wild, feral cats, but domestic animals—terrified, visible, and struggling to survive just feet away from the highway.

We dive into the reality of the "Welcome Center Colony," the heart-wrenching condition of the kittens on...

What happens when you move into a new home and inherit 12 cats you weren't expecting? For the founder of Southern Pets Animal Rescue, it was the start of a 12-year journey from independent rescuer to a formal nonprofit leader. In this episode, we sit down with Amber Richard to discuss the gritty reality of animal welfare in Church Point, Louisiana—a rural "resource desert" where stray populations are high and professional help is miles away.

Learn more about Southern Pets Animal Rescue - Southern Pets Animal Rescue and Information Station | Facebook

If you would like to...

As we close out December 2025, Animal Posse reaches a powerful milestone — our 48th episode of the year. Join host Dixie Louviere for a heartfelt journey through the moments that defined this season of rescue. From overcrowded shelters to tireless fosters, from animals fighting impossible odds to the people who refused to give up on them, this year has been an emotional rollercoaster of compassion and courage.

In this special Year in Review, Dixie brings together clips from all 47 episodes to honor the rescuers, adopters, volunteers, and—most importantly—the animals whose stories shaped 2025. Whether you’ve been with us...

In this heartwarming episode, Leslie and Jeri share their journey of feeding and caring for the beloved cats of Lafreniere Park through the Lafreniere Volunteers Civic Association. Listeners will hear how daily acts of compassion—providing food, medical care, and safe spaces—have transformed the park into more than just a green space.

This episode is a celebration of grassroots compassion, showing how caring for animals can ripple outward to strengthen human bonds and civic pride.

You can contact Jeri or Leslie at lafrenierevolunteers@gmail.com

If you would like to support us, ever...

Join us as we talk to Haley Sampey, the passionate founder of the new animal rescue nonprofit, Potato's Place.

Haley shares her journey from dedicated volunteer and foster mom—who rigorously followed up on every stray she took in—to starting her own 501(c)(3). She stresses the critical 3-3-3 rule for successful adoptions and the need to prioritize quality over quantity in placements.

The episode features the deeply emotional story of how the tragic, sudden loss of her beloved French Bulldog, Potato, inspired her to launch the rescue in his honor. Haley also warns agai...

In this episode of Animal Posse, we sit down with Alyssa of Aviary Creature Rescue to confront the growing animal welfare crisis in Louisiana. From parish shelters closing their doors to feral dog packs roaming rural towns, Alyssa shares firsthand stories of resilience, heartbreak, and hope. Together, we explore the systemic challenges—lack of spay/neuter access, surrender fees, and community indifference—that fuel the cycle of abandonment and euthanasia. You’ll hear powerful rescue stories and learn how grassroots advocates are fighting for change despite overwhelming odds. This conversation is a call to action for anyone who believes animal...

Found a baby squirrel, opossum, or raccoon? What should you do—and more importantly, when should you help?

We talk to licensed wildlife rehabilitator Leah Anderessen of Silent Voices Wildlife Rehabilitation for the essential guide to protecting our wild neighbors. Leah shares the proper steps for finding help, the legal and ethical reasons why you should never keep a wild animal as a pet, and answers your most common questions!

📞 Got Questions for Leah? Text her at 504-457-4884

If you would like to support us, every single dollar helps our animals directly:

...

Dixie welcomes Faun Fenderson of Hearts Communicate to explore the profound practice of animal communication. Faun shares her experiences of tuning into the subtle language of animals—through intuition, presence, and love—and how these exchanges can transform the way we relate to the beings who share our lives. This episode invites listeners to see animals not only as companions, but as intelligent beings that have their own way of communicating with us.

If you would like to support us, every single dollar helps our animals directly:

https://animalposse.com/support

Websites👇

https...

In this inspiring conversation, Dixie sits down with Bonnie Poirier to explore the profound ways animals can serve as our spiritual directors. Together, we reflect on how the presence of cats, dogs, and other companions can guide us toward deeper awareness, compassion, and connection with the sacred.

Bonnie shares stories and insights about listening to animals not just as pets, but as teachers—inviting us to slow down, notice, and embrace the wisdom they embody. From everyday encounters to transformative moments, this episode reminds us that the natural world is always speaking, if we’re willing to hear...

This week on Animal Posse, we sit down with the visionary founder of Lemonaid Stand NOLA, Brittany Barnett! Forget the stuffy, high-pressure feel of traditional adoption events—Brittany's mission is to inject some fun, spontaneity, and community spirit into animal rescue fundraising.

Tune in to hear the inspiration behind this clever concept, which uses impromptu Lemonade Stands across New Orleans as a recreational way for adults and families to raise quick funds and awareness for rescue animals. Brittany explains the powerful double-meaning behind the name: a playful nod to "lemons" (pets with chronic medical or behavioral needs) ne...

This week, we go behind the scenes with Tyler and Chris of Forgotten Coast K9, a nonprofit dedicated to partnering highly trained service dogs with veterans. They pull back the curtain on the rigorous, life-changing process, explaining the specific "tricks" these dogs learn—from deep pressure therapy to interrupting night terrors—that become the ultimate "treat" of a stable, functional life for a veteran.

Tyler and Chris share incredible real-life stories of the profound difference these dogs make, transforming struggles with PTSD into steps toward recovery and renewed purpose. This is more than just dog training; it's abou...

How can we effectively manage pet populations and ensure animals have the best chance at a happy life? Join us this week as we sit down with Karen Slomba of Slomba Shelter Solutions to talk about a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership: spay and neuter. Discover the reasons why spaying and neutering is vital for your pet's health and the community's well-being. Karen shares how her team is tackling pet overpopulation head-on with their incredibly efficient and high-impact pop-up clinics. You won't believe how much good they're doing!

If you would like to support us, every single...

Do you want to help a rescue animal heal and find peace? In this episode of Animal Posse we explore the deep energetic connection between humans and animals with special guest Tianne Lastra, a leading Reiki Master.

Tianne specializes in bringing comfort to pets who have endured trauma. She’ll share remarkable stories and techniques showing how Reiki provides a lifeline for animals in rescue and shelter care, helping them shed the energy of fear and past stress. If you are struggling with a fearful rescue, an adopted pet with separation anxiety, or are involved in shelter wo...

In this special episode, we sit down with Krisie Sullens and Jeremy Parks, the dedicated leaders and driving forces behind Save-An-Angel, a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization committed to lifesaving work.

We dive deep into the powerful philosophy that guides their mission. They share how their focus on Pets—ending overpopulation and providing rescue and resources—is inextricably linked to empowering the People Finally, they discuss the larger Purpose of their work: creating a meaningful, positive change that uplifts entire communities through responsibility and connection.

Listen in to learn how Save-An-Angel is changing the lives of thou...

Host Dixie visits Mark's Animal Rescue to speak with Dr. Mark, an animal advocate and author. Dr. Mark shares his journey, driven by the realization that animals are often neglected and viewed only as property.

A veteran rescuer who has saved over 2,000 animals on rural Louisiana roads, Dr. Mark discusses his three core issues: ineffective local government, the low priority given to animals by law enforcement, and the lack of compassion he sees in many churches.

The conversation focuses on his book, Soul of the Silent, a "heartfelt" deep dive into how our treatment of...

What happens when animal welfare organizations are stretched to their breaking point? In this episode, we sit down with Meredith Festa from Paws Unite People to explore the state of animal welfare today.

We'll unpack the financial crisis that is forcing rescues to make impossible choices, and learn about Paws Unite People's unique mission to not only save animals but also support the people who care for them. Meredith shares a powerful call to action for the rescue community to put aside competition and work together to advocate for meaningful change. Discover the hidden challenges of animal...

This week on the show, we're talking about two groundbreaking programs that are changing the game for animal rescue. We sit down with Finnegan Dowling of Mutual Rescue to learn all about the Language Accessibility and Doggie Day Out initiatives.

The Language Accessibility program helps connect non-English speaking families with adoptable pets, while the Doggie Day Out initiative gives shelter dogs a much-needed break from the kennel and a chance to show their true personalities. Join us as we explore how these two simple but powerful programs are making a huge difference in getting more pets adopted...

In part two of her powerful conversation with Dixie, Ashley Gardenier, founder of Southern Paws Inc., continues her deep dive into the South's animal welfare crisis. She highlights a crucial, often overlooked solution: dog training.

Ashley explains how training isn't just about teaching a dog to "sit" or "stay"; it's a vital tool for preventing dogs from being surrendered to already overcrowded shelters. By addressing behavioral issues—like separation anxiety, leash reactivity, or house-soiling—training helps keep dogs in their homes and out of the shelter system. These common behavioral challenges are often the main reason families feel...

Dixie welcomes Ashley Gardenier, founder of Southern Paws Inc., for a powerful conversation about the deepening animal welfare crisis in the South. Ashley shares how a trip to Louisiana nearly 11 years ago opened her eyes to the stark differences in pet culture and shelter conditions compared to the North—where dogs are often treated as family, not just property. From overwhelmed shelters and high euthanasia rates to pandemic-era behavioral issues and economic hardship, Ashley explains why rescues are stretched to the breaking point. She also highlights how Southern Paws Inc. is responding with disaster relief, spay/neuter programs, and a...

In this week's episode, we sit down with Erin and Cori Caimi and they talk about the cats that have made a sprawling, abandoned shopping mall their home. We explore the complex world of caring for a large colony of feral cats—a task that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

From implementing a rigorous "Trap-Neuter-Return" (TNR) program to ensure the colony's health and prevent overpopulation, to providing daily food, fresh water, and vet care, they talk about the dedication it takes to manage a cat community in such an unusual environment. Learn about the these fe...

Animal rescue advocate Sydney deVictoria Michel shares their journey that began with a "temporary foster" turning into a long-term commitment. This episode explores the difference in animal welfare between the North and South, highlighting the challenges of overcrowded shelters and cultural attitudes toward spaying and neutering. Sydney recounts experiences from working with local rescues and discusses the work of doing dog assessments and transporting animals. The conversation also provides advice for potential adopters, emphasizing the importance of keeping an open mind, understanding an animal's adjustment period, and seeking a trainer's help for behavioral issues.

#AnimalRescue

...

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Leslie Poole, director of PetFBI.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families across the United States. Leslie shares the origin story of PetFBI.org and the powerful role technology and community play in bringing beloved animals home.

🐾 From tips on what to do when your pet goes missing, to stories of incredible reunions, Leslie offers expert insights and practical advice that every pet owner should hear. Whether you're an animal lover, a rescue volunteer, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes work of pet...

In this episode,Dixie sits down with Jonathan from Rescue Alliance, a Louisiana-based nonprofit committed to feline welfare. You'll hear Jonathan's inspiring story of how a single act of cruelty motivated him to start a rescue, and how that small beginning has grown into an organization that has saved hundreds of cats and implemented a wide range of life-saving programs.

Join us as we discuss:

Healing Broken Hearts Rescue founder, Dezzie Howe, joins us to discuss her revolutionary approach to animal rescue. In this episode, Dezzie shares how her organization operates without cages, allowing dogs to live in a communal, home-like environment. She explains how this method fosters healing and prepares dogs for their forever homes. Dezzie also delves into her vision for the future of animal shelters, advocating for a shift from traditional kennels to a more holistic, low-stress model focused on the emotional and psychological well-being of the animals. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in animal welfare and the power...

In this episode of Animal Posse, Dixie speaks with Jeanette Garlow from MicrochipHelp.com and Lost Dogs of Illinois about the critical role of microchipping in pet recovery. Jeanette shares expert insights on why microchips fail, how to track down chip data, and what steps to take the moment a pet goes missing. Whether you're a seasoned rescuer or a concerned pet parent, this episode arms you with the tools to turn heartbreak into homecoming.

💡 Bonus: Learn how grassroots groups are revolutionizing lost pet recovery through teamwork, technology, and tireless compassion.

#LostDogsOfIllinois #PetMicrochip #LostPetRecovery #LostDogs

Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Lisa Krohn from New Orleans Bulldog Rescue as we discuss TNR and uncover the dedicated efforts involved in getting a foster dog adoption-ready. From essential training and socialization to understanding individual personalities and addressing specific needs, you'll hear firsthand how Lisa assess, nurture, and prepare their charges for a successful transition into a new home. This episode highlights the immense impact foster parents have in shaping a dog's future and setting them up for a lifetime of happiness.

#Bulldogs #DogRescue #AnimalRescue #AdoptDontShop #RescueDogs #DogLover

If you would...

Join us for a heartwarming episode as we sit down with Lisa Krohn from New Orleans Bulldog Rescue! Lisa pulls back the curtain on the daily operations of this incredible organization, sharing invaluable insights into the unique needs of bulldogs and the profound impact they have on these lovable pups and the wider community.

From their adoption process to fundraising efforts and some truly unforgettable rescue stories, you'll get an insider's look at what it takes to make a difference. Whether you're a devoted dog lover, a bulldog enthusiast, or simply curious about the dedicated world of...

Pet parents, ever wish you had a vet's wisdom on speed dial for those "what if" moments? In this vital episode, Dr. Charlotte Milazzo empowers you with essential pet first aid knowledge. Discover the fundamental "ABCs" of pet emergencies, learn how to manage common issues like profuse vomiting (and why less is often more!), and understand the nuanced dangers of ingested toxins from plants to medications and xylitol. We also cover practical tips for choking incidents, aiding recovery from respiratory infections, identifying and responding to heat stroke, and even comforting anxious pets during stressful events like fireworks. Get ready...

Are you ready to make a life-saving difference for the most vulnerable felines? In this essential episode, we're bringing you a special segment recorded live from a recent kitten fostering and bottle feeding class taught by me, your host and founder of the Unwanted Feline Organization.

If you've ever dreamed of opening your home to orphaned or simply want to be better prepared for "kitten season," this episode is for you. We dive deep into the practicalities and joys of:

Step inside the incredible world of animal rescue with our latest episode! We sit down with Jessica Vaccaro, the dedicated Shelter Manager at Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), to uncover the inspiring work they do every single day. From heartwarming adoption stories to the challenging realities of running a no-kill shelter in our community. Learn about ARNO's mission, their tireless efforts to care for abandoned and homeless animals, and how they work towards finding every furry friend a loving forever home. This episode is a must-listen for animal lovers, advocates, and anyone curious about making a difference right here...

Join us for a crucial conversation with Rachel Goyette from the Jefferson SPCA as we delve into an often-misunderstood topic: spaying pregnant cats and dogs. In this eye-opening episode, Rachel shares vital information on how this procedure plays a significant role in combating pet overpopulation, reducing the strain on shelters, and ultimately creating a healthier community for our beloved animals. Learn about the benefits and impact of spaying pregnant pets, and discover how you can be a part of the solution.

#PetOverpopulation #SpayAndNeuter #JeffersonSPCA #AnimalWelfare #RescuePets #CommunityImpact #FurryFriends #ResponsiblePetOwnership