Ever wonder how energy healing and physical alignment can completely change your pet's behavior and well-being? In this episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with Kerri Russell, a certified practitioner of Whole Energy Body Balance and Animal Reiki, to discuss a holistic, whole-animal approach to pet wellness.

Kerri shares her journey from a 30-year teaching career to becoming a pioneer in pet fascial bodywork and distance energy clearing. Tune in to learn how releasing tension in the fascial tissue and clearing household energy dynamics can help ease anxiety, improve multi-pet relationships, and bring deep...

In this heart‑opening conversation, Dixie sits down with Ellie Laks, founder of The Gentle Barn, a world‑renowned sanctuary where rescued animals help humans heal through connection, compassion, and cow‑hug therapy.

Ellie shares the extraordinary true story behind her new Macmillan picture book Gentle, beautifully illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell. The book follows John Lewis, a sick newborn calf rescued from a slaughterhouse and raised inside Ellie’s home—where he slept on a dog bed, drank from a bottle, and grew into a loving, gentle giant who now comforts visitors with his calm presence.

Wheth...

This episode opens a rare window into what trauma feels like from the animal’s side. Dixie sits down with interspecies communicator Leiah Bowden, whose work blends intuitive perception, core shamanism, energy healing, and her signature soul‑journey portraits to reveal what animals carry beneath their behavior.

Together, they explore how rescue cats experience fear, abandonment, multidimensional refuge, and healing; how intuitive communication actually works; and what humans often misunderstand about the emotional lives of traumatized animals. Leiah shares vivid stories of her earliest communications, the role of “helper beings,” and how listening differently can transform the lives of...

Jami Torrini joins us to talk about the realities of animal rescue — the good, the heartbreaking, and the deeply frustrating. She walks us through the dogs she’s saved over the years, and the moment she stumbled upon two starving puppies locked in a garage with no food or water.

We also dive into the darker side of online rehoming groups: breeders pretending to be rescues, pet flippers creating fake profiles, and the red flags every adopter needs to know. Jami explains why breed education matters, why spay/neuter is non‑negotiable, and how responsible ownership can preven...

Songwriter Craig Cortello—The Canine Crooner—shares how his dog‑inspired music is raising funds and lifting spirits across Louisiana’s rescue community. He talks about the Dog Tails album, the legend of Scrim, and the joy of performing at dog‑friendly shows. Hear song clips, learn how his music supports local rescues, and connect with Craig at CanineCrooner.com or on Instagram at @caninecrooner for upcoming shows and donation links.

About Animal Posse 🐈

Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of...

A single dog can change a life—sometimes so profoundly that it redirects the entire future. In this deeply moving episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with author A.J. Symon to explore the extraordinary bond he shared with his first service dog, Chip, a golden retriever who became his protector, his partner, and ultimately the inspiration behind his debut novel Golden Boy.

A.J. opens up about living with a seizure disorder, the intuitive connection that made Chip indispensable, and the devastating grief of losing a service dog who had been by his side 24/7 for a...

What happens to wild animals that suffer injuries so severe they can never return to the wild? In this episode, host Dixie sits down with licensed wildlife rehabilitator Moon Taylor, founder of Spiritual Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Sanctuary, to explore the intensive care required for special needs wildlife. Moon shares the heart-wrenching yet inspiring journey of Tyler, a famous rescue bobcat who survived severe trauma as a kitten and became the foundation for her sanctuary's mission. Together, they dive into the complex world of wildlife rehabilitation, discussing the critical differences between state permits and USDA Class C/T licenses...

When Seoul’s historic Yongsan district began its multi-billion dollar redevelopment, over 18,000 residents moved out—and left an estimated 1,000 community cats trapped behind demolition barriers. Facing bulldozers, starvation, and strict urban restrictions, these animals had no voice and nowhere to turn.

In this episode, host Dixie sits down with Julie Choi, founder of Yongsan Cats, to talk about what happens to street animals when an entire city rebuilds itself. Julie shares her journey from a dog mom who fed two kittens on a snowy day to a full-time rescuer who has saved over 250 cats from active demolition zone...

When a pet changes your life, their impact never really leaves—and few stories embody that truth more than Jonathan Graziano’s. In this heartfelt conversation, Jonathan opens up about life after the loss of his beloved pug Noodle, the viral “Bones or No Bones” phenomenon, and the vulnerable, deeply human process of welcoming a new rescue dog into your world.

Jonathan shares how Milton—an anxious, gentle pug with a tiny suitcase and a huge heart—helped him rediscover joy, routine, and connection. We explore the bravery required on both sides of adoption, the quirks and mysteries of...

Dixie sits down with Cora Moore of Faeryland Farms, a Tennessee sanctuary where rescued goats become partners in wellness, education, and community healing. Cora shares how her background in psychology and her deep connection to nature shaped a program that brings goats into classrooms, assisted‑living homes, universities, and community events — helping people slow down, breathe, and reconnect.

Listeners will learn how Ginger Snaps became the first certified therapy goat in the U.S., why goat‑assisted wellness is rooted in consent and co‑regulation, and how Faeryland Farms is building a national certification program to support therapy...

Francine Guillot of the Spay Neuter Iberia Project (SNIP) joins the Animal Posse Podcast to share a raw, boots‑on‑the‑ground look at what it really takes to fight pet overpopulation in Louisiana. From reviving a dormant nonprofit to rescuing special‑needs kittens like Gump, Francine walks us through the daily challenges, emotional wins, and community gaps that shape animal welfare in New Iberia.

She breaks down how SNIP approaches TNR, works with local vets, supports elderly residents who feed but can’t afford to fix, and pushes for accessible spay/neuter options in a parish overwhelme...

In this episode, host Dixie sits down with Katie Hunt, the driving force behind Shagbark Hickory Farm—a Connecticut-based nonprofit dedicated to the life-changing power of equine-assisted therapy.

Katie shares how her farm evolved from a family hobby into a vital community asset, matching semi-retired horses with individuals facing anxiety, autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. Discover the incredible, documented bond between humans and horses, how an animal’s heartbeat can help regulate our own, and the ways Shagbark Hickory Farm is instilling responsibility and joy in everyone from two-year-old preschoolers to adults.

Connect with Shagbark Hick...

Carin, owner of Hide and Scratch, joins Dixie to share the inspiring story behind her cat‑focused company and the creation of the Give a Cat a Box program—a donation system designed to bring comfort, enrichment, and security to cats in shelters, foster homes, and adoption centers.

She explains how a simple cardboard box can reduce stress, support natural feline instincts, and help cats transition more smoothly into their forever homes. Carin also opens up about fostering, partnering with Mission Meow, and the surprising economics behind Amazon wishlists that pushed her to build a better, rescue‑friend...

Families often feel overwhelmed when their cats develop behavior issues—and many consider surrendering them. In this conversation, Dixie sits down with Matt Wildman of the National Cat Behavior Helpline to explore how his team helps keep cats in their homes through free, phone‑based behavior counseling. From litter box mysteries to inter‑cat conflict, stress‑related behaviors, and the emotional side of supporting desperate owners, Matt shares the stories, strategies, and hope behind the hotline’s growing impact.

Listeners will learn why behavior issues are solvable more often than people think, how shelters can use the helpline a...

In this episode, Dixie talks with Rebecca McCathern from Helena’s Community Cats of SWGA about the realities of rescuing cats in rural Georgia. From nonstop kitten season to bottle‑baby emergencies, dumping, TNR challenges, and the myths that keep people from spaying and neutering, this conversation shines a light on what rescuers in the South are facing every single day.

Rebecca shares how she built her new 501(c)(3), why she named it after her mom, the difference between California and Southern states when it comes to animal welfare, and the creative ways she’s bringing education into h...

In this episode, Vicki Davison of Kindred Tails Sanctuary shares how two feral cats turned into a full rescue on five acres of rural Georgia. She talks about caring for 40+ free‑roaming cats, neonatal kittens, goats, dogs, and the daily challenges rescues face—from overpopulation to lack of spay/neuter access.

This conversation is a real look at sanctuary life, compassion, burnout, and why adult cats deserve just as much love as kittens.

Connect with Kindred Tails Sanctuary:

Website: https://kindredtailssanctuary.org

About Animal Posse 🐈

Welcome to Animal Posse! We shar...

In this powerful conversation, Dixie sits down with Diana Tuorto of Horse Rescue United to uncover the hidden world of horse rescue. From auction pipelines and Amish workhorses to senior sanctuary care and lifelong adoption contracts, Diana shares the realities most people never see — and the hope that keeps her fighting for every horse. Hear how her team saves lives, rehabilitates neglected horses, and protects them from ever falling through the cracks again.

Learn more or support their work: Horse Rescue United: https://www.horserescueunited.org

About Animal Posse 🐈

Welcome to Animal Posse! We sh...

Some cats shut down in shelters. Others hiss, swat, or go silent. But beneath the “spicy” label is almost always one thing—fear.

In this episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with Berlin Waters of The Spicy Cat Project to break down why so many cats struggle in shelter environments, how fear is often mistaken for aggression, and what rescuers, fosters, and adopters can do to help stressed cats feel safe again.

This episode is essential for anyone working with cats—rescuers, fosters, adopters, or anyone who’s ever wondered why a sweet cat can sudden...

Rabbit bonding can be one of the most stressful experiences for any pet parent. When the "one-size-fits-all" checklists fail, how do you move forward?

In this episode, we sit down with Fiona Murphy, the founder of The Bunny Bonding Coach. As Ireland’s only professional rabbit bonder with over 500 successful bonds under her belt, Fiona brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the table. We discuss why some bonds get "stuck," how to read subtle bunny body language, and why personality—not just luck—is the key to a successful long-term partnership.

Whether you are adding...

Sonia Guillory didn’t plan on returning to the world of rescue, but searching for her lost cat, Moco, opened her eyes to a massive overpopulation crisis in rural Louisiana. Now an independent rescuer, Sonia joins us to discuss the "brick wall" of community indifference, the dangers of "free kittens," and her tireless mission to provide TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) services to underserved colonies.

About Animal Posse 🐈

Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a com...

Think you can’t help animal rescue because you’re allergic, live in a small apartment, or don’t have the time to foster? Think again.

In this episode, Dixie sits down with Tammy Kaehler, Development Coordinator for Love Your Feral Felines (LYFF). Tammy’s own journey into rescue started late—and without any hands-on cat experience—but she quickly discovered that a rescue’s survival depends on more than just "boots on the ground" kitten care. It takes a village of specialized skills to keep the engine running.

Whether you’re a writer, a handym...

What happens when a simple donation of a cat tower turns into a decade-long mission to save hundreds of lives? In this episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with Beverly Paladinetti of Purrfect Peaches Cat Rescue in Douglasville, Georgia.

Beverly shares her journey from a self-described "crazy cat lady" to a lead volunteer and grant writer for a rescue that successfully facilitated over 700 adoptions last year alone. We dive into the "magic" of neonatal care, the game-changing technology of intensive care brooders, and why Beverly calls rescue work the ultimate "cat therapy."

Whether you're...

In this episode, we sit down with Nikki, the creative force behind Parish Pets, to explore how a passion for design can fuel a mission for animal welfare. Nikki shares the story of how her pet-based business is more than just a brand—it’s a dedicated engine for giving back to the rescue community and supporting pets in need.

About Animal Posse 🐈

Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a community of anim...

St. Bernard Parish is facing one of the most intense community‑cat challenges in Louisiana — and today, we’re digging into the solution that actually works. Robbie Denny of the St. Bernard Parish Community Cat Coalition and Snip & Tip St Bernard TNR joins us to share how TNR (Trap‑Neuter‑Return) is reducing stray populations, easing community tensions, and improving life for both residents and cats.

From the “vacuum effect” to the realities of unfixed males, from feeder education to parish‑wide responsibility, this conversation breaks down the truth behind colony management and what it really takes to create lastin...

In this episode of Animal Posse, host Dixie sits down with longtime animal welfare leader Christie Keith for a deep, nuanced conversation about early spay‑neuter through a harm‑reduction lens. With more than 30 years of experience—including work with major organizations like Maddie’s Fund—Christie breaks down why medical guidelines must differ between high‑volume shelter environments and private homes.

Together, they explore the “different math” of shelter medicine, new research on neonatal vaccinations, and why early sterilization remains a critical tool in preventing pet overpopulation and accidental “teen pregnancies” in cats.

The conversation also go...

In this heart-to-heart episode, Dixie sits down with Maria, a dedicated animal advocate and "bunny whisperer" from New Orleans, to discuss a growing epidemic: the surge of abandoned domestic rabbits.

As Easter approaches, Maria sheds light on why bunnies are the "ultimate impulse buy" and the devastating consequences that follow when the novelty wears off. From a serendipitous rescue in the middle of a city street to forming a powerful network of "Bunny Advocates," Maria shares her journey and the deep emotional bond these intelligent, social animals offer.

Whether you're a long-time rabbit lover or...

When Vicki Johnson-Cain lost her son, William, she turned her grief into a mission of mercy. Today, she joins Dixie to share the story of "Willpower Transport" and her life as a foster coordinator for Take Paws Rescue. From playing relaxation music for stressed pups to the "Crate Tetris" required to fit 15 dogs in one SUV, Vicki discusses the literal miles she goes to give high-kill shelter dogs their "freedom ride." Tune in to hear about the resilience of rescue animals and how one woman is honoring her son’s memory, one mile at a time.

About An...

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...

🚨UPDATE (March 2026): We have incredible news! Since this episode originally aired, trappers received the necessary permission and all cats at the welcome center have been safely trapped. Because the situation is now resolved, no further assistance or outreach is needed for this location. Thank you to everyone who shared this story and offered to help—your voices made this possible!

Listen for the full story of the rescue in our upcoming update episode.

For most travelers, the Escambia County Welcome Center is a quick rest stop at the Florida state line. But for a colony of ne...

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...