Advertise on podcast: Animalia the Podcast

Attorney at law Amy Khan shares her personal and professional experience with the lack of enforcement of the Dog Control Act of 2014. ​This conversation provides so much information about the Act and what Class A dog owners should know and take responsibility for. The spotlight is also shone on law enforcement, local government and the judiciary. Music: Who Let The Dogs Out by Anslem Douglas

On this Carnival Friday edition of Animalia, we speak with three young vets who share their thoughts on the ageism and sexism that pervades their profession. It's a healing conversation that we hope vets and pet owners alike can learn from. The #RescueMe is a precious 7mo kitten called Jeorge and Natasha gives her commentary on the arrest and charge of the man who killed Lexi, a dog in Tobago. Listen on www.animaliathepod.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Music: Santimanitay by Carl & Carol Jacobs

On Episode 2, we chat with PhD candidate Mark Gibson of the Nurture Nature campaign about conservation and the wildlife trade in Trinidad and Tobago. Although the situation is dire, and made worse by the pandemic, there is hope of progress with NGO advocacy and improved legislation. This week's Rescue Me is Precious, a kitten being housed at the Animals Alive shelter. Listen on animaliathepod.com or wherever you get your podcasts! Music: River Dome Down by Andre Tanker

On the first episode of Animalia for 2022, Natasha speaks with Kean Moses who tells us about the first insurance policy just for pets in Trinidad and Tobago! So start the year off right by providing the coverage your pooch deserves with Pet Guard from Guardian General. Our #RescueMe is Reign, the regally handsome male pup from Tobago who's in need of a forever home. Visit animaliathepod.com for all everything Animalia or listen on your favourite podcast platform. Music: Raf Robertson & Carl Jacobs perform Forward Home by Andre Tanker

After a full year of Animalia, Natasha is taking a break. But before she does, she gives thanks to all the guests by sharing a bit about each of the 27 episodes. You can listen to every one on the website (www.animaliathepod.com) or your favourite podcast platform. Join us again for more amazing content about animals in a couple months!

Tobago is the setting for my conversation with Veronika La Fortune, the founder of Being with Horses and Healing with Horses. Veronika talks about her life growing up with animals, about working with show horses and how Tobago inspired a new journey with her equine rescues. Veronika's #RescueMe is a sweet adult dog called Faith.

This week we have an amazing rescuer from San Fernando who is doing all she can to save every dog or cat in need. Michelle Mahabir is the founder of Helping Paws Society, a non-profit organisation led by this mom and her 3 kids who, propelled by their love for animals, try to help as many animals as they can and promote spaying/neutering to help curb overpopulation, homelessness and dumping of animals. She also swears by the #adoptdontshop mantra. Michelle offers one of the cats rescued by Kitty Haven Sanctuary as the featured #RescueMe animal.

This week we have another doctor...but he's not a vet! Dr. Brendan Bartholomew talks about how a childhood encounter turned into a lifelong love for animals, his passion for rescued dogs and the solutions to the problem of stray animals in Trinidad and Tobago. Natasha's commentary is about the animal cruelty cases that continue to occur, without punishment, despite amended legislation. Enforcement of the law is a must! *NOTE: The amended fine for animal cruelty is TT$200,000 not TT$100,000 as mentioned in the podcast. Apologies for the error!

This week's guest Kristen Agostini of Trinidad Pet Crematorium talks to Natasha about cremation as an option for pet parents to pay respect to their beloved family members. Natasha's commentary focuses on the too-often reviled black cat and the #RescueMe segment is back with two gorgeous dogs up for adoption.

This week in Animalia's shortest episode, Natasha gets personal on the anniversary of her cat Toro's death. She shares letters written to officials and the press on the matter and the lack of enforcement of existing animal cruelty laws. In loving memory of Toro 2011-2020

In what is our longest episode to date, Natasha has a fascinating conversation with Dr. Carla Phillips-Savage. She's the first and only aquatic animal veterinarian in Trinidad and Tobago! The story of how she came to the field and why she stayed, as well as the connectedness of the aquatic and land environments, is reason enough to make it to the end. Natasha also provides commentary on the mass poisoning of stray dogs on a beach in Tobago. Download and listen wherever you get your favourite podcasts...and make Animalia one of them!

This week on Animalia, Natasha chats with Karissa Ali, a young woman who's passionate about animal rescue, whether domestic or wildlife. Her passion is mirrored by Marguerite Miranda (who you may have heard on Ep14) who assisted in the rescue of a dog whose parents were homeless addicts admitted to rehab. The #RescueMe segment is back as Karissa talks about 5 kittens that will be up for adoption soon. We're happy to share these similar and powerful stories that we hope will inspire you to do whatever you can to protect animals. Enjoy! Don't forget to like and share.