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

This week I talk with Patti Eddington, author of "Don't Look in the Freezer: The Very Strange Life of a Veterinarian's Wife," who shares her experiences as the spouse of veterinarian Jim, including the challenges of frequent moves, financial struggles, unexpected client home visits, and memorable incidents like confrontations with irate clients and poor hiring decisions. The book addresses misconceptions about veterinary costs while highlighting the compassion and emotional demands of veterinary work, including performing euthanasias while dealing with personal grief. This book is a must read! "Don't Look in the Freezer" is available April 28 everywhere books are sold. But you should definitely support your local indie bookstore! You can also learn more about Patti's work at www.pattieddington.com and on social media @pattieddingtonauthor. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Genevieve Frederick, founder of Feeding Pets of the Homeless, a national nonprofit founded in 2008 that operates in all 50 states to help homeless individuals care for their beloved pets. Through five key programs - pet food collection, emergency veterinary care, wellness clinics, shelter crates, and veteran support - the organization has collected over 2.7 million pounds of pet food and spent over $1.1 million in 2025 alone providing medical treatment to more than 1,600 pets. Partnering with over 2,000 veterinary hospitals nationwide and operating entirely on donations and grants, Feeding Pets of the Homeless recognizes that for the 33% of homeless individuals who have pets, these animals provide irreplaceable companionship, protection, and purpose, making the human-animal bond essential to their wellbeing. To learn more about Feeding Pets of the Homeless you can find them at www.petsofthehomeless.org and on social media @feedingpetsofthehomeless. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Josh from Red Barn Rescue and the Rescueality Podcast. Josh has been rescuing animals since age 5 and founded Red Barn Rescue in Mexico in 2018 with his mom, successfully adopting over 1,500 dogs primarily to the U.S. Currently caring for about 70 dogs—including 25-30 permanent sanctuary residents—Josh and his mom run operations that have included massive adoption events, like placing 84 out of 85 dogs in Washington. Beyond rescue work, Josh launched the Rescueality Podcast to tackle the controversial and difficult topics the rescue community often avoids, from border crossing challenges and cultural differences to corruption, fake rescues, and the realities of managing pack dynamics, disease, and dog fights. His mission is simple: prioritize dogs' welfare and bring transparency to what rescue truly involves beyond the social media highlights. To learn more about Josh's work you can find him on YouTube and social media @rescuealitypodcast and @redbarnrescueranch. You can also go towww.redbarnrescue.org to learn more about the rescue. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Roger Devine of SchoolAuction.net. For many animal rescue organizations, fundraising is one of the hardest parts of running the organization. What type of fundraiser should you host? How will you get community support? Are you even ready to host a large event? Roger talks us through many of these points breaking things down into manageable steps. If fundraising leaves you freeze mode, this may be the episode for you! To learn more about SchoolAuction.net you can find them online or on social media @SchoolAuction. You can also reach out to Roger to talk through some of your thoughts and pick his brain on what may be the best fit for your group! 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

Wildlife SOS, founded in 1995 by Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani, is an Indian animal welfare organization that has made remarkable impact through compassionate, community-focused conservation. Their groundbreaking Dancing Bears Project rescued 628 sloth bears from brutal exploitation while providing alternative livelihoods and education to 3,000 families in the Kalandar community, successfully ending this cruel practice. Building on this success, they established India's first elephant hospital and ambulance service, currently caring for 40 elephants and operating mobile clinics that have helped 142 elephants in 2025 alone. Through their five pillars—rescue and rehabilitation, outreach, education, training, and prevention—Wildlife SOS continues to protect India's wildlife while empowering local communities to become partners in conservation. To learn more about the work of Wildlife SOS you can find them online at www.wildlifesos.org or on social media @wildlifesos. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Sara Deen Kimball, a dedicated volunteer with the Louisiana State Animal Response Team (LSART) who stumbled into animal rescue through a technical large animal emergency course and never looked back. After volunteering during the 2010 BP oil spill, Sara became deeply involved in disaster response work, helping overwhelmed animal control departments during hurricanes and other emergencies by setting up temporary shelters, performing technical large animal rescues, and decontaminating animals exposed to hazardous floodwaters. She's also the creator of the innovative "Ralph Responders Go Bag" and author of the children's book series starting with "Rowan and the Animal Shelter," which teaches kids about the important work of animal control officers. In this episode, Sara shares her inspiring journey, the critical work LSART does to protect animals during disasters, and how she's educating the next generation about animal welfare through her engaging books and free resources available at LSART.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 rate, review, and subscribe. If you have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I am thrilled to talk with Richie Marino, a balanced dog trainer from New Jersey whose personal journey from emergency services to dog training is as compelling as his training philosophy. After battling alcoholism and PTSD, Richie credits his rescue German Shepherd Greta with saving his life, which inspired him to dedicate his career to helping dogs stay in their homes through clear, kind communication and balanced training methods. In this episode, Richie breaks down what it really means to be a leader for your dog, why we need to stop talking so much and start understanding canine body language, and how to cut through social media's unrealistic portrayals of "perfect" dogs. Whether you're struggling with your own dog or looking for a trainer, Richie shares invaluable insights on building structure, setting boundaries, and honoring dogs for who they truly are—not as humans or objects, but as dogs. Bonus, my husband, Dan, joins in on the fun to get some of his own questions answered! To learn more about Richie and his work you can find him on social media @gretatrainsdogs and online at www.gretasdogtraining.com. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Anna Nichols from Down and Dirty Dogs, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of shelter dogs through positive reinforcement training. Anna shares her inspiring journey from volunteering at the Humane Society of Tennessee Valley to becoming an Animal Behavior Specialist, and introduces us to Down and Dirty Dogs—a team of five passionate women working to improve adoptability and prevent returns by providing crucial training and post-adoption support. You'll hear about the power of mental stimulation, the importance of understanding breed genetics, and a touching story about Burgundy, a dog whose case reinforced Anna's commitment to this vital work. Join us as we explore how even minimal training intervention can make a life-changing difference for shelter dogs and their future families. To learn more about Down and Dirty Dogs you can find them online at www.downanddirtydogs.com or on social media @downanddirtydogs. You can also reach Anna @thelazydogtrainer with any questions! 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Heather Ripley, founder of Orange Orchard PR, who discusses how animal welfare organizations can effectively use public relations to advance their missions. After becoming vegan in 2017 and realizing there was more she could do to support animals, Heather launched Orange Orchard as a specialized division of Ripley PR focused on helping animal rescues, sanctuaries, and conservation projects tell their stories through strategic media outreach, social media, and fundraising campaigns. She emphasizes the importance of building local media relationships, balancing messaging to avoid overwhelming audiences with negativity, and treating nonprofits like businesses with clear goals—ultimately helping organizations amplify their impact while maintaining authentic connections with their communities. To learn more about the work Heather and her team are doing you can find them at www.orangeorchardpr.com or on social media @orangeorchardpr.   Heather Ripley is the founder and CEO of Ripley PR, an elite global public relations agency, and its affiliate agencies, Orange Orchard, an award-winning public relations agency specializing in animal advocacy and the promotion of animal-friendly brands, and Adventure PR, a new division created to elevate adventure travel, RV manufacturers, camping and outdoor companies. At Orange Orchard, Heather leads a passionate team that helps purpose-driven brands elevate their message and inspire action. Drawing on more than two decades of PR experience, she has positioned the agency as a trusted partner for organizations involved in animal advocacy and welfare and for companies who work in the pet care industry. Her work centers on thoughtful communication, authentic brand alignment and purpose-driven growth. In 2013, Heather started Ripley PR and has built it into one of the most respected agencies in the skilled trades, franchising and B2B technology sectors in just 12 short years. After five years of success at Ripley PR, she was inspired by her commitment to animal welfare to launch Orange Orchard in 2018. For its work with organizations like The Orangutan Project, Orange Orchard won the gold award for Best Public Service Campaign in the 2025 Merit Awards. As the visionary behind both agencies, Heather has been honored as a 2024 PRNews Top Women in Business Entrepreneur and as one of ACHR News’ Top Women in HVAC. She is also the author of NEXT LEVEL NOW: PR Secrets to Drive Explosive Growth for Your Home Service Business, a highly regarded guide for entrepreneurs seeking to amplify their growth through public relations. Heather’s leadership across all three agencies reflects her belief that PR can be both a catalyst for business growth and a force for good by helping innovative and compassionate companies make a measurable impact on the world. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Katya Lidsky, author of "Be Your Dog's Best Friend" and self-described "recovering dog trainer." Katya challenges traditional obedience-focused training methods, advocating instead for genuine bonding and relationship-building with our dogs. Drawing from her experience volunteering at South LA Animal Shelter, she shares how being present and trusting our instincts creates deeper connections with our pets. Discover how the human-dog bond is mutually transformative and why focusing on awareness rather than control leads to better outcomes for both you and your dog. To learn more about the work Katya is doing you can find her on social media @katyalidsky and find her book "Be Your Dog's Best Friend" wherever books are sold, but hopefully you go to your local indie bookstore! 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Rachel Horton, Director of Saginaw County Animal Care and Control. We discuss how she has transformed the shelter by increasing the save rate from 56% to 82%, moving into a new state-of-the-art facility, and opening a low-cost surgical center in summer 2024. Coming from a farm background and Michigan State University education, she shifted the organization from a punitive enforcement model to a community support approach, establishing programs like a pet food pantry and partnering with veterinarians and MSU for student training. Despite facing significant community pushback and online harassment during these changes, Rachel successfully changed the culture by focusing on education, removing barriers to pet ownership, and helping families keep their pets while serving 190,000 residents across 800 square miles. To learn more about the work Rachel is doing in Saginaw County you can go to www.saginawcountymi.gov/ click on Departments and then Animal Care and Control. You can also find them on social media @saginawanimalcare. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Holly Gutwillinger, a Canadian author and podcaster who went from having no writing background to creating a fictional story inspired by her anxious rescue dog Sully that explores acceptance rather than trying to "fix" each other. Her self-published book, North of Broken & Furever Home, is due out on February 14th and is a "love letter to her dogs" with proceeds supporting  local animal rescue. After owning rescue dogs Cash and Sully for over 12 years, Holly overcame her digital fears to launch "Ramblings from the Little Shed" podcast with her son, exploring how pets influence creativity.  This episode also discusses Canada's significant feral dog population in remote northern areas, where rescue organizations regularly pull large litters, challenging assumptions that overpopulation issues are limited to states in the south. To learn more about Holly and her work you can find her at www.ramblingsfromthelittleshed.com and on social media @ramblingfromthelittleshed. And keep an eye out at your favorite book store for North of Broken & Furever Home. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Adam Spencer, founder of Furlanthropy, who went from being afraid of dogs to creating the first charity-owned crowdfunding platform for animal welfare after adopting Hazelnut, a rescue dog whose original family surrendered her due to their inability to afford Parvo treatment. Discovering that two-thirds of pet euthanasia in America occurs due to financial constraints, Adam developed a crowdfunding platform that sends funds directly to veterinarians (often within 48 hours for emergencies), provides donation receipts for all donations, accepts various payment methods including stocks and donor-advised funds, and charges only 8% in fees versus the 15% typical with for-profit platforms. The platform has helped pets in nearly every US state and is working on expanding internationally. And they don't just focus on vet bills, rather they support most animal-related causes. To learn more about Furlanthropy you can check them out online at www.furlanthropy.org or on social media @furlanthropycharity.  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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Julia Pennington, founder of Hera the Dog Vodka, who transformed her approach to animal activism after discovering criminal abuse at a Nashville animal shelter in high school, leading her to devote 25 years to Los Angeles rescue work before realizing traditional methods weren't addressing root causes. To create sustainable funding beyond donor fatigue, Julia developed a premium vodka using organic Italian wheat base from spent pasta grain, operating as a social benefit corporation that donates 50% of profits (currently 6% of sales) to local animal rescues in the same cities where the vodka is sold. The company has donated $70,000 plus 16,000 pounds of pet food, is expanding to Colorado, and is developing an online platform where customers will be able to choose which rescue receives their donation, with Julia emphasizing transparency and welcoming non-drinkers to support the mission by donating directly to featured rescues. To learn more about Hera the Dog, as long as you are 21 or older, check out www.herathedogvodka.com or follow them on social media @herathedogvodka. 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site

This week I talk with Monica (pen name Leokadia George), author of a 4-book children's series about Trumpet, a "miracle" Mexican gray wolf at the Wolf Conservation Center in New York. Monica shares insights into the center's breeding programs for critically endangered wolves, creative conservation partnerships with ranchers (including AC/DC-playing drones as deterrents), and how her storytelling approach—with 50% of book royalties supporting conservation—demonstrates the powerful connection between literature and real-world wildlife protection efforts. To learn more about wolf conservation you can check out @wolfconservationcenter on social media or at www.nywolf.org. Also check out @lighthawk_org on social media and @briley.baxter.books for more on the Trumpet book series! 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 have ideas for future guests please email me at [email protected] or follow me @theanimalrescuepod on Instagram. You can also learn more about the organizations I interview and how to listen/watch at www.theanimalrescuepodcast.my.canva.site