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In this episode of Animal Posse, host Dixie welcomes back animal advocate Veronica Belletto for an eye-opening discussion about a troubling trend in animal rescue. From social media "rescue" scams to cases involving animals adopted for abuse and financial exploitation, Dixie and Veronica explore how bad actors are finding ways to take advantage of both animals and the people trying to help them. The conversation dives into adoption screening practices, red flags rescuers should watch for, the importance of vet references, trusting your instincts, and whether rescue organizations need stronger, more unified protocols to keep animals safe. As stories of animal exploitation continue to surface, this episode asks an important question: How do we protect vulnerable animals without making it impossible for good adopters to give them loving homes? Listen now and join the conversation about protecting the animals who depend on us most. #AnimalPosse #AnimalRescue #CatRescue #PetAdoption #AnimalAdvocacy #RescueCommunity #AnimalWelfare #CatLovers #RescueCats #PetSafety

What happens to bears, big cats, parrots, and other exotic animals when they can no longer be kept as pets, used in entertainment, or housed by failing facilities? In this episode, Dixie sits down with Kati Krouse, founder and executive director of Bears Etc., the nation's first bear-focused sanctuary. Kati shares her journey from a farm kid in Indiana to veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and ultimately creating a nonprofit dedicated to giving captive wildlife a second chance. Together, they discuss the realities of the exotic pet trade, roadside zoos, circus animals, sanctuary life, wildlife advocacy, volunteer training, and what it truly takes to provide lifelong care for animals with nowhere else to go. You'll also hear how Bears Etc. is preparing to welcome rescued bears, why education is one of the organization's most powerful tools, and how everyday people can help create a better future for exotic animals. Learn more and support the mission at bearsetc.org.

In this heartbreaking episode of Animal Posse, host Dixie sits down with Jonathan from Rescue Alliance to discuss a devastating animal cruelty case in Walker, Louisiana. Authorities discovered nearly 40 cats and kittens trapped in dangerous, triple-digit conditions without proper access to food, water, or ventilation. Tragically, many of the animals did not survive. Jonathan shares what rescuers encountered on the scene, the urgent medical care required for the survivors, and the emotional toll these cases take on animal welfare organizations. The conversation also sheds light on the realities of rescue work, the challenges of overcrowding, the importance of responsible animal care, and how communities can help prevent similar tragedies. This powerful episode raises awareness about animal neglect, responsible rescue practices, fostering, and the lifesaving impact of volunteers and donations. Learn more, donate, or get involved: 🐾 Rescue Alliance: https://animalrecovery.org 🐾 Donate & Wishlist Support: https://animalrecovery.org/donate 🐾 Humane Society of Louisiana: https://humanela.org 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns. #AnimalPosse #CatRescue #AnimalWelfare #Louisiana #AnimalCrueltyAwareness #RescueAlliance #CatAdvocacy #PetRescue #FosterCats #AdoptDontShop

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 relaxation to your cats and dogs—whether in-person or remotely! Connect with Kerri Russell & Learn More: Visit Kerri's official website: Body Balance for PetsExplore the technique training: Whole Energy Body Balance 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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. Whether you’re an animal lover, a parent, a teacher, or someone seeking a moment of peace, this episode is a reminder that gentleness can change lives—human and animal alike. Learn more or plan a visit: The Gentle Barn → https://www.gentlebarn.org 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 cats who’ve survived hardship. A deeply compassionate, eye‑opening conversation for rescuers, adopters, and anyone who’s ever wondered what their animals feel beyond what they show. 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 prevent countless animals from being surrendered or harmed. This episode is a must‑listen for anyone involved in rescue, adoption, or community animal advocacy — and for anyone who wants to understand how to protect pets from exploitation. 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a community of animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 decade. He and Dixie share candid stories of guilt, healing, and the silent language animal lovers know all too well. You’ll also meet Bubba, Chip’s son, who now carries on his father’s legacy as A.J.’s new service dog—and as a character in the Golden Boy universe. Listeners can learn more about A.J., his work, and Golden Boy at his official website: https://www.ajsymon.com This episode is a celebration of the animals who save us, shape us, and stay with us long after they’re gone. If you’ve ever had a soul dog or soul cat, this conversation will stay with you. 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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, the reality of soft vs. hard releases, and why bobcats—no matter how sweet they seem—never make good house pets. Connect: To support Moon’s sanctuary, follow Tyler's journey, or make a tax-deductible donation toward special medical care and custom diets, visit tylerthebobcat.org or search Tyler the Bobcat on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok. 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 zones. 🌐 Connect & Support Yongsan Cats:Even if you can't adopt or foster, adding your voice helps build the international leverage needed to pressure local authorities and shelters to act. Instagram: @yongsancatsWebsite: yongsancats.comPatreon: patreon.com/yongsancats (Free & Supporter Tiers Available) 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 adult rescue pets, and the healing that comes from opening your home again after profound grief. This episode celebrates the release of Jonathan’s brand‑new children’s book, Milton Makes a Move, a tender story about courage, change, and finding comfort in new beginnings. Perfect for families, rescue advocates, and anyone who’s ever loved—and lost—a pet who shaped their world. TikTok: @jonathangraziano Instagram: @jongraz 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 goats everywhere. With 50 rescued animals, a National Wildlife Federation–certified habitat, and a mission centered on kindness, grounding, and joy, Faeryland Farms shows how “the sweetest little heathens” can change lives. Connect with Cora: Facebook : www.facebook.com/cora.moore.197279 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns. #Goats #GoatLife #GoatLovers #BabyGoats #FunnyGoats #GoatVideos #GoatFarm

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 overwhelmed by stray cats and dogs. You’ll hear stories of wall‑trapped kittens, trap‑smart ferals, transport programs, and the relentless determination required to make even the smallest dent in overpopulation. This episode is a testament to the power of volunteers, compassion, and community outreach—and a reminder that one success story can keep an entire mission moving forward. SNIP Website: snipiberia.com Email: [email protected] 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

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 Hickory Farm: Facebook: Shagbark Hickory FarmContact/Text: 860-849-3868 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 animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice. Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time! 📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.