Raise The Woof

"It takes $75,000/month to run the sanctuary." With over 700 in their care Sara (Society for Rescue and Adoption) Sanctuary is often a last stop for animals that would otherwise be euthanized or discarded. Founder Tracy Frank converted her family ranch to a magical place for all kinds of animals including pigs, llamas, dogs, donkeys an so much move. She is a terrific guest. For more: https://www.sarasanctuary.org/ Thank you to our sponsor: Kiki's Korner, Yutka Fences, Canine Crews and Bond Vet. 

"Don't tell them your sorry, tell them thank you. You are helping them."  -Dr. Kent Morton It is never too late to make a career change and for Dr. Morton of Bond Vet, he not only made a switch, but he has made a huge splash in the vet med field with FIP cats and frenchies. Though he has some specialties, being in a general practice WITH urgent care at Bond Vet has taught Dr. Morton that each day brings new challenges, which he absolutely loves. We chat about euthanasia, vet depression, doodles, compassion fatigue and so much more. A terrific guest! For more: www.bondvet.com Unmuzzled is presented by Bond Vet, Canine Crews, Yutka Fence, and Kiki's Korner. 

"You do not have to give up your whole life and have 100 acres to be an animal advocate or to save pigs." Pigs are magical animals. I had a few pet pigs growing up. They are SO smart and the abandoned and abused have been given a 2nd chance with Chicagoland Pig Rescue. They are doing incredible work and are celebrating  years this month, with over 300 PIGS SAVED! For more: www.chicagolandpigrescue.com Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet. 

Planting a tree in memory of a beloved pet helps the human grieve, but it is also great for the environment. Trees for Pets started in Australia and has had so much success that it is now available in the US. Marlen Farley joins me for a great conversation on this remarkable business she founded. More here: https://www.treesforpets.com.au/ Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet. 

"I would love a dog sanctuary." -says every animal-lover Attorney David Kerpel is making his dream (and thousands of others) a reality in the suburbs of Illinois. As construction starts on an old horse farm, David and his team are busy making sure everything is perfect for their new residents. The key to this sanctuary is that it is just a stop along the way of the dog's journey. The hope is to pull dogs from euthanasia and homelessness and provide a temporary spot for them to land before they are adopted. More here: fureverhomedogsanctuary.org Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet. 

Starting a rescue is never easy....starting a rescue in the middle of a shelter crisis is ballsy....but 1 year in and Chicago Rescue Authority (CRA) has proven that they are here to stay. CRA takes many pregnant Moms, as well as many other discards animals... and sometimes they have to make tough decisions. CRA strives for advocacy and education so more people decide to rescue. They have also seen some of the worst breeder cases and have some advice for you if you are looking to buy a dog. For more: www.chicagorescueauthority.org Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet. 

Tanya Smith, the CEO of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge joins me to discuss the incredible work they do with big cats who have been abused and neglected. For more: https://www.turpentinecreek.org/

I remember hearing about cremation by water a few years ago and dismissing the idea. After talking to Founder Phillip Flores Jr, I am not sure I will ever do a fire cremation. Knowledge is power and Phillip does a great job of telling us why water cremation is kinder and greener. For more: https://www.petcremationbywater.com/

From Cage to Couch does incredible work taking broken beagles from labs that were used for testing and giving them back the life thy deserve. Mary, the Founder, and her sister started the organzation as a huge bust happened in 2022. They took in a bunch of beagles that were bred to be used in labs for testing and from there have kept going to save even more. It is a tricky process and with patience and perseverance they have changed so many lives. For more: https://cagetocouch.org/

A few weeks ago, my jaw dropped as a drone operator zeroed in on a lost dog. The drone targeted an area where no one could get to during the search. It was incredible! I reached out to Mike Smith of Smithic Air and he agreed to come chat with me about the work he does with lost pets and beyond. As technology advances, so does the way we are able to search for lost animals and humans. An INCREDIBLE podcast with so much great knowledge. For more: www.smithicair.com Also, a warm welcome to our new sponsors: Yutka Fences, Intuitive Animal Behavior, and Templestowe Pub! And a thank you to our longtime sponsors: Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner, The K9PT! 

One of the questions that I get asked the most is, "do you now somewhere that will take a pet for a few weeks while the owner gets back on their feet?" Ruff Haven Crisis Sheltering in Utah does JUST that. With times really tough, especially the last few years, this organization has changed so many lives. Pets belong with their owner. Kristina is a wonderful guest! For more: https://www.ruffhaven.org/

"There is a universal truth and people that have loved an animal and have been loved by that animal want to give it love, respect and dignity in the end."  Paul Koudounaris book "Faithful until Death" bring a new light to a sometimes difficult topic. This is a great podcast with tons of insight on pet cemeteries, loyalty, and the brilliance of cats! Take a listen at the link in the bio! #pets #podcast #petcemetary #dogs #cats #fyp

"The less human interaction with the animals, the more neglect. The more human interaction, the more violence. At livestock auctions there is constant interaction, so there is constant violence."  Pete and Cailen, from SEED (Strategies for Ethical and Environmental Development) give us the latest on livestock auction investigations and it is SHOCKING and appalling. For more: https://www.seedlivestockauctions.org/

Rescue rides can be the link between death and life. Rachel came up with this idea of Rescueber back in 2019 and has not slowed down since. Rescues, shelters and animal controls from all over the US depend on her to get animals to safety. This is a great podcast with Rachel! For more: https://www.rescueber.org/

"They will have puppies in the back and wiping the snot off their nose and get them out the door." The best way to get to the puppy mill and puppy store problem is to SEE what is going on that is hidden behind closed doors. It is atrocious and inhumane. Thanks to investigators like Pete, slowly but surely, puppy mills are running into more and more laws and crackdowns that impede the work that they do. But they need our help. Knowledge is power. Pete has SO much knowledge because he has seen so much--he has been to over 1000 puppy mills! This is a must-watch/must-listen.  For more: https://www.caps-web.org/  https://www.humanesociety.org/  #dogs #podcast #puppymill #fyp 

 I met Alicia many years ago and we did a lot of cool work in the rescue community, including a calendar with some big name Chicago athletes and quite the opposite --sitting in the chilly weather on a diversion shift at Chicago Animal Care and Control. Now, Alicia has moved back to her hometown where she is making an impact with a children's book, as well as a new brand called The Lake Dog. I LOVE SMALL BUSINESSES! This is a great podcast! For more: www.thelakedog.com

Abby Smith has spent over 2 decades with Felines and Canines and seen so much and done SO MUCH. Moving from Chicago to Alabama to help run a shelter was not easy, but she is doing magnificent work, saving close to 20,000 animals since 2018. And the work in Chicago continues too. We hear what life is like in Alabama and we meet the famous OATIE and hear his story! A great freaking chat, as always with a legend. For more:https://www.felinescanines.org/

"I want their remaining days to be a good quality of life and I think the integrative way is a good way to do it." Dr. Chen of Integrative Pet Wellness Center specializes in integrative oncology. New advancements and incredible education have lead her down a path that is significantly helping pets with cancer, whose owners decide to take a more holistic path. She is also available for virtual advice! It is such an interesting conversation. More here: https://integrativepet.com/

The plight of abandoned, surrendered, abused barnyard animals is often unkind. Thanks to Indiana Barnyard, farm animals are getting a 2nd chance. The work is not easy and the medical and food bills are high. Kat, the Founder and Dr. Harris, the veterinarian of the sanctuary join me for a very candid conversation. Terrific guests doing incredible work. For more: indianabarnyard.org 

Sometimes getting a shelter/rescue dog into a new environment can get them the exposure they need. Whether it is humans on the street or social media posts showing them in a new light, Scott from 4 Ever Tails is trying to do everything he can to get dogs that need homes into a comfortable landing spot! And it is working. He will never take credit, but with unique videos and "dog dates," he is able to see fruits of his labor. Of course, he also credits the people working in rescue and shelters. To follow him: instagram @4EverTails