This week I talk with Nikki Sharp, Executive Director of Wildlife SOS. Nikki and I discuss how a chance meeting at a dinner led her to joining Wildlife SOS and helping people and animals in India. She shares how the founders saw a need to end dancing bears and set a goal to end the practice in 2010. However, through persistence and determination they were able to end the practice earlier than they hoped and are continuing this trajectory with other animals. This episode does cover some disturbing ways that people have used animals to earn a living. 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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Shawn Allen Stewart about his book series Bailey and Daisy. We discuss how growing up with rescue animals shaped him, the work he is doing in the animal world with grooming and daycare/boarding, and most importantly, the Bailey and Daisy series! This series, while intended for children, has something for everyone. And if you are like me and need a fidget to stay focused, there is a companion coloring book you can color and follow along with! Seriously, something for everyone. To learn more about Bailey and Daisy you can find them online at www.baileyanddaisyseries.com or on social media @baileyanddaisyseries. To support Nashville Humane you can use the link https://baileyanddaisyseries.com/?aff=6

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Tom Kiesche about, well, a little bit of everything. How animal rescue wasn't necessarily on his radar until a date he went on, balancing shelter volunteering with life, and most importantly his advice for how to keep going in a space that can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. To learn more about Tom's work both as a volunteer and an actor/writer/producer (supporting that side of his work also helps support the animals) you can find him on social media @tomkiesche.

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Meghan Lehman, Shelter Brand Manager, at Hill's Pet Nutrition. Meghan joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition in 2025 to lead the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program. Leveraging extensive experience across both the animal shelter and corporate sectors, she focuses on developing high-impact strategies that drive growth, strong partnership development, marketing engagement, and social good. 

We discuss this year's results of the State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report, some surprising findings, and how anyone can help shelter pets regardless of  your circumstances. To learn more about the State of Shelter Pet Adoption Report go to www.hillspet.com/shelter-program. While you are there, you can also find a shelter near you!

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder of Globe Aware, an organization that coordinates volunteer opportunities in countries around the world. We discuss how the organization got started, the types of programs they arrange, and how you can get involved. To learn more about Globe Aware you can find them online at www.globeaware.org or on social media @globeaware. You can also give them a call to ask more specific questions about the work they do: 877-LUV-GLOBE or 877-588-4562.

#community #volunteer #animalwelfare #giveback

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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

Project AnimalAid is back, this time with Executive Director Meghan Curtis. We get her perspective of the evolution of the organization and the groups they have been able to help over the years. When it comes to product donations I don't always think creatively about how they can be used, but these organizations they donate to are able to find new ways to use things that may be imperfect or nearly expired. We also discuss The Great Paw Walk, their latest fundraiser to help raise money for all of the wonderful work they do to both support animals and the environment. To learn more about Project AnimalAid you can go to www.projectanimalaid.org or find them on social media! 

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Dr. Kelly Curtin and Molly about their book "Molly and Potato". This is a sweet book that helps kids think and talk about their emotions and processing hard situations. It was so fun getting to interview Molly about her experience writing a book and what her plans are for future books. To learn more about "Molly and Potato" you can find them online at www.mollyandpotato.com. "Molly and Potato" is out now at booksellers everywhere, but if you are like me and prefer to support local bookshops you can also find it at www.bookshop.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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Arthur von Wiesenberger about his show AnimalZone. But first, we cover his history in animal welfare, starting as a young child. As an adult he managed to pursue the things he loves most, food, beverages, travel, and animal welfare. While these may not seem connected at face value, we see how he has been able to blend them together in the work he is doing now. Currently, as executive producer of AnimalZone, he is able to highlight rescues and sanctuaries throughout the world. You can find AnimalZone on Pluto.tv, Tubi, and The Roku Channel, along with other platforms. You can learn more about the work Arthur is doing both with the show and other interviews online at www.animalzone.org. You can also find AnimalZone on social media @animalzoneshow. 

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Thomas Klein and Brooke Moreland of The Animal Alliance. We discuss what led them into the animal welfare world and how they are using their unique backgrounds to support communities across the globe. Currently they are working on The Community Engagement Program, a 6-week cohort-based program designed to bring community members together to participate in research and collaboration to further the support of animals in respective communities. To learn more about The Community Engagement Program or the spay/neuter initiatives they support you can check them out online at www.theanimalalliance.org or on social media @the.animal.alliance. 

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Nicole Navarro, founder of Pawsitive Beginnings, a fox sanctuary located in Key Largo, FL, joins us again to discuss some of the toxicity in animal welfare and rescue work and ways she takes care of herself to make sure she is able to continue doing the good work she is doing with the foxes and the community. She also shares about some new partnerships the santuary has formed, and a new little spitfire she has adopted. To learn more about Pawsitive Beginnings, how to help end the fur trade, or how to get involved you can find them at www.pawsitivebeginnings.org and on social media @pawsitive_beginnings_inc.

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Charles Howard of Mountain Dog Products. We discuss how a life change led to the creation of, in my opinion, one of the greatest leashes ever. We also talk about the mission of sustainability and being environmentally friendly, that has led the company to where it is now. I have been using these leashes for a few years now and will not go back to any other leash. The quality and comfort is unmatched. Mountain Dog Products also puts their money where their mouth is with initiatives to support rescues and trainers. To learn more check out www.mountaindogproducts.com or on social media @mountaindogproducts.

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 joined by Don Levin, owner of the Chicago Wolves hockey team. Before we get into animal rescue, I first needed to learn a little bit more about professional and affiliate teams, always love learning! Then we discuss the work the Wolves have been doing with animal rescue over the last 20 years! From adoption events to community resources, they are a great example of what can happen when you support animals and the people who love them. To learn more check out www.chicagowolves.com or check them out on social media @chicagowolves. If you want to reach out to learn more about what it takes to set up events in your area you can email info@chicagowolves.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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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

Leif Cocks returns to talk about the ins and outs of rescuing and rehabilitating Orangutans, as well as typical behaviors in the wild. We also discuss easy ways you can get involved to help both local and global communities. If you are interested in setting up collectives in your area please check out www.theorangutanproject.org for resources in getting events going. You can learn more about Leif and his work at www.leifcocks.org or on social media @theorangutanproject.

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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

Content warning for talk of suicide and suicidal thoughts.

This week Jen Blough joins us again to discuss suicide in animal rescue. Recently, a well known rescuer took her life. While I do not know the specifics surrounding her situation, toxicity and harassment in the animal rescue world is all too common. Jen and I discuss risk factors for suicidality, things to look out for, how to be a support, and resources for yourself or those you know. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Humans were built for community, let's remember to be kind to each other and offer support when we can. 

Jennifer Blough is a licensed professional counselor, compassion fatigue coach, author of To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior and the upcoming book Beyond Compassion Fatigue, and host of the Beyond Compassion Fatigue podcast ( https://beyondcompassionfatigue.podbean.com/). 

Listeners can find free resources, including a Suicide Prevention and Safety Plan download at  www.animalwelfarewellness.com/free-resources

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Dr. Cliff Redford, Worldwide Vet. We discuss how he got into veterinary medicine, his global travels to volunteer with different organizations helping with wildlife rescue in places like Greece, India, and Ukraine, and his righthand woman, his daughter Emily. Even if you aren't interested in becoming a vet, this episode is a great reminder to have compassion for the people and animals around you. To learn more about Cliff you can check him out on Instagram @drcliffworldwidevet and online at www.drcliff.ca

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Cydian Kauffman of Pure Water Northwest to discuss all things water! This was a rollercoaster of an episode. There are some daunting things about water quality and treatment, but fortunately there are things you can do to help protect yourself and your pets from some of the harmful things that end up in our water. To learn more about Pure Water Northwest check them out online at www.purewaternorthwest.com. You can also check out the Environmental Working Group to see if your municipality has water tests on their database at www.ewg.org/tapwater/.

#waterquality #petsafety #watersafety #animalrescuepod

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Doug Green about his books The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names. We get into his history with rescue dogs, what led him to want to write a book about his experiences with Shirelle, and what we can all learn from dogs. I definitely walked away from this book and this interview with a renewed perspective on what it means to live with dogs. The Teachings of Shirelle: Life Lessons from a Divine Knucklehead and A Dog of Many Names are available directly from the publisher at www.circuitbreakerbooks.com or wherever books are sold, but I do recommend checking out www.bookshop.org to support your local booksellers!

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Tricia Montgomery of Moose's March. We discuss her journey in the pet wellness world, how Moose came into her life, and the legacy he has now left behind. Moose's March focuses on early detection of pet cancer by providing resources for pet owners. In addition to these resources they are also launching the Moose Approved Badge program. To learn more about pet cancer and Moose's March check them out online at www.moosesmarch.com or on social media @moosesmarch.

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Alyssa Muse, director of Aviary Creature Rescue in Deep South Louisiana. We discuss how she got started in rescue, cases she has been involved in, and how she keeps her cup filled in order to keep going back out there to do this work. If you live in a rural area and don't know how to get started or how to keep going, this is the listen for you. To learn more about Aviary Creature Rescue you can check them out on all the socials @aviarycreaturerescue.

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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 Lori and Denise of Heavenly Paws of Michigan. We discuss how they got started in rescue, the changes they have seen in the rescue world over the last 16 years they have been in operation, and the surprising reason they have a different adoption fee for designer breeds, because they do end up in rescues just like any other breed of dog. To learn more about the work they do or how to support them you can find them online at www.heavenlypawsofmi.org or on social media @heavenlypawsofmi. 

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 theanimalrescuepodcast@gmail.com 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