The Foster Files - Stories about Animal Rescue and Welfare

Kelly
  • 5.0 (7)
  • PETS & ANIMALS

On The Foster Files we are telling stories about adoptable animals and the people who save them. Our focus will be on highlighting adoptable animals while discussing the joys, struggles, highs and heartbreaks of choosing to foster animals in need. You can expect to hear about training, rehabilitating, adoption and rescue stories, and animal welfare issues and concerns all while learning about animals in your community who need a home. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next great love

  1. 2D AGO

    Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary - A Conversation with Jesse Rothacker

    Reptiles are more than just misunderstood creatures — they’re fascinating, social, and full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Jesse Rothacker of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary shares stories that will change how you see these often-misjudged animals — from a giant alligator surprisingly befriending his tank mates, to the secret social lives of snakes and lizards, and how reptiles actually connect in ways you never imagined. If you’ve ever been curious about the true nature of reptiles or felt uneasy about keeping them as pets, this episode will inspire you to give reptiles a real chance. Jesse explores the surprising longevity of these animals, the dedicated work behind rescue and education, and how understanding their complex needs can prevent accidental abandonments or neglect. You’ll discover how a small sanctuary in Pennsylvania is transforming misconceptions into compassion, providing lifelong homes for over 100 reptiles, and why supporting this work is critical in a landscape of limited exotic animal legislation. Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary Adopt | Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary Foster Spotlight: Ball Pythons - Adoptable Pet | Petfinder | Petfinder Rescue Event Details: articles meet-the-rescues - thatpetplace https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    1h 6m

  2. APR 1

    Don't Look in The Freezer - A conversation with Patti Eddington

    Most of us overlook the emotional complexity behind veterinary care—and that sacrosanct image of vets as heroes masks the human, loving, sometimes imperfect beings they truly are. Patti Eddington, a veterinarian’s wife and author of Don't Look in the Freezer, pulls back the curtain to reveal the raw, honest truth about life in animal rescue, the cost of caring, and the unbreakable human-animal bond. Patti Eddington – Author Don't Look in the Freezer: The Very Strange Life of a Veterinarian's Wife: Eddington, Patti: 9798896361305: Amazon.com: Books Foster Spotlight: Molly — Pound Buddies https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    41 min

  3. MAR 25

    A Reminder to Care for Yourself So You Can Care for Others

    This week the organization I work with lost an important member to suicide. This episode about Compassion Fatigue with Jennifer Blough is a great listen and can help you learn the tools you need to protect yourself in this hard and demanding work. Take care of yourself as you take care of animals.   Jennifer Blough | Compassion Fatigue Help for Animal Welfare Professionals To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior: Blough LPC, Jennifer A.: 9798377446132: Amazon.com: Books Foster Spotlight: Max Wagtopia: Adopt Dogs, Cats, Register Pet Microchip, Geo Tags Episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/bPOCqW5NsD8 https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    57 min

  4. MAR 18

    The Hidden Connection Between the Welfare of People and the Welfare of Animals

    Most animal advocates focus solely on habitats and laws — but understanding how political change happens can turn passion into real victories. In this episode, Ali Feldman Taylor, founder of Voters for Animal Rights, reveals the secret strategies behind passing impactful legislation with limited resources—and how anyone can become a powerful advocate for animal welfare. From her journey working on city bans for horse carriages to fighting against factory octopus farms, Ali shares actionable tips on influencing politicians, preparing your community, and making a difference even when resources are tight. Home - Voters For Animal Rights Foster Spotlight: Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    38 min

  5. MAR 11

    How Toxic Language in Animal Rescue Hurts Everyone

    In this heartfelt episode, Kelly is joined by Kayla Powers, a passionate animal foster in Asheville, North Carolina, who shares her journey, honest insights into rescue life, and practical tips for fostering and advocating for animals. They explore the emotional highs and lows of rescue work, the importance of protecting mental health, and how to foster a positive, supportive community. ADOPT A DOG - Rusty's Legacy https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    52 min

  6. MAR 4

    The Turtle Hospital with Bette Zirkelbach

    Most of what threatens sea turtles today comes down to human impact — but what if your small daily choices could make a BIG difference? In this eye-opening episode, Bette Zirkelbach, General Manager of the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, reveals how everyday actions can protect one of the oldest and most beloved animals on Earth. From cutting plastic waste to understanding critical legislation, discover tangible ways to turn your concern into real conservation. Adoptions – The Turtle Hospital. Rescue, Rehab, Release. https://conserveturtles.org/turtle/molly/ The Turtle Hospital Store https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    49 min

  7. FEB 25

    Pets for Vets with Clarissa Black

    Pets for Vets Founder and CEO, Clarissa Black, tells Kelly about the important work they're doing to connect shelter pets and veterans across the country. Through intentional training they help veterans form a SuperBond with their pets so they can support each other for life. Pets For Vets Clarissa Black Foster Spotlight: Gucci – Foothills Animal Shelter https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    49 min

  8. FEB 18

    Working with Blind & Deaf Dogs

    In this episode of The Foster Files, host Kelly speaks with Debbie Bauer, a holistic behavior and wellness coach specializing in blind and deaf dogs. They discuss Debbie's journey into dog training, the unique challenges faced by blind and deaf dogs, and effective training methods.  Dog Trainer | Your Inner Dog ARMA’s Aussies | Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic Emmie - Adoptable Pet | Petfinder | Petfinder Poe - Adoptable Pet | Petfinder | Petfinder https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

    53 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

On The Foster Files we are telling stories about adoptable animals and the people who save them. Our focus will be on highlighting adoptable animals while discussing the joys, struggles, highs and heartbreaks of choosing to foster animals in need. You can expect to hear about training, rehabilitating, adoption and rescue stories, and animal welfare issues and concerns all while learning about animals in your community who need a home. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next great love

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