Save A Pooch - Rescue Dog Welfare- Pet Life Radio Original

Pet Life Radio
  • 3.2 (5)
  • PETS & ANIMALS

Save A Pooch is all about rescue dog welfare. With an informative yet humorous tone, the good, the bad, cute, and the ugly will be addressed. Episode topics can range from: how to improve fosters' and adopters' experience with rescues; how to improve rescues' well-being and heal their trauma; what are some of the opportunities for rescues; rescue success stories; how to spot a reputable or fake rescue organization, what determines a healthy human-animal bond and much, much more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

  1. 12/19/2025

    Save A Pooch - Episode 69 From Animal Control to Community Care with Rachel Horton

    In this episode of Save A Pooch, we're joined by Rachel Horton, Director of Saginaw County Animal Care & Control (SCACC) in Michigan. This conversation digs into how a municipal shelter can pivot from reactive enforcement to proactive care. Rachel Horton walks us through SCACC's playbook: early-intervention that keeps pets with their families, community pet-food pantries and access-to-care partnerships, volunteer activation that multiplies impact, and real safeguards for staff against compassion fatigue. We'll also discuss tricky topics—what "live release" does and doesn't measure, why poverty drives pet relinquishment, and how to build trust with residents who are wary of "animal control." EPISODE NOTES: From Animal Control to Community Care with Rachel Horton Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    28 min

  2. 11/13/2025

    Save A Pooch - Episode 68 From Foster Fails to Forever Pigs: One Family's Journey Through Animal Rescue

    In this episode of Save A Pooch, we're joined by Linda Velwest, author of City Rescue Pets: Second Chances for Love and Hope and founder of CityRescuePets.com. Linda shares her family's years-long journey fostering cats and dogs in Jersey City—from classroom pets to "foster fails" to the day she decided to adopt not one, but two rescue pigs. We'll explore the realities of animal rescue work, the lessons learned through trial and error, the heartbreaks that don't always end happily, and why she believes even small acts of kindness can transform lives on both ends of the leash. Whether you're considering fostering, adopting a rescue pet, or just love animals, this is a conversation about compassion, responsibility, and second chances. EPISODE NOTES: From Foster Fails to Forever Pigs: One Family's Journey Through Animal Rescue Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    22 min

  3. 07/16/2025

    Save A Pooch - Episode 67 Four Paws, Two Feet, One Purpose: Rescue Dogs Saving Lives with Barb Ashmead and Ellen Suettler

    In this episode, we’re joined by Barb Ashmead, Founder/ Executive Director and Ellen Suettler, Assistant Executive Director of Operation Freedom Paws Canada, an organization that pairs both rescue dogs and people with disabilities, including veterans and first responders, by training them together as service dog teams. Barb and Ellen share how the healing goes both ways: dogs once overlooked in shelters are given a renewed purpose, and the humans they partner with find a life-changing companion. We’ll dive into how this unique training model works, what makes these partnerships so effective, and why purpose (on both ends of the leash) can be the key to healing trauma. From PTSD recovery to canine transformation, this is a story of second chances, devotion, and the incredible power of the human-animal bond. EPISODE NOTES: Four Paws, Two Feet, One Purpose: Rescue Dogs Saving Lives with Barb Ashmead and Ellen Suettler Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    27 min

  4. 05/02/2025

    Save A Pooch - Episode 66 Finding Redemption Through Rescue with Sarah Cavallaro

    In this episode of Save A Pooch, we welcome Sarah Cavallaro, award-winning author of Dogs Have Angels Too. Sarah shares the deeply moving story behind her novel, which follows a woman’s emotional journey from career burnout and homelessness to personal healing—thanks to the transformative power of shelter dogs. We explore themes of resilience, the human-animal bond, and the often-overlooked crisis of homelessness among older women. Sarah also opens up about how real-life rescue experiences shaped the story, and what we can all do to support both animals and the people who care for them. Whether you're a dog lover, fiction fan, or advocate for second chances, this episode will leave you inspired. EPISODE NOTES: Finding Redemption Through Rescue with Sarah Cavallaro Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    23 min

  5. 04/24/2025

    Save A Pooch - Episode 65 Breaking the Chain of Dog Fighting with Sloane Quealy-Miner

    This episode features Sloane Quealy-Miner, President and Co-Founder of Zion's Mission Animal Rescue in New York City. She shares the dark world of dog fighting and its implications for community safety and animal welfare. Sloane will also discuss her expertise on recognizing signs of dog fighting, understanding its connection to other forms of violence, and the challenging but rewarding work of rehabilitating survivors. Learn about the vital role of community education, effective legislation, and how everyday citizens can help combat this cruel practice. Whether you're an animal advocate, community leader, or concerned citizen, this episode provides essential insights into fighting animal cruelty and creating safer communities for both pets and people. EPISODE NOTES: Breaking the Chain of Dog Fighting with Sloane Quealy-Miner Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    31 min

  6. 02/21/2025

    Save A Pooch - Episode 64 Shelter Solutions: A Deep Dive with Animal Advocate Cara Achterberg

    This episode features Cara Achterberg, co-founder of Who Will Let the Dogs Out and author of "Who Will Let the Dogs Out: Stories and Solutions for Shelters and Rescues." Drawing from her experience visiting over 150 shelters in 13 states, Cara shares critical insights into America's shelter crisis and offers practical solutions for change. From heart-wrenching stories of overwhelmed Southern shelters to inspiring tales of innovative rescue approaches, this episode explores the complex challenges facing our nation's homeless dogs and the heroes fighting for them. Learn about the truth behind "no-kill" shelters, the impact of the pandemic on animal welfare, and how communities can work together to create lasting change. Whether you're involved in animal rescue or simply care about making a difference, this conversation will help you understand animal sheltering in America and inspire you to be part of the solution. EPISODE NOTES: Shelter Solutions: A Deep Dive with Animal Advocate Cara Achterberg Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    29 min

  7. 10/31/2024

    Save A Pooch - Episode 63 Natural Connections: Beyond Words with Animal Intuitive Callie Kellem

    This episode will explore animal communications with Callie Kellem, an intuitive animal facilitator at Lightbody Academy. Callie shares her journey of discovering her ability to connect with animals, including the heartwarming story of reuniting a lost dog with its owner. Learn how deepening our connection with animals can help us reconnect with nature and ourselves, as well as gain insights into how you can enhance your own relationship with the animal kingdom. Callie will share the unspoken wisdom animals offer and how it can transform our understanding of the world around us as well as within us. EPISODE NOTES: Natural Connections: Beyond Words with Animal Intuitive Callie Kellem Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    30 min

  8. 06/27/2024

    Save A Pooch - Episode 62 Rethinking Rescue: Pets, Poverty, and Compassion

    In this episode, we're talking with journalist Carol Mithers about her upcoming book, RETHINKING RESCUE: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets. This book takes a heartfelt look at the special bonds between pets and their owners, even when those owners are struggling with poverty, addiction, or homelessness. One often overlooked topic is how poverty directly impacts a person's ability to care for their pets, highlighting the need to address the social issue of poverty itself. By understanding these connections, we can work toward more comprehensive solutions that support both people and their pets. EPISODE NOTES: Rethinking Rescue: Pets, Poverty, and Compassion Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

    29 min
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Ratings & Reviews

3.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Save A Pooch is all about rescue dog welfare. With an informative yet humorous tone, the good, the bad, cute, and the ugly will be addressed. Episode topics can range from: how to improve fosters' and adopters' experience with rescues; how to improve rescues' well-being and heal their trauma; what are some of the opportunities for rescues; rescue success stories; how to spot a reputable or fake rescue organization, what determines a healthy human-animal bond and much, much more! Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

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