So You Want to Run a Dog Rescue

Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh
  • 4.5 (16)
  • PETS & ANIMALS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Join the women behind the magic of Dog Gone Seattle, the largest foster-based dog rescue in the Pacific Northwest, and hear the behind-the-scenes chronicles of rescue, the comedies and the errors, the celebrations and the abject failures, and everything in between, including expert opinions on all things Dog.

  1. 3.7: “Science Says” — Stress, Welfare, and Punishment: Dogma vs. Reality with Dr. Melanie Uhde

    JAN 1

    3.7: “Science Says” — Stress, Welfare, and Punishment: Dogma vs. Reality with Dr. Melanie Uhde

    “Science” is often invoked in dog training discussions to signal intelligence, moral superiority, and to shame those who advocate for balanced approaches. In Episode 3.7, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh sit down with neurobiologist and dog trainer Dr. Melanie Uhde to examine what science actually says about stress, punishment, welfare, and learning—and what that means for modern dog training. Together, they unpack the studies most commonly cited to condemn punishment, explaining why many fail to reflect real-world training and why metrics like cortisol or body language alone don’t capture long-term outcomes such as confidence, resilience, and success in real homes. They differentiate acute vs. chronic stress and explore stress inoculation, highlighting research that shows how appropriate stress can build coping skills and improve behavioral and neurological outcomes. The conversation also tackles aversive control, discussing why—when applied correctly—it can be more reliable, persistent, and generalizable than reward-only approaches. Finally, they connect the science to everyday life with dogs, addressing puppies, fosters, fearful dogs, and why aversive control shouldn’t be treated as a last resort. This is a nuanced, evidence-based discussion focused on moving past ideology and toward training that genuinely improves dogs’ lives in the real world. Mentions: Melanie Uhde Biograph Michael Ellis Cooper study Ivan's podcast discussion on Cooper study Shocking rats causes aggression Stress inoculation in mice Dopamine and aversive control Scientific terms defined: Confirmation BiasMethodsCausationCorrelationControlCortisolStress inoculationHippocampusLearned helplessnessEarly Neurological Stimulation (ENS)Social: Dr. Melanie Uhde Facebook: @Dr.Melanie.UhdeInstagram: @caninedecodedSo You Want to Run a Dog Rescue Facebook: @DGS.PodcastInstagram: @DGS.PodcastEmail: soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com 00:00 3.7: Science Says with Dr. Melanie Uhde 06:11 Why this conversation matters right now 15:03 Methodological issues with frequently cited studies 26:51 Welfare conclusions 37:08 The case for stress 44:26 Implications for epidemic of anxious dogs 49:56 The role of ENS 53:13 The case for punishment 58:14 How to prevent fallout from punishment 01:04:30 Why punishment should not be a 'last resort' 01:11:20 Advice for adopters 01:15:33 Simply daily habits for the average dog owner to build dog's resilience 01:20:08 Final last questions

    1h 32m
  2. 3.6: Starting with Science — A Primer on Operant Conditioning (and Where We Stand on Training, Officially)

    12/28/2025

    3.6: Starting with Science — A Primer on Operant Conditioning (and Where We Stand on Training, Officially)

    Recorded six weeks ago—if that gives any indication of how busy things have been — Episode 3.6 is short, sweet, and sets the table for the Season 3 finale with Dr. Melanie Uhde. Before taking listeners all the way to Science Town, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start with the basics: operant conditioning, the four quadrants, and what “punishment” actually means—hint: the dog decides, and it’s not a squirt bottle (at least not for Jenny’s GSD, Mando). Beyond terminology, this episode marks the first time balanced training is the main topic of discussion. Against the backdrop of an ideological war between training camps (and after experiencing some truly unhinged reactions to their willingness to stop behaviors that were quite literally going to get dogs killed), Ashlyn and Jenny discuss why balanced training is not only necessary, but often life-saving. They share real-world examples drawn from a statistically significant sample size (yes, they’re being scientific now) and explore whether lived experience can meaningfully influence the broader conversation. Or not—because, Jenny wonders, is it not just all the dogs on drugs? The episode also includes highlights from the Michael Ellis / Melanie Uhde Aversive Control seminar, including a gummy-adjacent encounter with a local trainer/breeder that very nearly didn’t make the cut. And for listeners less invested in the science and training discussion, skip ahead to Questions: resident nutrition savant Ashlyn shares some truly useful recommendations—especially for large breeds—you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned for Behind the Scenes where the banter is real, and listeners will understand why Shadowfax will never be invited to a podcast recording again. POD MENTIONS: Melanie Uhde Michael Ellis School Fixers Collective Reel AVSAB Veterinary Position Statement Nutriscan Optagest Mushroom Matrix Skin & Coat Myos Connectin Cosequin PARTNER MENTIONS: Fixers Collective Saving Great Animals Forever Home Dog Rescue Washington Health Outreach Regional Animal Services King County PAWS ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: Tera Tails Moses Cutie Pie Mango Thoven Luna Rico Ask us anything via Email: soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast 00:00 3.6 Starting with Science 01:12 Intro and exciting announcements 03:39 3.5 Recap Dogs Biting Kids Fixers Collective 10:21 Mango return 13:16 Dogs on drugs but what are the people on? 16:41 Melanie Uhde Primer 20:43 Why we haven't REALLY talked about this before 24:56 Operant Conditioning Primer: R+-P+- 28:58 Punishment determined by behavior (dog determines what is aversive) 30:58 Why punishment matters (stopping unwanted behaviors) 34:17 Rolex breeder AWKWARD 40:35 Running out of gas 42:16 Good time at the seminar 44:43 Why this is so important 47:24 Real world experience: Luna 53:41 A couple questions for Ashlyn on nutriscan (we got Joe's back) and Myos 56:49 Myos question 01:00:00 Final thoughts on "science" 01:01:49 Behind the Scenes 01:05:29 to dish or not to dish 01:06:55 dog shot in cemetery 01:07:28 Bloopers

    1h 10m
  3. 3.5: Dogs Biting Kids + 9-5 Crazy F*cking Shit List = Big Feelings

    11/21/2025

    3.5: Dogs Biting Kids + 9-5 Crazy F*cking Shit List = Big Feelings

    Season 3 Episode 5: Feral, F-bomb heavy, and full of chaos. Hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh start off “normally” enough—updates on the Dog Detective Case Files, Fixers Collective, and some behind-the-scenes strategery involving a spreadsheet so convoluted Jenny had to learn something called Javascript just to make it work. But then… Jenny goes off the rails. Spreadsheet-induced madness? Or just every day insanity of running the largest dog rescue in the PNW? You decide. Main topic: Dogs biting kids. Not great. Often complicated, but sometimes just screamingly obvious bad (human and/or canine) parenting. Lately, every day (9-5 and then some) has been full of Crazy Shit so this episode throws the usual segments into a blender and hits puree. (Cue the F-Bombs.) From “Dangerous Dog" designations who "just need a CGC" to maniacal keyboard warriors and delulu adopters sending novels to an overflowing inbox, the drama is real and the feelings are big. Grab your popcorn if you're here for the soapbox. Otherwise, skip to the Questions for super useful info on Nutriscan testing for food allergies. POD MENTIONS: Aversive Control SeminarMichael Ellis School Melanie Uhde [Canine Decoded]Bite Level in Dogs [Veterinary Partner]NutriScan [HemoPet]Dr. Jean Dodds [HemoPet]Animal Apologists Podcast [Spotify]Kayleigh and Dogs (Animal Apologists) [Instagram] PARNTER MENTIONS: Fixers Collective [Instagram]Crossroads VetDog B GoodDouble Down Dog TrainingThe Good Dog WayAll the Best Pet Care ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: LunaRexPennyLeoFreyaRico Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe! Chapters 00:00 3.5 Dogs Biting Kids 01:45 3.4 Updates: Luna, Sprinkles, Heist 09:01 What we've been up to (it's a lot) 12:34 Aversive Control Seminar at Michael Ellis School 14:28 Fixers Collective 2.0 17:24 Adoption Updates (Thank you Kris) 18:21 Main Topic: Dogs Who Bite Kids 19:30 Screening adult dogs for placement in homes with kids 23:21 Dog in the home and having a baby 24:55 But first: Bite Levels (The Bite Scale) 30:56 Lessons from Mando 37:48 Adding a dog to a family with kids 44:50 Ash's Adopter - Training YAY 49:28 Mango's Adopter - Not Great 55:21 Hindsight is 20-20 01:01:04 Take home message 01:05:49 A 9 to 5 of Crazy Shit 01:06:15 A 'dangerous' husky at Monroe PD who just needs a CGC 01:10:51 Most presumptuous surrender email ever 01:13:45 Freaking giant waste of time keyboard warriors 01:28:56 Questions: Nutriscan by Hemopet 01:32:08 Rico's Nutriscan results 01:38:53 Closing thoughts 01:39:32 Deleted Scenes

    1h 42m
  4. 3.4: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Dog Rescue Edition)

    11/03/2025

    3.4: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (Dog Rescue Edition)

    Apologies for the delay — after intaking 30 dogs in just four days, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh have had their hands (and homes) full. In Episode 3.4, they catch up on 3.3 Case Files (Luna, Rex, and Claudette) and take listeners behind the scenes of Not Your 9 to 5, where round-the-clock care at the Community Center is now part of the job. The main discussion covers wins, losses, and downright WTF moments — including one tearful Zoom call (awkward, and probably fueled by sleep deprivation) and a very unfortunate-looking dog. On the Shit List this week: an adopter/surrenderer in serious contention for Shittiest Shit Listee, breaking contracts and basic decency. The silver lining? An OG foster swoops in to save the day. Finally, in Questions, they tackle Smegma — a word that they wish didn’t exist. POD MENTIONS: LEADing the Pack Animal Welfare Conference [The Washington Federation of Animal Care and Control Agencies]Janelle Envy Tattoo [Instagram]The Canine ConferenceRan Liu [Instagram] Melanie Uhde [Instagram] Zeffy Dog Gone Deck of Cards Fundraiser [Zeffy] Myos Nutriscan PARNTER MENTIONS: K9 Kennel BossThe Good Dog WayVeterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Crossroads Vet Tacoma Humane Society ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: PadfootLeftyRico Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe! Chapters 00:00 3.4: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Rescue Edition 00:31 Excuses for podcast delays 04:39 Updates on Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Claudette 11:21 A little inside 'secret' 19:36 Really freaking awesome adoptions: Ryder round 2 22:41 MoVal sheppies and Sprinkles meet and greet 29:17 Walter the poodle! (When we celebrate a foster fail) 30:48 Not Your 9 to 5: Community Center Dog Sitch 36:39 Hodgepodge: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 37:30 The Good: Zeffy and Rico 45:17 The Bad: The Day-to-Day Grind 49:01 The Ugly (Crying on a Zoom anyone?) 52:49 Ashlyn's Ugly Nephew Dog Heist 58:03 Shit List 01:07:27 Questions: Smegma (not our favorite word) 01:07:31 Questions

    1h 12m
  5. 3.3 — Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Clyde

    10/12/2025

    3.3 — Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Clyde

    Rescue dogs don’t come with a sign on their head listing all their most important information It’s often the rescuer’s job to figure it out — piecing together clues from stakeholders, vet records, and in-person evaluations to paint a picture of each dog’s past, present, and future. In Episode 3.3, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive into three remarkable cases: Luna, a returned cattle dog (adopted as a puppy) with “debilitating anxiety”; Rex, an owner-surrendered shepherd arriving beyond emaciated with no clear medical explanation; and Clyde (Claudette), an unexpected quasi-feral shelter intake. They also recap a whirlwind stretch of over 30 new intakes — complete with the usual chaos (hello, kennel cough — see Not Your 9 to 5) — and skip the “Shit List” this week in favor of celebrating collaboration. Partnered rescues helped save 15 more lives, and that’s worth spotlighting. This episode pulls back the curtain on detective work in rescue, highlights the power of partnership, and delivers the usual side of chaos, humor, and emotional endurance — all in a day’s work for a rescuer. POD MENTIONS: Diagnosing Kennel Cough in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide [Kinship]Body Condition Score (BCS) Chart for Dogs [Association for Pet Obesity Prevention]The Honest KitchenCushing’s Disease in Dogs: Signs and Treatment [MedVet]Laboratory Tests Confirming Cushing's Syndrome [Veterinary Partner] PARNTER MENTIONS: Tail Lights Rescue ProjectSTART RescueK9 Kennel BossNirvana K9 TrainingCrossroads VetStanislaus Modesto Animal ServicesSaving Great AnimalsYakima Valley Pet Rescue (Valley Spay & Neuter)Furry Freight ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: MurrayAbigailLuna Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe! Chapters 00:00 3.3 — Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Clyde 03:36 Huge week for intakes 07:53 A present for Ashlyn 11:31 Our Genius Infomercial Idea 13:06 Jenny FAIL 16:10 Not Your 9 to 5: Kennel Cough 19:52 Do your resident dogs catch it? 21:58 Main Topic: We're basically dog detectives 23:31 Luna adopted as a puppy returned as an adult with "debilitating anxiety" 29:42 Rex, an unexpectedly emaciated owner surrender 38:19 Clyde (Claudette) shelter intake surprise 46:54 Anti Shit List Gold Star Rescue Collabs 47:46 Saving Great Animals and 8 Yorkies 51:44 Yakima Valley Pet Rescue 7 Puppies 56:41 Finding more fosters, fail 01:01:37 This number has been disconnected 01:02:57 Outro 01:03:18 Behind the Scenes

    1h 5m
  6. 3.2 - Senior Adopters: Balancing Limits, Hard Truths, and Potential Payoffs

    09/22/2025

    3.2 - Senior Adopters: Balancing Limits, Hard Truths, and Potential Payoffs

    In Episode 3.2, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh are back with another dose of chaos and candor. They kick things off in Not Your 9 to 5, celebrating their first spay/neuter clinic: 31 dogs fixed in a single day — a win for rescue, a loss for Ashlyn’s back. The main topic tackles adopting to seniors, and why some rescues just won’t do it. It’s not about ageism; it’s about reality — fixed incomes, mobility struggles, and the hard truth that sometimes dogs outlive their humans. Complicated? Absolutely. But also: Some of the most special homes you’ll ever find. Jenny and Ashlyn unpack the fine line between discriminating and discrimination (and why being discerning is literally part of the job), sharing tips for navigating placements with older adopters. On the Shit List, Jenny wades into the awkward waters of anxiety and placement regret after an adopter spiraled into panic attacks before the dog had even decompressed. (Pro-tip: it’d be nice to know ahead of time when someone’s one popped collar away from a full-blown crisis). Finally, in Questions, they share a few red flags and low-key red flags reading between the lines on adoption apps. Some might surprise you! POD MENTIONS: Sparks K9Seattle Animal FoundationSardis Raptor CenterOld Dog Haven2.4: Fungus Among Us -- Healing Yeasty Dogs from the Inside Out [DGS Podcast]The Anxious Generation (Jonathan Haidt) [Amazon] PARNTER MENTIONS: Double Down Dog TrainingVeterinary Emergency Group (VEG)A Dog’s Best FriendSTART RescueTail Lights Rescue ProjectFixers Collective [Instagram]Saving Great AnimalsForever Home Dog RescueSeattle Veterinary OutreachCrossroads VetNirvana K9 Training ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: SprinkleLicoriceRamenEren Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe! Chapters 00:00 3.2 Senior Adopters: Balancing Limits, Hard Truths, and Potential Payoffs 01:59 A kid-free Anniversary weekend (ofc Jenny brought the dog) 07:16 Updates from 3.1 and Three Awesome Adoptions 10:13 Planning for multiple big intakes! (Finally) 14:39 Not Your 9 to 5: Fixers Collective Spay Neuter Clinic 25:15 Main Topic: Navigating Senior Adopters 28:29 4 Concerns/Considerations: Mental, Physical Capacity, Fixed Income and Death Plan 35:21 More typical challenges and positive considerations 40:11 What about Seniors for Seniors programs? 41:51 How do we navigate this: In person assessment, references, and difficult conversations 45:13 Real rescue examples: Data the Cattle Dog (Denied) 48:01 Anastasia: Vet reference check FAIL 48:59 Halle Berry: Checked all the boxes and a perfect senior placement 52:35 Asking the difficult question with Bear 54:25 Grandma Margie and Lucy 57:28 Going above and beyond and being open minded 01:00:24 Mistakes we won't make again 01:05:38 Key takeaways (it can be really special when you get it right) 01:07:47 A shit list anxious generation adoption return 01:16:25 Question: Red flags (and low-key red flags) on adoption applications

    1h 23m
  7. 3.1 - Spay Aborts: The No-Brainer No-Kill Can't Handle

    09/10/2025

    3.1 - Spay Aborts: The No-Brainer No-Kill Can't Handle

    Season Three, LFG! In episode 1, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive straight into a hot-button topic: spay aborts. Why so controversial? In today’s rescue climate, it should be a no-brainer. But with big names like No-Kill Austin Pets Alive pushing a twisted, delusional narrative (and dirty-deleting their infamous video when the internet clapped back), someone’s gotta say it: we’re not sipping that Kool-Aid! Before we go full soapbox, though, in Not Your 9 to 5, we talk Strep Zoo (yep, add it to the ever-growing rescue worry list) and our 3 a.m. VEG adventure that, thankfully, had a happy ending. And yes—the Crazy Folder is back. This one’s a doozy: Ashlyn unleashes her best “howler” to deliver Tammy’s unhinged message to volunteer Juliana. Spoiler: Tammy wanted a manager. Ashlyn was more than happy to oblige. Go home, Tammy—you’re drunk. (Or just a batty bitch.) POD MENTIONS: International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)Ivan Balabanov [Training without Conflict]Jay Jack [Next Level Dogs]Dr. Melanie Uhde [Canine Decoded]Renegade Paws RescueSUPERZOOStreptococcus zooepidemicus: an emerging canine pathogen [PubMed]Strep zoo outbreak (July 4, 2025) [Stanislaus Animal Services Facebook] Response to Austin Pets Alive video (dirty delete) [Love and Puppy Paws Dog Rescue Facebook]Commercial Breeder and Pet Store Laws by State [Bailing Out Benji] PARNTER MENTIONS: K9 Kennel BossAll the Best Pet CareDouble Down Dog TrainingVeterinary Emergency Group (VEG)Nirvana K9 TrainingStanislaus Animal ServicesThe Good Dog WayCrossroads Vet ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: SprinkleSundaeEugeneLunchSnack Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe! Chapters 00:00 3.1 Spay Abort 03:46 IACP key takeaways 08:00 Really exciting announcement (podcast guest) 09:36 Superzoo slip lead search 13:54 Household updates, kids and dogs 21:50 Dogs and kids (stress inoculation) 23:21 Not Your 9 to 5: Strep Zoo scare 25:32 Another gold star for VEG 26:52 Context: Heidi the GSD 31:02 Main Topic: Spay Abort in Shelters and Rescues 32:25 Austin Pets Alive Anti-Spay Abort Message (and Dirty Delete) 35:36 Love and Puppy Paws Dog Rescue Response (Accurate) 37:02 Ashlyn's comment (mic drop) 38:40 The problems with the puppies 40:18 What is best for the moms anyway? 43:02 Our policy: Spay abort if safe 47:41 Thank goodness for our vet 50:11 Crazy Folder: Karen's cousin Tammy 55:14 Ashlyn's HR hat 57:09 Coming up in season 3 58:30 Q1 - How do you know if a pet store is a puppy mill? 01:00:42 Q2 - How do you name all the dogs? 01:05:11 Good vibes signing off 01:06:13 Behind the scenes with Sally's farts

    1h 7m
  8. 2.29: Scrotal Hematoma (aka Swollen Empty Ball Sac Syndrome)

    08/15/2025

    2.29: Scrotal Hematoma (aka Swollen Empty Ball Sac Syndrome)

    Season Two Finale! In episode 29, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh gear up for a week in Savannah at the IACP conference—with two husbands and five young kids in tow. Between the usual chaos and conference prep, they share rescue updates and dive into the saga of Enzo’s, ahem, “ball situation” (medically: scrotal hematoma). This inspires a slightly uncomfortable trip down rescue memory lane, featuring legends like Dicer the Doberman and Pepsi, the infamous Giving Tuesday tearjerker. This one is a short, sweet, and delightfully awkward episode that might have you wondering what it’s like to ice your dog’s bits. Par for the course of a day in the life! POD MENTIONS: International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP)The Sprinkler Game [The Collared Scholar You Tube]Scrotal Hematoma [Veterinary Key Points]Von Willebrand Disease [Cornell]Crate Breaking Prevention [The Good Dog Way]Duke Ferguson [Unleashed Potential]Melanie Uhde [Canine Decoded]Dog Pro Radio Podcast [IACP]Episode 16: Jay Jack [Dog Pro Radio] PARNTER MENTIONS: Double Down Dog TrainingFurry Freight Shelter TransportTail Lights Rescue ProjectCrossroads VetK9 Kennel Boss ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS: SundaeCleoFranklinEnzo Ask us anything via Email to soyouwanttorunadogrescue@gmail.com Follow us on social media at @dgs.podcast Don't forget to Like, Share, Comment and Subscribe! Chapters 00:00 2.29 Scrotal Hematoma 02:38 Rescue center updates 03:51 First training seminar and it's engagement games 07:51 Two stars and a wish 08:45 Dog updates 13:30 Still looking for skeletons in Franklin's closet 15:14 Empty swollen ball sac syndrome aka scrotal hematoma 17:38 What even is it and what are risk factors 20:12 Caring for a dog with scrotal hematoma 24:37 When ablation is necessary 26:31 Vet dynamics with 'botched' surgeries 29:58 Most memorable scrotal hematomas 30:45 Bruno the GSD going to Canada circa 2017 32:21 Probably the worst: Dicer the Doberman 35:14 Ashlyn's worst case: Archer, also a Doberman 37:14 Pepsi the Giving Tuesday Poster Boy 38:37 Considerations for Shadowfax 39:34 Heading to IACP Conference in Savannah 41:57 Excited to see Melanie Uhde (Canine Decoded) 44:35 Jay Jack Windows Theory 49:29 Future of the Podcast: Season 3! 51:16 Deleted Scenes and ADHD Tangents

    53 min
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4.5
out of 5
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About

Join the women behind the magic of Dog Gone Seattle, the largest foster-based dog rescue in the Pacific Northwest, and hear the behind-the-scenes chronicles of rescue, the comedies and the errors, the celebrations and the abject failures, and everything in between, including expert opinions on all things Dog.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    58
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh
  • Show Website
    So You Want to Run a Dog Rescue

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