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

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 RescueBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

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 CavallaroBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

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 AchterbergBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

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 CompassionBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

In today’s episode, we're joined by Anne Abel, author of newly released book, Mattie, Milo, and Me. Anne shares the touching stories of how her rescue dogs, Mattie and Milo, helped her navigate grief and depression. We discuss the complexities of adopting pets with undisclosed behavioral issues, highlighting the compassion and commitment required. Additionally, we tackle the debate: does someone with grief need time to recover before getting another dog, or does a new furry companion aid in healing? Join us for a heartfelt exploration of resilience, love, and the transformative power of canine companionship.EPISODE NOTES: Navigating Grief with the Healing Journey of Rescue DogsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

In this episode, we delve into the touching story of Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me with its author, Grant Hayter-Menzies. While Grant is renowned for his historical works, his latest book shifts the focus to a more contemporary and deeply personal subject – his cherished rescue dog, Freddie who has crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021. In this episode, Grant shares the invaluable insights, steps, and tools they used to facilitate Freddie's acclimatization to overcome his fears and alleviate his general anxiety in the world. As we celebrate Freddie's life, Grant's tips and experiences offer a guide for those who wish to follow in his footsteps. His new book not only pays tribute to a remarkable rescue dog but offers comfort to others who resonate with loving and losing a pet, gone through a medical journey with a pet, or adopted an animal with a history of abuse. Freddie may have rescued Grant, but his legacy now extends to countless others through the lessons he imparts.EPISODE NOTES: From Puppy Mill to Loving Home: How One Man Rescued and Rehabilitated His Best Friend Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

In this episode, we explore the powerful synergy between technology and compassion in revolutionizing dog adoptions. Join us as we talk to Rescue Spot founder Nicole Patrick about how social media, apps and other out-of-box strategies are transforming shelter-to-home connections for dogs in need. Explore avenues beyond traditional volunteering, discover ways to make a difference, and learn about launching foster-based rescues. Tune in to discover the evolving landscape of dog adoption and find inspiration to take action in your own unique way.EPISODE NOTES: Transforming Dog Adoptions: Tech, Compassion, and New Horizons Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

Losing your 4-legged best friend can be one of the most difficult things to experience. Because of their shorter life span than humans, that is often the case. However, it can go the other way around. The dog may also lose their human through illness or death and their lives drastically change to a whole different environment. Unfortunately, it is likely a shelter if family members are unable to care for the dog. Organizations like ElderDog not only have a mission of re-homing dogs in these cases, but they also support elders in taking care of their dogs so they are not put in a position to let their dog go. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Ardra Cole, Executive Director of ElderDog Canada, a national charity dedicated to ageing people and ageing dogs.EPISODE NOTES: Aging Dogs, Aging People Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

Today's guest is Elizabeth Menegon, founder of Hands 2 Paws, a matching app that helps people with the 2 most important questions when looking for a dog. This episode will discuss the importance of not only choosing a dog based on your lifestyle but choosing ethical breeders if you go that route, so that health issues with the dogs are minimized. EPISODE NOTES: Hands 2 Paws App: Matching You With A Dog Suitable For Your Lifestyle & An Ethical Breeder Or Rescue Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

In this episode, we will discuss how rescue dog adopters can increase their success as canine parents. Unfortunately, there are many adopters that end up returning the dog to the shelter for various reasons. In the case where the adopter just didn't feel a connection, is there a way to address that? Should the connection always be immediate or does it take time? Does the adopter first need to have self-connection before they can develop a relationship with their dog? What are the consequences if the adopter doesn't learn to connect with themselves and their new rescue dog? Our guest, Michael Overlie, will share his insights on that process and how it can significantly reduce adopters returning the dog to a shelter. He will cover how the adopters' inner awareness plays a role in the process. Lastly, Michael will share his experience on how canines can help their human with their self-growth. EPISODE NOTES: Keys To Decreasing 'Shelter Returns' Of Rescue Dogs And The Process Of Inner Awareness Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

This episode is about shining a light on the fact that rescue dogs not only need us; we also need rescuing with the help of support dogs. With enough education and awareness, this mutual relationship can help us and dogs thrive as we were meant to! “Paws for Love” is a show premiered on DOGTV, that follows Nashville couple Sean and Christina Conlon — and their golden retriever therapy dog Nash — who sold 90 percent of their possessions to begin a quest to travel around America helping others through therapy dogs. EPISODE NOTES: New Docuseries Paws For Love Raises Awareness On Support Dogs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.

How can we care for permanently disabled dogs? This topic is an important one to discuss because many injured or disabled dogs are given up by owners to the shelters because they cannot care for them. At the same token, many injured dogs (especially with permanent physical disabilities) have a harder time being adopted. In this episode, Sharon Seltzer, co-founder of Heaven Can Wait Animal Society and founder of Dog Wheelchair LIFE will be sharing with us her expertise and experience in this area of canine care. EPISODE NOTES: Caring For Disabled Dogs Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/save-a-pooch-rescue-dog-welfare-pet-life-radio-original--6669238/support.