Animal Posse

Animal rescue isn't always about happy endings. Sometimes the hardest decisions are the ones we know won't make everyone happy.In this episode of Animal Posse, we discuss real responses from rescuers about setting boundaries, saying no, spay-abort, euthanasia, burnout, and the emotional toll of saving animals.Are we truly solving the problems in animal rescue, or just responding to one crisis after another?Join us for an honest conversation about the difficult side of rescue that doesn't always get talked about.

What is the one thing you believed about animal rescue before getting involved that you quickly learned wasn't true? In this solo episode of Animal Posse, we dive into the overwhelming response to that exact social media question.Rescuers, fosters, volunteers, and adopters didn't hold back. From the harsh realities of funding, public recognition, and shelter gatekeeping to the myths around intake vetting, adoption fees, and rescue collaboration, we read through the comments and break down what’s really happening behind the scenes. Whether you are a seasoned rescuer or simply an animal lover, tune in for an honest, unfiltered look at the challenges, hard truths, and everyday realities of doing the work on the front lines.

In this return episode of Animal Posse, Dixie gets real about the unfiltered truth of animal rescue life. From battling burnout and managing the emotional whiplash of 3:00 AM kitten vigils to sharing how a customer handing her kittens sparked a 20-year rescue journey (and the mission behind UFO's upcoming galaxy-themed spay/neuter ambulance!), this episode is a comforting, validating space for every rescuer, foster, and rehabber who knows what it feels like to physically not be able to push through one more thing—yet always come back.

In Part 2 of Animal Posse, host Dixie continues her conversation with animal advocate Veronica Belletto as they take a deeper look at the challenges facing the animal rescue community—and what we can do differently to protect the animals who depend on us.From trusting your instincts during adoption screenings to the growing problem of pet rehoming, Dixie and Veronica discuss why responsible pet ownership matters and how rescues can help families keep their animals instead of surrendering them.Dixie shares a real-life example of how a simple solution helped two cats remain with their owner during a housing crisis, while Veronica challenges the rescue community to rethink current practices and work toward stronger, more unified protocols.Are we doing enough to prevent animals from falling through the cracks? And could working together be the key to creating lasting change?Listen now as we move beyond identifying the problems and start talking about real solutions.#AnimalPosse #AnimalRescue #CatRescue #PetRehoming #ResponsiblePetOwnership #AnimalAdvocacy #RescueCommunity #AnimalWelfare #PetAdoption #SaveTheAnimals

In this episode of Animal Posse, host Dixie welcomes back animal advocate Veronica Belletto for an eye-opening discussion about a troubling trend in animal rescue.From social media "rescue" scams to cases involving animals adopted for abuse and financial exploitation, Dixie and Veronica explore how bad actors are finding ways to take advantage of both animals and the people trying to help them.The conversation dives into adoption screening practices, red flags rescuers should watch for, the importance of vet references, trusting your instincts, and whether rescue organizations need stronger, more unified protocols to keep animals safe.As stories of animal exploitation continue to surface, this episode asks an important question: How do we protect vulnerable animals without making it impossible for good adopters to give them loving homes?Listen now and join the conversation about protecting the animals who depend on us most.#AnimalPosse #AnimalRescue #CatRescue #PetAdoption #AnimalAdvocacy #RescueCommunity #AnimalWelfare #CatLovers #RescueCats #PetSafety

What happens to bears, big cats, parrots, and other exotic animals when they can no longer be kept as pets, used in entertainment, or housed by failing facilities?In this episode, Dixie sits down with Kati Krouse, founder and executive director of Bears Etc., the nation's first bear-focused sanctuary. Kati shares her journey from a farm kid in Indiana to veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and ultimately creating a nonprofit dedicated to giving captive wildlife a second chance.Together, they discuss the realities of the exotic pet trade, roadside zoos, circus animals, sanctuary life, wildlife advocacy, volunteer training, and what it truly takes to provide lifelong care for animals with nowhere else to go.You'll also hear how Bears Etc. is preparing to welcome rescued bears, why education is one of the organization's most powerful tools, and how everyday people can help create a better future for exotic animals.Learn more and support the mission at bearsetc.org.

In this heartbreaking episode of Animal Posse, host Dixie sits down with Jonathan from Rescue Alliance to discuss a devastating animal cruelty case in Walker, Louisiana. Authorities discovered nearly 40 cats and kittens trapped in dangerous, triple-digit conditions without proper access to food, water, or ventilation. Tragically, many of the animals did not survive.Jonathan shares what rescuers encountered on the scene, the urgent medical care required for the survivors, and the emotional toll these cases take on animal welfare organizations. The conversation also sheds light on the realities of rescue work, the challenges of overcrowding, the importance of responsible animal care, and how communities can help prevent similar tragedies.This powerful episode raises awareness about animal neglect, responsible rescue practices, fostering, and the lifesaving impact of volunteers and donations.Learn more, donate, or get involved: 🐾 Rescue Alliance: https://animalrecovery.org🐾 Donate & Wishlist Support: https://animalrecovery.org/donate🐾 Humane Society of Louisiana: https://humanela.orgAbout Animal Posse 🐈Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a community of animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice.Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time!📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.#AnimalPosse #CatRescue #AnimalWelfare #Louisiana #AnimalCrueltyAwareness #RescueAlliance #CatAdvocacy #PetRescue #FosterCats #AdoptDontShop

Ever wonder how energy healing and physical alignment can completely change your pet's behavior and well-being? In this episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with Kerri Russell, a certified practitioner of Whole Energy Body Balance and Animal Reiki, to discuss a holistic, whole-animal approach to pet wellness.Kerri shares her journey from a 30-year teaching career to becoming a pioneer in pet fascial bodywork and distance energy clearing. Tune in to learn how releasing tension in the fascial tissue and clearing household energy dynamics can help ease anxiety, improve multi-pet relationships, and bring deep relaxation to your cats and dogs—whether in-person or remotely!Connect with Kerri Russell & Learn More:Visit Kerri's official website: Body Balance for PetsExplore the technique training: Whole Energy Body BalanceAbout Animal Posse 🐈Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a community of animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice.Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time!📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

In this heart‑opening conversation, Dixie sits down with Ellie Laks, founder of The Gentle Barn, a world‑renowned sanctuary where rescued animals help humans heal through connection, compassion, and cow‑hug therapy.Ellie shares the extraordinary true story behind her new Macmillan picture book Gentle, beautifully illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell. The book follows John Lewis, a sick newborn calf rescued from a slaughterhouse and raised inside Ellie’s home—where he slept on a dog bed, drank from a bottle, and grew into a loving, gentle giant who now comforts visitors with his calm presence.Whether you’re an animal lover, a parent, a teacher, or someone seeking a moment of peace, this episode is a reminder that gentleness can change lives—human and animal alike.Learn more or plan a visit: The Gentle Barn → https://www.gentlebarn.orgAbout Animal Posse 🐈Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a community of animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice.Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time!📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.

This episode opens a rare window into what trauma feels like from the animal’s side. Dixie sits down with interspecies communicator Leiah Bowden, whose work blends intuitive perception, core shamanism, energy healing, and her signature soul‑journey portraits to reveal what animals carry beneath their behavior.Together, they explore how rescue cats experience fear, abandonment, multidimensional refuge, and healing; how intuitive communication actually works; and what humans often misunderstand about the emotional lives of traumatized animals. Leiah shares vivid stories of her earliest communications, the role of “helper beings,” and how listening differently can transform the lives of cats who’ve survived hardship.A deeply compassionate, eye‑opening conversation for rescuers, adopters, and anyone who’s ever wondered what their animals feel beyond what they show.About Animal Posse 🐈Welcome to Animal Posse! We share heartwarming stories and crucial insights to make a real difference for animals in need. As a project of the Unwanted Feline Organization, we are a community of animal lovers dedicated to rescue, advocacy, and education. This podcast does not provide medical, veterinary, or professional advice.Like, Share, and Subscribe to save lives through community, one rescue at a time!📌 DisclaimerThis show is for entertainment and general discussion only. The experiences, opinions, and information shared by our guests are their own, do not reflect the position of the show and are not intended as veterinary advice. This content should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or guidance. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your pet’s health or any medical concerns.