Why Rescue Alone Can't Solve Houston's Dog Problem

Saving dogs starts long before they're rescued.In this episode of Save Lives With Us, Alayna sits down with Jodi Leslie, Director of Volunteers and Community Outreach at Three Little Pitties Rescue, to talk about the work happening in communities where families and their pets need support.Jodi shares what she sees firsthand: families who love their animals but struggle to afford vaccines, flea prevention, and spay and neuter services. She explains how free vaccine clinics, affordable veterinary care, donated supplies, and community education can help prevent animals from ending up on the streets or in already overcrowded shelters.She also shares some of the stories that have shaped this work, including Gilly, a senior dog found outside a restaurant, and a group of dogs in Alvin living near a busy road where several had already been hit by cars.It's a side of animal rescue that doesn't always get attention, but it matters. Because saving lives isn't only about rescuing the dogs who need help today. It's about reaching more animals before they need rescue tomorrow.Save Lives With Us is the podcast from Three Little Pitties Rescue, exploring the challenges facing animals in our communities and the people working to create lasting change.

Rescue organizations work every day to save animals in need. But how do we address the problems that keep putting animals at risk?Alayna talks with Natalie “Fox” Maisel, a dedicated Three Little Pitties foster and animal welfare advocate involved with Texas Humane Legislation Network and Lone Star Humane Association.Fox shares how animal welfare legislation works, why stronger protections matter, and the issues advocates are working to address—from puppy mill sales and animal fighting to improving access to veterinary care. She also explains how everyday Texans can contact their lawmakers and help move change forward.You don't have to work in politics to make a difference. Sometimes, a simple phone call is a place to start.

What does animal control see every day—and what can actually be done to help?Alayna sits down with Amy Henderson, supervisor of Texas City Animal Control, to talk about more than 20 years on the front lines of animal welfare. Amy shares what happens when shelters fill up, why animal control can't always remove an animal immediately, and how education can help prevent dogs from becoming homeless in the first place.We also discuss animal cruelty, the importance of reporting animals in distress, and why animal control and rescue organizations need each other.It's an eye-opening conversation about the realities of Houston's dog crisis—and why lasting change starts with understanding, compassion, and a community willing to step up.

Houston has a dog problem. And if you’ve never seen it up close, it’s hard to understand just how big it is.Dogs dumped along rural roads. Shelters running out of space. Animals people want to help—but there simply isn't always somewhere to put them.In the newest episode of Save Lives With Us, Alayna sits down with Samantha and Anita to talk about what they’re seeing across Houston and what it actually takes to save these animals.Because rescue isn't just about picking up a dog.It’s fosters. Volunteers. Behavior. Medical care. Social media. Transport. And a whole lot of people working together to create one more opening for the next animal that needs help.And sometimes, that work takes a dog found under a bridge and gives them a completely different life.🎙️ Listen to the newest episode of Save Lives With Us wherever you get your podcasts.🐾 There are more dogs that need help. The question is what we do about it.#HoustonDogs #AnimalRescue #DogRescue #RescueDogs #SaveLivesWithUs #ThreeLittlePitties

In this episode of Save Lives With Us, Alayna talks with Esther, a Three Little Pitties board member, gala chair, and adopter, about how rescue unexpectedly became a huge part of her family's life.Esther and her husband Richard had never been involved in rescue before. Then they discovered Three Little Pitties, started supporting animals online, attended the gala, and eventually adopted two dogs of their own.Their story is a reminder that there are so many ways to help—and you don't have to be on the front lines every day to make an impact.From adopting and donating to volunteering, using your professional skills, bringing friends into the mission, or simply sharing what you've learned, everyone has something they can bring to the table.Because saving lives takes more than rescuers. It takes a community.

Houston has a dog problem—and we can't simply adopt our way out of it.In this episode, Alayna Goodson talks with Jodi Leslie, Director of Volunteers and Community Outreach, about the reality of animal overpopulation in Houston and the work being done to address the problem at its source.From free vaccines and microchips to spay and neuter programs in underserved communities, we talk about why prevention matters, the challenges families face, and how reaching people where they are can make a real difference.We also hear the story of Trixie, a dog found living near railroad tracks who spent a year learning to trust people before finding her forever home.The problem is bigger than any one rescue. So what can we actually do about it?Listen in and find out.

What happens behind the scenes when a rescue animal needs to find the right family?In this episode, Alayna Goodson sits down with Cynthia Peña, Director of Adoptions at Three Little Pitties Rescue, to talk about Cynthia's journey into rescue and what it really takes to make successful adoptions happen.From the importance of finding the right match to supporting families after adoption, Cynthia shares what goes into the thousands of adoptions Three Little Pitties facilitates every year. They also discuss adoption fees, transportation, the challenges of reaching adopters, and why the work of rescue is so much bigger than simply finding a dog or cat a home.And there's a beautiful happy ending: a dog missing for more than a year is reunited with his family, all thanks to a microchip.It's a behind-the-scenes look at the people, passion, and persistence that make rescue possible.🐾 Keep saving lives with us.

Behind every rescue is a team of volunteers who make it all possible. In this episode, Alayna sits down with longtime volunteers Candy and Lisa to talk about what keeps them coming back, the joy of transport nights, unforgettable doggy day outs, and how serving homeless dogs has changed their lives. They share funny stories, heartfelt moments, and why anyone can make a difference—even if it's just one walk, one foster, or one monthly donation. If you've ever wondered what it's really like to volunteer at Three Little Pitties Rescue, this episode is for you. 

Every great adoption starts long before a dog finds their forever home.In this episode of Save Lives With Us, Alayna sits down with Olga, Director of Intake, Behavior & Pathways at Three Little Pitties Rescue, to share her journey from volunteer to leading one of the rescue's most impactful programs. Together, they discuss how behavioral assessments help match dogs with the right families, the training that prepares dogs for success, and the difficult decisions that come with saving lives every day.From funny stories about the rescue's early days to the serious work behind one of the nation's lowest adoption return rates, this episode offers an inspiring behind-the-scenes look at the people working tirelessly to give every dog the best chance at a forever home.

What does it take to transport thousands of rescue animals across the country to their forever homes?In this episode of Save Lives With Us, founder Alayna Goodson sits down with Transport Coordinators Kim Smith and Stephanie Hoverman for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most demanding jobs in animal rescue. From preparing transport vehicles and caring for animals on the road to overcoming unexpected breakdowns and last-minute challenges, they share what it takes to keep lifesaving transports moving.It's an honest, funny, and inspiring conversation about the dedicated team helping dogs and cats reach the families waiting for them.