Raise The Woof

Since 2020, Gabe and his team at Pawster have been helping to KEEP pets safe when their owner is facing a crisis. From loss of home, rehab, domestic violence, and much more, his team of fosters takes in pets when their owners need some time. This is an in-demand program as shelters feel the weight of owner surrenders and high euthanasia rates. Seeing the video of the owners reuniting with their pets brought me to tears! Gabe joins me to tell us all about Pawster. More here: https://pawsternashville.org/

All small businesses start with a passion to change the status quo. Something clicks because you have had an experience and want to make it better. For Kym, it was nutrition for her dog Koko. What started as testing various flavors and combinations has grown into Koko's Kitchen-frozen treats for your pet! Kym is a great guest, who has built a passion into an incredible business. For more: https://treatsbykokoskitchen.com/

"A safe haven for souls in need." YES! The Henry Haven is doing SO MUCH GOOD! Heidi, the Founder, joins me to talk about all the good they are doing in Arkansas and beyond! More here: https://www.thehenryhaven.org/

It is so special to watch an organization grow and change so many lives. Formerly Spay IL, Paws for a Cause has a brand new building and what started as helping people to spay and neuter their pets has evolved into SO much more.  In 2023, 8900 cats and dogs spayed and neutered, but also they have assisted over  252,000 pets, helping out their owners immensely. A great conversation with the Development Manager Matt East! For more: https://pcvetcare.org/

You gotta love vodka that does good for the animals! John Daly backs the vodka that "drives positive change!" Through their charitable arm "Good Boy Foundation, they have given checks to municipal shelters and rescues all over the country. Social Media, Marketing Director Jenna Ashmead joins me! more here: https://goodboyvodka.com/

In 2024: 10 million meals.  4 million pounds of food and supplies.  Rescue Pack is doing so much good for rescues and communities by providing food, supplies, clinics and so much more to people that really need it. Started in 2016, Kathy had built it into an incredible resource for so many and on this episode her and Jessica, the Program Director, BREAK NEWS! For more: www.rescuepack.org

As technology advances, we are able to reach people quickly and easily and for someone facing the loss of a pet, this could be a game-changer. A new platform called Pawprints Care enables users to text with a therapist or doctor about anticipatory grief or pet loss grief. For people that would rather not face someone in a large group or in person, this could be an incredible way to connect about the immense loss they have just endured. One of the Founders Dr. Julie Austin joins me for a candid conversation. For more: https://www.pawprints.care/

"As long as we are alive, we need to live." The Live Like Roo Medical Director sent me an email and said "sit down and watch this with no distractions." The brilliant short film that I watched touched my soul immediately. Renee Baffert joins me to talk about Eben, the inspiration behind the film, as well as her work in pet loss grief counseling. It is a great convo. Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bac0xY0hSS8

In 1953, six women noticed an issue with the local "pound" and started to help with resources and education. Now, 72 years later, Hinsdale Humane Society's mission is built around not only saving animals, but providing resources and education in their community. The Director of Development, Erin joins me for a conversation on the big difference Hinsdale Humane Society is making for pets and the people in and around Hinsdale. For more: https://www.hinsdalehumanesociety.org/

Jessica Siegfried is the founder of Pittie Chicks, a clothing brand for pit bull lovers.  She recently collaborated with an author to tell the story of her own dog Bull, with the message of not judging a book by its cover and breaking stereotypes for pit bull type dogs. A great podcast! To buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Curious-Case-Beefy-Bull-Collection/dp/B0F89FXJNG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1L0WMA14OQXPE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.qk7d5b9h6_91kZvDxmLeLg.vHwbJbvOW746V-TAaMr3FJZC6DlqDR-vqLxDbDaC1GM&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+curious+case+of+beefy+bull&qid=1750863638&sprefix=the+curios+case+of+beefy+bull%2Caps%2C134&sr=8-1

John Fabiano tired of corporate America and decided to travel the world photographing dogs in their environment. In the process, he snagged the 2024 Documentary Photographer of the Year with a photo he took in Greenland. John is a great example of taking chances.  Another special guest. Thank you John. More here: https://www.instagram.com/fabs5180  Unmuzzled is presented by Yutka Fence, Canine Crews, Bond Vet and Kiki's Korner. 

Mark helped me out in a desperate time needing a photographer for our calendar and what he sent back to me was breathtaking. Mark does a lot of end-of-life sessions and has one of the best eyes for photography that I have ever seen. Mark joins me for a terrific conversation on how tough it can be to shoot these sessions and how he learned photography. For more: https://www.facebook.com/markluther.photos/  Unmuzzled is Presented by Canine Crews, Yutka Fence, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet 

"I hope we can get our message out and show you how dog food can be made because no one else really wants you to know how they make your dog's food."  With so much buzz about dog food, it is so hard to know what is best for your pet. Matthew Anderson, the Founder of Kibbies dog food, joins me. With a recipe of WHOLE ingredients, delivered fresh, it is easy to see why he decided on this business model. The path here was born out of a love and care for his dog Future Man. Matthew has a ton of insight on the pet food industry and just wants the best for you and your pet! For more: www.kibbies.co Unmuzzled is presented by Yutka Fence, Kiki's Korner, Bond Vet and Canine Crews. 

"What I was not prepared for is the heartache of losing them."  Farm animals are often discarded in some of the worst ways. More and more farm sanctuaries are popping up and doing the really tough work. Freedom Run Farm Sanctuary assists abused and neglected farm animals in Illinois and is hoping to help even more! For more: www.freedomrunfarmsanctuary.com Unmuzzled is presented by Yutka Fence, Kiki's Korner, Bond Vet and Canine Crews. 

"It is so easy to sit behind a keyboard and berate people. Change is possible if people are willing to work with them." Imelda has been a friend of mine for 10+ years and I have watched her blossom into a beautiful human being who keeps evolving. We first met at Chicago Animal Care and Control where she was an Animal Control Officer and I was a volunteer. We each helped the other to save lives. She was a bright spot in a really tough place. Now, she has a new business called Tanimu and advocates for tripods. This is a great conversation and you can tell it is solid because this is my longest podcast. GREAT INSIGHT. For more: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Tanimubodega

"It takes $75,000/month to run the sanctuary." With over 700 in their care Sara (Society for Rescue and Adoption) Sanctuary is often a last stop for animals that would otherwise be euthanized or discarded. Founder Tracy Frank converted her family ranch to a magical place for all kinds of animals including pigs, llamas, dogs, donkeys an so much move. She is a terrific guest. For more: https://www.sarasanctuary.org/ Thank you to our sponsor: Kiki's Korner, Yutka Fences, Canine Crews and Bond Vet. 

"Don't tell them your sorry, tell them thank you. You are helping them."  -Dr. Kent Morton It is never too late to make a career change and for Dr. Morton of Bond Vet, he not only made a switch, but he has made a huge splash in the vet med field with FIP cats and frenchies. Though he has some specialties, being in a general practice WITH urgent care at Bond Vet has taught Dr. Morton that each day brings new challenges, which he absolutely loves. We chat about euthanasia, vet depression, doodles, compassion fatigue and so much more. A terrific guest! For more: www.bondvet.com Unmuzzled is presented by Bond Vet, Canine Crews, Yutka Fence, and Kiki's Korner. 

"You do not have to give up your whole life and have 100 acres to be an animal advocate or to save pigs." Pigs are magical animals. I had a few pet pigs growing up. They are SO smart and the abandoned and abused have been given a 2nd chance with Chicagoland Pig Rescue. They are doing incredible work and are celebrating  years this month, with over 300 PIGS SAVED! For more: www.chicagolandpigrescue.com Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet. 

Planting a tree in memory of a beloved pet helps the human grieve, but it is also great for the environment. Trees for Pets started in Australia and has had so much success that it is now available in the US. Marlen Farley joins me for a great conversation on this remarkable business she founded. More here: https://www.treesforpets.com.au/ Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet. 

"I would love a dog sanctuary." -says every animal-lover Attorney David Kerpel is making his dream (and thousands of others) a reality in the suburbs of Illinois. As construction starts on an old horse farm, David and his team are busy making sure everything is perfect for their new residents. The key to this sanctuary is that it is just a stop along the way of the dog's journey. The hope is to pull dogs from euthanasia and homelessness and provide a temporary spot for them to land before they are adopted. More here: fureverhomedogsanctuary.org Unmuzzled is presented by Yukta Fence, Canine Crews, Kiki's Korner and Bond Vet.