Surviving Animal Rescue: Tails of the Nitty Gritty
We are foster based animal rescue organization out of western Wisconsin where we share educational animal ownership tips and tricks, discuss controversial subjects, welcome guest speakers experts in all things animal- behavioral, veterinary, other rescuers across the country, and share our experiences of running an animal rescue.
Episodes
42 episodes
All Things Cat Purr-ogram w/ Kassie!
In this episode, we sit down with our Cat Coordinator, Kassie and talk all things cats and kittens! But wait, aren't we JUST a dog rescue? Nope! Coco's Heart Dog Rescue has been welcoming kittens since our doors opened in 2010. This year we hav...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:07:05
It's probably about time we introduce our host of the show!
We got all the way through season 1 and realized, we never formally introduced you to our host of the show, JoHanna! She has been with Coco's Heart Dog Rescue since 2014 where she started volunteering in small ways that overtime with lots of ha...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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44:06
What is coming up for Season 2?!
We are jumping into 2026 full of excitement for season 2 of our Surviving Animal Rescue podcast here at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue. Welcoming new guests including authors, professionals in the animal welfare industry, partner organizations of ours...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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2:37
That’s a Wrap...Closing Out Season 1 & Stepping Into 2026!
We’re wrapping up season 1 by gathering around the team table with our Foster Coordinators and Behavioral Support Coordinator to talk all things 2025! Tune in for unforgettable rescue moments, standout animals, honest conversations about some c...
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Season 1
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Episode 38
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1:07:27
Laughs, Fun, and a Giant Newfie- The Erica Epsiode!
Buckle up because in this episode, we welcome the one, the only, the walking burst of sunshine herself- Erica! For years, Erica has been a powerhouse at Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, pouring her whole heart (and often her sanity) into sa...
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Season 1
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Episode 37
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1:11:59
Understanding Canine Distemper
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Derr, a veterinarian specializing in behavior, and the Director of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue to break down one of the most serious and often misunderstood canine illnesses- distemper virus. Together, we explo...
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Season 1
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Episode 36
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50:53
A Volunteer Who Does it All- Meet Karmen!
In this episode, we sit down with Karmen, a wonderful Foster Mentor, foster extraordinaire, and supporter of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue. Known for her creativity, patience, and unwavering dedication, Karmen has helped dogs of every background, fro...
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Season 1
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Episode 35
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51:28
The Making of a Crisis: How Humans Shaped Animal Overpopulation
The animal overpopulation didn’t happen overnight...it’s the product of centuries of breeding, fashion, and fascination. In this episode, we talk about how “designer” dogs became status symbols, how pop culture fueled demand for specific breeds...
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Season 1
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Episode 34
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1:01:03
Out of the Cold: Part 2- Saving Lives Before Winter’s Grip
In this two part series, we conclude our discussion on all things Out of the Cold. Sitting with our Foster Coordinators and talking about how much goes into this historic annual rescue effort. As temperatures drop, our team gears up...
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Season 1
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Episode 33
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49:55
400+ Animals Welcomed to Rescue. One Weekend. Out of the Cold.
No single person can help 400+ animals alone...it takes a village. In this episode, we shine a light on the volunteers, transporters, fosters, veterinarians, and community partners who come together to pull off our largest rescue effort of the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 32
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1:06:56
Twelve Years of Love, Animal Rescue, and Alisha
In this episode, we're celebrating the 12 year journey of our friend and true OG of Coco's Heart Dog Rescue. She’s a volunteer, a coordinator, and a constant source of love — and for over 12 years, Alisha has been part of what makes Coco’s Hear...
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Season 1
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Episode 31
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45:13
Part 2: Celebrating the Past, Excited for the Future w/ Angel's Pet World
The fun continues in part two of our conversation with Angel’s Pet World! From the early rescue days to big community moments, Angel, Al, and Erica share all the joy, laughter, and love that have made th...
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Season 1
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Episode 30
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42:48
The Power of Partnership, Our Story with Angel's Pet World- Part 1
We’re thrilled to welcome one of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue’s biggest supporters who have become family to us — Angel’s Pet World, a beloved small business in the heart of Hudson, WI with even bigger...
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Season 1
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Episode 29
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49:58
Clinic Confessions, Veterinary Life in Animal Rescue
Two of our amazing veterinary team members, Shannon and Amber, join us to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue Veterinary Clinic. From the day-to-day hustle to some surprising “did ya know?” moments, they share what ...
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Season 1
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Episode 28
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56:34
Sharing the Leash- Dog Foster Life with Sara & Jarred
In this episode, we welcome Sara, our adult dog Foster Coordinator and her partner and high school sweetheart, Jarred- our very first male guest too, woohoo! Together, they share what it’s like to foster as a team and give us a behind-the-scene...
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Season 1
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Episode 27
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1:00:28
Special Cases, Special Care: Amber's Impact
In this episode, we introduce you to Amber, one of our newest coordinators of the Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue team! Amber’s role is a unique hybrid—she bridges the gap between our veterinary team and the rescue, overseeing special medical cases and...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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48:56
From Paws to Mini Hooves- The History of Richard's Place
This week, we’re sharing a very special chapter in our rescue’s journey. What started with saving dogs has grown into something even more unexpected... welcoming mini horses into our Coco's Heart Dog Rescue family and community.In this e...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:06:31
Finding Furever, One Adoption Application at a Time
Behind every happily-ever-after adoption story is someone working tirelessly to make it happen. In this episode, we sit down with our amazing Adoption Applications Processing Coordinator, Tascha, the heart and soul who stays up late into the ev...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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1:07:48
Kim's Story: Italian Greyhouds, Quirky Dogs, and 230+ Foster Dogs
This week at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, we’re thrilled to welcome Kim, a foster mentor, event rockstar, super foster, and one of the most dedicated volunteers of the Coco’s Heart family. From guiding new foster families, to working with quirky (o...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:07:15
A Heavy Heart- Behavioral Euthanasia and the Journey Through Grief in Rescue
This week on our Surviving Animal Rescue podcast here at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, we open our hearts to the heaviest of conversations... one that sits at the intersection of love, limits, and loss. We talk about behavioral eut...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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50:38
From California to Wisconsin- Mary, The Coordinator Extraordinaire
We sit down with one of our rescue’s most dedicated and multi-talented volunteers and coordinators, Mary. From conducting references and background checks, to greeting potential adopters with a warm smile at Angel’s Pet World adoption events, t...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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59:00
The Crate Debate- All things Kennel and Crating for Your Dog!
In this episode of Surviving Animal Rescue, we’re diving into all things kennels and crates... from crate training tips to choosing the right crate for your dog. Whether you're fostering, adopting, or just want to improve your setup, we’...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:06:11
Understanding Adoption Fees: The Cost of Animal Rescue
Let’s talk adoption fees! We’re pulling back the curtain on how we determine our adoption fees and why they’re a crucial part of the rescue process here at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue. We dive into what they include, how they support our mission, a...
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Season 1
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Episode 19
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54:39
Heart & Hustle: A Mother-Daughter Duo Making a Difference
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with an unstoppable mother-daughter team, Elena and Nola, whose impact ripples across generations and species alike. With a shared passion for advocacy, this dynamic duo champions animal rescue, uplifts yo...
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Season 1
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Episode 18
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49:10
Fostering 101: Getting Started with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue
New to fostering with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue? You’re in the right place! In this special orientation episode, we sit down for a conversational walk-through of everything you need to know as you begin your journey as a foster. From what to expe...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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1:06:58