The Foster Files - Stories about Animal Rescue and Welfare
On The Foster Files we are telling stories about adoptable animals and the people who save them. Our focus will be on highlighting adoptable animals while discussing the joys, struggles, highs and heartbreaks of choosing to foster animals in need. You can expect to hear about training, rehabilitating, adoption and rescue stories, and animal welfare issues and concerns all while learning about animals in your community who need a home. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next great love
Episodes
38 episodes
A Reminder to Care for Yourself So You Can Care for Others
This week the organization I work with lost an important member to suicide. This episode about Compassion Fatigue with Jennifer Blough is a great listen and can help you learn the tools you need to protect yourself in this hard and demanding wo...
•
Episode 38
•
56:46
The Hidden Connection Between the Welfare of People and the Welfare of Animals
Most animal advocates focus solely on habitats and laws — but understanding how political change happens can turn passion into real victories.In this episode, Ali Feldman Taylor, founder of Voters for Animal Rights, reveals the secret strat...
•
Episode 37
•
37:31
How Toxic Language in Animal Rescue Hurts Everyone
In this heartfelt episode, Kelly is joined by Kayla Powers, a passionate animal foster in Asheville, North Carolina, who shares her journey, honest insights into rescue life, and practical tips for fostering and advocating for animals. They exp...
•
Episode 36
•
52:05
The Turtle Hospital with Bette Zirkelbach
Most of what threatens sea turtles today comes down to human impact — but what if your small daily choices could make a BIG difference? In this eye-opening episode, Bette Zirkelbach, General Manager of the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, r...
•
Episode 35
•
48:46
Pets for Vets with Clarissa Black
Pets for Vets Founder and CEO, Clarissa Black, tells Kelly about the important work they're doing to connect shelter pets and veterans across the country. Through intentional training they help veterans form a SuperBond with their pets so they ...
•
Episode 34
•
48:38
Working with Blind & Deaf Dogs
In this episode of The Foster Files, host Kelly speaks with Debbie Bauer, a holistic behavior and wellness coach specializing in blind and deaf dogs. They discuss Debbie's journey into dog training, the unique challenges faced by blind and deaf...
•
Episode 33
•
52:34
Adopt, Don't Shop
In this short, solo episode Kelly talks about the common objections rescue and shelter volunteers get when encouraging adoption and what resources they can point to in order to overcome them.Adopt a D...
•
Episode 32
•
14:19
Compassion Fatigue with Jennifer Blough
In this episode of The Foster Files Kelly talks to Licensed Professional Counselor and Author, Jennifer Blough about compassion fatigue in animal rescue and animal welfare. Jennifer B...
•
Episode 31
•
56:46
Our New Run Buddy, Brandon
Has anyone every told you that no matter how much they walk their dog it's still crazy? Have you spent hours playing fetch, just to have your dog still be wild when you get inside? Brandon from Run Buddy Austin explains to Kelly just how import...
•
Episode 30
•
1:11:33
Wildlife Center of Humane Animal Rescue
Ever wonder what to do if you find an injured squirrel or abandoned baby bunnies? Katie from Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh's Wildlife Sanctuary gives us all the advice we need to save animals in need!
•
Episode 29
•
59:05
Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh
Humane Animal Rescue has been a staple of both animal and community support in Pittsburgh for over 100 years. Director of Marketing, Michele, takes time out of her busy day to talk to Kelly about the resources and support that HARP provides bot...
•
Episode 28
•
49:20
Stay Danglin'
With over 140,000 followers on Instagram, Cameron is the designated Dangler in Chief of the does.it.dangle account. On staff at Austin Pets Alive he works with behavior case dogs daily in an attempt to get them adopted into loving homes. He wea...
•
Episode 27
•
53:09
Rosemary Farm
The founder of the largest Equine Rescue in the Northeast, Rosemary Farm Sancturary, talks to Kelly about the cruelty of horse auctions, why not every horse is meant to be ridden, and what it really means to love horses. By the end of this epis...
•
Episode 26
•
1:07:09
Rescuing Animals Can't Rescue You
Author and Certified Breathwork Coach, Katya Lidsky takes some time to talk to us about some of the pitfalls in wellness surrounding animal rescue. After 20 years in rescue she's come to learn that healing people is the only way we can truly he...
•
Episode 25
•
54:12
A Behavior Road Map for My Dog
Animal Behavior Counselor, Lillian Akin, talks about the intricoes of a dog's behavior. Taking the time to identify what might have changed for the dog, the message the dog is trying to communicate, and how our human behaviors are contributing ...
•
Episode 24
•
54:16
How will I know when it's time to say goodbye?
Loving our pets comes with hard choices. On today's episode Kelly & Crissy talk about some of those decisions. First, the decision that we make to welcome a new pet into our home. And second, what it means to make the decision to say goodby...
•
Episode 23
•
42:29
Thanksgiving Hangover - A repeat episode
Since Kelly will be traveling over the holiday she decided to repeat an earlier episode, What to Expect When Expecting a Foster. All new content will be headed your way next week, so be sure to listen!
•
Episode 22
•
33:41
How Can Legislation Help PA Pets
Pennsylvania is joining the growing number of states attempting to pass best interest laws when it comes to animal welfare during a divorce. To hear more about the bill, and how to be a part of its' passing, give today's episode a listen and a ...
•
Episode 21
•
20:39
Denver Pet Partners
Denver Pet Partners is an organization dedicated to strengthening the human and animal bond through their volunteer work. Rika and Laura walk us through the work they do, how important it is to the people in their community, and the steps you c...
•
Episode 20
•
56:37
Alternatives to Traditional Veterinarians
Dr. Hougentogler of K Vet Animal Care takes the time to talk about other ways to treat what ails your pet. From acupuncture, to physical therapy, to herbal remedies and spinal manipulation, different options could be a better path for your cat ...
•
Episode 19
•
1:06:05
Please don't hump me
As we approach the months filled with cabin fever, Kelly thought it would be a great time to talk about unwanted behavior from excited dogs. Lauren from Choose Wisely Dog Training offers some easy, actionable tips when your dog is jumping, bark...
•
Episode 18
•
29:44
Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley
Danielle, Shelter Administrator and Foster Coordinator of Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley joins the podcast to talk all things animal shelters. If you ever wondered why adoption fees are a few hundred dollars, or how shelters care for the...
•
Episode 17
•
45:38
Soaring Spirits Sanctuary
Branching out from the usual content about dogs and cats, Kelly learns all about bird welfare! Joined by Jenna from Soaring Spirits Sanctuary she hears the good, bad and ugly about why birds shouldn't have been domesticated in the first place&n...
•
Episode 16
•
45:21