"There is so much (domestic abuse) survivors can get from their relationship with their pets, not only during their crisis but in the healing after they have managed to escape. It can really help them take control of their lives again and feel loved."
~Jessica Katz
Executive Director, The Safe Haven Network
In just 2 years, Jessica Hiltner, Co-Founder and President of Real Dogs Moms of Chicago, has built quite a brand. Many dog moms vie for a coveted feature on their social media, but more importantly, they have partnered with chicagoland rescues and foundations to bring in much needed funds for animals by throwing amazing events. She is a hustler and has a great future.
"We cannot imagine living without her."
Ah, my whole heart. A dog that I helped to save from Chicagoland Rescue and Intervention Support Program has the absolute best life after many years of being overbred and under loved. Miss Judy Big Pig has a cut following after being rescued by One Tail at a Time and adopted by 2 amazing dudes named Evan and Alex, who have changed her life forever....but she has change theirs, too. Adopting an older dog is the best.
Melissa Pena does everything in her power to save the animals others leave to fend for themselves. She is the go-to in Chicagoland when anyone needs help with a wild animal including roosters, pigs, rabbits, squirrels, turtles, horses and so much more. Did you know that bunnies poop 300 times a day? I learned SO MUCH from this podcast...you will too.
Some times you have to take a break so you do not break. Getting away from toxic is so important.
"Any time that I can create awareness, I am happy to help."
Jamie Buehrle has an amazing platform to spread awareness about Breed Specific Legislation as well as how incredible pit bulls are despite all the uneducated people spewing bs. She walks the walk and talks the talk and has done so much good for so many animals. Honored to have her as a guest this week.
Raise the Woof is presented by Fetch Pet Care Chicago. Fetch! Pet Care of Chicago is hiring professional pet sitters and dog walkers in Chicago. If you’re a lover of all animals you can go to their website to fill out an online application, www.fetchpetcare.com
An epiphany and a thank you.
Janice Gork is the Founder of Tails Pet Magazine and since 2000 she has helped and inspired so many pet owners to treat their animals as part of the families. The path from physical magazines to the digital age has been a project, but with a booming pet industry, her content is thriving.
Maritza has an amazing job as a dog runner, but it is filled with pressure. She also creates brilliant art that she donates to charities. Great stories from another spectacular guest.
Susan Elliot and Nicole Garza have seen just about everything working at an Animal Control in Waukegan. They have hearts of steel and though they do emotional work, they have made a difference in the lives of so many humans and animals. I was honored to volunteer with them a few times. We have some great stories to share.
Jon Davis grew up with depression and anxiety. He realized that when he got a dog, he had reason to live during the tough times. Recently, he started The Empawthy Project.... "shining a light on the mental health benefits of pets." We did a live podcast in association with ATA Social Club, Real Dog Moms of Chicago, Rescue in Style and Dovetail Brewery. It was a good, real discussion about mental health and I am sure many of you will be glad people are brave enough to talk about their lives and be so open about the struggles. Thank you Jon. For more information: www.empawthy.org.
Raise the Woof is presented by Fetch Pet Care. For more: fetchpetcare.com.
The Hot Mess Express takes dogs that are left for dead. It has been a difficult journey only a few months in and the rescue stories that we have for these animals is remarkable. We give you an inside look at the new rescue collaboration between Lulu's Locker Rescue and Live Like Roo Foundation. CHOOOOO CHOOOO! All aboard.
What is the best thing about podcasting?
How do you know an adopter is solid?
What is the most difficult part of rescue?
I took a few questions before my vacation and they brought on some solid discussions....back to our regular schedule soon.
“The dating app world is growing remarkably... 1/3 of marriages last year started with online dating. How are we going to create apps that truly make a match? That is what Dig does.”
This app is simply brilliant and pairs people and their dogs to simply make a perfect match. Leigh Isaacson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Dig Dates and joins me for great conversation. Join us. Raise the Woof is presented by Fetch Pet Care Chicago. For more information: fetchpetcare.com
Sherry Mangold is the Director of Humane Education for Animal Protection of New Mexico. She is trying to stop cruelty, abuse, fighting by educating youth and it is working. She also has adopted 2 Galgos dogs and has turned them into amazing therapy dogs...they have become famous in NM! She is a great guest with a wealth of information.
"I am pissed. I wanted to tell the story right."
Yeray Lopez Portillo has seen some of the worst cases of dog abuse and disposal happening in Spain. The Galgos dogs. He has created an amazing documentary called "Yo Galgo"....please watch the trailer and check out this amazing documentary:https://www.facebook.com/yogalgo/
These are our dogs. This is our World. This should not be happening in this day and age.
"If the dog sits beside the owner, he is done. If he runs and looks back at the owner, he is done."
I have never had more moments in a podcast where my jaw was on the floor. Simply shocking what is going on with Galgos hunting dogs in Spain. It made me want to instantly help.
Travis Patenaude is at the forefront of rescuing these amazing dogs, who have one of the worst plights I have ever heard about. Give it a listen. To learn more: http://www.adoptagalgo.com/about/
We did this one live on Facebook and I had an assist from Schipp.
Joanna Konca broke down twice during this podcast. She feels real feelings and is not afraid to show them. Dogs will do that to you. She is a trainer and has an immense love for dogs from other countries. She also helped me get my start in this crazy rescue world.
I thought I would tell the story of Roo and how Live Like Roo Foundation came to be. And on #GivingTuesday, what better way to honor our boy than to give him his own podcast. Check out our Giving RoosDay incentives. www.tinyurl.com/roosday
Laura Krill is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant for Integrative Pet Care and the Vice President/Medial Case Manager for Live Like Roo Foundation. She has a LOT going on and while she juggles it all, she gives people going through one of the toughest times of their lives the support and encouragement they need
"When I am with him, I feel like he does the talking."
Melissa Lipani has an amazing therapy dog, who has been battling cancer. It is heartbreaking, but she takes it all in stride and shares "Cappy" with the world to help remedy misperceptions of pit bulls. She works for Best Friends and has fostered over 100 dogs. She is a great human.
Caragh from Wellness & Wags recently received her nation certification in canine massage. She helps Live Like Roo Foundation with their bucket list nights by giving dogs their massages in swanky hotels. She has a vast knowledge of a dog's body and what works for your dog. So much good info in this podcast. For more: info@wellnessandwags.com