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
45 episodes
How Can One Person Make Real Change Happen? A Conversation with Kimmi Rasky
Most people don’t realize that investing in prevention and retention can drastically reduce the number of animals entering shelters—and save lives. Kimmi Rasky shares her inspiring journey from fostering to building innovative programs that foc...
Just Leave Wolves Alone! A Conversation with the Wolf Sanctuary of PA
Join Kelly as she explores the fascinating world of gray wolves and wolf dogs at the Wolf Sanctuary of PA. Michelle Vanderneut shares incredible stories about wolf reintroduction, the importance of respecting their wild instincts, and the chall...
Meet Your Dog Where They Are, Not Where You Wish They Were
Most pet owners underestimate how quickly an incident can escalate when safety isn't a top priority. In this episode of The Foster Files, Kelly exposes the unseen risks that can turn a routine walk or playtime into tragedy—and what every animal...
Pup O'Clock - A Subscription Box for Kids with Two Legs & Four
Most kids are bored easily—and that's a problem for dogs and responsible pet ownership. But what if a subscription box could transform the way children connect with their furry friends?Enter Pup O'Clock, a revolutionary program that tur...
Pennsylvania Voters for Animals - A Conversation with Suzanne Gonzalez
Suzanne Gonzalez, president and co-founder of PAVFA, uncovers the nonprofit's innovative approach to reforming animal welfare through policy and politics. She shares how they’re leveraging bipartisan efforts, educational webinars, and direct en...
Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary - A Conversation with Jesse Rothacker
Reptiles are more than just misunderstood creatures — they’re fascinating, social, and full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. Jesse Rothacker of Forgotten Friend Reptile Sanctuary shares stories that will change how you see these oft...
Don't Look in The Freezer - A conversation with Patti Eddington
Most of us overlook the emotional complexity behind veterinary care—and that sacrosanct image of vets as heroes masks the human, loving, sometimes imperfect beings they truly are. Patti Eddington, a veterinarian’s wife and author of Don't L...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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!
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 ...