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
53 episodes
Heat Stroke
Kelly dives into the rapid temperature rise inside vehicles—just five minutes in an 85-degree day can turn a car into an oven dangerous enough to cause heatstroke or death. She reveals how even tinted windows and open vents do little to slow th...
What NOT to Say to Fosters
This solo episode uncovers the often-overlooked impacts of foster language on morale, public perception, and animal welfare. Kelly shares powerful insights from her own experiences and discusses common phrases like "keeping them" or "giving the...
SPECIAL EPISODE: Tragedy and The Fight to Ban Carriage Horses
The tragic death of a carriage horse in Central Park has ignited a fire under the fight to end NYC's horse-drawn industry—and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With footage of the heartbreaking incident circulating widely, the urgent questi...
Director of No-Kill Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society
Most animal shelters are caught in a cycle of tragedy and miscommunication—until now. Tawny Hammond, Director of No Kill Advancement at Best Friends Animal Society, unveils a revolutionary approach that’s transforming shelters into lifesaving h...
Paws & Pints - An Adoption Event in Oakmont, PA
Recorded at the "Paws and Pints" event in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, it features interviews with representatives from various rescue organizations, including Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh, Biggie's Bullies, Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valle...
World Animal Protection
Most of us are unknowingly supporting a billion-dollar industry that's devastating the planet, exploiting countless animals, and harming human health — but Cameron Harsh reveals how a shift in awareness and action can tip the scales toward comp...
Animal Defense Partnership
When it comes to protecting animals, having the right legal foundation can be the game-changer your organization needs—but most nonprofits are flying blind when it comes to navigating regulations, governance, and funding challenges. Jaclyn Leed...
Co-Chair of the Animal Protection Caucus - Senator Nick Pisciottano
Nick Pisciottano is a dedicated Pennsylvania state senator and animal advocate committed to bipartisan progress on animal welfare. His insights illuminate the often-hidden legislative process, empowering everyday advocates to be part of meaning...
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...