The Rescue State

What does it really mean to rescue a dog and what happens when a shelter labels an animal “Rescue Only”? In this episode of The Rescue State Podcast, Kim takes a closer look at the often misunderstood “Rescue Only” designation used in animal shelters, what it can mean for a dog’s future and why the notes and labels attached to shelter animals matter so much. Kim explores the complicated reality behind shelter assessments and reminds us that an animal’s behavior inside a stressful shelter environment may not always tell their entire story. We’ll also talk about what members of the public can do when they fall in love with a 'Rescue Only' dog, how rescues and fosters can become the bridge between the shelter and a second chance and why advocating responsibly for these animals matters. Because rescue isn't simply getting an animal out of a shelter, it's taking the time to understand the animal in front of us, giving them the support they need and recognizing that sometimes the animals who need us most are the ones who are hardest to save🐾 Together, we can turn compassion into a movement and create a future where every animal matters.

In this episode of The Rescue State Podcast, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down with animal advocate Johnny Oberg for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about what it truly means to create change for animals. Johnny has dedicated his life to animal advocacy, using the power of social media to reach millions of people around the world and encourage us to think differently about the animals we share this planet with. We talk about Johnny's journey into advocacy and veganism, the realities of factory farming and some of the larger issues surrounding animal agriculture that don't always receive the attention they deserve. We also tackle some of the harder conversations: How do we respond when veganism is dismissed as a privilege? Does simply reducing meat consumption still make a meaningful difference? And how can we encourage more compassionate choices without judgment or expecting perfection? Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian or simply curious about making more compassionate choices, I hope this conversation leaves you feeling informed, empowered and inspired. RESOURCES & LINKS HappyCow - An app that helps you find delicious vegan and vegan-friendly food anywhere in the world! https://www.happycow.net/ Connect with & Support John Oberg: Official Website: http://johnoberg.org/ Donations: http://donorbox.org/JohnOberg Instagram: http://instagram.com/JohnOberg Twitter/X: http://twitter.com/JohnOberg Facebook: http://facebook.com/JohnObergOfficial Threads: http://threads.net/@JohnOberg Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/johnoberg.bsky.social YouTube: http://youtube.com/user/JohnOberg LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/JohnSOberg/ Together, we can turn compassion into a movement and create a future where every animal matters.

In this episode of The Rescue State , we’re talking about something that affects animals, our health our planet and something every single one of us has the power to influence: factory farming. We’re taking a closer look at what life can actually look like for animals inside our modern food system, including practices like separating calves from their mothers, tail docking, teeth clipping, debeaking, castration and dehorning and asking an important question: How did we get to a place where practices we would never accept for the animals in our homes have become normalized for the animals we eat? But this episode isn’t just about animal welfare. We’re also talking about the bigger picture: the environmental consequences of industrial animal agriculture, antibiotic and antimicrobial resistance, human health and the enormous power we have as consumers to demand something better. And no, you don’t have to become vegan overnight to make a difference. We’ll talk about veganism, vegetarianism, the growing idea of being flexitarian, choosing more meatless meals, supporting smaller and more responsible farms and simply becoming more conscious about where our food comes from. Because every time we spend a dollar, we’re casting a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. We may not be able to change the entire food system tomorrow but millions of people making smaller, more compassionate choices absolutely can. Sources & Further Reading: “A systematic review of the effects of early separation on dairy cow and calf health” Read the study on PubMed CDC “Antimicrobial Resistance in the Environment and the Food Supply: Causes and How It Spreads” Read the CDC resource

In this episode of The Rescue State , we discuss the importance of consumerism and how we vote for the world that we want to live in everyday with our dollar. It's time to stop supporting companies that are exploiting animals, humans and the planet and it's time to speak up for the companies changing this world for the better. Consumerism isn't always a bad thing! We also chat about the new movement of Flexitarianism and how this mindset is changing the way we see the meat industry. If you've been contemplating on how you can make a difference for animals and our planet, this episode is for you!

Backyard breeding is a huge contributor to the overwhelming number of dogs entering our shelters but what can we actually do about it? In this week’s episode of The Rescue State , I’m re-sharing a fun, tactical way that everyday animal lovers can help identify and combat backyard breeding right in our own communities. Instead of feeling helpless watching our shelters fill up, we can start paying attention to where these dogs are coming from and take meaningful action to help stop the cycle at its source. This episode is all about turning frustration into action. We may not be able to fix the entire shelter crisis overnight but we can start in our own neighborhoods and sometimes a little detective work can make a much bigger difference than you think.

What if the thing we’re holding onto the tightest is the very thing keeping us from feeling free? In this episode of The Rescue State , I’m sharing something I wrote after a quiet morning outside with my dogs. A moment that unexpectedly made me think about control, uncertainty and how much energy we spend trying to manage outcomes that were never really ours to manage. Maybe letting go isn’t about giving up, maybe it’s about finally making room for life to happen.

Why are animal shelters so overcrowded? And why so many pitbulls and huskies?? And if you're ready to adopt, how do you actually find the dog that's right for you? In this episode of The Rescue State , I'm answering some of the questions people have been asking me lately about shelter dogs, adoption and the bigger picture behind our overcrowded shelter system. We'll talk about why certain breeds seem to appear in shelters again and again, some of the cultural and economic factors that contribute to shelter intake and why the problem is far more complicated than simply blaming people for not spaying and neutering their pets. Then we'll switch gears and talk about one of my favorite subjects: finding your dog. Whether you have your heart set on a particular breed, want a puppy, need a dog who fits a specific lifestyle or simply don't know where to start, there are so many ways to adopt and your perfect dog may already be waiting in a rescue near you! This episode is for anyone who's ever looked at an overcrowded shelter and wondered, How did we get here? Because understanding the problem is part of changing it. And sometimes, changing one dog's entire world starts with knowing where to look.

For decades, thousands of beagles were bred specifically for laboratory research. In this episode, we take a closer look at the story of Ridglan Farms, one of the largest beagle breeding facilities in the United States, and how its closure became part of a much larger conversation about the future of animal testing. But this isn't just a story about the past. We'll explore what modern alternatives are replacing animal testing and how science is moving toward more human-relevant methods that have the potential to be both more ethical and more effective. Whether you're passionate about animal welfare, curious about biomedical research or simply want to learn how everyday choices can make a difference, this episode is an invitation to explore the growing movement toward a future where innovation no longer depends on animal suffering. Resources mentioned in this episode • NIH RePORTER Database • USAspending.gov • PETA's Ultimate Cruelty-Free List • Cruelty-Free Kitty • I'd Rather Be With My Dog • Beagle Freedom Project If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following The Rescue State , leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who loves animals. Every conversation helps raise awareness and together we can continue building a more compassionate future for animals.

Welcome back to The Rescue State Podcast! As always, I'm so happy you're here :) Season 4 begins with a quiet story about a record player, a rescue dog named Gopher and an ordinary Tuesday evening that became unforgettable. As music fills the room, a simple moment shared between me and my very first rescue dog becomes a reflection on time, memory and the fleeting beauty of everyday life. From puppyhood to adulthood, Gopher has unknowingly taught lessons about gratitude, presence and why the moments that seem the smallest are often the ones we carry with us forever. This episode is an invitation to slow down, notice the lives beside us and remember that the most meaningful moments rarely announce themselves while they're happening. Welcome to Season 4 of The Rescue State where every rescue has a story worth telling.

Prelude to Season 4 | Finding Apollo Before we begin Season 4, I wanted to revisit one story that forever changed me. One year ago today, I said goodbye to my foster dog, Apollo, believing he had found his forever home. Just hours later, I received the phone call every rescuer dreads. Apollo had slipped out of his harness in Downtown San Diego and disappeared. For four unforgettable days, we searched endlessly, wrestled with fear, guilt, and hope and eventually placed our trust in legendary missing pet recovery expert Babs Fry with A Way Home For Dogs . What followed was a journey that taught me more about love, loss, faith and letting go than I ever expected. This isn't just the story of a missing dog. It's the story of how Apollo found his way back to us and why he'll never leave my side again. Happy Gotcha Day, my sweet boy ❤️

What does it actually take to create a no-kill future in California? In this powerful Season 3 finale of The Rescue State , we move beyond awareness and into action. After exploring how shelters operate, what good standards look like and how to recognize when those standards begin to slip, this episode brings it all together with one simple truth: real change starts with people who are willing to speak up. This episode reminds us that every life matters and that the difference between life and death is often whether someone chooses to care enough to act. You’ll also walk away with simple, tangible ways to advocate for your local shelter from contacting your county supervisors to asking the right questions and becoming a steady voice for change in your community. This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being present. Because a no-kill future doesn’t happen all at once… It happens one voice, one action and one life at a time.

What is it really like to be on a rescue transport? In this special episode of The Rescue State , I take you behind the scenes on a journey I’ll never forget—traveling up the Pacific Northwest on the Promise 4 Paws rescue bus to meet our Canadian rescue partners in Bellingham, Washington. This isn’t just a road trip—it’s a mission. From long hours on the road to the quiet, emotional moments in between, I’m sharing rare, firsthand insight into what it takes to move dogs to safety. What it feels like to be part of something bigger. And the incredible coordination, care and heart that goes into every mile of the journey straight up north and right back down again. If you’ve ever wondered how these life-saving transports actually work… this episode is for you. And if this story moves you, there’s a way to be part of it. Promise 4 Paws relies on community support to continue these critical rescue efforts. If you feel called, you can donate here to help fund future transports and give more dogs & cats a second chance at life. Venmo: promise4paws Zelle: apromise4paws@gmail.com Every mile matters. Every life matters. And together, we make it possible.

Some conversations are worth coming back to and this is one of them. In this special replay episode of The Rescue State , I’m revisiting my conversation with Kevin and Sue Walshe two deeply committed voices in the rescue community who are doing the hard, often unseen work behind the scenes. As we move through Season 3 and take a closer look at how shelter systems function, where they fall short and how change actually happens, this conversation hits differently. Kevin and Sue share real, unfiltered insight into the complexities of rescue from navigating overcrowded shelters to the emotional weight of making life-or-death decisions. This episode is a reminder that rescue is not black and white. It’s layered, human, and at times, incredibly challenging but it’s also where compassion, persistence and community come together to create real impact. If you’re trying to understand what it truly takes to be part of the solution… this is an episode you don’t want to miss (or miss again)!

In this powerful episode of The Rescue State , I sit down with Lucy Fernandez, a key force behind the ongoing reform efforts at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Lucy brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on what’s really happening within our shelter systems through her work and life saving advocacy with Outcomes For Pets. Lucy shares her insights and expertise on breaking down the root causes of pet overpopulation and the systemic challenges shelters face today. From capacity crises to outdated processes, she helps us understand where things are falling short and, more importantly, where real change is possible. This conversation is about solutions, not blame. Lucy shares how communities can step into their power through education, advocacy and accountability. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a meaningful impact beyond adoption or fostering, this episode is your roadmap. Check out the resources below mentioned in this episode: Outcomes for Pets https://outcomesforpets.com/ The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz https://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements Maddie's Fund https://www.maddiesfund.org/ Maddie's University https://university.maddiesfund.org/

In this episode of The Rescue State , we’re diving into one of the most critical and often overlooked parts of animal welfare: recognizing when shelter standards begin to slip and understanding what you can do about it. Not all issues are obvious. Sometimes, the signs show up quietly such as: Longer kennel stays Lack of medical care Reduced transparency Animals becoming increasingly overlooked. Join us as we discuss how to take action and what you can do when something just doesn’t feel right. Because real change doesn’t come from outrage alone it comes from informed, consistent and compassionate advocacy.

In this episode of The Rescue State , we move beyond what’s broken in animal welfare and focus on what good actually looks like inside a shelter. From transparency and humane care to leadership structure and accountability, this episode breaks down the real, observable standards that well-functioning shelters uphold and what the public should expect from systems funded by our tax dollars. We explore: What you should see when you walk into a shelter How healthy shelter systems manage intake and prevention Why understanding the chain of command matters when doors feel closed. This isn’t about blame or confrontation, it’s about civic literacy, informed advocacy and building systems that work better for animals, staff and communities alike. If you’ve ever wondered how shelters are supposed to function or how to ask better questions as a community member this episode is for you. Because informed communities change outcomes.

Before we can talk about accountability, we have to understand the system. In this episode of The Rescue State, we breaks down how municipal animal shelters actually operate beyond the kennels and adoption events. You’ll learn: • What “intake” really means • How outcomes are categorized • How Live Release Rate is calculated • What the term “No-Kill” actually means (and what it doesn’t) • The difference between open-intake shelters and private rescues • How capacity for care impacts animal welfare • How municipal shelters are funded and why budgets matter If we want better outcomes for animals in California, we have to speak the language of the system. This episode lays the foundation for informed advocacy grounded in data, structure and civic literacy. Because accountability starts with understanding.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Rescue State. This season, we’re doing something different. Instead of focusing on individual stories alone, we’re zooming out and taking a hard look at the entire California shelter system. What should a well-run, ethical, transparent shelter actually look like? What are the standard practices that protect animals and serve communities responsibly? And how do we, as advocates, identify when those standards are not being met? Throughout this season, we’ll break down how municipal shelters operate, what “good” looks like behind the scenes and how data, policy, leadership and accountability all intersect. My goal is to give you the tools and language to understand the system so that when something feels off in your local shelter, you can speak up with clarity and confidence. Because advocacy isn’t about outrage. It’s about informed action. If we want a No Kill California, we need to understand the structure we’re working within and how to improve it. Let’s build the roadmap together!

In our season finale of The Rescue State , I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect and speak from the heart. As we close out 2025, I share my final thoughts on where we’ve been, where we are, and, most importantly, where we can go next. This episode is about choosing compassion over complacency, responsibility over convenience and community over division. It’s about how small, intentional actions can create meaningful ripple effects, not only for ourselves, but for our neighborhoods, our state and the animals who depend on us to speak up when they cannot. Together, we explore what it truly means to “do better” as humans, as advocates and as a collective community. The importance of our mindset can help spark lasting change in California’s homeless animal crisis. My hope is that this episode leaves you feeling grounded, inspired and empowered to move forward with purpose, thoughtfulness and, most importantly, with kindness.

In this week’s episode with The Rescue State , I have the honor of sitting down with Lauren McCarron, founder of Joyful Pets and Rehome With Love service, for one of the most important and heartfelt conversations we can have as responsible pet owners. Together, we explore the incredibly difficult reality that sometimes, despite our best intentions, rehoming a beloved pet becomes the most responsible and loving choice. Lauren shares how her team leads with compassion, dignity and support for individuals and families navigating one of the hardest decisions they may ever face. This episode is a powerful reminder that responsible pet ownership doesn’t end when things get hard, it’s about making thoughtful, humane choices at every stage of the journey. If you care deeply about animals, ethics and doing right by the pets we love, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!