Real Dog Talk

In this episode of The Real Dog Talk , we’re busting a big one — the myth of the perfect dog. Spoiler: they don’t exist (and that’s okay). Nicole shares real talk from the rescue front lines about the unrealistic expectations people often have when adopting — and how embracing imperfection can lead to the most meaningful connections. From messy beginnings to beautiful bonds, this episode is all ab...

Taking in a pregnant rescue dog is one of the most rewarding experiences a foster can have—but it’s also a BIG responsibility. In this episode, we’re talking all about: 🐕 What it’s like to foster a pregnant dog (spoiler: lots of belly rubs and midnight check-ins!)  🍼 Our responsibilities as fosters vs. what mama naturally does  💖 The emotional rollercoaster and the ultimate reward—helping a mam...

This week on Real Dog Talk , we’re diving into the tough conversations that most people in the rescue world don’t want to talk about. Rescue work is full of heart, but it also comes with hard realities —and we’re breaking them down with complete honesty. We know these topics can be controversial , but they need to be discussed. Our goal isn’t just to stir the pot—it’s to bring awareness, education...

This week on The Real Dog Talk , we’re chatting with the incredible Michelle Shaffer from Triangle Canine Club ! Michelle shares all about the amazing work Triangle Canine Club does for the community, as well as the fun events they host—both with and without our furry friends. 🐶🎉 From bringing dog lovers together to making a difference in the community, you don’t want to miss this inspiring epis...

This week’s episode is a special one! One of my best friends and fellow Perfectly Imperfect Pups board member, Nicole M., took the reins and interviewed me about, well, everything . From the highs and lows of running a rescue to my favorite type of movies, no topic was off-limits. We laughed, we reflected, and we got real about what drives me—whether it’s my passion for saving dogs or finding joy...

 Love learning about unusual dog health issues? Then today’s episode is for you! Tune into Real Dog Talk as we dive into the fascinating world of parvovirus myocarditis—spoiler alert: it’s not the parvo you think you know! 

 Join us today while we talk about training a hearing challenged dog. Training a deaf dog is not harder, it's just a little different and super easy! 

 Let's break the stigmas of rescues and rescue dogs. Some don't adopt because they are scared all rescue dogs are broken, scared, old or not the breed they want. This is further from the truth!!! 

Today is all about Cocoa the Tour dog, who she is and what an amazing life she has! 

Today is a tougher subject, when is it time to let your dog go. When they are sick and you have to make that tough, but kind choice, here is how I made it and some things to think about when you are facing that choice. We talked with a grief counselor back in May of 2023, here is the link to it, it was a great episode if you are coming to this decision or if you have had to recently.   https://www...

 Are dogs that are labeled as "only dogs" bad dogs? Let's chat about it and the benefits of having only one dog!  

Even if you think you know how to, we all forget. So listen to some great tips to keep them safe. Some you may not have known or thought about!

Rescues are not all created equal. Lets chat about how to find a rescue that will be a good match for what you want and your values.  Listen to Real Dog Talk on your favorite place to listen to podcasts or at realdogtalk.org

Why do rescues fundraise?  Learn about why rescues fundraise and how you can help without donating.  We of course had to chat about our big fundraiser, PIPs Love is Art! Follow them on social,  FB: @pipsloveisart Instagram: @pipsrescue_lia

Trigger warning, this episode talks about Behavioral Euthenasia (BE). This is a bridge episode between the BE series we did back in April / May 2023 and the last episode about returning your dog to the rescue. There are lots of steps that should be taken before considering surrendering a dog and / or behavioral euthanasia. Lets chat openly about it and what steps you can do, what you should consid...

How to avoid returning a dog to a rescue or shelter, what you need to know about returning a dog and how to do it properly.

Join us for a fun "Am I the asshole - dog edition"! What do you think, who is the asshole in these scenarios? Head over to our social media and tell us what you think. @realdogtalkpodcast

While you may think you are helping or what you're doing is innocent, sometimes they are more hurtful than helpful. So listen to this podcast on how to alter actions  to help! 

 It's a HUGE topic of discussion in rescues, dog community and vets. But what are the experts talking about,  and you would be surprised at what they are NOT talking about!  

Listen to our special guest, Alex Peacock from Alex's Dog Training Program, talk about anxiety in dogs. What does anxiety look like in dogs, what you can do to help and how do trainers work with dogs to help them become less anxious! Your dog can get to a healthy mental state and not live in a constant state of anxiety.  http://www.alexsdogtrainingprogram.com

Heard of the canine influenza? Want to know why it seems that it's been worse this year than the last? It seems to be all over the news nowadays - so today we are covering that topic! Dr. Cindy from Peak City Veterinary Hospital is going through it ALL with us. 

Join us as we chat with Joanne Wetzel with Five Freedoms Photography. Hear about some great tips about marketing your foster dog. From photography , to video, to social media to writing their bio, so many great tips and ticks. You don't have to be a professional photographer to take great ones of your fosters,  the tips she shares are for the everyday person! No amount of editing can get rid...

What is it like to foster and is it right for you? Rescues need fosters, especially right now in the Raleigh area. Listen about how to get started, what it's like, the good and bad of rescues and fostering. How can you help your community? Listen to Real Dog Talk at your favorite place to listen to podcasts or find us at realdogtalk.org

 With the holiday season comes lots of dangerous and stressful things for your pets. Here are some tips to keep your pups safe and happy for the holidays! 

Welcome to our Birthday Episode! We turn 1 years old, can you believe it? Listen to the recap of this past year and our very first episode.  Check out @pipsrescue and @realdogtalkpodcast before Sunday December 10 for details on the  birthday prize pack you could win!