Animal Posse

In this episode, we sit down with Sally Williams to discuss Mission Meow's unique crowdfunded grant model, which brings animal lovers together to provide life-changing resources for small feline rescues. Throughout our conversation, Sally explains how focusing on these local, grassroots organizations is the key to solving the overpopulation and care crisis. We take a deep dive into the importance...

What happens when you move into a new home and inherit 12 cats you weren't expecting? For the founder of Southern Pets Animal Rescue , it was the start of a 12-year journey from independent rescuer to a formal nonprofit leader. In this episode, we sit down with Amber Richard to discuss the gritty reality of animal welfare in Church Point, Louisiana—a rural "resource desert" where stray populations...

As we close out December 2025, Animal Posse reaches a powerful milestone — our 48th episode of the year. Join host Dixie Louviere for a heartfelt journey through the moments that defined this season of rescue. From overcrowded shelters to tireless fosters, from animals fighting impossible odds to the people who refused to give up on them, this year has been an emotional rollercoaster of compassion...

In this heartwarming episode, Leslie and Jeri share their journey of feeding and caring for the beloved cats of Lafreniere Park through the Lafreniere Volunteers Civic Association. Listeners will hear how daily acts of compassion—providing food, medical care, and safe spaces—have transformed the park into more than just a green space. This episode is a celebration of grassroots compassion, showing...

Join us as we talk to Haley Sampey , the passionate founder of the new animal rescue nonprofit, Potato's Place . Haley shares her journey from dedicated volunteer and foster mom—who rigorously followed up on every stray she took in—to starting her own 501(c)(3). She stresses the critical 3-3-3 rule for successful adoptions and the need to prioritize quality over quantity in placements. The episode...

In this episode of Animal Posse , we sit down with Alyssa of Aviary Creature Rescue to confront the growing animal welfare crisis in Louisiana. From parish shelters closing their doors to feral dog packs roaming rural towns, Alyssa shares firsthand stories of resilience, heartbreak, and hope. Together, we explore the systemic challenges—lack of spay/neuter access, surrender fees, and community ind...

Found a baby squirrel, opossum, or raccoon? What should you do—and more importantly, when should you help? We talk to licensed wildlife rehabilitator Leah Anderessen of Silent Voices Wildlife Rehabilitation for the essential guide to protecting our wild neighbors. Leah shares the proper steps for finding help, the legal and ethical reasons why you should never keep a wild animal as a pet, and answ...

Dixie welcomes Faun Fenderson of Hearts Communicate to explore the profound practice of animal communication. Faun shares her experiences of tuning into the subtle language of animals—through intuition, presence, and love—and how these exchanges can transform the way we relate to the beings who share our lives. This episode invites listeners to see animals not only as companions, but as intelligen...

In this inspiring conversation, Dixie sits down with Bonnie Poirier to explore the profound ways animals can serve as our spiritual directors. Together, we reflect on how the presence of cats, dogs, and other companions can guide us toward deeper awareness, compassion, and connection with the sacred. Bonnie shares stories and insights about listening to animals not just as pets, but as teachers—in...

This week on Animal Posse, we sit down with the visionary founder of Lemonaid Stand NOLA, Brittany Barnett! Forget the stuffy, high-pressure feel of traditional adoption events—Brittany's mission is to inject some fun, spontaneity, and community spirit into animal rescue fundraising. Tune in to hear the inspiration behind this clever concept, which uses impromptu Lemonade Stands across New Orleans...

This week, we go behind the scenes with Tyler and Chris of Forgotten Coast K9, a nonprofit dedicated to partnering highly trained service dogs with veterans. They pull back the curtain on the rigorous, life-changing process, explaining the specific "tricks" these dogs learn—from deep pressure therapy to interrupting night terrors—that become the ultimate "treat" of a stable, functional life for a...

How can we effectively manage pet populations and ensure animals have the best chance at a happy life? Join us this week as we sit down with Karen Slomba of Slomba Shelter Solutions to talk about a cornerstone of responsible pet ownership: spay and neuter. Discover the reasons why spaying and neutering is vital for your pet's health and the community's well-being. Karen shares how her team is tack...

Do you want to help a rescue animal heal and find peace? In this episode of Animal Posse we explore the deep energetic connection between humans and animals with special guest Tianne Lastra , a leading Reiki Master. Tianne specializes in bringing comfort to pets who have endured trauma. She’ll share remarkable stories and techniques showing how Reiki provides a lifeline for animals in rescue and s...

In this special episode, we sit down with Krisie Sullens and Jeremy Parks , the dedicated leaders and driving forces behind Save-An-Angel , a 501(c)(3) animal welfare organization committed to lifesaving work. We dive deep into the powerful philosophy that guides their mission. They share how their focus on Pets —ending overpopulation and providing rescue and resources—is inextricably linked to em...

Host Dixie visits Mark's Animal Rescue to speak with Dr. Mark, an animal advocate and author. Dr. Mark shares his journey, driven by the realization that animals are often neglected and viewed only as property . A veteran rescuer who has saved over 2,000 animals on rural Louisiana roads, Dr. Mark discusses his three core issues: ineffective local government , the low priority given to animals by l...

What happens when animal welfare organizations are stretched to their breaking point? In this episode, we sit down with Meredith Festa from Paws Unite People to explore the state of animal welfare today. We'll unpack the financial crisis that is forcing rescues to make impossible choices, and learn about Paws Unite People's unique mission to not only save animals but also support the people who ca...

This week on the show, we're talking about two groundbreaking programs that are changing the game for animal rescue. We sit down with Finnegan Dowling of Mutual Rescue to learn all about the Language Accessibility and Doggie Day Out initiatives. The Language Accessibility program helps connect non-English speaking families with adoptable pets, while the Doggie Day Out initiative gives shelter dogs...

In part two of her powerful conversation with Dixie, Ashley Gardenier, founder of Southern Paws Inc., continues her deep dive into the South's animal welfare crisis. She highlights a crucial, often overlooked solution: dog training . Ashley explains how training isn't just about teaching a dog to "sit" or "stay"; it's a vital tool for preventing dogs from being surrendered to already overcrowded s...

Dixie welcomes Ashley Gardenier , founder of Southern Paws Inc., for a powerful conversation about the deepening animal welfare crisis in the South. Ashley shares how a trip to Louisiana nearly 11 years ago opened her eyes to the stark differences in pet culture and shelter conditions compared to the North—where dogs are often treated as family, not just property. From overwhelmed shelters and hig...

In this week's episode, we sit down with Erin and Cori Caimi and they talk about the cats that have made a sprawling, abandoned shopping mall their home. We explore the complex world of caring for a large colony of feral cats—a task that is as challenging as it is rewarding. From implementing a rigorous "Trap-Neuter-Return" (TNR) program to ensure the colony's health and prevent overpopulation, to...

Animal rescue advocate Sydney deVictoria Michel shares their journey that began with a "temporary foster" turning into a long-term commitment. This episode explores the difference in animal welfare between the North and South, highlighting the challenges of overcrowded shelters and cultural attitudes toward spaying and neutering. Sydney recounts experiences from working with local rescues and disc...

In this heartwarming and eye-opening episode, we sit down with Leslie Poole , director of PetFBI.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reuniting lost pets with their families across the United States. Leslie shares the origin story of PetFBI.org and the powerful role technology and community play in bringing beloved animals home. 🐾 From tips on what to do when your pet goes missing, to stori...

In this episode,Dixie sits down with Jonathan from Rescue Alliance , a Louisiana-based nonprofit committed to feline welfare. You'll hear Jonathan's inspiring story of how a single act of cruelty motivated him to start a rescue, and how that small beginning has grown into an organization that has saved hundreds of cats and implemented a wide range of life-saving programs. Join us as we discuss: Th...

Healing Broken Hearts Rescue founder, Dezzie Howe, joins us to discuss her revolutionary approach to animal rescue. In this episode, Dezzie shares how her organization operates without cages, allowing dogs to live in a communal, home-like environment. She explains how this method fosters healing and prepares dogs for their forever homes. Dezzie also delves into her vision for the future of animal...

In this episode of Animal Posse , Dixie speaks with Jeanette Garlow from MicrochipHelp.com and Lost Dogs of Illinois about the critical role of microchipping in pet recovery. Jeanette shares expert insights on why microchips fail , how to track down chip data , and what steps to take the moment a pet goes missing . Whether you're a seasoned rescuer or a concerned pet parent, this episode arms you...