Grit City Tails

In this episode of Grit City Tails , Mary and Maggie chat with Dr. Kat Spaulding, one of the shelter’s associate veterinarians, to uncover the life-saving importance of vaccines. Dr. Kat breaks down the key vaccines given to pets at the shelter, explaining why each one is essential for keeping our furry friends healthy. They dive into the details of booster schedules, shedding light on why staying...

Mary and Maggie sit down with Samantha Bell, a seasoned expert with over 20 years of experience working with shelter cats. As the Cat Expert and Cat Content Strategist for Best Friends Animal Society, Samantha shares her deep knowledge and passion for our feline friends. Together, they dive into the harmful behavioral impacts of cat declawing and why the Tacoma Declawing Ban is so monumental. Sama...

Join hosts Mary and Maggie in this compelling episode of Grit City Tails , as they sit down with Leslie Dalzell, CEO of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, to discuss a monumental victory for feline welfare in Tacoma—the recent ban on cat declawing. This insightful conversation delves into the shelter’s instrumental role in drafting and advocating for this crucial legislation. Tune...

In this episode, Mary and Maggie discuss Lost Pet Prevention Month and share essential tips to ensure your furry friends stay safe and sound, especially during the Fourth of July celebrations. The duo covers practical strategies to prevent pets from getting lost, including secure fencing, updated identification, and microchipping. Plus, how to create a calm environment amidst the noise and excitem...

Join hosts Maggie and Mary in this special episode of "Grit City Tails" as they welcome Dr. Jennifer Bennett, chief veterinary officer at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. Dr. Bennett shares exciting details about the new mobile veterinary unit fundraiser and its far-reaching benefits for the community. Discover how this initiative will enhance targeted trap-neuter-retur...

In this episode, Mary and Maggie discuss the positive impacts foster volunteers have when they temporarily welcome large-breed dogs into their homes. They explore how fostering benefits the dogs, the shelter, and the community. Joining the conversation is Lauren Green, marketing coordinator at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County, who shares her own experiences as a foster volunteer.

Just days before World Hunger Day on May 28, Maggie and Mary dive into the impact of food insecurity on both humans and animals in Tacoma and Pierce County. They highlight the efforts of the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County’s Pet Food & Supply Pantry in making a positive difference and share ways you can get involved. Plus, the duo unveils a new recurring segment. What is it? You’...

Join Mary and Maggie as they detail the significance of microchipping your pet during Chip Your Pet Month. They answer common questions and share compelling narratives of pet reunions. Through heartwarming anecdotes, they highlight the remarkable tale of a cat reunited with its owner after being missing for 12 years, alongside the heartening collaboration between shelters that facilitated the reun...

Join us in this episode of "Grit City Tails" as we venture into Tacoma's cat scene with none other than Chris Watson, the influencer behind Catluminati, celebrated for his catwalk adventures and feline encounters. In this purr-fect rendezvous, Chris offers insights into distinguishing between indoor and outdoor cats, community cats, and neighborhood strays. Chris and the team also sh...

Join us for an insightful episode as we dive into kitten season with our guest Natalie Huffman, foster lead at the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County. While kitten season brings adorable bundles of joy, it also demands round-the-clock care, making community support and foster volunteers essential. Natalie sheds light on kitten fostering and offers invaluable advice on how you can get in...

Welcome to the debut episode of "Grit City Tails," hosted by Mary and Maggie from the Humane Society for Tacoma & Pierce County's Outreach team. Join them as they explore the history of Washington's largest intake shelter and discuss the biggest stories from 2023. Plus, discover the meaning behind the podcast's intriguing title. Tune in for captivating tales and insights...