St. Bernard Parish is facing one of the most intense community‑cat challenges in Louisiana — and today, we’re digging into the solution that actually works. Robbie Denny of the St. Bernard Parish Community Cat Coalition and Snip & Tip St Bernard TNR joins us to share how TNR (Trap‑Neuter‑Return) is reducing stray populations, easing community tensions, and improving life for both residents and cats.

From the “vacuum effect” to t...

In this episode of Animal Posse, host Dixie sits down with longtime animal welfare leader Christie Keith for a deep, nuanced conversation about early spay‑neuter through a harm‑reduction lens. With more than 30 years of experience—including work with major organizations like Maddie’s Fund—Christie breaks down why medical guidelines must differ between high‑volume shelter environments and private homes.

Together, they explore the “di...

In this heart-to-heart episode, Dixie sits down with Maria, a dedicated animal advocate and "bunny whisperer" from New Orleans, to discuss a growing epidemic: the surge of abandoned domestic rabbits.

As Easter approaches, Maria sheds light on why bunnies are the "ultimate impulse buy" and the devastating consequences that follow when the novelty wears off. From a serendipitous rescue in the middle of a city street to forming a power...

When Vicki Johnson-Cain lost her son, William, she turned her grief into a mission of mercy. Today, she joins Dixie to share the story of "Willpower Transport" and her life as a foster coordinator for Take Paws Rescue. From playing relaxation music for stressed pups to the "Crate Tetris" required to fit 15 dogs in one SUV, Vicki discusses the literal miles she goes to give high-kill shelter dogs their "freedom ride." Tune in to hea...

In this heartfelt episode of Animal Posse, Dixie sits down with Lisa, owner of Pet Wants Metairie, to explore how unimaginable loss transformed into a mission to help pets live healthier, longer lives. After losing her beloved soul dog, Darby, to an aggressive cancer, Lisa began searching for answers. That search led her deep into the world of pet nutrition and ultimately inspired her to open her own Pet Wants franchise.

The experie...

"Be prepared" is a simple phrase, but for Ashley Gardenier of Southern Paws Inc., it’s a life-saving mission. From the devastating aftermath of Hurricanes including Helene, Michael, Laura, Ian and Ida to the unpredictable chaos of floods and fires, Ashley has seen it all. She joins the show to pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of animal disaster relief, sharing what it really takes to protect the vulnerable when the un...

In this episode of Animal Posse, we meet Hannah Louviere, who founded Forgotten Felines Rescue of Louisiana as a 19-year-old college student after witnessing a stray cat give birth on her campus sidewalk. Now a professional surgical vet technician, Hannah shares how she grew that initial student project into a thriving 501(c)3 nonprofit that handles some of the most complex medical cases in the state. We discuss the "S...

When a beloved pet disappears, the silence can be deafening. In this episode, we sit down with Joshua Barry of Precision Drone Services to discuss the high-tech frontier of lost pet search and rescue.

Joshua joins the podcast to pull back the curtain on how he uses thermal drone technology to locate pets in the toughest conditions. We focus on the high-stakes world of pet search and rescue, the science of how he tracks a scent or a ...

In this inspiring and deeply educational episode, we welcome Jenni Johnson of Opi•Earth, a licensed wildlife rehabilitator whose work centers on giving vulnerable native wildlife a second chance—especially orphaned opossums.

Jenni walks us through what it truly means to rehabilitate wildlife in Louisiana, from the moment an orphaned joey arrives to the careful, skilled process of tube‑feeding the tiniest babies who depend entirely o...

Mr. Ed, the longtime beekeeper of St. Joseph Abbey and one of YouTube’s most trusted voices in bee rescue, joins the show to talk about ethical bee relocation, swarm behavior, and the art of working with honey bees.

We talk about how he approaches swarm calls, why bees choose the places they do, the gentle techniques that keep colonies intact, and the deeper lessons bees offer about community, patience, and purpose.

If you’re fascina...

In this episode, we’re joined by Brian Vermeire and Kristina Hughes, the duo behind Frame Your Feline, to explore the fascinating journey of how they merged a passion for cats with high-end interior design. They share the story of how they moved from a creative spark to a rigorous design process that prioritizes feline safety and comfort, ultimately creating a product that treats your cat like the masterpiece they are.

...

Independent rescuer and animal advocate Stephanie Smith joins us for a powerful, eye‑opening conversation about what it really takes to protect animals in communities where resources are thin and the need is overwhelming.

Stephanie shares the story that changed everything for her in 2022 — a heartbreaking discovery that pushed her from “someone who loves animals” to a full‑time advocate working directly with sheriffs, judges, and lo...

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 of collaboration over competition, d...

🚨UPDATE (March 2026): We have incredible news! Since this episode originally aired, trappers received the necessary permission and all cats at the welcome center have been safely trapped. Because the situation is now resolved, no further assistance or outreach is needed for this location. Thank you to everyone who shared this story and offered to help—your voices made this possible!

Listen for the full story of the rescue in our u...

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 are high and professional help is m...

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 and courage.

In this special Year i...

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 how caring for animals can ripple o...

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 features the deeply emotional story of...

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 indifference—that fuel the cycle of aba...