Animal Posse

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 intelligent beings that have their own way of...

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—inviting us to slow down, notice, and ...

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 as a recreational way for adults an...

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 veteran.

Tyler and Chris share incre...

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 tackling pet overpopulation head-on wit...

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 shelter care, helping them shed the en...

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 empowering the People Finally, they discu...

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 law enforcement, and the lack of compas...

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 care for them. Meredith shares a power...

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 a much-needed break from the kennel...

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 shelters. By addressing behavioral iss...

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 high euthanasia rates to pandemic-era b...

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 providing daily food, fresh water, ...

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 discusses the work of doing dog assessm...

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 stories of incredible reunions, Leslie off...

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:

• The Louisiana Pet Food Bank, which h...

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 shelters, advocating for a shift fr...

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 with the tools to turn heartbreak into ...

Join us for Part 2 of our conversation with Lisa Krohn from New Orleans Bulldog Rescue as we discuss TNR and uncover the dedicated efforts involved in getting a foster dog adoption-ready. From essential training and socialization to understanding individual personalities and addressing specific needs, you'll hear firsthand how Lisa assess, nurture, and prepare their charges for a successful transition into a new home. This episode ...