Surviving Animal Rescue: Tails of the Nitty Gritty
We are foster based animal rescue organization out of western Wisconsin where we share educational animal ownership tips and tricks, discuss controversial subjects, welcome guest speakers experts in all things animal- behavioral, veterinary, other rescuers across the country, and share our experiences of running an animal rescue.
Episodes
New to fostering with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue? You’re in the right place! In this special orientation episode, we sit down for a conversational walk-through of everything you need to know as you begin your journey as a foster. From what to expect when you bring a dog home, to tips on creating a safe and loving space, to how our support system works—we’re covering all the basics (and answering some of the most common questions).
Whet...
In this episode, we dive into the world of whelping in a foster-based rescue with our Whelping Coordinator, Stephanie. Where midnight chaos is guaranteed, and the puppy count is anyone’s guess (especially when an X-ray looks like a puppy has 2 heads). From nesting moms to surprise litters, we talk tips, timing, and the fun of being a "whelper" here at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue!
In this special episode, we sit down with one of Coco’s Heart’s original fosters and foster mentors, Marissa—an “OG” who’s been part of the rescue’s journey since the early days. From helping shape the foundation of the organization to witnessing its incredible growth, she shares heartfelt stories, behind-the-scenes memories, and what it’s like to see fellow volunteers and fosters “out in the wild” continuing the mission of saving ...
When the world shut down, Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue stepped up. In this episode, we take a look back at the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it reshaped every corner of our rescue work. From a sudden surge in foster and adoption interest to major operational pivots, we share the behind-the-scenes story of how our team adapted in real time to keep saving lives. Tune in to hear the challenges we faced, the unexpected silver ...
Remington arrived to rescue needing a pediatric neck brace and a whole lot of medical attention from being shot in the neck and abused. He permanently joined the home of our Foster Coordinator, Kayla where an ongoing theory was running through the rescue that he is a Shiba Inu. Thanks to an amazing volunteer at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue who supplied the DNA test, the results are IN and 14 breeds later, we finally put it to rest....
Sit down with our 5k committee as we approach our annual and super fun 5k Doggie Day held on June 7th, 2025 along the river in Hudson, WI. We talk about all the important details and things to know ahead of time, what the fun-friendly activities will be going on for both adults, kids, and dogs. Take a minute to appreciate our incredible and unique sponsors this year and learn about Mascot Mac and an amazing dog, named Bumper, of ou...
Meet our Behavioral Support Coordinator, Ashley L and listen in with our Foster Coordinators as we talk about Black Dog Syndrome and how black dogs are often overlooked in adoption programs. We discuss the 3-3-3 rule which is a guideline used when welcoming a new dog to your home. We wrap the epsiode up with some fun and also share how one of our coordinator dreams of being on the hit reality-competition show, Survivor.
To find pho...
Sit in on one of our daily conversations between Foster Coordinators and our Daily Operations as discuss upcoming transport and intakes, numerous momma dogs with puppies needing help in just one small area of the country and how the overwhelming need for rescue is growing by the day. Find out which breeds of dog can be the toughest for our foster based rescue organization to find foster homes for!
Join us for part 2 of our Lost Dog series where we sit down with our Foster Coordinators and talk about what to do when your dog goes missing, tips and tricks from our personal experience in getting your dog back safely, as well as local and nationwide resources.
We mention the local organization, The Retrievers who offers a website full of knowledge, resources, and support.
The takeaway- community support and knowing having a lost ...
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue travels 1,300+ miles to see firsthand what the stray population looks like in the state with the largest numbers of animals being euthanized at kill shelters due to space. The beautiful state of Texas growing in animal stray colonies and herds specifically in rural areas. Animals neglected, hungry, and in deplorable conditions. We share our take on what we saw in a short time visiting and touch on Texas...
Join us for a chit chat with some of our very own Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Veterinary Team members as we dive into the different veterinary days that are often changing depending on the animals in need of rescue. You may be surprised to hear what can be thrown away in the every day trash and just how busy a veterinary tech on any given day in the clinic.
Like what you heard? Stay tuned for more from our veterinary team includin...
In this two episode series, we discuss all things lost dogs! Episode 1 touches on a current and personal experience of a spirited but loyal chihuahua and her unsolved journey of escaping her foster to adopt home despite the large amount of effort by all parties to keep her safe. We normalize the shame that comes when a dog goes missing on our watch while also sharing some thoughts that may be controversial like using a retractable ...
Join us for an hour long chit-chat with some of our Coco's Heart Dog Rescue team as we reveal a long held secret that has to do with the Netflix series, Love is Blind. Get our thoughts on deciding to either clone your dog or consider taxidermy (like... WHAT?!), learn about some of the things we did in the earlier years of rescue, and about a corgi in charge who decides who comes and who goes from his neighborhood. We had fun ...
Have you ever wondered what working at a dog rescue is like? What it's REALLY like? Learn more about being a Foster Coordinator for Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, a non-profit, foster based organization that does not have a shelter facility to house animals- no immediate, quick solution if a dog needs a new place to go. Hear how this role is not just a job but a lifestyle that has burnt them out once before and came back a seco...
This week we dive into the ever-changing and increasingly controversial language of rescue and some of the current "no-no's" and "icks" within the rescue community. Some may surprise you. Some you may or may not agree with. As a volunteer-focused organization, we are always doing our best to be mindful of all opinions and triggers but DANG! It's hard to keep up on everything!
Co-Hosted by JoH...
"I cannot foster because I will not be able to give them up!"
"I cannot foster because I have children."
"I cannot foster because I don't have a fenced in yard...."
These are just some of the fostering myths we hear often. Listen in from foster coordinators as they debunk these common myths and break down the barriers for fostering for a non-profit animal rescue.
Co-Hosted by JoHanna Okra...
We kick off our first episode talking to the woman who started it all, our Director and Founder, Ashley Kurtz. Discussing things rarely mentioned before on the history of Coco's Heart Dog Rescue and how the non-profit foster based animal rescue developed and grew over the last 15 years.
Co-Hosted by JoHanna Okrasinski & Kayla Kessels
Coco's Heart Dog Rescue Staff
Mentioned in Episode
Coco's Heart Dog Rescu...
We are a foster based animal rescue organization out of Wisconsin. This trailer gives an insight on what to expect from episodes to come. We will welcome guests throughout the season as well as educational tips and tricks to animal ownership and hear all about the day to day lifestyle of running an animal rescue!
View our Coco's Heart rescue merch swag HERE!
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