On this episode, our guest Dr. Michael Blackwell explains the concept of OneHealth and the importance of caring for both animals and their caretakers to promote wellness throughout the community, with a particular emphasis on services for communities lacking in resources. Family health does not stop at the humans or the animals, but involves both. And this must incorporate mental and physical health care. A collaborative effort between veterinarians and social workers is important in providing a...
Nov 09, 2023•56 min•Ep. 32
We hear the term no-kill often within the rescue and shelter community, but do you know what no-kill actually means? You may be surprised to learn the facts behind what it takes to be a no-kill shelter and the impact it has on the current pet overpopulation and rescue hoarding crisis. Our Guest, Daphna Nachminovitch, head of PETA's Cruelty Investigations Department, joins us to discuss this topic, educate our listeners on the problems seen when no-kill goes too far, and help the community unders...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 31
This episode discusses sensitive topics, including animal abuse and interpersonal violence. Domestic violence affects the whole family and unfortunately, often the family pet and animals. What most people don’t realize, is that abuse of a family pet can be one of the most serious indicators of the most at risk people and children. Perpetrators who harm animals rarely stop at animal victims and are some of the most lethal abusers. Often people who are experiencing violence feel like they can’t le...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 30
The shelters are overcrowded. This is a sad reality. And these animals are there at no fault of their own. Part of the problem is when individuals purchase animals without researching or learning about the traits of the breed or the individual dog and end up with a pet that is not compatible with their lifestyle. Today's guest, Elizabeth Menegon, is the creator of Hands 2 Paws, an app that helps individuals browse animals that may be a better fit based on the qualities of the dog instead of just...
Oct 19, 2023•59 min•Ep. 29
Puppy mills are facilities in which dogs suffer in mass to produce puppies for sale. If you purchase a puppy from a pet store, there is a risk that it is coming from a puppy mill. But what are puppy mills? Who regulates them? How can consumers protect themselves? Shalimar Oliver, Animal Crimes Manager from the Humane Society of the United States, joins us again to discuss these and other questions regarding this form of "legalized cruelty". Puppy mills only exist to make money, so it is within o...
Oct 12, 2023•58 min•Ep. 28
Dr. Jeff Young is the founder of Planned Pethood International, but many know him as Dr. Jeff, Rocky Mountain Vet. His passion for helping animals and their caretakers as well as educating the next generation of veterinarians is clear. Join us for a 45-minute ride into many topics affecting pet care, affordability, and the veterinary profession. We discuss compassionate care, technician utilization and compensation, compassion fatigue, the human-animal bond, and why the veterinary field has shif...
Oct 06, 2023•47 min•Ep. 27
Warning: This episode dives into animal crimes and sensitive topics On this episode, Dr. G and guest Mark Randell discuss different animal crimes and the LINK between animal and interpersonal violence from a local and global perspective. Mark Randell is a retired senior detective from the UK police. In that role he was was responsible for covert operations, criminal intelligence and analysis and international cooperation on serious crime and terrorism. He retired from the police 13 years ago and...
Oct 01, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 26
Episode 25 explores the affordable and accessible veterinary care and social work service provided by Columbus Humane's Essential Care Center. Rachel Finney, CEO, and Dr. Laura Advent, Chief Medical Officer, discuss why the center was created, who their target pet owners are, the services the provide along with pricing structures, and how others can follow this example. The ability to afford veterinary care for our pets is not only income dependent. And with pet overpopulation in shelters, keepi...
Sep 14, 2023•46 min•Ep. 25
For most families, their pets are part of the family and, when met with housing difficulties, they may face the decision of choosing a roof over their head or their pets. This is a decision no one should have to make. In Cincinnati, Ohio, an amazing organization called Found House Interfaith Housing Network (FHIHN) provides pet support to individuals facing or experiencing homelessness. Garrett Parsons, Pet Support Director at FHIHN, shares their program, stories, goals, and how others can emula...
Sep 02, 2023•51 min•Ep. 24
Do you know what to do if your pet gets lost? Or if you find a lost pet? Leslie Poole, Executive Director of Pet FBI, shares the history of Pet FBI, how to utilize the services or the organization, and what we can do as pet owners to increase the chances of reuniting with our pets. For more information, visit www.petfbi.org.
Aug 24, 2023•39 min•Ep. 23
What is veterinary social work? This episode’s guest, Alicia Kennedy, is a social-hearted veterinarian who provides care to animals but also the people who love them. Through the use of social workers, she has created a practice that centers around the human-animal bond. It is an amazing service, one that we hope others will learn from and perhaps bring into their own practices. Mentioned in this episode: Keep it Humane Podcast Network The Animal Welfare Junction is part of the Keep It Humane Po...
Aug 17, 2023•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 22
What is Give Them Ten? Learn about this movement, aimed at giving cats an extra life by promoting spay neuter and other efforts that benefit shelter and community cats. Deborah Cribbs and Monica Tarrant share with us how this program got started and the reach it has today. They also have information on how organizations throughout the country and beyond can become part of the Give Them Ten movement and gain the resources they provide. For more information, visit www.givethemten.org....
Aug 09, 2023•49 min•Ep. 21
Dogfighting is a cruel and barbaric act that is not only harmful to the animals, it is also a danger to the community. To understand this topic, we have invited dogfighting expert from the Humane Society of the United States, Janette Reever, to discuss what is dogfighting, what isn't, and what it means for Pit Bulls. We also touch on the breed, breed specific legislation, responsible sheltering, and responsible ownership of these dogs. Dogfighting is a felony in all 50 states. If you suspect ani...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 20
Tessa Cannon, founder and director of For the Love of Primates, joins us to discuss the topic of primates as pets and in research, both conditions that lead to physical and mental health problems in this species. Join us to learn about the needs of primates, why they need our help, and how you can be involved as a Primate Protector. For more information on the organization, visit www.fortheloveofprimates.org
Jul 20, 2023•35 min•Ep. 19
What is the best age to sterilize dogs and cats? There are many opinions on both the benefits of sterilization as well as the risks, and most of the concerns expressed currently are based on research published from a referral hospital. But is the information applicable to all animals? What are the risks and benefits? And what are the implications of not sterilizing our pets? Dr. Phil Bushby, Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon and Marcia Lane Endowed Chair of Humane Ethics and Animal Welfare at t...
Jul 13, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 18
Dr. Sam Valerius, from All Critters Veterinary Clinic in Grove City, Ohio, joins us to share information on the basic needs and common ailments of exotic pets. We discuss (in order) snakes, lizards, turtles, birds, spiders, fish, rats, mice, hamsters, and wildlife. If you own an exotic pet, are contemplating getting one, or if you are in the veterinary field and interested in helping exotics patients in your practice, Dr. Sam is a wealth of information on exotic patient care. You can find out mo...
Jun 29, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 17
Do you know the do's and don'ts of large scale investigations? Are you looking to learn more about procedures or resources available to humane officers and officials investigating animal crimes? Shalimar Oliver, Animal Crimes Manager from The Humane Society of the United States, joins us for a detailed discussion of what it takes to properly conduct an investigation as well as the things to avoid. Preparation is Key, and Shalimar does an excellent job painting a full picture. This episode is rec...
Jun 22, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 16
Dr. G and Dan Ettinger, from The Animal Control Report, have a discussion on the importance of leash laws and how they can help protect our pets and the community. Cases of injuries to animals are broken down to assess how the situation could have been handled differently for the benefit of all involved.
Jun 15, 2023•55 min•Ep. 15
The human-animal bond describes the relationship between us and our pets, in which we give and gain something from the other. As we evolve into better humans, we understand the importance of the non-human animals around us, and more importantly those that live with us. On this episode Courtney Wennerstrom, author, blogger, and podcaster, joins us to talk about the importance of pets to their caregivers, the barriers to ownership, and what we have to do as a society to help animals and the people...
Jun 08, 2023•56 min•Ep. 14
This week KD Hearst, from Don't F* up the Crime Scene, joins us to discuss... well... how to not mess up on criminal investigations. As an animal control officer and educator, he provides insight into how to address animal cruelty and neglect assessments, developing rapport and assessing the situation before coming up with a solution. This episode is labeled explicit for language and content, so listener discretion is advised. But this is a fun and wild ride into the world of the ACO and it is b...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 13
Vicki Diesner, Esq., Executive Director and one of the founders of Ohio Animal Advocates, joins us to discuss the role of the organization in fighting for animal welfare issues and laws at the state level, and the many programs and resources available in Ohio. Topics include puppy mills and domestic violence. This episode contains some examples of animal abuse and interpersonal violence that can be hard to listen to, so listener discretion is advised. For more information on the programs, includ...
May 25, 2023•57 min•Ep. 12
Warning: Sensitive content related to animal cruelty and neglect cases Dana Pannella, associate attorney at Holland and Muirden, joins us for a discussion on animal law and prosecuting animal cruelty and neglect cases in Ohio. Learn about the difference in animal cruelty charges and why suspended jail time is not a bad thing. We review the Trumbull v. Charles Parks case, as well as other cases she has worked on including hoarding and bestiality.
May 18, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 11
Rabbits can make great pets, but it is important to know about their specific needs if we are going to consider giving one a home. On today's episode, Danielle Patterson and Terri Cook from the Columbus House Rabbit Society join us to talk about all the things rabbits need to have a happy, healthy life. We will discuss their food, housing, reproduction, and diseases. Do you have a bunny or think a bunny could be in your future? You won't want to miss this! For more information about rabbits, fol...
May 11, 2023•48 min•Ep. 10
TNR, or trap-neuter-release, is the most effective and humane method of controlling the outdoor cat population. On this episode, we are joined by Dan Spehar of the Together Initiative for Ohio's Community Cats, and Mona McKinniss from Colony Cats to address facts and myths about community cat management. If you are interested in community cat welfare and control, this episode is a great source of education about the ins and outs of TNR.
May 04, 2023•47 min•Ep. 9
The Animal Control Report is a podcast hosted by humane officers to educate and share stories and cases that showcase the role of the animal control officer as well as other individuals involved in animal welfare. In Part 2, Dan Ettinger joins us to share his experiences as a humane officer in Colorado as well as an educator, and his efforts to help grow the profession and get away from being thought of as simply the "dog catcher". We also talk about how to deal with compassion fatigue and thoug...
Apr 30, 2023•59 min•Ep. 8
The Animal Control Report is a podcast hosted by humane officers to educate and share stories and cases that showcase the role of the animal control officer as well as other individuals involved in animal welfare. In Part 1, co-host Ashlee Bishop shares her role as an ACO in Wisconsin and talks about some of the cases she has worked on, the law as it applies in her service area, and things that could improve for the benefit of the animals. The Animal Control Report can be found on your favorite ...
Apr 23, 2023•55 min•Ep. 7
Trumbull County Dog Warden, Charles Parks, was recently in court after being charged with alleged animal neglect for failing to provide care to animals at the Trumbull County Dog Pound. Dr. G and Diane King, Trumbull County's Chief Humane Officer, share the details of the case and the path of the investigation that lead to the successful prosecution of Charles Parks. This episode offers a in-depth look into the steps a humane officer must take, as well as the obstacles they face, when investigat...
Mar 16, 2023•43 min•Ep. 6
This episode of the Animal Welfare Junction is about learning about our wildlife neighbors. Dr. G will be speaking with experts in the field about what to do with injured wildlife, what diseases we need to worry about, and how to become a wildlife rehabilitation amongst other topics. Joining us are: David Donahue from the Ohio Wildlife Center Jess Armstrong from SCRAM! Wildlife Control Barbara Ray and Gwen Hoogendoorn from the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association. This is Part 1 of a wildlif...
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 5
What is behavioral euthanasia? This is a very sensitive subject that often brings strong opinions from both sides of the table. On Episode 4 of The Animal Welfare Junction we will discuss this subject matter with individuals who are often faced with making these decisions, as well as a foster and pet owner who had to make this decision herself. Our guests today are: Jenn Thomas, Executive Director for the Ross County Humane Society Missy Haughton, Richland County Ohio Dog Warden Amanda Wampler, ...
Feb 19, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 4
In this episode we dive into what are hoarders and go into the details of a rescue hoarder case from our 2017 files in Athens County, Ohio. Our guest is Mary Beth Brown, the former Dog Warden who worked with us in this case where we rescued… well… you will have to listen to find out how many dogs this elderly lady had in her house. Hoarding is not just animal cruelty. This is a mental health problem and we have to do better to protect the animals and to rehabilitate the individual. Without menta...
Feb 07, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 3
