Maria chats with Shelter Animals Count (the National Database)'s Executive Director Stephanie Filer about the current crisis facing shelters across the country. Since 2012, they've been collecting and sharing data to help animals and communities. Shelters are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
Give a listen and learn what YOU can do: Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate.

Maria chats with Nat Geo Kids editor Christina Sauer (who really really loves horses) about the Nat Geo Kids book Can't Get Enough Horse Stuff!
Yes it's aimed at kids but there's lots you can learn about horses, plus fun facts that you probably don't know! And take the quiz to see what horse breed matches your personality!

Learn all about the Purrfectly Clean Paws Ramp created by Kevin and Patti Weber.
It keeps cat litter and dust in the cat litter box and not tracked all over your house!
And it's only $28.99!
Give a listen and learn about its creation! And more at simplypawsdesign.com.

Award-winning photographer and author Aliza Eliazarov discusses how to take photos with your phone or camera that will help get shelter animals adopted! (Simple things like taking the pic outside!)
Aliza shares her tips in honor of INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS DAY which is tomorrow August 19th.


Aliza and her partner Edward Doty have a new book The Best Dog: Hilarious to Heartwarming Portraits of the Pups We Love coming out October 31st. The book features many adopted dogs with amazing stories.

Remember: Adopt Don't Shop!!

Maria chats with S4EGlobal President and Board Member Robyn Beasley. Originally Stews 4 Elephants, Robyn founded the organization with fellow flight attendants to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals, especially elephants. As their website states "If an animal doesn't do it in the wild, don't pay to see the animal do it in captivity."

Listen to the interview and learn how you can help (we all can!) at S4EGlobal.org.

World Elephant Day is Saturday August 12th!
And S4EGlobal is holding a fundraiser on Thurs Sept 14th at The Cutting Room in NYC.

Maria chats with frequent guest Dr.Amber Karwacki (from Heart+Paw) about essential travel tips
when you take your pet(s) along on your summer trips!
I learned something, hope you will as well so you have a safe and fun trip with your pet this summer!

Maria chats with author Jennifer Ackerman about her latest book What An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds. Did you know that owls first appeared on Earth 56--65 MILLION years ago?? And an owl's ears are like a dog's nose?
Learn so much more about owls in this episode and in the book!

Maria chats with Isla Animals Rescue founder Alison Sawyer about the history, and recent eviction of Isla Animals shelter.

Since 2001, they've helped hundreds of thousands of animals in Mexico. And as Alison explains "Caring is global"!!!

To help Isla Animals build a new shelter: https://www.islaanimals.org/

Or their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-isla-animals-rescue

Maria chats with owner Danielle Mania about Udder Chaos Farm Sanctuary and how it came to be!
From a beef cattle farm, the sanctuary is now a home to animals in need.
Celebrating two years, she's looking forward to rescuing more animals, hosting events, educating, and providing a voice for the voiceless.

For more info and/or to donate: UdderChaos.org

(Their 2nd Annual (co-host event) Blueberry Festival is July 15th at Clement Farm in Pemberton NJ)