Unmuzzled: A Pawdcast with Sarah Lauch

Raise the Woof: Jon Davis of The Empawthy Project

"I suffer from depression and anxiety. There are so many things that pets help us get through. We don't talk about these issues and how much my dog has helped me. I really want to create awareness."    Jon Davis has created The Empathy Project, which "aims to highlight the mental health benefits of the relationship we have with pets, including through fostering and volunteering. So many people have been helped immensely by pets and we need to start talking about, both for our own benefi...

Raise the Woof: Happy New Year!

We did this one live on Facebook and I had an assist from Schipp. 

Raise the Woof: Joanna Konca

Joanna Konca broke down twice during this podcast. She feels real feelings and is not afraid to show them. Dogs will do that to you. She is a trainer and has an immense love for dogs from other countries. She also helped me get my start in this crazy rescue world. 

Raise the Woof: The Story of Roo

I thought I would tell the story of Roo and how Live Like Roo Foundation came to be. And on #GivingTuesday, what better way to honor our boy than to give him his own podcast. Check out our Giving RoosDay incentives. www.tinyurl.com/roosday

Raise the Woof: Laura Krill

"I love doing this. I hate why we have to do it, but I love doing this for people." Laura Krill is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant for Integrative Pet Care and the Vice President/Medial Case Manager for Live Like Roo Foundation. She has a LOT going on and while she juggles it all, she gives people going through one of the toughest times of their lives the support and encouragement they need

Raise the Woof: Melissa Lipani

"When I am with him, I feel like he does the talking." Melissa Lipani has an amazing therapy dog, who has been battling cancer. It is heartbreaking, but she takes it all in stride and shares "Cappy" with the world to help remedy misperceptions of pit bulls. She works for Best Friends and has fostered over 100 dogs. She is a great human. 

Raise the Woof: Caragh Reilly

Caragh from Wellness & Wags recently received her nation certification in canine massage. She helps Live Like Roo Foundation with their bucket list nights by giving dogs their massages in swanky hotels. She has a vast knowledge of a dog's body and what works for your dog. So much good info in this podcast. For more: [email protected]

Raise the Woof: Owner Surrenders/Support

Not all owner surrenders and supports are bad. Many people judge without knowing the full story. I have had a lot of incidents the past few weeks that spoke volumes about this very subject. We need to remain compassionate with people that do not have the same resources as the rest of us. 

Raise the Woof: Live with Q and A

What was I thinking going live and answering questions. HAAA! It all turned out well and I hope you enjoy it. A different way to do things! 

Raise the Woof: Shorty Rossi

"We as humans are destroying the breed (pit bulls). These puppies that are born are not programmed to say "I am going to maul a kid." Formerly dubbed the "Pit Boss," Shorty Rossi has strong opinions about a breed that many want society to just accept. He has starred in TV and movies, but has a passion for pit bulls and has a rescue called Shorty's Pit Bull Rescue. He joined us at an event at Speakeasy Customs and Classics and gave us some insight on his unique life. 

Raise the Woof: Rod Haneline of Leader Dogs for the Blind

"Introductions of a dog into their life change their life. A person may not have left their house or they thought blindness was the end of their life. Then we put a dog in their hands."  Rod Haneline, Chief Programs and Services Officer of Leader Dogs for the Blind has seen so many success stories with animals and their humans that went through the Leader Dog program. What he does is simply life-changing. 

Raise the Woof: Linda Harper

Did you know that a simple peppermint can calm your nerves? Almost every podcast, we discuss compassion fatigue. Finally, I have a guest that can talk professionally about it. Linda Harper is a Compassionate Heart Specialist and provides a guide for animals loves that is unmatched. In just 25 minutes with her, I felt so much better and learned small things that have made for a more sane Sarah.  For More: www.drlindaharper.com

Raise the Woof: Why is it so hard to adopt?

"Sorry you are not a good fit." The trials and tribulations of adopting or fostering a dog are no joke, but the application and interview process has also been difficult as Heather has tried to find the perfect fit for her home.  In this episode, I also ask Heather for advice on how to recover from a "I cannot do this anymore" moment. 

Raise the Woof: Marney Prince

 "I want all the animals out there to be healthy. People food is animal food."   Marney Prince has done TONS of research on animals and food and now with the grand opening of Side by Side Pet in Lincoln Park, she is hoping to help people and their animals live the healthiest life possible. This is not a store where you just walk in and out and snag food (unless you are in a hurry :) ), they are there to help you choose the best possible food for your animal. There is a vet on staff and ye...

Raise the Woof: John Garrido

"A lot of rescues are getting together and working together more and if we all come together, we may be able to influence and make some change legislation and influence our politicians and get something in place to deal with this because it is a never-ending cycle." John Garrido has built the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation after taking in strays from the streets and trying to reunite them with the owners. It is working and he is already seeing other districts implement it as well. It coul...

Raise the Woof: Andreana of Arrfscarf and Blooming Culture

CBD for animals, ice cream for animals. Andreana has brilliantly made amazing products because she cares and she does the research. Soooo many people ask me about CBD-this podcast is for you. She is a wealth of knowledge and is hitting the market with Blooming Culture at a PERFECT time. Raise the Woof is presented by Fetch Pet Care Chicago (fetchpetcare.com). For more information: https://bloomingculture.com/blogs/news/raise-the-woof-podcast-extended-a-deeper-dive-into-cbd-for-your-pets

Raise the Woof: Jodie Jean of Woof Gang Rescue

Jodie Jean of Woof Gang Rescue often gets the challenge of rehabbing dogs no one else wants and she is magical as she gets them trained and adopted so quickly, leaving us all in awe. She also runs an amazing rescue called Woof Gang Rescue and her favorite story will surely leave you in tears. Raise the Woof is presented by Fetch Pet Care, for more information: fetchpetcare.com.

Raise the Woof: Senior Dog Extraordinaire Tiffany Fraley

“If you are not helping a problem, you are part of a problem.” “Raise the Woof” presented by Fetch Pet Care with Tiffany of Be Fido's Friend. She is senior dog extraordinaire and has aptly named her house the Fraley Senior Dog Center. Tiffany is a true gem and I am lucky to call her a friend.

Raise the Woof: Peace for Pits

"In life if there is anything you want to do, you will figure out a way to make time for it." Peace for Pits slogan "Kindness is Greatness" is one to live by and they do SO MUCH GOOD in Chicago and beyond. For Mike and Megan, building a sense of community is just as important as saving dogs. They also have a 5-year-old daughter spreading love and knowledge about their mission and Malena joined the podcast this week and definitely has a future in podcasting! She is a gem! 

Raise the Woof: ATA Social Club (All The Animals)

  The newly-formed ATA Social Club is changing lives by assisting animal organizations that need their help. Organizing events and benefits to help the Chicago community is at their core and with great experience and contacts, they are braced to make a longstanding impact. 

Raise the Woof: Thanks and Rants

Raise the Woof: Elliott Serrano

"He was living in the basement. The fur was all gray and black and he was a white cat."    I have never seen a more neglected animal and I have seen a lot. Sinbad the Cat is famous because of his amazing transformation. How he was found and how he is doing now is such a great story.    Elliott Serrano, Sinbad's dad, the Community Program Manager at Anti Cruelty joins Raise the Woof today and boy was he a fun guest. Thanks E! 

Raise the Woof: Roo Yori of American Ninja Warrior and Wallace the Pitbull Foundation

“I think it is important to put the dogs out there. Let them speak for themselves through their actions. I think sometimes we get in their way.” Roo Yori has an amazing platform for rescue dogs and pit bulls. He does not take it lightly. The American Ninja Warrior is brilliant when it comes to getting the work out about his Foundation and adopting from shelters. He is a GREAT guest.

SPECIAL Raise the Woof: Jon Mancinetti

A great conversation with Jon Mancinetti of Mancinetti Pictures. "Loss and Found" (LossandFoundMovie.com) is a true comedic story about Jon losing his best friend, his dog Russell and how that launched him into a world of fostering and dog rescue.  We will be joined by the Filmmaker for a special benefit screening of the film THIS THURSDAY July 12 at Patio Theater in Chicago.  7pm: opening reception 8pm: film 9pm: after party and raffle $15/person $25 for VIP tickets that include...

Raise the Woof: The State of Chicago Animal Care and Control

Chicago Animal Care and Control is one of the most important city-run organizations. Yet, a few weeks ago, without warning they fired what many thought was the best Director in decades. A shit storm ensued and we are trying to sort everything out to be sure people understand WHAT is going on and HOW they can help. Oh, and would Heather ever apply for the Director job? The answer made me giggle. 

Raise the Woof: Christine Nendick from Rescue in Style

“I thought of this all in bed at 11pm. I was scrolling through instagram and thought ‘this would be a great platform for fashion and a rescue dog’ and it was uncomfortable at first because I am not a model.” Well, this is the first time the “t” word has been dropped in the podcast. Haaaa.  When I first saw Rescue in Style's instagram, I was confused. But once I learned about what she was doing, I realized it was brilliant. She is a great human and an amazing podcast guest. You will love t...

Raise the Woof: Steve

Steve. What is up with Steve, the new resident dog? 

Raise the Woof: Peggy Grandahl

"Most people do not know. We think everyone knows. They do not. Many people are horrified to see where these puppies come from."  Peggy Grandahl of Paws Crossed Rescue Resource, has had a lot of experience with dog rescue, fighting puppy mills, changing legislature and is at the front lines of closing down mills and stores one by one. She is an inspiration. 

Certified Dog Trainer, Behavior Specialist Yvonne Feeney

"They aren't houseplants." Yvonne Feeney is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, CPDT-KA, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and Behavior Specialist and has so much amazing pet experience. She has an amazing heart and rarely says "no." Many important notes in this podcast about how you can make a better life for you and your pet. 

Raise the Woof: We Rate Dogs Matt Nelson

“There is thought put into every word. Each word has intent. It is a challenge." Matt Nelson of We Rate Dogs and Thoughts of Dog dropped out of school to run a Twitter account. Well, maybe it is not that simple. It isn't and as you hear on this podcast, Matt is brilliant and created a must-follow account that he was able to monetize using something everyone loves-DOGS! With millions of followers, the pressure to be great can be immense, but he has studied his audience and has made the perf...

Raise the Woof: Dana McCormick

"You have to give them time and space. If I met you and came up and kissed you on the face you may be like 'hey, I am in my bubble here. That is a little intense.' It is no different for animals."   Dana takes the animals no one else wants. She is an extraordinary foster and gives some great advice in this podcast. Fostering is not easy, but it is so rewarding and it is VERY beneficial to hear from someone who has been through SO MUCH. She takes the old, the broken, and the ones with beh...

Raise the Woof: Q & A with Sarah Lauch

When you have been burned by a rescue, how do you jump back into the pool? Any advice for someone just starting in the rescue world?  Are you keeping Mac? Wow! You all brought the questions. Some a bit tough to answer, but I gave it my best! A longer podcast because I wanted to answer everyone that asked a question. Thank you for submitting so many great ones. 

Live Podcast with Susan Russell and Heather Owen

Susan Russell, the Executive Director of Chicago Animal Care and Control and Heather Owen, Founder of One Tail at a Time animal rescue join me to discuss a plethora of topics including the flu, euthanasia, fostering and so much more. Things get a tad heated when we discuss why more women are immersed if rescue, but it is a great debate and one we would like to explore further. I enjoyed the live element of the broadcast and I think you will too. 

Raise the Woof: Stephanie Doris

When Stephanie Doris saw Nana, she knew she had to have her. She dropped everything and went and scooped her up. Nana quickly became an internet sensation after her ears were removed because of a very bad crop job. She is an amazing ambassador for the breed, as is her mom. 

Raise the Woof: Dana Deutsch may she Rest in Peace

Dana was my friend. She was a friend to so many. But especially to the animals. Her face lit up when she looked into the eyes of an animal. Cancer is awful. It took away a woman making a huge difference to sooo many. I will miss you Dana. So many will.    This is a replay of the podcast that I did with her a few months ago. I love to hear her voice and learn from her. Each of us can take a little something away from the legacy that she left. Her shoes can never ever be filled properly.

Raise the Woof: Kristen Gerali

"For me, I think I may be their only shot of getting out (of the shelter) and that is what drives me. When you see them, how can you not try to help them?" Kristen Gerali, the Founder of ALIVE Rescue Chicago, has a passion for difficult dogs-deaf, feral, pregnant-she sees the best in them and works to give them a family of their own after some TLC. It is not easy, but to see her amazing stories is enough to give anyone hope. For those dogs that may not be able to be released into the real ...

Raise the Woof: Colleen Collins

Chihuahuas are their own special breed of dog and Colleen embraces them! She has taught me a ton. She brought me Agnes and Cheese and she is a great rescuer! 

Raise the Woof: Fetch Pet Care

People care about their pets more than ever and many want only the best care for them. So, how do you weed through all the options and decide what is best for you. Fetch Pet Care Chicago's Carolyn Alonzo and Fetch Naperville's Kim Zalinsky have built a brand that is working. 

Raise the Woof: State of the Rescue World

There is SO much to talk about. Facebook algorithms, Animal "Welfare" League and so much more. Our State of the Rescue World address! 

Raise the Woof: Cynthia Bathurst

"It is so important to go into the neighborhoods and listen to the them...especially the children. Listen to what they have been taught and what they do without thinking by habit and to try move them to a place that recognizes compassion, the need for love on both sides. We welcome Safe Humane Chicago’s President and Executive Director Cynthia Bathurst. I remember meeting her for the 1st time in 2012 and thinking, “damn. She is a badass.” It was great because she was one of the 1st people ...

Raise the Woof: Dana Dubriwny

The pet business is booming...for good and for bad. I loved talking to Dana Dubriwny about it because she is really at the pulse of it with her dog-walking and pet-sitting business Chicago Pet Sitters. Leaving your pet in the care of someone else is stressful and she has created a business that helps ease worries, but it can also be very stressful for her. It was a great conversation, with a side of Richard Branson. 

Raise the Woof: Shannon Glenn

"Those 4 issues are not breed-specific."   What Shannon Glenn from My Pitbull is Family does is simply necessary in this day and age. Unfortunately, many landlords and insurance agencies have preconceived notions about bully breeds and because of that, many families with amazing dogs have to surrender them to shelters. She has done AMAZING research and outreach and has been able to spread her message across the country. A message that will only improve the future of pets and their humans. 

Raise the Woof: Zoe Kharasch

hospice, special needs, seniors. Yes! Zoe Kharasch started Newman Nation in 2013 when the shelter told her she should "wait for the puppies to come in" when she inquired about a beat up, scraggly dog. She ended up saving him. Newman. From that day on, she made it her mission to save the ones no one else wanted.

Raise the Woof: Hillary Rosen and Billy Hoekman

1 day after we recorded this podcast, Hillary had to put down sweet Huey for internal bleeding. My heart broke for her. He was her everything. This podcast is still very relevant and we decided to air it as-is. Love you Hillary. So sorry "Do you love your pet?"  "Nutrition is not a crisis until it is. If you are not working to be healthy than you are a actively becoming unhealthy."   A dog's diet has proven time and again to derail illness and at times cure a dog. With a booming pet ...

Raise the Woof: Denise Theobald

Animals can be healed by touch. Denise has taught me techniques for my seniors and dogs with cancer that have made them feel better. I really believe in it. She has now expanded to help fearful dogs, injured dogs and has workshops to help pets and their owners. It is an amazing science. www.canisbodyworks.com for more information.

Raise the Woof: Welcome 2018

Raise the Woof: Dawn Kemper from Young at Heart Rescue

“We have a lot of joy at Young at Heart. It is all about the quality of time and not the quantity of time.” The toughest guest to get and possibly my favorite. Dawn Kemper is freaking awesome. Rescuing seniors is not easy and it can be heartbreaking at times. Tomorrow on Raise the Roof.

Raise the Woof: Giving RoosDay and Jake!

Raise the Woof: Fostering with Catherine Pilgrim

I get a TON of questions about fostering, so I decided to bring in someone who has fostered a wide variety of animals. Catherine Pilgrim was a great guest and she taught me a lot. If you are a foster or are thinking about fostering, it is a great listen.

Raise the Woof: Catherine Crews

The pet industry is booming and Catherine Crews, who started Canine Crews 8 years ago, is poised for even more success in the coming years. Her day care ALWAYS gives back to rescues and she is a delight. Hence, a successful business. Oh, and she is single...and ready to mingle. caninecrews.com