Rescue dogs don’t come with a sign on their head listing all their most important information It’s often the rescuer’s job to figure it out — piecing together clues from stakeholders, vet records, and in-person evaluations to paint a picture of each dog’s past, present, and future.

In Episode 3.3, hosts Jenny Nordin and Ashlyn Kauh dive into three remarkable cases: Luna, a returned cattle dog (adopted as a puppy) with “debilitating anxiety”; Rex, an owner-surrendered shepherd arriving beyond emaciated with no clear medical explanation; and Clyde (Claudette), an unexpected quasi-feral shelter intake.

They also recap a whirlwind stretch of over 30 new intakes — complete with the usual chaos (hello, kennel cough — see Not Your 9 to 5) — and skip the “Shit List” this week in favor of celebrating collaboration. Partnered rescues helped save 15 more lives, and that’s worth spotlighting.

This episode pulls back the curtain on detective work in rescue, highlights the power of partnership, and delivers the usual side of chaos, humor, and emotional endurance — all in a day’s work for a rescuer.

POD MENTIONS:

Diagnosing Kennel Cough in Dogs: A Comprehensive Guide [Kinship]
Body Condition Score (BCS) Chart for Dogs [Association for Pet Obesity Prevention]
The Honest Kitchen
Cushing’s Disease in Dogs: Signs and Treatment [MedVet]
Laboratory Tests Confirming Cushing's Syndrome [Veterinary Partner]

PARNTER MENTIONS:

Tail Lights Rescue Project
START Rescue
K9 Kennel Boss
Nirvana K9 Training
Crossroads Vet
Stanislaus Modesto Animal Services
Saving Great Animals
Yakima Valley Pet Rescue (Valley Spay & Neuter)
Furry Freight

ADOPTABLE DOG MENTIONS:

Murray
Abigail
Luna

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Chapters

00:00 3.3 — Dog Detective Case Files: Luna, Rex and Clyde

03:36 Huge week for intakes

07:53 A present for Ashlyn

11:31 Our Genius Infomercial Idea

13:06 Jenny FAIL

16:10 Not Your 9 to 5: Kennel Cough

19:52 Do your resident dogs catch it?

21:58 Main Topic: We're basically dog detectives

23:31 Luna adopted as a puppy returned as an adult with "debilitating anxiety"

29:42 Rex, an unexpectedly emaciated owner surrender

38:19 Clyde (Claudette) shelter intake surprise

46:54 Anti Shit List Gold Star Rescue Collabs

47:46 Saving Great Animals and 8 Yorkies

51:44 Yakima Valley Pet Rescue 7 Puppies

56:41 Finding more fosters, fail

01:01:37 This number has been disconnected

01:02:57 Outro

01:03:18 Behind the Scenes