Darryl Payne from Pawfection Dog Training joins us once again to share both his knowledge, and how much their business has grown, with new locations and programs. Along with answering listeners’ questions, Darryl invites everyone to join their Group Training, as well as a new Therapy dog training course, starting Monday, February 27th, 2023. To sign up, or for more information, go to www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or call (407) 456-1066.

Kathy Burns from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando once again joins us, this time on the road with a van full of dogs, including Offset, a young pup looking for a new home. Kathy shares how successful their Paws in the Park event was, with 15,000 people attending, raising close to $100,000. But she also talks about their need for dry dog and cat food donations for their community pantry, and how they’re preparing for the upcoming ‘kitten season.’ To donate or for more information, go to www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Dr. James Bogan brings with him Beauregard, a very large Eastern Indigo Snake from the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation, the only captive breeding facility for this particular species. Dr. Bogan shares how this non-venomous snake loves to eat the venomous varieties, and is America’s longest snake, and now is only found in southern Georgia and Florida. To help support the critical work of the Orianne Center, which is operated by the Central Florida Zoo, they’re hosting their second annual Indigo Bluegrass BBQ Saturday, February 11th, 2023, from Noon to 4:00 pm in Eustis, Florida. Get tickets or more information at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Jifu Jennings and Amanda Mossor from the Central Florida Zoo bring along PT Cruiser, a prehensile-tailed skink, also known as the Solomon Islands skink. Jifu shares some fascinating facts about PT, including that he’s the largest known species of skink, and has amazing adaptations for survival like scales that appear to shimmer. Amanda also invites everyone to the Indigo Bluegrass BBQ to benefit the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation on Saturday, February 11th, 2023, in Eustis. To meet PT Cruiser and all the other animals at the Zoo, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Katie Warner, Center Director, and Daisy Fiore, Senior Education Coordinator at the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, introduce us to Sanford, an Eastern Screech Owl. Daisy talks about how at only 3 inches tall and about the weight of half a banana, Sanford is one of the smallest birds in their care, but also one of the oldest at 11 years. Katie invites everyone to vote for Sanford, who’s made it to the finals for the Superb Owl Contest! Cast your vote at https://www.bonusfinder.com/about-us/blog/the-superb-owl-awards. To learn more about the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, go to chop.Audubon.org or call (407) 644-0190.

Susan Nastasi and Stormy, the miniature therapy horse, join us from SOUL Haven Ranch in Winter Garden, Florida. At only 27 inches tall and about 100 pounds, Stormy is the smallest of their five miniature horses, and Susan shares how he provides therapy to kids, the elderly, and even vets with PTSD. To meet Stormy and for more information, go to www.soulhavenranch.com or call (407) 509-1981.

Christina O’Donnell, a Senior Animal Ambassador Keeper, and Education Specialist Sarah Hall from the Central Florida Zoo, kick off the new year on Animal House by introducing us to ‘Chipotle,’ a Savannah Monitor. Christina shares how he is one of the largest lizards in their Ambassador Animal department, along with some of his amazing adaptations. Sarah reminds everyone that there are only a couple of weeks left to see the Asian Lantern Festival, but there’s still time to get your tickets to the Indigo Bluegrass BBQ on February 11, 2023. Need more information? Go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Cigi and Molly join us from the Humane Society of Lake County and bring along Marley, a one-year-old American Bulldog, and Bruno, a 9-week-old puppy, and they’re both available for adoption. Cigi shares how their shelter is seeing more animals being surrendered than adopted, like other rescues in our area, and what the community can do to help. To give a dog or cat a new home, go to www.humanelake.com or call (352) 589-7400.

Amanda Mossor and Jifu Jennings introduce us to Percy, a Bearded dragon that is part of the Central Florida Zoo’s Herpetarium. Amanda shares how their docile nature makes them a good pet, and the purpose of their so-called ‘beard.’ And since Percy is a ‘dragon,’ he serves as the perfect reminder to get your tickets, only available online, to the Asian Lantern Festival’Into the Wild,’ taking place select days through January 15, 2023. For tickets and more, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Whitney Boylston, Executive Director of the Lake County Animal Shelter, and Lavar Cooper, Public Information Officer for Lake County, introduce us to three adorable kittens available for adoption. Whitney shares the details of several upcoming events, including ‘Paws & Claws Adopt-a-thon,’ on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at Magnolia Closing Company in Eustis, Florida, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. For more information, find them www.lakecountyfl.gov/animal-shelter or on Facebook at Lake County Florida Animal Shelter. You can also give them a call at (352) 343-9688.