Robert Ramos, a former K9 deputy, now works for K9’s United, a national nonprofit dedicated to advocating for and supporting law enforcement canines with vital equipment and training. K9’s United is encouraging Florida drivers to pre-order its specialty license plate before the October 15, 2024, deadline. Pre-order at www.k9sunited.org for $34.00, or from your local DMV for $33.00, and $25.00 from each plate sold will directly benefit K9’s United.

Angie Klein and Ciji Swanton bring along Gracie, a 3-year-old dog, and Icicle, an 11-year-old cat, available for adoption from the Humane Society of Lake County, a no-kill animal shelter located in Umatilla, Florida. We kick things off by talking about how they assess their animals to help them find their forever homes, and their upcoming fundraising events, including a Trivia Night on March 23rd, and Pedal For Paws bike riding event on April 20th. To get your tickets, or to find your next fur-ever friend, go to www.humanelake.com or call (407) 589-7400.

Zoo Teacher, Justin Johnson, and Ambassador Animal Keeper, Amanda Mossor, join us from the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens and bring along PT Cruiser, a prehensile-tailed skink. They share some fascinating features about this species of skink, including how they live in the trees of the Solomon Islands in large family groups. Plus, Justin talks about the Zoo’s upcoming events, like Hippity Hop Adventure and Brews Around The Zoo. Get your tickets at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Darryl Payne with Pawfection Dog Training joins us once again to answer listeners’ questions about their dog’s behavior, and to also share some funny stories about his time as a K9 officer at Buckingham Palace. To book your training appointment, go to www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or call (507) 456-1066.

Kathy Burns and Sally Edmonds from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando stop by with 8-week-old puppies Joy and Dawn, who will be available for adoption in just a few days. And with Spring right around the corner with its usual influx of new kittens and puppies, they talk about the need for fosters. The good news Kathy says is they cover all costs for those who choose to become fosters. Learn more at www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Cora Berchem is the Director of Multimedia and a Manatee Research Associate for Save the Manatee Club, and she joins us to share some good news about manatees’ recovery. From more sea grass and record numbers of newborn calves, Cora shares the strides forward this amazing species has accomplished, and the work yet to do. To learn more, go to www.savethemanatee.org, call (407) 539-0990 or toll-free 1-800-432-5646.

Jamie Ling and Eva Ortiz-Feder are Teachers at the Central Florida Zoo, and they bring along Willy, the Zoo’s resident gopher tortoise, a keystone species, meaning many other animals depend on them for survival. In fact, 350 different species of animals make their homes in the gopher tortoise’s burrows, including another keystone species, the eastern indigo snake. Coming up on Saturday, February 10, 2024, is their “I ❤️ Indigos Day!” at the Zoo, along with a Bluegrass BBQ fundraising event supporting their conservation partner, the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation. To get your tickets, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Debbie Helsel is the Executive Director of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge in Orange County, Florida, and today she brought along Luna, an Eastern Screech Owl, and Hang Ten, a Gopher Tortoise. Debbie shares what types of animals they are rescuing and the impact Florida’s increasing development is having on wildlife. She also talks about their upcoming reopening and plans for their 35th birthday. To learn more, go to www.btnwildlife.org or call (407) 568-5138.

Darryl Payne from Pawfection Dog Training comes in to once again answer listeners’ questions about their dogs’ behavior. This time, he talks about how to deal with a puppy that nibbles, a dog who pees inside, and how to prepare your dog for your return to the office. To book your training session, go to www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or call (407) 456-1066.

Dr. Daisy Fiore joins us from the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, Florida, and brings along Billy Owlish, an Eastern Screech Owl, one of their ambassador birds. Daisy shares some fascinating facts about owls, from their serrated feathers to help with silent flight, to their exceptionally long legs. She also encourages school groups of all kinds to take advantage of their education packages. To meet Billy and more, go to www.cbop.audubon.org or call (407) 644-0190.