This is a delicate issue, and it was difficult to cut our conversation to 30 minutes! Even with adding a part 2 (next episode we'll talk about choosing a good Breeder if you go that route) we couldn't cover everything. But we tackle the reasons why Rescues turn people down, why "No Kill" has done more harm than good, and some of the ways Rescues could help more families adopt pets and help those pets succeed in those homes!
My guest is Trish McMillan, MSc, CPDT-KA, CDBC, ACCBC
Trish McMillan holds a Master of Science degree in animal behavior, and is a certified professional dog trainer, certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant. She has been involved in the animal rescue and sheltering world since the mid-1990’s, starting out as a volunteer and working her way up to director of animal behavior. She worked for the ASPCA for nearly eight years; first as Director of Animal Behavior at their NYC shelter, then as a behaviorist on their field team, helping assess and rehabilitate dogs from cruelty cases, dogfighting and hoarding situations, then she joined the Shelter Research and Development team.
Trish currently does animal behavior consulting near Asheville, North Carolina, working with dogs, cats and horses. Her farm, Pibble Hill, is home to a happy herd of animals of five species. Trish speaks and consults nationally and internationally on animal sheltering issues, dog, cat, and horse behavior, dog aggression, and defensive handling. Her online shelter dog behavior mentorship has helped students from around the world apply best practices at their respective shelters and rescues.
Most of our talk about Behavioral Euthanasia didn't make it into the episode - it's not something to really cover in passing. But if you've had a pet who lost their life to their own behavior, Trish is part of an amazing group on Facebook, Losing Lulu. This group is ONLY for people who've lost pets to Behavioral Euthanasia, not old age, accident, illness or any other way. If that's you, I encourage you to apply for membership.
Find more about Trish at her website below! She also recommended this form, Adopters Welcome, for any Rescue looking to implement what she refers to as "Starting from Yes"!
Also cut from the episode was a discussion about the legal aspects of adoption. I mentioned a lawsuit filed in California against a rescue for placing a dog that turned out to be dangerous. Trish mentioned another California law, Hayden Act.
If you want to work with me, Susan Light, you can find me at:
The music was written by Mac Light, you can find him at:
www.maclightsongwriter.com
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This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute advice or professional services by either the host nor any of the guests.
