Love Has Many Faces

We are always so pleased to have Jenny on our show. Since 2012, in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook school tragedy, Jenny and her team have been working to teach empathy and kindness and educate people about how to help all the creatures we share our world with and protect the ecosystems. Catherine loved animals and always doted on the animals around her, including the wildlife. She wanted the animals to know that “I am kind”—and this sanctuary and organization are honoring her wish. From helping seniors keep their pets at home (through help with food and care), to hosting field trips with school kids, to supporting animal rescue groups, to the upcoming Race for Catherine, this group is doing work that is truly impacting the lives of people and creatures all over the world.  And they’ve been recognized for it, with wins at the Stevie Awards in 2025 and 2026—more about this AND the Race for Catherine on their website  www.cvhfoundation.org

Important note—you can participate VIRTUALLY in the Race for Catherine, held this year Oct 9-11 2026 and be a part of this great team.

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Angels with Misplaced Wings is a sanctuary in the Vancouver, WA area where differently-abled animals—both domestic and farm animals—can have a safe place to rehab and recover—and often stay for life. They get the special medical appointments and medicines they need and can live their lives out peacefully. A few years ago, a home building and maintenance company offered their services and some of their vendors’ services to provide, at no charge, some much needed repairs including the roof and some siding with water damage. But in the last year or so problems have arisen and now Angels is facing bugs, mold, a deteriorating roof and more water damage. They are not getting anywhere with those who donated the services and while the donation was much appreciated they are now facing almost more damage than they started with due to improper repairs. We’re trying to help by getting the word out to caring people. If you’d like to know more about how you can help, even if it’s just reaching out to request that the vendors make good on their promises, you can contact this organization directly via their website which is www.angelswithmisplacedwings.org  I have visited their sanctuary at least twice and they do good and caring work—please check this out if you are moved to do so. Thank you!

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Cynthia Chomos is passionate about design, nature, and cats. Since founding Catio Spaces in 2014, she builds custom catios and offers downloadable DIY Catio Plans to assist cat parents in solving their indoor/outdoor dilemmas. Cynthia’s catio creations are featured in Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens, and she recently received the national “Friend to Felines” award from PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Cynthia lives in Seattle with her beloved tabby Serena, her chief feline officer and quality assurance expert, where they enjoy birdwatching and bonding in their backyard catios. You can learn more at www.catiospaces.com

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Rewild Refuge is a nonprofit animal sanctuary in Kingston, Washington, providing lifelong refuge to animals rescued from neglect, abandonment, abuse, and the threat of slaughter. But sanctuary is about more than providing a safe place to land.

Through volunteering, community programs, and hands-on experiences, they create opportunities for people of different backgrounds and abilities to connect with their rescued animals, contribute in meaningful ways, and experience the healing that can happen when humans and animals are simply given the space to be together. To learn more about this organization, or to find out how you might be able to help, please visit www.rewildrescue.org

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After 18 years, Matthew lost his beloved friend and companion, Augie. When he found himself spiraling into grief he decided to escape to Europe for a change of scenery as being in his old neighborhood just held too many memories. A fluke in an Airbnb map landed him in Quarna, a remote Italian mountain village—and there me found new friendships, warmth, and a community that welcomed him as one of their own.  Because of a Dog traces a journey from profound grief to unexpected renewal. And indeed sometimes when all seems lost, it takes a village to mend a broken heart. Because of a Dog is published by Sourcebooks and available at your favorite bookstore or online retailer.

To learn more about Matthew, his book and his journey, visit www.matthewsigman.com

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Please take a listen to our conversation with Kyla Duffy, an animal foster superstar and a champion of the animals in Mexico where she’s been residing for the past several years. We discuss the different issues animals face there as compared to those in the US—and we have included links below for those who would like to learn more, and/or help support the efforts! Right now the animals in Mexico can use our help, particularly with rescue groups or transport operations so we can get some of them here to get additional help.

• Jessica Princess Pea / Escuchemos el Eco de su voz (This is the person I work most closely with): https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067620580719
• Kyla Duffy: https://www.facebook.com/HappyTailsBooks
• Para Los Animales (a coalition of rescuers in San Miguel de Allende): https://www.facebook.com/paralosanimalessma

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We are so very pleased to have had a most informative and enlightening conversation with Lori Cohn of The Beagle Alliance. Their work is to educate people regarding animal testing and work in a non-adversarial manner with research facilities to help get animals released after the research is done, rather than euthanized. Some of the topics covered: “Yes, lab dogs can make wonderful pets when released and often adapt quickly”;  “other ways”—there are newer and often more effective ways than animal testing; “new educational resources”—A film called “The Gold Standard” will likely be streaming by this fall and it explores the topic of animal research—a podcast called Dogs Beyond the Lab and the book “Lab Dog” by Brad Bolman.  Each of these provides scientific information from the experts and will help bring more awareness to the animal research issue.

If you would like to help, or learn more, you can do so at www.thebeaglealliance.org

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Today we revisit a conversation we had a few years ago about another animal organization that can always use more awareness and recognition. The mission of Isla Animal is: To provide free spay/neuter clinics to help control the animal population. To provide free or reduced-cost veterinary services and vaccinations. To rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals promoting adoptions in Mexico, the USA and Canada. To educate pet owners about humane animal treatment, care and responsibility. And to do all of the above in the most humane, compassionate way possible.  

Each and every group doing their best to help our beloved animal friends can always use more support, donations, volunteers and awareness. Learn more at their website:  www.islaanimal.org

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We had the pleasure today of speaking with Erica Ohrn, dog mama to a wonderful beagle, Radar, who also happens to be blind. Erica shared her story of how Radar came into her life, and how well he has adapted. He also has a brother who can see, Hawkeye, and who serves as a bit of a guide dog for him but that being, said Radar gets around amazingly well and loves living his life fully!

 Erica has written a children’s book about Radar, called “Radar Finds Home”, available on Amazon. It’s well suited to kids 1-10 years old, is fully illustrated, and has a positive and hopeful message.

Radar also has his own Instagram page, called “Radar the Beagle”. And Erica also volunteers for Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, a group that helps blind and visually impaired dogs across the entire US. Find out more about this group, and learn how you might help, at www.blinddogrescue.org

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We welcome back Brenda Maeder who has been a guest several times in the past. She is probably best known for her “differently abled” dog Jamie, a deaf and blind white cocker spaniel she rescued nearly 10 years ago who has shown the world that he gets along just fine and enjoys life—and that it’s OK to be different! Brenda has also written a children’s book about Jamie, called Jamie’s Journey.

Today we touched on some ways to save money on pet care and vet bills, including --seeking out special discounts and offers from vendors like Chewy and Costco, doing preventive care like dental work to spare your pet from more difficult issues later (heart disease, gut issues), feeding good foods, and even learning to groom your pet yourself. 

You can learn more about Jamie, and about Brenda’s work, on their Facebook page, aptly titled Jamie’s Journey.

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