In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we’re joined by Micki Simone from West Columbia Gorge Humane Society—a small but mighty nonprofit based in Washougal, Washington, where every animal is treated as an individual with a story worth honoring.

Micki met with us from her car in a parking lot at night—a fitting snapshot of how unpredictable and all-consuming rescue work can be. In our conversation, she speaks with honesty and heart about the emotional and logistical challenges her team faces, and the even bigger systemic struggles that rescues across the country are up against.

We talk about what it really takes to stay in this field—the kind of resilience that’s built over time, the importance of boundaries and self-care, and the ongoing effort to help the public understand the very real limitations that all shelters and rescue groups face.

This episode is a reminder that behind every animal saved is a human doing their best—often in the dark, literally and figuratively—with deep love, fierce determination, and the quiet hope that their work makes a difference.

STATS FOLLOW UP:

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

West Columbia Gorge Humane Society (WCGHS)

Website: https://wcghs.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wcghs/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/wcghumane

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, Jolene sits down with Wendy Smith, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Odd Man Inn Animal Refuge in Jamestown, Tennessee — a 93-acre sanctuary home to nearly 200 rescued animals, including more than 175 pigs.

Wendy opens up about the incredible journey of taking on a property filled with animals in need and the years of hard work that followed — from caring for the pigs, to rehabilitating the land, to slowly upgrading the facilities that keep everyone safe. She shares her honest reflections on what it truly takes to sustain this work, the gratitude that keeps her grounded, and the importance of knowing your capacity, setting boundaries, and holding onto moments of joy.

Her story is one of courage, humility, and deep compassion — a reminder that resilience often looks like continuing to show up, even when the mud gets deep.

🎧 Listen in for a candid and inspiring conversation about leadership, self-awareness, and building a life rooted in purpose and care.

#TailsOfResilience #OddManInn #AnimalRescue #SanctuaryLife #PigSanctuary #ResilientLeadership #CompassionInAction #AnimalAdvocacy #FarmSanctuary

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Odd Man Inn

Website: https://www.oddmaninn.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oddmaninn/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/oddmaninn/

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we talk with Nicole Perkins, Director of the Portland Animal Welfare (PAW) Team — a grassroots nonprofit providing veterinary care, supplies, and support to more than 3,000 Portland-area families and their pets each year.

Nicole shares openly about the emotional realities of rescue work and what it takes to sustain compassion in the face of overwhelming need. From navigating burnout and setting boundaries to finding joy in small moments, Nicole offers honest reflections on what it means to lead during hard times.

We explore her journey from the arts world to animal welfare, her lessons in courage and conflict, and her belief that animals, people, and the environment are all part of one interconnected system of care.

This conversation is both grounding and inspiring — a reminder that resilience isn’t about doing it all, but about knowing when to pause, breathe, and put the oxygen mask on first. 🐾💜

#TailsOfResilience #PAWTeam #AnimalWelfare #RescueLeadership #BurnoutRecovery #CompassionFatigue #AnimalRescuePodcast #PortlandPets

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Portland Animal Welfare Team  (PAW Team)

Website: https://www.pawteam.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/portlandanimalwelfareteam

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/paw_teampdx

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Kristen McNab, founder and executive director of Rewild Refuge Farm Sanctuary in Kingston, WA.

Kristen shares the heartfelt journey of building a sanctuary from the ground up — from rescuing her horse Charlie, who was once malnourished and shut down, to creating a refuge where animals and people alike can heal and reconnect. She opens up about the realities of running a sanctuary while working full-time, the emotional and physical toll of rescue work, and the deep gratitude that keeps her going.

We also discuss the darker side of the horse industry, the importance of doing research before donating, and the inspiring resilience of animals like Morty the pig — whose story of trauma and slow, steady healing reminds us of the power of patience and compassion.

A conversation for anyone who believes in second chances — for animals, for people, and for the call to do good in the world.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Rewild Rescue Farm Sanctuary

Website: https://www.rewildrefuge.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildrefuge

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rewildrefugefarmsanctuary

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildrefuge?lang=en

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rewildrefugesanctuary

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Jacintha Sayed, Director of Saving Great Animals, a Seattle-based rescue that has helped more than 8,500 dogs find their forever homes since 2007.

Jacintha shares how she turned a one-time foster experience into a lifelong calling—bringing her corporate expertise in systems and processes into the rescue world to build an organization that’s as effective as it is compassionate.

She opens up about the real challenges facing rescues today—from burnout and difficult conversations to the emotional toll of an overburdened system. Through it all, Jacintha remains grounded in her purpose, embodying resilience through calm leadership, collaboration, and hope.

Whether you’re part of the rescue community or simply love hearing stories of people living out their purpose, this conversation is a reminder that structure and heart can coexist—and that resilience often shows up quietly, in those who keep showing up day after day.

Listen in for an honest, heartfelt look at what it takes to lead with both courage and compassion in animal rescue.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Saving Great Animals

Website:  https://savinggreatanimals.org/

Facebood: https://www.facebook.com/SGADogRescue/

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savinggreatanimals/

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHI6XB9gzicgQtieOf9PWg

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

Firefighter. EMT. Psychic medium. Cat rescuer.

Crystal Wedra wears many hats — but the common thread through them all is her unshakable belief in justice and standing up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

As the founder of Spooky Whiskers Rescue, Crystal has spent the past year diving headfirst into the world of feral cat rescue, determined to do more than temporary fixes. Her mission: to give every cat a chance at a safe, loving home — not just survival on the streets.

In this candid conversation, Crystal shares how her boldness and resilience fuel her mission, what she’s learned about flexibility and resourcefulness in rescue work, and how her recent autism and ADHD diagnoses have helped her better understand herself and her limits.

It’s a story about grit, growth, and finding the courage to keep showing up — for yourself and for those who need you most.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

SPOOKY WHISKERS RESCUE

PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/spookywhiskersrescue

INSTAGRAM: @spookywhiskersrescue

DONATION OPTIONS: Amazon.com, Spooky Whiskers Rescue | Rock Hill, SC | Chewy, Paypal, Venmo | Crystal Wedra

MERCH: Discover Our Exclusive Range at Spooky Whiskers Merch

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we talk with Kate Tsyrklevich, co-founder of Heartwood Haven Animal Sanctuary, about the challenges and rewards of running a farm animal rescue. Kate opens up about the importance of founders taking time away from their rescues and building systems that allow sustainability—not just for the animals, but for themselves.

She shares candid insights into the two kinds of trauma many rescuers face: witnessing animals near death or severely neglected, and navigating the unkind words of people online. Despite these hardships, Kate’s dedication, resilience, and self-care practices keep her grounded in her mission.

At Heartwood Haven, Kate and her team focus on rescuing farm animals—an often overlooked group in the rescue world—because, as she reminds us, these animals deserve safety, compassion, and the chance to thrive. 

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Heartwood Haven Farm Animal Rescue & Sanctuary

Heartwood Haven FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodhaven/

Heartwood Haven IG: https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodhaven/

Heartwood Haven MAIN WEBSITE: https://heartwoodhaven.org/

🌟 Links + Resources:

• Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://www.animalrescuehub.org 

• Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Jme Thomas, the dynamic and passionate founder of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue based in Monroe, Washington.

Jme brings both grit and heart to her work—balancing fierce advocacy for animal welfare with the realities of leading a foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue. She shares openly about the importance of boundaries, the necessity of loving both people and animals, and how compassion—even when tested—remains central to her mission.

We talk about:

Prioritizing quality of care over quantity

Creating sustainable leadership in animal rescue

Cultivating compassion in the face of frustration

Why people are the key to saving animals

The creative way Jme brought rescue animals into the spotlight—literally—by connecting them with touring musical acts

Whether you're a longtime rescuer, a new foster, or someone passionate about the wellbeing of animals and those who care for them, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to rock.

🐾 Rock on. Rescue on.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue

Motley Zoo Animal Rescue FACEBOOK

Motley Zoo Merch Link! 

🌟 Links + Resources:

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Todd Friedman, the deeply compassionate founder of Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary. Todd shares his journey from feeling a lack of purpose in life to discovering a calling that would transform not only his world, but the lives of countless pigs and other animals.

What began as a reluctant step onto a rundown property has, through four years of care and determination, become a thriving sanctuary built on love and advocacy. Todd’s mission is simple yet profound: to amplify the voices of pigs and show the world their worth, intelligence, and capacity for connection.

He tells the moving story of Katniss, a 600-pound pig who was paralyzed and neglected, and how, against all odds, his devotion brought her back to walking after months of tireless work. Through these stories, Todd reveals how resilience, compassion, and purpose intertwine — even when exhaustion, criticism, and self-doubt weigh heavily.

This is a conversation about finding meaning, honoring animals’ lives, and the unshakable bond between a man and the pigs he calls family.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.

🔗 Featured Rescue: Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary

Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary FACEBOOK

Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary IG

Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary MAIN WEBSITE

Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary PATREON

Preferred donation link (Zeffy—so 100% goes directly to the animals): Zeffy Donation Form

🌟 Links + Resources:

• Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://animalrescuehub.org

• Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Kelly Bremken, the first Veterinary Social Worker at Oregon Humane Society.

We talk about how judgment can be a signal of burnout and compassion fatigue, and how paying attention to these signs can guide healthier, more sustainable practices. Kelly also reflects on the role of community and big-picture perspective in building resilience, reminding us that we’re never alone in this work.

This is a conversation about curiosity, compassion, and the power of reimagining how we care for both animals and people.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode may contain themes of animal suffering including abuse and death, as well as themes of mental health that could include reference to suicide.

🔗Featured Rescue: Oregon Humane Society

Oregon Humane Society FACEBOOK

Oregon Humane Society IG

Oregon Humane Society MAIN WEBSITE

Resource(s) Referenced: Free Trauma-informed & culturally safe training: https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/trauma-informed-training/

🌟 Links/Sponsors

🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse