In this funny new episode, Matt & Mel(ificent!) cover the latest updates from the recently tabled 2024 WA Petition to phase out greyhound racing (just short of 27,000 signatures!), recommendations from the WA Government Estimates Committee, and upcoming public events such as Little Beans Gourmet Fair Day and PrideFest Fair Day.

Special guest Emily Norman, author of best selling greyhound children's book "Lily Longnose Finds A Home" celebrates her one year anniversary with the latest adventures of Lily: book readings at schools and libraries, fundraising efforts and exciting news and announcements for future Lily adventures!

In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we sit down with Susan Yuen, a seasoned pet physiotherapist, to explore the world of greyhound wellness.

Sue shares her journey into pet physiotherapy and her expert insights on managing the unique challenges greyhounds face, including painful corns and chronic discomfort.

We delve into how physiotherapy can bring relief, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life for these amazing dogs. Whether you’re a greyhound owner or simply curious about pet health, this episode is packed with valuable tips on keeping your hound happy and pain-free.

Sue's practice is Physio for Pets in Bibra Lake, Perth, Western Australia...however please contact her for invaluable information through online webinars to assist your pet's ongoing health wherever you are in the world! https://physioforpets.com.au/

In this episode of 'Talking Couch Potatoes', Mel has a chat with Ben Cave, CEO of RSPCA Western Australia, to discuss the unique challenges the organization faces in advocating for racing greyhounds.

Ben sheds light on the legislative restraints that limit the RSPCA's role in greyhound welfare and shares insights into the broader challenges confronting the RSPCA WA.

Despite these hurdles, he highlights the incredible work they do in animal welfare through their inspectorate, advocacy, and education programs.

A must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of animal protection in Australia, and how affecting change within government legislation is the slow but steady path to free the hounds.

Check out the valuable work of the RSPCA WA here https://www.rspcawa.org.au/

In this one year anniversary episode of 'Talking Couch Potatoes', Matt and Mel sit with Sophie, a dedicated volunteer from Greyhound Adoptions WA (GAWA). Sophie shares her experiences of fostering and rehoming greyhounds, highlighting the alarming increased demand for foster homes in Western Australia.

She explains how GAWA supports foster carers with resources, guidance and the added bonus of a friendly new community and network of greyhound advocates.

Build a deeper understanding of the significant impact you could make through fostering these beautiful creatures, and join our commitment to address the root causes of the rehoming crisis which is only getting worse.

Click here to find out how to become a foster carer! ⁠https://greyhoundadoptionswa.com.au/⁠

Click here to download a copy of the 2024 WA Petition

⁠https://www.freethehounds.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Free-The-Hounds-Hardcopy-Petition-2024.pdf⁠

Nine year old Luka joins Matt and Mel in the studio this episode, after writing a lovely feedback email about his most favourite animal - greyhounds! Walter, Poppy, Huey and Alfie are all lucky rescues that have known the love of Luka and his family (including Grandma!)

Luka's endearing affection for greyhounds, plus his cheeky giggle and mature insight into the complexities of fostering and adoption will melt your heart...

This podcast finishes with a touching tribute from Mel to her Heart Dog, the beautiful Anna, who was taken suddenly and too soon, just days before recording.

Please click the link to learn more about Osteosarcoma in Greyhounds and fill in the survey to help Free The Hounds track the data of this dreaded genetic disease, and hopefully find a way to eradicate it from our beloved breed.

⁠https://www.freethehounds.com.au/dr-belinda-oppenheimer-examines-osteosarcoma-in-greyhounds/⁠

⁠https://www.freethehounds.com.au/survey/⁠

In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, we welcome Kim, the founder of the newly established charity "Blue The Grey." Created in memory of her beloved greyhound, Blue, a social media sensation known for his love of toast, Kim shares the heartfelt story behind the charity's inception. After Blue's sudden passing, the overwhelming support and a GoFundMe campaign that raised an astonishing $130,000 motivated Kim to create this charity. Tune in to hear how Blue's legacy is bringing together hound lovers to find common ground and tackle the issues of the racing industry in a new and unique way.

Join us on 'Talking Couch Potatoes' as we chat with Karen, President of Dogs' Refuge Home in Shenton Park, about her 18 years of dedicated volunteer work with homeless and unwanted dogs. Karen shares the emotional ups and downs of her experience, the critical need for government funding for sterilization programs, and chats with Mel about the frustrating irony of government support for overbreeding greyhounds for racing while so many dogs are in desperate need of fosters and forever homes. This episode offers a candid look into the challenges and rewards of animal rescue, and the ongoing fight for a better future for all dogs.

Click here for more on the Dogs' Refuge Home https://www.dogshome.org.au/

In this heartfelt episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, Matt and Mel sit down with pet loss counsellor Grant to explore the emotional journey of saying goodbye to our beloved furry companions. Grant shares personal stories that inspired his counselling career, the cherished memories of his greyhounds, Hope and Stella, and his terriers, Nan and Scruffy.

Listeners will gain valuable insights as Grant offers compassionate advice on navigating the grieving process, honoring the bonds we share with our pets, and finding healing in the midst of loss.

Join us for an episode filled with empathy, support, and understanding as we recognize the deep connections that make our pets so special, and the profound impact of their loss.

Find Grant's counselling service here https://www.thepetlosscounsellor.com/

This episode of "Talking Couch Potatoes" highlights the recent Western Australian government hearings by the Estimates Committee: One hearing for the WA Greyhound Racing Association and Racing and Wagering WA; the other for Free The Hounds to present their case from an economic perspective.

"Chasing the Money Trail: In Pursuit of Government Inquiry" marks a pivotal moment where the government has stopped to listen and question.

Matt and Mel discuss some of the hearing's talking points:

The end of the Greyhound Injury Recovery (GIFR) Scheme, with the heartbreaking and unprecedented increase in greyhound deaths since it closed.

The economics of the WA greyhound racing code being funded and supported by our tax dollars through the WA Government.

AND how the The Free The Hounds 2024 Petition to end greyhound racing in WA addresses these and more concerns! Sign the Petition!

Sign the Petition here (WA residents only) https://bit.ly/endgreyhoundracinginWA

Watch the hearings here https://www.parliament.wa.gov.au/Parliament/commit.nsf/(ProceedingsOnly)/565CF18B75D4E0F04825872F0014B55F?opendocument#Hearings

Revelations Film Festival website here https://www.revelationfilmfest.org/

In this episode of Talking Couch Potatoes, Matt & Mel look into the reality of greyhound welfare in South Australia with our special guest, Elle, the president of the Greyhound Welfare Initiative. Elle shares her personal journey, which began with the adoption of her first greyhound, Maggie, and how it ignited a passion to advocate for these gentle creatures.

Elle paints a vivid picture of the dismal state of greyhound welfare in South Australia, where neglect and mistreatment have shaken the community, including shocking footage capturing blatant cruelty and violence inflicted upon greyhounds. This exposé led to a government inquiry, which uncovered the harsh realities of the industry and issued strong recommendations for reform.

Throughout the episode, Elle passionately emphasizes the urgent need for change and highlights the importance of advocacy to ensure a brighter future for greyhounds in South Australia.

Check out GWI here https://greyhoundwelfareinitiative.com.au/