This week on The Fur Real Podcast, host Mark A Kyle travels deep into the heart of animal rescue and education with Dave Siddon, Executive Director of Wildlife Images Rehabilitation & Education Center. Founded by Dave’s father, wildlife filmmaker J. David Siddon, Wildlife Images has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of animals while educating generations about the wonders of the wild.

From grizzly bears to bald eagles—and even Hollywood film sets—Dave shares fascinating stories about growing up around wild animals, his father’s work with National Geographic and Disney, and how Wildlife Images has become a West Coast treasure for animal lovers. You'll hear about the behind-the-scenes moments of animal rescues, the unexpected challenges of running a sanctuary, and how the organization is evolving to inspire a new generation of wildlife stewards.

Whether you’re an animal lover, film buff, or curious conservationist, this episode offers wild stories, real emotion, and powerful insight into what it takes to protect the animals we share this planet with.

www.wildlifeimages.org www.furrealpodcast.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

They’re misunderstood, mythologized, and often feared — but bats might just be the unsung heroes of our planet. This week, legendary bat expert Merlin Tuttle joins The Fur Real Podcast to set the record straight.

From pollinating your favorite foods (yes, even tequila starts with bats) to devouring crop-destroying pests by the billions, bats play a vital role in our ecosystems — and yet, they're constantly under threat.

Merlin, founder of Merlin Tuttle’s Bat Conservation and dubbed “the real-life Batman,” shares jaw-dropping facts, wild rescue stories (including a bat in a theater!), and explains why saving bats means saving the planet.

We bust the biggest myths (no, they won’t fly into your hair or suck your blood), and uncover the true brilliance of these night-flying marvels.

If you love nature, animals, or just want to be blown away by some next-level science, this one’s for you.

www.merlintuttle.org www.furrealpodcast.com

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all photos with permission @merlintuttle.0rg

Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com Stem cells for pets

This week we journey to the lush hills of Costa Rica, where over a million stray dogs roam the streets—but one woman dared to make a difference.

Meet Lya Battle, the remarkable founder of Territorio de Zaguates, also known as Land of the Strays—one of the largest free-range dog sanctuaries in the world. What began with the rescue of a single dog has grown into a 400-acre paradise that now shelters over 1,500 dogs, all free to run, play, and live their best lives.

In this powerful and heartwarming episode, Lya shares how a simple act of compassion turned into a movement. We discuss the challenges of caring for thousands of animals, the joy of seeing dogs regain their trust in humans, and how visitors from around the world can hike alongside hundreds of happy pups while supporting the cause.

Whether you're a dog lover, animal advocate, or simply someone who loves a story of hope and resilience, this episode will leave you inspired—and maybe even ready to plan your own trip to the Land of the Strays.

www.territoriodezaguates.com      www.furrealpodcast.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Renowned animal communicator Leslie Cirinesi of I Speak to Animals joins us this week. Have you ever wondered what your pet is thinking or feeling? Leslie has dedicated her life to bridging the gap between humans and animals, helping people better understand their beloved companions through intuitive communication.

In this heartfelt and fascinating episode, Leslie shares how she discovered her unique gift, the incredible stories behind her work, and the powerful connections she’s helped foster between animals and their people. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, this conversation just might change the way you look at your furry, feathered, or even scaly friends.

Tune in for a deeper look at the emotional lives of animals—and the humans who love them.

www.furrealpodcast.com    www.ispeaktoanimals.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Imagine navigating the world without sight.
In this inspiring episode, Christine Benninger, President and CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB), joins us to share how one rescued German Shepherd named Blondie sparked a movement in 1942 to help WWII veterans—and how that mission has evolved into the largest guide dog organization in North America.

With over 16,000 guide dog teams graduated, GDB continues to transform lives through the incredible bond between dogs and their human partners. Christine walks us through the organization’s history, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the groundbreaking work they’re doing today.

As GDB says, “Everyone deserves to move through the world safely.”
This episode will open your eyes to the life-changing role of these extraordinary dogs.

www.guidedogs.com               www.furrealpodcast.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Silver Linings for Senior Dogs – The Rescue Ranch Giving Aging Pups a Second Chance

Every cloud has a silver lining—and for senior dogs in Bend, Oregon, that silver lining is Silver Linings Rescue Ranch. Founded by Erica Psaltis, this heartwarming sanctuary is dedicated to giving older dogs the love, dignity, and second chance they so deeply deserve.

After adopting a senior dog herself, Erica discovered just how much joy, wisdom, and companionship these “seasoned souls” bring. That experience led her to create a safe haven for older dogs—especially those left behind when their owners pass away or can no longer care for them.

Located in the heart of Dog Town USA (yes, that’s a real nickname for pet-loving Bend!), Silver Linings Rescue Ranch is more than just a place—it’s a movement. In a city known for its iconic dog parade and dog-friendly culture, Erica is filling a gap in rescue work, focusing on dogs who are too often overlooked because of their age.

This episode is a touching tribute to the power of second chances, the magic of senior dogs, and one woman’s mission to make sure every dog’s golden years truly shine. Grab a tissue—and maybe your own senior pup—and listen in. This one will warm your heart.

www.furrealpodcast.com             www.silverliningsrescueranch.org

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

A Donkey to Thousands: of Equines... The Wild Ride of All Seated in a Barn

What began as a mission to save a single donkey quickly turned into something much bigger—a full-blown equine sanctuary rescuing thousands. In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, we sit down with Tahlia Fischer, the unstoppable founder of All Seated in a Barn. With grit, passion, and a whole lot of heart, Tahlia turned a simple act of kindness into a movement.

This is more than a rescue story—it's proof that when you follow your heart and refuse to quit, anything is possible. Saddle up for an emotional and uplifting trail ride through Tahlia’s journey... one that proves you never quite know where its going to take you..

www.furrealpodcast.com       www.allseatedinabarn.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Meet Professor Bryan Fry – Venom Scientist, Komodo Dragon Expert, and All-Around Adventure Seeker

When your guest has an adrenaline molecule tattooed on his neck, you know you're in for a wild ride — and this episode absolutely delivers.

Professor Bryan Fry is one of the world’s leading experts on venom and Komodo dragons, and in this episode of The Fur Real Podcast, he breaks down the fascinating science behind what venom actually is (spoiler: it’s not just poison!), how it evolves depending on a species’ environment, and why the Komodo dragon’s bite is way more complex — and deadly — than you might think.

We explore how animals use venom not just for defense, but also for hunting, survival, and even communication. From snakes to sea creatures to the legendary Komodo dragon, Professor Fry shares jaw-dropping stories from his fieldwork that will make you see these creatures in a whole new light.

🧬 If you're a science lover, an animal enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a great story told by a guy who’s been bitten, stung, and still keeps chasing the next discovery — this is the episode for you.

www.furrealppdcast.com

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Article links

Fry BG, Wroe S, Teeuwisse W, van Osch MJP, Moreno K, Ingle J, McHenry C, Ferrara T, Clausen P, Scheib H, Winter KL, Greisman L, Roelants K, van der Weerd L, Clemente CJ, Giannakis E, Hodgson WC, Luz S, Martelli P, Krishnasamy K, Kochva E, Kwok HF, Scanlon D, Karas J, Citron DM, Goldstein EJC, Mcnaughtan JE, Norman JA (2009) A central role for venom in predation by Varanus komodoensis (Komodo Dragon) and the extinct giant Varanus (Megalania) prisca. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 106(22):8969-8974.

Goldstein EJC, Tyrrell KL, Citron DM, Cox CR, Recchio IM, Okimoto B, Bryja J, Fry BG (2013) The anaerobic and aerobic bacteriology of the saliva and gingiva from 16 captive komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis): new implications for the “bacteria as venom” model. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 44(2):262-72.

Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

The wonderfully wacky — and surprisingly cuddly — world of skunks with Deborah Cipriani, founder of Skunkhaven! A licensed skunk rescue in the United States, Skunkhaven is more than just a safe haven — it’s a full-on mission to change the way people see these misunderstood animals.

Deborah shares how she went from curious pet owner to full-time skunk advocate, building a sanctuary that educates, rescues, and supports skunks and their humans nationwide. You’ll hear the truth about de-scenting, what skunks are really like as pets, and yes — some hilariously adorable skunk stories, too. If you’ve ever thought skunks were just backyard troublemakers, this episode might just change your mind.

www.skunkhaven.net                          www.furrealpodcast.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets

Lee Asher......You’ve seen him on social media rescuing animals, transforming lives, and living his dream surrounded by a pack of pups — now hear the story behind the mission. Lee opens up about what inspired him to leave his corporate life behind, how he built a sanctuary (The Asher House) from scratch, and what keeps him going through the chaos (and joy!) of caring for dozens of dogs.

From road trips in an RV with his rescue crew to the creation of a permanent haven for animals in need, Lee shares the highs, the heartbreaks, and the moments that changed him. He also dives into the deeper “why” behind his work, the challenges of staying authentic in the public eye, and what it really means to build a life with purpose. This episode is full of heart, humor, and the kind of real talk that’ll inspire you to chase your passion — even if it’s covered in fur.

www.theasherhouse.com              www.furrealpodcast.com

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Speical thanks to J Jig Cicero @jjigcicero for our music intro and outro..you rock!!!

Special thanks to Jake Olson  [email protected] for awesome sound editing

 and to our supporters:

www.prepvet.com  Stem cells for pets