What the hell is up everyone? Today’s episode is a hard one… but an important one.

I’m sitting down with Bonnie Klapper (animal rights lawyer) and Brandy Cherven (Executive Director of Run 2 the Rescue) to talk about the reality of the dog meat trade — what’s actually happening beyond the headlines, beyond the Yulin festival, and beyond the myth that this is just “cultural.”

We break down:

• How rescue operations actually work

• The massive paperwork + costs to bring dogs to safety

• The emotional toll of watching cruelty — and how they keep going

• Heartwarming rescue stories (bring tissues)

• Why saving one life still matters

This conversation isn’t just about dogs in China. It’s about the line we draw. Why do we love one animal on the couch… and eat another on a plate? Why does cruelty shock us in one context but feel normal in another? If you’ve ever felt outraged watching footage from Yulin… this episode will challenge you to expand that compassion across the board.

🐾 Want to support Run 2 the Rescue?

Instagram + Facebook: @run2therescue

Website: https://run2therescue.com

(501c3 nonprofit)

They need:

• Adopters in the U.S.

• Transport volunteers

• Grant writers

• Video editors

• Fundraising support

If we can’t get the dogs here — they don’t get out.

🎧 Jamie's Corner is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube! 

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🕙 CHAPTER MARKERS:

00:00 Content Warning + The Dog Meat Trade: What’s Really Happening

00:59 Meet Bonnie Klapper + Brandy Cherven (Run 2 the Rescue)

01:58 How It Started: Sunny, Charlie, and Going All-In on Rescue

06:17 Myth-Busting: Yulin vs. 365 Days a Year + “Humane” Illusions

09:35 The Rescue Reality: Paperwork, Costs, Vetting, and Placement

10:06 “Why Save 1?” Effective Altruism, the Train Track, and Moral Worth

13:19 Why It Persists: Demand, Superstition, and the Global Cruelty System

18:04 Case Study: 77 Lab Beagles (Mass Rescue with No Plan)

20:49 Who They Save: Seniors, Injured Dogs, Truck Interceptions

24:05 Trauma + The Rule of 3’s (3 Days / 3 Weeks / 3 Months)

32:29 How They Survive Emotionally (and Why It’s Worth It)

34:55 Brandy’s Breaking Point: Naming “Mercy”

39:08 How You Can Help: Editing, Fundraising, Grants, Adopter Network

43:02 The Empathy Bridge: “Organic Dog” Demo + Extending Compassion

49:00 What’s Next: Beijing Expansion + Quarantine + Meeting the Dogs

59:45 Where to Find/Support Run 2 the Rescue + Wrap