The Rescue State

What does it actually take to create a no-kill future in California?In this powerful Season 3 finale of The Rescue State, we move beyond awareness and into action. After exploring how shelters operate, what good standards look like and how to recognize when those standards begin to slip, this episode brings it all together with one simple truth: real change starts with people who are willing to speak up.This episode reminds us that every life matters and that the difference between life and death is often whether someone chooses to care enough to act. You’ll also walk away with simple, tangible ways to advocate for your local shelter from contacting your county supervisors to asking the right questions and becoming a steady voice for change in your community.This isn’t about being perfect.It’s about being present.Because a no-kill future doesn’t happen all at once…It happens one voice, one action and one life at a time.

What is it really like to be on a rescue transport?  In this special episode of The Rescue State, I take you behind the scenes on a journey I’ll never forget—traveling up the Pacific Northwest on the Promise 4 Paws rescue bus to meet our Canadian rescue partners in Bellingham, Washington.This isn’t just a road trip—it’s a mission. From long hours on the road to the quiet, emotional moments in between, I’m sharing rare, firsthand insight into what it takes to move dogs to safety. What it feels like to be part of something bigger. And the incredible coordination, care and heart that goes into every mile of the journey straight up north and right back down again.If you’ve ever wondered how these life-saving transports actually work… this episode is for you.And if this story moves you, there’s a way to be part of it. Promise 4 Paws relies on community support to continue these critical rescue efforts. If you feel called, you can donate here to help fund future transports and give more dogs & cats a second chance at life.Venmo: promise4pawsZelle: [email protected] Every mile matters. Every life matters. And together, we make it possible. 

Some conversations are worth coming back to and this is one of them. In this special replay episode of The Rescue State, I’m revisiting my conversation with Kevin and Sue Walshe two deeply committed voices in the rescue community who are doing the hard, often unseen work behind the scenes.As we move through Season 3 and take a closer look at how shelter systems function, where they fall short and how change actually happens, this conversation hits differently. Kevin and Sue share real, unfiltered insight into the complexities of rescue from navigating overcrowded shelters to the emotional weight of making life-or-death decisions.This episode is a reminder that rescue is not black and white. It’s layered, human, and at times, incredibly challenging but it’s also where compassion, persistence and community come together to create real impact. If you’re trying to understand what it truly takes to be part of the solution… this is an episode you don’t want to miss (or miss again)!

In this powerful episode of The Rescue State, I sit down with Lucy Fernandez, a key force behind the ongoing reform efforts at the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. Lucy brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on what’s really happening within our shelter systems through her work and life saving advocacy with Outcomes For Pets. Lucy shares her insights and expertise on breaking down the root causes of pet overpopulation and the systemic challenges shelters face today. From capacity crises to outdated processes, she helps us understand where things are falling short and, more importantly, where real change is possible. This conversation is about solutions, not blame. Lucy shares how communities can step into their power through education, advocacy and accountability. If you’ve ever wondered how to make a meaningful impact beyond adoption or fostering, this episode is your roadmap. Check out the resources below mentioned in this episode:Outcomes for Petshttps://outcomesforpets.com/The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruizhttps://www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreementsMaddie's Fundhttps://www.maddiesfund.org/Maddie's Universityhttps://university.maddiesfund.org/

In this episode of The Rescue State, we’re diving into one of the most critical and often overlooked parts of animal welfare: recognizing when shelter standards begin to slip and understanding what you can do about it.Not all issues are obvious. Sometimes, the signs show up quietly such as:Longer kennel staysLack of medical careReduced transparencyAnimals becoming increasingly overlooked.Join us as we discuss how to take action and what you can do when something just doesn’t feel right. Because real change doesn’t come from outrage alone it comes from informed, consistent and compassionate advocacy.

In this episode of The Rescue State, we move beyond what’s broken in animal welfare and focus on what good actually looks like inside a shelter. From transparency and humane care to leadership structure and accountability, this episode breaks down the real, observable standards that well-functioning shelters uphold and what the public should expect from systems funded by our tax dollars.We explore:What you should see when you walk into a shelterHow healthy shelter systems manage intake and preventionWhy understanding the chain of command matters when doors feel closed.This isn’t about blame or confrontation, it’s about civic literacy, informed advocacy and building systems that work better for animals, staff and communities alike. If you’ve ever wondered how shelters are supposed to function or how to ask better questions as a community member this episode is for you.Because informed communities change outcomes.

Before we can talk about accountability, we have to understand the system.  In this episode of The Rescue State, we breaks down how municipal animal shelters actually operate beyond the kennels and adoption events.  You’ll learn:• What “intake” really means• How outcomes are categorized• How Live Release Rate is calculated• What the term “No-Kill” actually means (and what it doesn’t)• The difference between open-intake shelters and private rescues• How capacity for care impacts animal welfare• How municipal shelters are funded and why budgets matterIf we want better outcomes for animals in California, we have to speak the language of the system.  This episode lays the foundation for informed advocacy grounded in data, structure and civic literacy. Because accountability starts with understanding.

Welcome to Season 3 of The Rescue State.This season, we’re doing something different.  Instead of focusing on individual stories alone, we’re zooming out and taking a hard look at the entire California shelter system.  What should a well-run, ethical, transparent shelter actually look like?What are the standard practices that protect animals and serve communities responsibly?And how do we, as advocates, identify when those standards are not being met?Throughout this season, we’ll break down how municipal shelters operate, what “good” looks like behind the scenes and how data, policy, leadership and accountability all intersect.  My goal is to give you the tools and language to understand the system so that when something feels off in your local shelter, you can speak up with clarity and confidence.  Because advocacy isn’t about outrage.  It’s about informed action.  If we want a No Kill California, we need to understand the structure we’re working within and how to improve it.Let’s build the roadmap together!

In our season finale of The Rescue State, I’m taking a moment to pause, reflect and speak from the heart.As we close out 2025, I share my final thoughts on where we’ve been, where we are, and, most importantly, where we can go next. This episode is about choosing compassion over complacency, responsibility over convenience and community over division.  It’s about how small, intentional actions can create meaningful ripple effects, not only for ourselves, but for our neighborhoods, our state and the animals who depend on us to speak up when they cannot.Together, we explore what it truly means to “do better” as humans, as advocates and as a collective community.  The importance of our mindset can help spark lasting change in California’s homeless animal crisis.My hope is that this episode leaves you feeling grounded, inspired and empowered to move forward with purpose, thoughtfulness and, most importantly, with kindness.

In this week’s episode with The Rescue State, I have the honor of sitting down with Lauren McCarron, founder of Joyful Pets and Rehome With Love service, for one of the most important and heartfelt conversations we can have as responsible pet owners.Together, we explore the incredibly difficult reality that sometimes, despite our best intentions, rehoming a beloved pet becomes the most responsible and loving choice. Lauren shares how her team leads with compassion, dignity and support for individuals and families navigating one of the hardest decisions they may ever face.This episode is a powerful reminder that responsible pet ownership doesn’t end when things get hard, it’s about making thoughtful, humane choices at every stage of the journey. If you care deeply about animals, ethics and doing right by the pets we love, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss!

In this episode of The Rescue State, I respond to John Stossel’s video “Puppy Prohibition: Ban on Pet Store Sales Kills Pet Stores, But Hasn’t Stopped Puppy Mills.” I encourage listeners to watch the video and join me as I share what stood out and what was noticeably left out. We talk about the realities of puppy mills that often go unmentioned: large-scale breeding operations, puppy importation, loopholes that allow cruelty to continue and why banning these pipelines is critical to real change.I also offer insight from inside the rescue world and share tips for navigating conversations like this with clarity, compassion and confidence. If you’ve seen this video or find yourself in conversations similar to this and felt conflicted, curious or frustrated, this episode helps cut through the noise and get to the truth that actually saves lives.Listen now and join the conversation!

This week on The Rescue State, we’re leaning into the spirit of giving and exploring real ways you can make a difference for animals this holiday season.  From donating to your favorite local rescues, to supporting shelters with Amazon wishlists, to dropping off cozy blankets for pups in cold kennels, small acts of kindness open the door to big change.We have an exciting sweet, new foster named Daphne who survived being hit by a car and is currently facing surgery on both of her back legs. Her strength and sweetness are the reminder we all need right now and the holidays are a perfect time to rally together for dogs who deserve a fighting chance.If you would like to contribute to her recovery, you can support her through her GoFundMe here: Help Daphne Walk Again: Double Leg Surgery for a Puppy.Plus, our Cozy Paws Winter Drive is officially underway!  We’re collecting blankets, towels and toys to help the animals at the Devore Animal Shelter and the Big Bear Animal Shelter stay safe and warm this winter.  Drop-off locations and details can be found at rescue-state.com.Whether it’s a one-time donation, buying items from a wishlist, sponsoring a medical case like Daphne or delivering blankets to a shelter, there are so many ways to give love this season.  Tune in, get inspired and help make this a warmer, brighter holiday for dogs who need us most.

Join us for one of our most important conversations yet as The Rescue State sits down with Lauren and Anthony from the Animal Welfare Data Center.  Together, we explore a side of animal welfare that doesn’t get talked about enough: data.  The answers needed for change are hidden in numbers and trends that reveal why dogs are entering shelters, where resources are falling short and how we can finally break the systemic patterns that lead to overcrowding and euthanasia. What will it truly take for California to become a no-kill state?This episode brings that answer to light.  If you want to understand not just what’s broken, but how we fix it, this is the episode you cannot miss.Listen now and be part of the change!

In our first interview for The Rescue State podcast Season 2, I sit down with longtime animal advocate Tessa Behr to talk about everything fostering — the real, the emotional, the messy and the life-changing. Tessa shares her step-by-step fostering roadmap to help anyone know exactly what to expect when opening their home to a shelter dog: from the first car ride, decompression and training and the importance of bonding.  Whether you’re thinking about fostering for the first time or you’ve already fostered dozens of dogs, this episode is full of practical advice, heart-centered insight and the reminders we all need when rescue work gets heavy.Tessa’s wisdom proves that fostering doesn’t just save dogs — it strengthens communities and transforms lives on both ends of the leash.  Tune in, learn and maybe find the nudge you needed to say yes to fostering. 🐾

In this emotional second part journey of our first foster Bergy, I open up about what it’s really like to love a dog you’re expected to let go.  The joy, the heartbreak and the exact moment Bergy made it clear that rescue work would become my purpose.This episode isn’t just about her journey; it’s about love, loss and the calling some dogs are placed in our lives to reveal.  If you’ve ever wanted to understand why fostering matters and how one dog can completely change the path of a person, this episode tells that story.Learn more about us rescue-state.comFollow us on Instagram @the_rescue_state

In this emotional Season 2 opener for The Rescue State, Kim shares how her first foster dog, Bergy, changed her life and opened her eyes to the realities of animal shelters, the fostering experience and California’s homeless pet crisis.Join us for the first part of this powerful two-part story.  You won’t want to miss it!

In the season’s finale of The Rescue State podcast, I dive into one of the biggest loopholes backyard breeders use to sell puppies: Craigslist.  Even though Craigslist bans the sale of animals, many people try to get around the rules with misleading ads.  In this episode, I walk you through how to spot these posts and show you how to turn “flagging” them into a game. Together, we can push back against illegal puppy sales, protect dogs from backyard breeders and remind sellers that the public is watching.  Tune in to learn how to play the “flagging game” and join the movement to hold backyard breeders accountable—one flagged ad at a time.

In this episode of The Rescue State, we dive into one of the most powerful and often overlooked ways you can save a life...Fostering!  Rescues cannot do what they do without fosters opening their homes and hearts to dogs in need.  I share why fostering is so essential, bust a few common myths that might be holding people back and offer practical pointers for anyone on the fence.  Whether you’ve been considering fostering for a while or this is the first time you’ve thought about it, this episode will show you just how much of a difference you can make.

In this second part of our brachycephalic breed series, we take a hard look at how backyard breeders are fueling the crisis inside high-kill shelters.  By overbreeding bulldogs, Frenchies, pugs and other short-snout dogs often with severe health issues, these breeders prioritize profit over animal welfare.  This leaves thousands of dogs to suffer and end up in shelters at alarming rates.Together, we can push back.  At the end of this episode, I share where you can download two free resources from my website rescue-state.com so that you can easily contact your local councilmembers and county supervisors and demand change!  #EndBackyardBreeding

In this week’s episode of The Rescue State, I dive into the hidden costs of owning brachycephalic breeds; think pugs, English bulldogs, French bulldogs and other flat nosed breeds.  These sweet, little companions often require extensive and expensive medical care from breathing difficulties to chronic skin and eye conditions.Sadly, many end up in shelters when families can no longer afford their care and too many are being euthanized as a result.  This is part one of a two-part conversation where I uncover the realities behind these breeds’ medical needs and the heartbreaking impact on shelters across California.   

In this episode of The Rescue State, I sit down with Kevin and Sue Walshe, the incredible founders of Promise 4 Paws. Together, we dive into the tough but necessary conversations about the realities of animal rescue and the immense joy that comes from saving lives.Promise 4 Paws isn’t just a rescue—it’s a powerhouse team of fosters and volunteers who have built something truly extraordinary. Their compassion, dedication, and determination put them in a league of their own and their work has saved thousands of animals who otherwise would not have had a chance.This conversation is both heartfelt and eye-opening and it shines a light on why supporting rescues like Promise 4 Paws with donations, volunteering, and advocacy is so vital.

In this listener Q&A episode of The Rescue State, Kim tackles your most pressing questions about California’s homeless dog crisis. Packed with eye-opening facts and insight into shelter realities, this episode sheds light on the complex reasons behind the state’s overwhelming homeless dog population.From unenforced laws to gaps in resources, Kim breaks down the “why” behind the crisis—empowering you with the knowledge to be part of the solution. 

In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Young, a rescue coordinator with Loved At Last Dog Rescue. Together, we share our firsthand experiences rescuing dogs from California shelters and transporting them to Vancouver, Canada, where they find loving foster homes and forever families.Kristi opens up about the unique challenges rescues face in California, from overwhelming shelter numbers to restrictive legislation. We also talk about the systemic issues contributing to high euthanasia rates—and the steps needed to move California toward becoming a true No Kill state.

In this first episode of The Rescue State, host Kim Moodey shares the heart behind the mission: turning California into a No Kill state by supporting high kill shelters. Kim opens up about her personal journey into animal rescue and introduces the story that started it all—the emotional, unforgettable rescue of a foster dog named Apollo. It’s a story of heartbreak, hope, and a call to action for every animal advocate. And please donate to Babs Fry with A Way Home for Dogs. She's an amazing hero and accepts donations. Visit her non-profit page at awayhomefordogs.com