The Community Cats Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep126 - Justin Zimmerman Jan 03, 2017

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Justin Zimmerman, Director of the Film, "SMART: Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team."

"We fell in love with their drive and passion, and what they're doing so visual, we thought there was something cool there."

In this fascinating interview, Justin talks about his award-winning documentary that follows the exploits of the Los Angeles-based SMART team, which rescues animals in Southern California from all kinds of dire situations. He and his film crew followed the team for three years, watching as they saved cats and kittens, mountain lions, horses... even a deer trapped in a clothesline in Pee Wee Herman's backyard! Justin was inspired by the passion and dedication of this group, composed of animal control officers, who felt a heightened personal responsibility for rescuing animals in danger. Justin also describes how he is making the film available for non-profits to screen as part of a fundraiser. Don't miss this amazing conversation! Learn more at http://www.smartmoviedoc.com/

Ep125 - Susanna Della Maddalena Dec 31, 2016

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Greatest Hits! Susanna Della Maddalena, CEO and President, Central OK Humane

"We're in the business of saving lives."

Susanna was a fan favorite and we can definitely see why! She spent ten years heading up PetSmart Charities and now leads Central OK Humane. She has seen it all when it comes to fundraising and has been on both sides of the coin! She discusses implementing game-changing programs that have brought live release rates to an all-time high, as well as how they have handled the high volume for community animals in Oklahoma. Don't miss the knowledge that Susanna shares!

To find out more, please go to www.okhumane.org.

Ep124 - Brianna Lovell Dec 29, 2016

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Greatest Hits! Brianna Lovell, Outreach and Events Manager, Alley Cat Allies

"No action is too big or too small."

We couldn't have asked for a better guest on National Feral Cat Day than Brianna Lovell! If you are still unaware of what this great day entails, this is the podcast that you've been waiting for! Brianna discusses how the day began, but more importantly, what National Feral Cat Day has turned into! Groups use this day as a wonderful platform for taking on the projects and education that the community around them needs, regarding cats! Get involved in 2017 and make the change happen that Brianna so wonderfully discusses!

To find out more, please go to www.nationalferalcatday.org.

Ep123 - Hannah Shaw Dec 27, 2016

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Greatest Hits! Hannah Shaw, The Kitten Lady

"I live and breathe cat advocacy…that's what I do."

Hannah Shaw was such a popular guest earlier this year that we couldn't wait to bring back her episode for a reboot! How was she to know that saving an orphaned kitty would reboot her career, as well! Hannah, affectionately known as The Kitten Lady, is now an expert in saving and raising kittens. She holds workshops and has an amazing social media presence, so it was a match made in heaven when her and Stacy started chatting! She discusses the link between abandoned cats and the need for spay/neuter for Community Cats and also is one of the most inspiring guests we had all year! Enjoy!

To find out more, please go to www.kittenlady.org.

Ep122- Kathy Downey Dec 24, 2016

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Interview! Kathy Downey, Journalist and Animal Rights Advocate, Plus "Mickey's Story"

"These cats are citizens of our community just like you are and I am."

Kathy was one of the earliest volunteers for the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society when she moved to Newburyport, Massachusetts in 1992. She and Stacy reminisce about the feral cat colony on the Merrimack River and how she developed a special place in her heart for Mickey, a waterfront cat she calls "a personable cat with a purr." She details her relationship with this "Boss of the Boatyard," who ended up living out his retirement years in the home of another MRFRS volunteer, as Kathy points out the different challenges facing cat caretakers as the colony membership changes and ages. "We all love the cats and want what's best." She still feeds feral cats one day a week, as well as advocating for a wide variety of animal protection legislation. Plus, Stacy reads "Mickey's Story," a short story written by Kathy Downey about one of the feral cats on the Newburyport waterfront who touched her heart. Told by Mickey himself, you'll hear what life is like as a community cat, how appreciative Mickey is of the food and shelter provided by his colony managers, and learn about his many feline friends, including Clarence, Precious, Patches and Cremora..the "unseen feline ambassadors of the boatyard." Is there a Mickey in your life? Tell us your story on our Facebook page. Happy holidays from your friends at the Community Cats Podcast! To find out more about Mickey and the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society please go to www.mrfrs.org.

Ep121 - Dr. Marty Becker Dec 22, 2016

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Interview! Dr. Marty Becker, "America's Veterinarian" and Founder of the Fear Free Initiative

"To finally realize we were causing psychological damage to animals…once you know it, you can't not know it."

After being a renowned veterinarian, including being the resident vet on Good Morning America for 17 years, Dr. Becker says, "I'm not retiring…I'm refiring!" His latest initiative is an innovative program that helps animal care professionals reduce the stress we put on our companion animals when we bring them for their annual vet visit. It's called "The Fear Free Initiative" and includes eight online modules that train people how to make a vet visit a positive experience…really! Dr. Becker observes that when the initiative was launched, they expected only 1000 people to take the course, but it's exceeded expectations with nearly 6,000 people completing the certification. Dr. Becker believes we can work make all experiences "fear free" for our animals by thinking about their emotional wellbeing, as well as their physical health. For more information go to: www.drmartybecker.com

Ep119 - Dr. Sara White Dec 17, 2016

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Interview! Dr. Sara White, Founder Spay ASAP Inc.- VT

"We haven't really been taught… how to take care of [our bodies as] this instrument that we have."

Dr. Sara White is a mixed-animal veterinarian with experience both in private and shelter medicine, and the operator of Spay ASAP Inc., a mobile MASH clinic. Since 2006, Dr. White has spayed and neutered a staggering 40,000 animals herself. She also concerns herself with the issue of health ergonomics among veterinary surgeons and staff, and gives tips on how these individuals can take care of their own bodies and health in order to do the most for their patients.

For more information visit their ergovet.com.

Ep118 - Aly Miller & Paul Castro, Jr. Dec 15, 2016

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Interview! Aly Miller and Paul Castro, Jr., Creator of Aeris, A Short Film- NYC

"Our responsibility as filmmakers is to tell the most vulnerable truth."

When Paul Castro Jr. entered a pet store on a whim almost two years ago, he didn't expect to find a new passion for animal advocacy that would fuel one of his many film and acting projects. There he met Aeris, a sickly little kitten with whom he made an instant connection and felt he had to go to any lengths to save. Together with Aly Miller, he embarked on a journey that opened his eyes to the sad reality of many animals in pet shops, and sparked the production of a short film based on the story. The film seeks to open a dialogue about adopting vs. buying pets, and raise awareness about FIP(feline infectious peritonitis).

To help fund Paul and Aly's project, visit their Kickstarter page.

Ep117 - Christie Keith Dec 13, 2016

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Interview! Christie Keith, Communications Strategist, MI

"For me, it's all about persuasion."

Christie Keith is a journalist and communications consultant for animal welfare and veterinary medicine. Although she is based in Michigan, she has clients all over the country, including the Million Cat Challenge and Maddie's Fund. Christie is passionate about effective communication, and she works with organizations in message crafting, communicating, and persuading on the micro and macro level. In conversation with Stacy she outlines some of the tactics she uses for effective communication—she says the key is knowing your audience—and cautions against turning a blind eye to the potential "unintended consequences" of your messaging.

To find out more, please visit christiekeith.com

Ep116 - Elizabeth Putsche Dec 10, 2016

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Interview! Elizabeth Putsche, Founder, For All Animals

"It's all about data and supporting information. That's what really speaks to government officials."

Elizabeth Putsche is the founder and executive director of For All Animals, a 501(c)3 organization that "identifies and fills voids in the animal protection field." The organization is based in Baltimore, which in 2007 was one of the first major cities to implement TNR as the official policy for the treatment of community animals. For All Animals is committed to providing resources for those organizations who still have a lot of work to do in their communities regarding TNR, legislative blocks, overpopulation and negative views of local shelters. Some of the services For All Animals offers are Photographers for Animals, a pro-bono collection of photographers and videographers who donate their time to professionally photograph shelter animals and therefore increase their chances of adoption, and Attorney at Paws, in which Elizabeth Holt, director of legislative affairs, offers assistance to grassroots advocates trying to change, improve, or add community ordinances that affect companion animals.

To find out more, please visit forallanimals.org

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