Tails of Resilience

Resilience Through a Social Work Lens: At the Intersection of People and Pets with Kelly Bremken

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Kelly Bremken, the first Veterinary Social Worker at Oregon Humane Society.
Kelly is redefining what it means to see the humane society as a true social service, supporting people in countless ways while strengthening partnerships across the community. She shares how a trauma-informed approach transforms the question from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What has happened to you?”—a shift that empowers both her team and the people they serve to move forward with greater compassion and understanding.
We talk about how judgment can be a signal of burnout and compassion fatigue, and how paying attention to these signs can guide healthier, more sustainable practices. Kelly also reflects on the role of community and big-picture perspective in building resilience, reminding us that we’re never alone in this work.
This is a conversation about curiosity, compassion, and the power of reimagining how we care for both animals and people.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode may contain themes of animal suffering including abuse and death, as well as themes of mental health that could include reference to suicide.
🔗Featured Rescue: Oregon Humane Society
Oregon Humane Society FACEBOOK
Oregon Humane Society IG
Oregon Humane Society MAIN WEBSITE
Resource(s) Referenced: Free Trauma-informed & culturally safe training: https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/trauma-informed-training/
🌟 Links/Sponsors
Learn more about the  Animal Rescue Hub: animalrescuehub.org
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Healing, Resilience, and Rescue: Lisa Beggio’s Story Behind the Shelter Doors

In this powerful episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Lisa Beggio, Executive Director of Columbia Humane Society, whose nearly three decades in animal welfare have been defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both animals and the people who care for them.
Lisa opens up about the realities of rescue work, including her own experience of surviving a horrific dog attack that left her physically and mentally sidelined for over 80 days. With honesty and courage, she shares how therapy, a strong support network, and a deep belief in her mission have helped her return to the work she loves—despite ongoing struggles with anxiety.
We talk about her advocacy for mental health in the rescue community, the importance of compassion fatigue training, and the legacy she hopes to leave. She also shares the touching story of a dog she adopted who defied the odds and lived a joyful 15 years, as well as valuable insights for anyone considering stepping into rescue work or supporting it from the sidelines.
🐾 This is an episode about resilience, empathy, and the deep bonds that make the challenges of rescue worth every moment.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode may contain themes of animal suffering including abuse and death, as well as themes of mental health that could include reference to suicide.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Columbia Humane Society- St. Helens, Oregon
Columbia Humane Society FACEBOOKColumbia Humane Society IGColumbia Humane Society MAIN WEBSITE
 
🌟 Sponsor
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://www.animalrescuehub.org/
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
🎵 Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Small but Mighty: CHEW Dog Rescue’s Foster-Powered Mission with Gloria Stewart

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we talk with Gloria Stewart of CHEW Dog Rescue—that’s Canine Health Education and Welfare—an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue dedicated to saving dogs and setting them up for the best possible second chance.
Gloria opens up about the misconceptions people have about rescues and dog ownership, and why education is central to their mission. She explains how fostering isn’t just a temporary home—it’s an opportunity to learn about each dog’s needs, personality, and quirks so they can be matched with the right human.
We discuss the boundaries rescues must set with potential adopters, including why what someone thinks they want may not be the best fit for them—or the dog. Gloria also shares how community support, self-care between placements, and heartwarming updates from adopters keep her going.
One of her most impactful experiences? Her very first pregnant foster—a journey that inspired her to take on more pregnant pups and newborn litters, giving them all a chance at a bright future.
🐶 Whether you’ve fostered before, are considering it, or just want to hear how a small but mighty rescue is making a big impact, this conversation will inspire you to see the ripple effect one home can make.
#TailsofResilience #CHEWDogRescue #FosterDogs #RescueDogLove #AdoptDontShop #AnimalRescueHub #ZodiPaws
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode may contain themes of animal suffering including abuse and death, as well as themes of mental health that could include reference to suicide.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
CHEW Dog Rescue
CHEW Dog Rescue FACEBOOKCHEW Dog Rescue IGCHEW Dog Rescue WEBSITE
🌟 Links + Resources:
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://www.animalrescuehub.org/
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
🎵 Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Rachel Davis of Lily’s Pad Rescue on Love, Loss & Saving Special Bulldogs

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Rachel Davis, founder of Lily’s Pad Rescue — an organization dedicated to giving medically challenged bulldogs a second chance at life.
Rachel opens up about the personal and emotional demands of rescue work, including how the sudden, devastating loss of her sister left her questioning if she had anything left to give. With the unwavering support of her family and the rescue/foster community, she found the strength to keep showing up for the dogs who needed her most.
A champion for mental health therapy, Rachel shares how creating space for herself has been essential to sustaining her work. She also reminds listeners that compassion for rescuers matters — that most organizations are volunteer-based, run by people who also have jobs outside of rescue. She addresses the common perception that rescues are “always asking for money,” explaining that, in truth, a large part of their work is fundraising to cover the extensive costs of care, especially for complicated medical cases.
Rachel shines a light on the heartwarming, transformative side of rescuing bulldogs with medical complexities — and why, with the right support and education, caring for them is not only possible but profoundly rewarding.
This is a conversation about grief, resilience, compassion, and the extraordinary impact of saying “yes” to the dogs who need it most. 

Feathers and Fortitude: One Man’s Lifelong Rescue Mission: Chris Driggins of Parrots for Patriots

In this heartfelt episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Chris Driggins, founder of Parrots for Patriots, a nonprofit connecting orphaned parrots with veterans seeking healing and companionship.
With decades of experience in bird rescue, Chris is a wealth of knowledge about parrots and exotic birds. He takes great care in placing each parrot, emphasizing how important education is before stepping into the world of parrot ownership. These birds are deeply intelligent, delicate, and emotionally complex—and Chris believes that understanding their needs is key to building a lasting bond.
He walks us through his mindful daily routines, shares touching stories of how parrots and veterans help each other heal, and reflects on how his own resilience stems from a meaningful commitment to the mission. Chris also opens up about the challenge of self-care and the value of having a supportive team that allows him moments of rest—often in the hot tub with good music in the background.
This episode explores what it means to show up fully for another life—whether feathered or human—and how commitment can become a source of healing and strength.
🎧 catch the full video on Tails of Resilience - YouTube.🔗 Parrots for Patriots: https://parrotsforpatriots.org/ 
Birdman's Exotic Bird Sanctuary – Sanctuary Birds
Paypal: Donate
Upcoming Bird Toy Shop: https://p4ptoys.org
 
🌟 Additional Links + Resources:
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: animalrescuehub.org
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
🎶 Music credit: Uppbeat – https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Hooked on Hope: Serena’s Journey from Volunteer to Voice for the Voiceless

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we meet Serena Jewell, a lifelong advocate for animals and a pillar of strength at Grant County Animal Outreach. Serena’s story began in middle school with a volunteer shift that changed the course of her life—and she’s been showing up for animals ever since. From volunteer to board member to full-time staff, Serena shares what it means to rise again and again, even in the face of tragedy. Within her first month of employment, she faced an unthinkable animal emergency—one that tested her spirit but ultimately proved her strength. We talk about the pressure of always being “on,” the guilt that comes with stepping away, and how her love for fishing helps her stay grounded and present. Serena reminds us that resilience isn’t about never falling—it’s about always getting back up. And most importantly, it’s about creating the mindset that you can. This is a story about grit, growth, and grace under pressure—perfect for anyone who has ever given their heart to a cause and wondered if it was enough.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode may contain themes of animal suffering including abuse and death, as well as themes of mental health that could include reference to suicide.
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Grant County Animal Outreach
6725 Randolph Rd NE, Moses Lake, WA 98837
Facebook www.facebook.com/GrantCountyAnimalOutreach
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@gcao.official
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the.gcao
PAYPAL: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=K9LAL4Q5RGP7A
🌟 Links + Resources:
• Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://animalrescuehub.org
• Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com 
 
🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Inside the Cat Mafia with PDX Cat Trapper: TNR, Compassion Fatigue, and the Unseen Heroes of Feral Cat Rescue

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Karen Jealous, founder of PDX Cat Trapper, and her right-hand powerhouse Emily Richardson—an RN for veterans and fierce advocate for both cats and people. Together, they run a 100% volunteer-powered TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) organization dedicated to stopping the cycle of uncontrolled community cat breeding in Portland.
Through raw and heartfelt conversation, Karen and Emily share the gritty realities of feral cat rescue—from sleepless nights to the emotional toll of confronting overpopulation and suffering head-on. They talk openly about compassion fatigue, the challenge of sustainable self-care, and how staying rooted in their mission keeps them going when things get overwhelming.
And yes, once you're in the "cat mafia," there's no getting out.
Whether you're a cat lover, a rescue volunteer, or simply someone who admires grassroots heroism, this episode pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to fight for the voiceless—tails, claws, and all.
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussions of  mental health challenges and animal suffering. Listener discretion is advised.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
PDX CAT TRAPPER
PDX CAT TRAPPER FACEBOOKPDX CAT TRAPPER IGPDX CAT TRAPPER MAIN WEBSITE
 
🌟 Links + Resources:
If you have a feral cat(s) you need help and you are in the Oregon please reach out to Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon first. 
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: animalrescuehub.org
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
use code "Rescue10" for 10% off your first order. 
🎵 Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Staying on Call: Resilience, Moving through Moral Injury & Leading with Heart — with Virginia Borden of OCCRA

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Jolene sits down with Virginia Borden—911 dispatcher, wildlife rescuer, and founder of OCCRA (On-Call Community Rescue for Animals)—to explore the emotional toll of rescue work and what it means to lead with integrity and compassion in the face of constant crisis.
Together, they unpack the realities of misplaced anger often directed at those trying to help, the invisible wounds of moral injury, and how Virginia remains grounded in a world that asks too much. She opens up about the resilience strategies that keep her going, including dark humor, “rage workouts,” and finding strength in the incredible stories of animals who have endured the unimaginable and still fight to survive.
Virginia’s insights into burnout, trauma, community care, and conscious leadership offer a raw and validating space for anyone who’s ever felt the cost of caring too deeply.
⚠️ Trigger Warning:This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles. Listener discretion is advised.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
OCCRA (On-Call Community Rescue for Animals)
OCCRA FACEBOOKOCCRA IGOCCRA MAIN WEBSITE
Books Referenced: “Bulletproof Spirit” by Captain Dan Willis & The Age of Overwhelm: Strategies for the Long Haul" by Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky
🌟 Links + Resources:
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: org
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
🎵 Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Hazel's House Rescue: Boundaries, Burnout, and Big Hearts

In our first interview ever on Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Brittany Hazel, the passionate founder of Hazel’s House Rescue, to explore what it really takes to run a small, volunteer-based animal rescue.
Brittany shares how her upbringing shaped her path into rescue work, with a family that fostered and saved animals long before it became her mission. We talk about the misunderstood world of rescue—how public expectations can clash with the reality of limited resources—and why compassion from the community truly matters.
She also opens up about the importance of boundaries as a form of self-care, how she tunes into the early signs of burnout, and the emotional resilience required to keep showing up for animals in need.
🎥 Prefer video? Watch this episode on our Tails of Resilience - YouTube
📢 Don't forget to like, share, and leave a review—it helps others discover the incredible stories behind the scenes of rescue work.
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Hazel’s House Rescue🌐 Website: https://hazelshousepdx.com📸 Instagram: @hazelshousepdx📘 Facebook: Hazel's House Rescue
🌟 Links + Resources:
Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: animalrescuehub.org
Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
🎵 Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

Meet Your Host: Why Tails of Resilience Exists and Who It's For

In this first episode of Tails of Resilience, you’ll meet your host—Jolene, a therapist, lifelong dog lover, and founder of ZodiPaws and Animal Rescue Hub. This podcast was born from a deep desire to tell the untold stories of those in animal rescue: the burnout, the beauty, and the bravery of showing up even when it's hard.
You’ll hear the heart behind the show, how grief and healing shaped its creation, and what you can expect from future episodes. And yes—we wrap up with a little zodiac flavor, because that’s just how we do things around here.
🎧 Quick heads-up: There may or may not be a freight-train-level air conditioner and a couple of fighter jets flying by during this episode. Thanks for sticking with me through the noise—it gets better from here.
You Can Watch this Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iuU6F_8umZc 
Follow along @animal.rescuehub and @zodi.paws, and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a story that matters.
🌟 About Animal Rescue HubAnimal Rescue Hub is a directory and community platform created to spotlight and support the work of animal rescues, shelters, and advocates. Join, explore, or get listed:🔗 https://linke.ro/animal-rescue-hub
🔮 About ZodiPawsZodiPaws creates personalized astrology books and gifts for dogs and their humans—infused with purpose and playfulness. A portion of proceeds supports rescue organizations.🌐 Discover your dog’s sign or shop the collection: https://zodipaws.com
🎵 Music CreditMusic from #UppbeatTrack: Timelapse by Hemlock🎧 https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse