Tails of Resilience

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Kristen McNab, founder and executive director of Rewild Refuge Farm Sanctuary in Kingston, WA.
Kristen shares the heartfelt journey of building a sanctuary from the ground up — from rescuing her horse Charlie, who was once malnourished and shut down, to creating a refuge where animals and people alike can heal and reconnect. She opens up about the realities of running a sanctuary while working full-time, the emotional and physical toll of rescue work, and the deep gratitude that keeps her going.
We also discuss the darker side of the horse industry, the importance of doing research before donating, and the inspiring resilience of animals like Morty the pig — whose story of trauma and slow, steady healing reminds us of the power of patience and compassion.
A conversation for anyone who believes in second chances — for animals, for people, and for the call to do good in the world.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning:Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Rewild Rescue Farm Sanctuary
Website: https://www.rewildrefuge.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rewildrefuge
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/rewildrefugefarmsanctuary
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rewildrefuge?lang=en
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/rewildrefugesanctuary
 
🌟 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

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Jacintha Sayed, Director of Saving Great Animals, a Seattle-based rescue that has helped more than 8,500 dogs find their forever homes since 2007.
Jacintha shares how she turned a one-time foster experience into a lifelong calling—bringing her corporate expertise in systems and processes into the rescue world to build an organization that’s as effective as it is compassionate.
She opens up about the real challenges facing rescues today—from burnout and difficult conversations to the emotional toll of an overburdened system. Through it all, Jacintha remains grounded in her purpose, embodying resilience through calm leadership, collaboration, and hope.
Whether you’re part of the rescue community or simply love hearing stories of people living out their purpose, this conversation is a reminder that structure and heart can coexist—and that resilience often shows up quietly, in those who keep showing up day after day.
Listen in for an honest, heartfelt look at what it takes to lead with both courage and compassion in animal rescue.
⚠️ Trigger Warning:Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Saving Great Animals
Website:  https://savinggreatanimals.org/
Facebood: https://www.facebook.com/SGADogRescue/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/savinggreatanimals/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvHI6XB9gzicgQtieOf9PWg
🌟 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

Firefighter. EMT. Psychic medium. Cat rescuer.
Crystal Wedra wears many hats — but the common thread through them all is her unshakable belief in justice and standing up for those who can’t speak for themselves.
As the founder of Spooky Whiskers Rescue, Crystal has spent the past year diving headfirst into the world of feral cat rescue, determined to do more than temporary fixes. Her mission: to give every cat a chance at a safe, loving home — not just survival on the streets.
In this candid conversation, Crystal shares how her boldness and resilience fuel her mission, what she’s learned about flexibility and resourcefulness in rescue work, and how her recent autism and ADHD diagnoses have helped her better understand herself and her limits.
It’s a story about grit, growth, and finding the courage to keep showing up — for yourself and for those who need you most.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning:Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.
🔗 Featured Rescue:
SPOOKY WHISKERS RESCUE
PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/spookywhiskersrescue
INSTAGRAM: @spookywhiskersrescue
DONATION OPTIONS: Amazon.com, Spooky Whiskers Rescue | Rock Hill, SC | Chewy, Paypal, Venmo | Crystal Wedra
MERCH: Discover Our Exclusive Range at Spooky Whiskers Merch
🌟 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

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we talk with Kate Tsyrklevich, co-founder of Heartwood Haven Animal Sanctuary, about the challenges and rewards of running a farm animal rescue. Kate opens up about the importance of founders taking time away from their rescues and building systems that allow sustainability—not just for the animals, but for themselves.
She shares candid insights into the two kinds of trauma many rescuers face: witnessing animals near death or severely neglected, and navigating the unkind words of people online. Despite these hardships, Kate’s dedication, resilience, and self-care practices keep her grounded in her mission.
At Heartwood Haven, Kate and her team focus on rescuing farm animals—an often overlooked group in the rescue world—because, as she reminds us, these animals deserve safety, compassion, and the chance to thrive. 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Heartwood Haven Farm Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
Heartwood Haven FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/heartwoodhaven/
Heartwood Haven IG: https://www.instagram.com/heartwoodhaven/
Heartwood Haven MAIN WEBSITE: https://heartwoodhaven.org/
🌟 Links + Resources:
• Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://www.animalrescuehub.org 
• Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
 
🎵 Music from #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Jme Thomas, the dynamic and passionate founder of Motley Zoo Animal Rescue based in Monroe, Washington.
Jme brings both grit and heart to her work—balancing fierce advocacy for animal welfare with the realities of leading a foster-based, volunteer-powered rescue. She shares openly about the importance of boundaries, the necessity of loving both people and animals, and how compassion—even when tested—remains central to her mission.
We talk about:
Prioritizing quality of care over quantity
Creating sustainable leadership in animal rescue
Cultivating compassion in the face of frustration
Why people are the key to saving animals
The creative way Jme brought rescue animals into the spotlight—literally—by connecting them with touring musical acts
Whether you're a longtime rescuer, a new foster, or someone passionate about the wellbeing of animals and those who care for them, this episode will leave you feeling inspired, grounded, and ready to rock.
🐾 Rock on. Rescue on.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning:Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue:
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue
Motley Zoo Animal Rescue FACEBOOKMotley Zoo Animal Rescue IGMotley Zoo Animal Rescue MAIN WEBSITE
Motley Zoo Merch Link! 
🌟 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

In this episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Todd Friedman, the deeply compassionate founder of Arthur’s Acres Animal Sanctuary. Todd shares his journey from feeling a lack of purpose in life to discovering a calling that would transform not only his world, but the lives of countless pigs and other animals.
What began as a reluctant step onto a rundown property has, through four years of care and determination, become a thriving sanctuary built on love and advocacy. Todd’s mission is simple yet profound: to amplify the voices of pigs and show the world their worth, intelligence, and capacity for connection.
He tells the moving story of Katniss, a 600-pound pig who was paralyzed and neglected, and how, against all odds, his devotion brought her back to walking after months of tireless work. Through these stories, Todd reveals how resilience, compassion, and purpose intertwine — even when exhaustion, criticism, and self-doubt weigh heavily.
This is a conversation about finding meaning, honoring animals’ lives, and the unshakable bond between a man and the pigs he calls family.
 
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and mental health challenges related to trauma and high-stress caregiving roles, as well as references to animal suffering and death. Listener discretion is advised.
 
🔗 Featured Rescue: Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary
Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary FACEBOOK
Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary IG
Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary MAIN WEBSITE
Arthur's Acres Animal Sanctuary PATREON
Preferred donation link (Zeffy—so 100% goes directly to the animals): Zeffy Donation Form
 
🌟 Links + Resources:
• Learn more about the Animal Rescue Hub: https://animalrescuehub.org
• Explore dog astrology + ZodiPaws books: https://zodipaws.com
 
🎵 Music from #Uppbeathttps://uppbeat.io/t/hemlock/timelapse

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

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

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

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.