Hosts Anthony and Lauren Robles sit down with two leaders driving real, systemic change in animal welfare:
The Mission
The message from this episode is clear: We cannot adopt our way out of this. Spaying and TNR is just one of many complex issues needed to address animal overpopulation. While Lauren and Ellen are rescuers at heart, their focus has shifted to "boots on the ground" prevention.
• Lauren Lundy — Founder, Caravita Foundation, a collective of seasoned rescue veterans
• Ellen Ballon Dante — Cofounder , Deity Animal Rescue
        Board Member & Director of Strategic Communications, Caravita Foundation
• Caravita Foundation
“We create access to essential veterinary care—including low-cost spay & neuter, vaccines, and microchips—to encourage responsible pet ownership and transform communities from crisis to thriving.”
• Deity Animal Rescue
“Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place stray, neglected, and shelter dogs into loving, responsible homes—while educating and empowering people to make a difference.”
Why This Matters
Lauren and Ellen are the quiet giants changing the system from the outside in—bringing resources, hope, and prevention directly to the front lines through spay/neuter buses and community support.

In this episode, the Animal Welfare Data Center team answers written questions about who we are, what we do, and about our mission to provide affordable technology and data tools to support 501(c)(3) organizations working at the front lines of animal and human welfare.

After the Q&A, Lauren and Anthony shift into a candid conversation about the current overpopulation crisis, the strain it places on shelters and rescues, and the real challenges of working with community leadership toward meaningful policy reform. We discuss what the data is telling us, where systems are breaking down, and why transparency, collaboration, and evidence-based decision-making are more critical than ever.

This episode offers an honest look at both the progress being made—and the barriers that continue to stand in the way of sustainable change.

In this episode, we break down one of the most powerful tools available to the public: the California Public Records Act (PRA). We explain what the PRA is, who can make requests, how to submit one effectively, and why this process is essential for transparency and accountability in our communities.

Whether you’re a volunteer, a nonprofit leader, or a community member trying to understand how decisions are made, the PRA can unlock information that supports meaningful policy reform. We discuss how public records shape our work in animal and human welfare, how data reveals system-level challenges, and how empowered residents can use this tool to drive positive change.

Clear, practical, and rooted in real-world impact—this episode is a guide to understanding your right to information and using it to strengthen community advocacy.