Most of us overlook the emotional complexity behind veterinary care—and that sacrosanct image of vets as heroes masks the human, loving, sometimes imperfect beings they truly are. Patti Eddington, a veterinarian’s wife and author of Don't Look in the Freezer, pulls back the curtain to reveal the raw, honest truth about life in animal rescue, the cost of caring, and the unbreakable human-animal bond.

Patti Eddington – Author

Don't Look in the Freezer: The Very Strange Life of a Veterinarian's Wife: Eddington, Patti: 9798896361305: Amazon.com: Books

Foster Spotlight: Molly — Pound Buddies

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Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

This week the organization I work with lost an important member to suicide. This episode about Compassion Fatigue with Jennifer Blough is a great listen and can help you learn the tools you need to protect yourself in this hard and demanding work. Take care of yourself as you take care of animals.

Jennifer Blough | Compassion Fatigue Help for Animal Welfare Professionals

To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior: Blough LPC, Jennifer A.: 9798377446132: Amazon.com: Books

Foster Spotlight: Max Wagtopia: Adopt Dogs, Cats, Register Pet Microchip, Geo Tags

Episode on YouTube https://youtu.be/bPOCqW5NsD8

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Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com

Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Most animal advocates focus solely on habitats and laws — but understanding how political change happens can turn passion into real victories.
In this episode, Ali Feldman Taylor, founder of Voters for Animal Rights, reveals the secret strategies behind passing impactful legislation with limited resources—and how anyone can become a powerful advocate for animal welfare. From her journey working on city bans for horse carriages to fighting against factory octopus farms, Ali shares actionable tips on influencing politicians, preparing your community, and making a difference even when resources are tight.

Home - Voters For Animal Rights

Foster Spotlight: Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC)

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Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

In this heartfelt episode, Kelly is joined by Kayla Powers, a passionate animal foster in Asheville, North Carolina, who shares her journey, honest insights into rescue life, and practical tips for fostering and advocating for animals. They explore the emotional highs and lows of rescue work, the importance of protecting mental health, and how to foster a positive, supportive community.

ADOPT A DOG - Rusty's Legacy

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Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Most of what threatens sea turtles today comes down to human impact — but what if your small daily choices could make a BIG difference? In this eye-opening episode, Bette Zirkelbach, General Manager of the Turtle Hospital in the Florida Keys, reveals how everyday actions can protect one of the oldest and most beloved animals on Earth. From cutting plastic waste to understanding critical legislation, discover tangible ways to turn your concern into real conservation.

Adoptions – The Turtle Hospital. Rescue, Rehab, Release.

https://conserveturtles.org/turtle/molly/

The Turtle Hospital Store

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Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com

Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Pets for Vets Founder and CEO, Clarissa Black, tells Kelly about the important work they're doing to connect shelter pets and veterans across the country. Through intentional training they help veterans form a SuperBond with their pets so they can support each other for life.

Pets For Vets

Clarissa Black

Foster Spotlight: Gucci – Foothills Animal Shelter

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Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

In this episode of The Foster Files, host Kelly speaks with Debbie Bauer, a holistic behavior and wellness coach specializing in blind and deaf dogs. They discuss Debbie's journey into dog training, the unique challenges faced by blind and deaf dogs, and effective training methods.

Dog Trainer | Your Inner Dog

ARMA’s Aussies | Aussie Rescue of the Mid-Atlantic

Emmie - Adoptable Pet | Petfinder | Petfinder

Poe - Adoptable Pet | Petfinder | Petfinder

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Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com

Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

In this short, solo episode Kelly talks about the common objections rescue and shelter volunteers get when encouraging adoption and what resources they can point to in order to overcome them.

Adopt a Dog, Cat, or Other Pet Near You Today | Petfinder | Petfinder

Foster Spotlight: Kiki - Adoptable Pet | Petfinder | Petfinder

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Email Me: thefosterfilespodcast@gmail.com

Now on YouTube: The Foster Files - YouTube

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine