The Rescue Dog Pod – Featuring Neil Laird

In this episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield Brown, President of Stray Dog Support, welcomes Emmy-nominated producer and author Neil Laird for an in-depth conversation about storytelling, compassion, and rescue. The episode celebrates the power of second chances—both for animals and for the stories that bring their journeys to light.

Neil shares highlights from his extensive career creating documentaries for major networks such as National Geographic, Discovery, the BBC, PBS, and the History Channel, reflecting on what first inspired him to pursue documentary filmmaking and how working in more than 70 countries shaped him personally and professionally. He discusses balancing factual accuracy with creative storytelling and how industry recognition influenced his path.

A significant focus of the episode is Neil’s work in animal welfare media, including Dogtown, which documented the rehabilitation of abused and neglected dogs, and Puppy Bowl, which celebrates rescue dogs finding new homes. He talks about the emotional challenges and rewards of filming rescue stories, the role entertainment plays in shaping public attitudes toward animal welfare, and the importance of spotlighting rescue organizations and movements.

The conversation also explores Neil’s transition into fiction writing with his Prime-Time Travelers novel series. He explains how his real-life experiences in television production inspired the humor, chaos, and historical adventures in his books, and shares insights into blending history, fantasy, and queer storytelling. Neil offers a preview of upcoming projects in the series, including Prime Time Troy.

The episode concludes with personal reflections on identity, creative purpose, and the future of storytelling across podcasts, streaming platforms, and independent publishing. Neil leaves listeners with advice for aspiring filmmakers and authors who want to create meaningful work, while Helen wraps up by thanking listeners and encouraging continued support for rescue—both canine and creative.

In this episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, we dive into a topic that’s deeply personal and often left unspoken — compassion fatigue. Whether you’re involved in animal rescue, veterinary work, or any kind of caregiving role, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

Our host opens up about their own experience with compassion fatigue — the emotional and physical exhaustion that can come from caring deeply, day after day. Together with Patricia Smith, Certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist and founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project, we explore what compassion fatigue really is, how it differs from stress and burnout, and why those who dedicate their lives to helping others are particularly vulnerable.

Patricia shares powerful insights from over two decades of research, teaching, and advocacy, as well as practical strategies for promoting wellness, creating a self-care plan, and finding a path toward healing.

This episode is a reminder that you’re not alone, and there is no shame in struggling when your work revolves around empathy and care.

Speaker Bio

Patricia Smith is a certified Compassion Fatigue Specialist and founder of the Compassion Fatigue Awareness Project. She has been speaking and facilitating workshops on the subject nationally and internationally for the past 23 years. She first learned about compassion fatigue as the Training and Development Director at Humane Society Silicon Valley in the San Francisco Bay Area. She served as a consultant for American Humane for several years, and then the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) in New York City. With a background in journalism, she has authored five books on the subject including Stress, Compassion Fatigue and Burnout Handling in Veterinary Practice, published by Grupo Asis, an international publisher of veterinary medicine books and materials. She presented a TEDx talk entitled: Navigating the Path to Wellness; Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving. The talk can be viewed at www.compassionfatigue.org.

Listen now on Podbean, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts, and take a moment to care for the most important life you rescue — your own.

In this episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield-Brown, founder of Stray Dog Support, welcomes Katherine Lacefield, founder of Just Be Cause Consulting and host of The Just Be Cause Podcast.

Katherine shares her 20+ years of experience in the philanthropic and nonprofit sectors, offering insights into how organizations can reignite their passion for fundraising, overcome scarcity mindsets, and embrace conscious philanthropy — an approach rooted in purpose, compassion, and sustainability.

Listeners will learn about Katherine’s signature programs — the Fundraiser Co-Pilot, Power Session, and Turbogrant — all designed to help nonprofits build stronger, more joyful, and more sustainable funding strategies.

The conversation dives into:

• The challenges smaller rescues face in securing long-term funding
• Emerging fundraising trends, including peer-to-peer and social media-driven campaigns
• The mindset shift required to move from survival mode to thriving with purpose
• How fundraising, when done with heart, can become a powerful act of service — not just for animals, but for entire communities.

Helen and Katherine close with a message of hope, reminding listeners that every act of generosity — big or small — contributes to a larger movement of compassion and change in the animal welfare world. 🐾

In this inspiring episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield-Brown, President and Founder of Stray Dog Support, sits down with Lori Kalef, Director of Programs at SPCA International — a true global force in animal welfare.

From her early days volunteering at local shelters to leading international rescue missions, Lori shares her journey of compassion, resilience and collaboration. Together, Helen and Lori explore how SPCA International connects with shelters and rescue groups worldwide, providing critical support through programs like Shelter Support, Veterinary Aid, Patriot Pets, Pawsitive Recovery and Education Initiatives.

Lori also offers a behind-the-scenes look at SPCAI’s newest mobile clinic, discusses the challenges and rewards of working across cultures and reflects on some of the unforgettable moments she’s experienced while saving animals around the globe.

Whether you’re an animal lover, rescue advocate, or simply someone who believes in making a difference, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that compassion knows no borders — and that every life saved begins with a helping hand.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or Podbean, and follow us on social media @rescuedogpod to stay connected with our growing community of rescue advocates.

In this episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield-Brown dives into the world of canine enrichment with special guest Heidi LaCosse, founder of the Canine Enrichment Center in Grafton Wisconsin.

Heidi shares her journey from a career in retail management to becoming a professional groomer, certified dog trainer, and lifelong advocate for positive, force-free training. With over 25 years of hands-on experience and nearly two decades as Training Director for Pets Helping People, Heidi has dedicated her life to helping dogs thrive through play, confidence-building, and connection.

Together, Helen and Heidi explore what canine enrichment really means, why it’s essential for every dog — especially rescues — and how it strengthens the bond between dogs and their humans. From “Fun-gility” classes to DIY enrichment ideas you can try at home, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and plenty of tail-wagging moments.

Whether you’re a dog parent, foster, volunteer, or just an animal lover, you’ll come away with a deeper understanding of how to find the WOW in every dog.

Listen now to learn:

🐾 What canine enrichment is — and why it matters.

🎾 Simple ways to bring enrichment into your dog’s daily life.

❤️ How enrichment helps rescue dogs recover, adjust, and shine.

🌟 The story behind the Canine Enrichment Center and its mission to let dogs be dogs.

For more information contact Heidi LaCosse at:

Facebook & Instagram: @canineenrichmentcenter

In this episode of the Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield-Brown, President and Founder of Stray Dog Support, sits down with long-time animal advocate Stephanie Garcia — the South American Partnerships Liaison and Project Manager for Stray Dog Support’s Save a Stray Mexico initiative.

With over 25 years of experience in animal rescue, Stephanie shares her incredible journey of rescuing and rehabilitating stray dogs in rural Rayon, Mexico, where she lives and works. She opens up about the state of animal welfare in Mexico, the cultural perceptions of stray animals, and the challenges of working in under-resourced communities. We also dive into the exciting projects she’s leading — including mobile spay/neuter clinics with local universities, recent military-supported events, and her deeply personal street feeding program with her children and trusty tricycle.

This heartfelt and informative conversation sheds light on what it truly means to be on the frontlines of animal rescue in one of the world’s most underserved regions.

🔔 Listen now on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean, and YouTube

📱 Follow us on Instagram & Facebook: @rescuedogpod + @straydogsupport

📺 Subscribe on YouTube: Stray Dog Support

🌍 Help us spread awareness — every listen, follow, and share helps give a voice to the voiceless.

In this powerful episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield-Brown sits down with actress, animal rescuer, and founder of The Animal Rescue Mission, Shira Scott Astrof. Best known for her roles in The Office, Criminal Minds, and more, Shira shares her incredible journey from Hollywood to hands-on rescue work, revealing what truly goes on behind the scenes in animal advocacy.

Together, Helen and Shira dive into the current crisis facing California’s shelters — including pet overpopulation, rising euthanasia rates, and the heartbreaking reality of overcrowded facilities. They also discuss the cultural shifts needed in how we view pet ownership, the dangers of fraudulent rescues and hoarding, and the urgent need for stronger animal welfare laws.

This episode is both eye-opening and inspiring, offering practical ways for listeners to get involved, create change, and support animals in need. Whether you’re a seasoned rescuer or just starting to learn about this world, Shira’s passion and insight will move you — and remind you that one person truly can make a difference.

In this episode of The Rescue Dog Pod, host Helen Summerfield-Brown welcomes the incredible Sabrina Fatrdla, our Director of Operations of Stray Dog Support, and our very first guest on the podcast! Sabrina takes us behind the scenes of her work supporting stray dogs globally, including her recent trip to Egypt where she connected with our rescue partners and met the dogs we help on the ground.

We dive into the emotional and logistical highs and lows of international rescue work, explore current projects in Egypt, and discuss her recent rally in Toronto advocating for the stray dogs of India amid a controversial Supreme Court ruling.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in global animal welfare, this episode is packed with insight, passion, and hope.

Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Podbean.