Surviving Animal Rescue: Tails of the Nitty Gritty
We are foster based animal rescue organization out of western Wisconsin where we share educational animal ownership tips and tricks, discuss controversial subjects, welcome guest speakers experts in all things animal- behavioral, veterinary, other rescuers across the country, and share our experiences of running an animal rescue.
Episodes
48 episodes
Bully Breeds & Big Hearts, featuring Stephanie!
Stephanie wears many hats within the rescue world and at Coco's Heart- Intake coordinator, Rescue Advocate, Creative Mastermind, and Unapologetic American Bully fan!In this episode, we chat about the realities of intakes in animal rescue...
An Inside Look at our Dog Care Team
In this episode of Surviving Animal Rescue here at Coco's Heart, we sit down with some of the original volunteers and dedicated dog care team who helped shape the dog care program at the rescue from the ground up. What started as a small group ...
Colic, Chaos, and Cargo Vans
Ever wonder what a casual “how’s it going” conversation sounds like at the animal rescue after a week of chaos? Come sit in with us on the Surviving Animal Rescue podcast as we unpack the real, unfiltered moments behind the scenes, ...
The Heart that helped build Coco's Heart-Meet Laurie
In this special episode, we sit down with Laurie, a long-time supporter, advocate, and true cheerleader of Coco’s Heart. Laurie has dedicated her life to helping others, and her compassion has left a lasting mark on our organization. From the e...
The Many Hats of Volunteer Extraordinaire, Connie
In this episode, we sit down with the one and only Connie... a true force behind the scenes at Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue. If there’s a hat to wear, chances are Connie has worn it (and probably three more at the same time). From jumping in whereve...
Rooted in Community- Coco's Heart x Windwalker K9 Consulting
What happens when you put two longtime dog-loving small businesses in a room together? Stories, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.In this episode, we’re joined by John Ketzner of Windwalker K9 Consulting, a longtime supporter and friend...
All Things Cat Purr-ogram w/ Kassie!
In this episode, we sit down with our Cat Coordinator, Kassie and talk all things cats and kittens! But wait, aren't we JUST a dog rescue? Nope! Coco's Heart Dog Rescue has been welcoming kittens since our doors opened in 2010. This year we hav...
It's probably about time we introduce our host of the show!
We got all the way through season 1 and realized, we never formally introduced you to our host of the show, JoHanna! She has been with Coco's Heart Dog Rescue since 2014 where she started volunteering in small ways that overtime with lots of ha...
What is coming up for Season 2?!
We are jumping into 2026 full of excitement for season 2 of our Surviving Animal Rescue podcast here at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue. Welcoming new guests including authors, professionals in the animal welfare industry, partner organizations of ours...
That’s a Wrap...Closing Out Season 1 & Stepping Into 2026!
We’re wrapping up season 1 by gathering around the team table with our Foster Coordinators and Behavioral Support Coordinator to talk all things 2025! Tune in for unforgettable rescue moments, standout animals, honest conversations about some c...
Laughs, Fun, and a Giant Newfie- The Erica Epsiode!
Buckle up because in this episode, we welcome the one, the only, the walking burst of sunshine herself- Erica! For years, Erica has been a powerhouse at Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue, pouring her whole heart (and often her sanity) into sa...
Understanding Canine Distemper
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Derr, a veterinarian specializing in behavior, and the Director of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue to break down one of the most serious and often misunderstood canine illnesses- distemper virus. Together, we explo...
A Volunteer Who Does it All- Meet Karmen!
In this episode, we sit down with Karmen, a wonderful Foster Mentor, foster extraordinaire, and supporter of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue. Known for her creativity, patience, and unwavering dedication, Karmen has helped dogs of every background, fro...
The Making of a Crisis: How Humans Shaped Animal Overpopulation
The animal overpopulation didn’t happen overnight...it’s the product of centuries of breeding, fashion, and fascination. In this episode, we talk about how “designer” dogs became status symbols, how pop culture fueled demand for specific breeds...
Out of the Cold: Part 2- Saving Lives Before Winter’s Grip
In this two part series, we conclude our discussion on all things Out of the Cold. Sitting with our Foster Coordinators and talking about how much goes into this historic annual rescue effort. As temperatures drop, our team gears up...
400+ Animals Welcomed to Rescue. One Weekend. Out of the Cold.
No single person can help 400+ animals alone...it takes a village. In this episode, we shine a light on the volunteers, transporters, fosters, veterinarians, and community partners who come together to pull off our largest rescue effort of the ...
Twelve Years of Love, Animal Rescue, and Alisha
In this episode, we're celebrating the 12 year journey of our friend and true OG of Coco's Heart Dog Rescue. She’s a volunteer, a coordinator, and a constant source of love — and for over 12 years, Alisha has been part of what makes Coco’s Hear...
Part 2: Celebrating the Past, Excited for the Future w/ Angel's Pet World
The fun continues in part two of our conversation with Angel’s Pet World! From the early rescue days to big community moments, Angel, Al, and Erica share all the joy, laughter, and love that have made th...
The Power of Partnership, Our Story with Angel's Pet World- Part 1
We’re thrilled to welcome one of Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue’s biggest supporters who have become family to us — Angel’s Pet World, a beloved small business in the heart of Hudson, WI with even bigger...
Clinic Confessions, Veterinary Life in Animal Rescue
Two of our amazing veterinary team members, Shannon and Amber, join us to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue Veterinary Clinic. From the day-to-day hustle to some surprising “did ya know?” moments, they share what ...
Sharing the Leash- Dog Foster Life with Sara & Jarred
In this episode, we welcome Sara, our adult dog Foster Coordinator and her partner and high school sweetheart, Jarred- our very first male guest too, woohoo! Together, they share what it’s like to foster as a team and give us a behind-the-scene...
Special Cases, Special Care: Amber's Impact
In this episode, we introduce you to Amber, one of our newest coordinators of the Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue team! Amber’s role is a unique hybrid—she bridges the gap between our veterinary team and the rescue, overseeing special medical cases and...
From Paws to Mini Hooves- The History of Richard's Place
This week, we’re sharing a very special chapter in our rescue’s journey. What started with saving dogs has grown into something even more unexpected... welcoming mini horses into our Coco's Heart Dog Rescue family and community.In this e...
Finding Furever, One Adoption Application at a Time
Behind every happily-ever-after adoption story is someone working tirelessly to make it happen. In this episode, we sit down with our amazing Adoption Applications Processing Coordinator, Tascha, the heart and soul who stays up late into the ev...
Kim's Story: Italian Greyhouds, Quirky Dogs, and 230+ Foster Dogs
This week at Coco's Heart Dog Rescue, we’re thrilled to welcome Kim, a foster mentor, event rockstar, super foster, and one of the most dedicated volunteers of the Coco’s Heart family. From guiding new foster families, to working with quirky (o...
