Bark Radio

Robin Starr, CEO of the Richmond SPCA, sat down recently with Dee and Terry to talk about the many this amazing no-kill facility. Robin shares with our listeners the details of Project Safety Net - a group of programs designed to improve the lives of pets in our community and keep them in loving homes.

• Wellness clinics take place at the Richmond SPCA’s Robins-Starr Humane Center, located at 2519 Hermitage Road. The fee is $20 per animal and includes a wellness exam. Low-cost preventative vaccinations and medications may also be purchased at the time of your appointment. Starting Monday, October 5, 2009 hours are every Monday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Appointments are required. 
• The Pet Pantry is for Greater Richmond area individuals and families (residents of the City of Richmond or the counties of Hanover, Henrico, Chesterfield and Goochland) who are unable to feed their pets. The Richmond SPCA will assist by providing temporary pet food assistance. This service is being offered to households in need of short-term help with the cost of food (for their owned animals) .
• Share-a-Pet.Volunteers bring the love and warmth of animals from the Robins-Starr Humane Center to residents of retirement and convalescent homes.
• Paws for Health. Richmond SPCA volunteers and their carefully screened pets visit local hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities.
• Pets on Wheels. Elderly and/or disabled clients of the local Meals on Wheels program are provided adult cats as companion animals. They pay no adoption fee. They are asked only to love and care for the animal as long as they are able. Meals on Wheels delivers the pet’s food. Litter and other supplies are provided by the Richmond SPCA. Necessary shots, any required medications and other veterinary care are administered by Richmond SPCA staff. Generous contributions make it possible for the Richmond SPCA to take care of all these services at no charge to the client. It is well known that people with pets live happier and longer lives. This program is a wonderful opportunity to give a loving home to a pet who needs one and in return receive the love and companionship that a treasured pet can provide.
• Sheltering Animals for Abused Families (SAAF). Often a fear of leaving a pet behind in an abusive situation keeps abused women and families from seeking help. In collaboration with the Richmond YWCA and Safe Harbor, the Richmond SPCA shelters pets of women and families who leave situations of domestic abuse. The acronym stands for “Sheltering Animals for Abused Families.”
• Seniors for Seniors is a cat adoption program that unites seniors living in pet-friendly retirement communities with senior cats who will provide them with years of wonderful companionship. Adults living in Richmond-area, pet-friendly retirement communities may contact the Richmond SPCA’s adoption manager at 804-521-1315 to learn more about this program. 

Some interviews are just SO good that they need to be heard again. That’s the case with Bark Radio’s interview with Desire and Trucking Dog Karma – Hear Desire’s touching story and about Karma’s rescue, be sure to follow them on Twitter too! @TruckerDesiree @TruckindogKarma

Some interviews are just SO good that they need to be heard again. That’s the case with Bark Radio’s interview with Tom McPhee, so sit back and give it a listen. And be sure to catch the Rescue Party Tour when it comes to your town!

A Conversation with Tom McPhee
Many of us watched in horror – from a safe distance – the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tom McPhee was there. He witnessed the tragedy that befell those who called the Gulf Coast home. Including the animals. Especially the dogs and cats who were suddenly not only homeless … but helpless. Filmmaker McPhee has created a powerful statement about that time – about the heroes and villains who were there and who walk among us. Join us in a conversation with Tom. And when An American Opera: The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever! comes to your city or town, see it. And remember … it could happen again.

Mike’s Dog House began when an abandoned dog was rescued while Mike was running a hot dog stand. From that point forward Mike turned Mike’s Dog House into a bully breed rescue and has not looked back. Mike has personally handled every rescue that has came through the dog house and interviewed every potential adopter to ensure adoption compatibility. Since beginning over five years ago, Mike’s Dog House has successfully adopted out hundreds of dogs.

Don’t miss Terry and Dee’s conversation with Trucking Dog Karma and her Momma Desiree. Follow their journey at twitter.com/TruckerDesiree.

Dee and Terry talk about Drooly Dogs and cosmetic surgery. Surrey’s got an infection that’s making her grumpy and that is causing issues at daycare. Then there are cool doggy water bottles and Billy the rescued Newfoundland who is blind in one eye.

Terry learned that in California, when it’s budget cutting time, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger considers shortening wait periods for shelter dogs an easy way to save the state money. Learn why we’re so outraged, then write to the Terminator and let him know that an earlier death sentence (three days instead of six) for domestic animals is not okay. Next, join the discussion. How do we bring rescue groups together to more efficiently match dogs and people? And finally, don’t miss the interview with Ceasar’s momma Jamie Whitt. This is an incredible story of the rescue of one very sweet Pit Bull.

A Conversation with Tom McPhee
Many of us watched in horror – from a safe distance – the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Tom McPhee was there. He witnessed the tragedy that befell those who called the Gulf Coast home. Including the animals. Especially the dogs and cats who were suddenly not only homeless … but helpless. Filmmaker McPhee has created a powerful statement about that time – about the heroes and villains who were there and who walk among us. Join us in a conversation with Tom. And when An American Opera: The Greatest Pet Rescue Ever! comes to your city or town, see it. And remember … it could happen again.

Recorded live at Woofstock 2009 in Richmond VA.

What is Woofstock?

Woofstock is the Richmond Animal League’s fundraising festival to build awareness for the homeless pet population. Their mission of saving lives by providing hope, help, and homes for animals in need. RAL’s goal is to be the leader in providing homeless animals with temporary housing, medical treatment, sterilization, and quality care until they are adopted to permanent, loving homes. They are committed to the no-kill doctrine and promoted it through educational programs that teach the importance of spay/neuter, responsible pet ownership, and compassion for companion animals. Special thanks to everyone who took time to speak with us both on and off the air, including Dick Samuels, publisher of Family Dog Digest.