008: Unleashing Change: A Dialogue on Neuter Before Adoption (NBA) with Leading Advocates
Release Date: 07/04/2024
025: Behind the Mic with Stacy LeBaron on Cats, Clinics, and Burnout
United We Spay
In this special episode of United We Spay, the mic flips as longtime host Stacy LeBaron takes the guest seat for the first time. Interviewed by United Spay Alliance's Administrative Director Brianna Lovell Myers, Stacy reflects on her 30+ years in animal welfare, her unexpected entry into the world of trap-neuter-return (TNR), and the pivotal moments that shaped her mission to prevent animal suffering through spay/neuter advocacy. Stacy shares the story that sparked her passion for accessible spay/neuter — a heartbreaking encounter with dozens of suffering kittens in a New Hampshire dumpster...
info_outline
024: Confronting the Vet Shortage with Cheri Storms
United We Spay
In this episode of United We Spay, host Stacy LeBaron welcomes Cheri Storms, Executive Director of Pet Friendly Services of Indiana and Chair of the United Spay Alliance Vet Shortage Task Force. With a statewide view of spay/neuter services and firsthand experience navigating the challenges of veterinary access, Cheri brings clarity and urgency to a national crisis: the veterinary shortage threatening spay/neuter capacity across the U.S. Cheri shares how the vet shortage—once a simmering concern—boiled over post-pandemic, leaving shelters, rescues, and pet owners scrambling. She explains...
info_outline
023: Revolutionizing Veterinary Care: Dr. Michelle Gonzalez and the Rascal Unit
United We Spay
On today’s episode of United We Spay, join Stacy LeBaron as she welcomes Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, the passionate founder of the Rascal Unit, a mobile veterinary clinic making waves in Ohio. Dr. G shares her mission to tackle animal overpopulation through accessible and affordable spay-neuter services. Stacy and Dr. G’s conversation reveals the hurdles pet owners face, from financial struggles to a need for more education, unveiling the moral challenges that come with pet care decisions. This episode paints a portrait of empathy and collaboration, urging the animal welfare community to...
info_outline
022: Helping Animals that Confront Crisis due to Climate Change with Pat Chan
United We Spay
What if there was a way to directly impact animal welfare and environmental sustainability while honoring cultural traditions? Join us for United We Spay as we uncover the inspiring path of Patricia “Pat” Chan, a trailblazer in animal welfare and the first female division chief for the Panama Canal Commission. Through her vision, Spay Panama has become a beacon of hope, providing spay-neuter services to over 350,000 animals, including those in the unique cultural landscape of the Guna community in Guna Yala. Explore the profound impact of these programs on managing animal populations in...
info_outline
021: Spay/Neuter Success: How Humboldt County Ended Shelter Euthanasia with Jennifer Raymond
United We Spay
Imagine having the power to transform entire communities by addressing a single, crucial issue: pet overpopulation. Join us for this episode of United We Spay as we unfold the inspiring journey of Jennifer Raymond, whose unwavering passion for animal welfare has led to significant changes in Humboldt County and beyond. From her college days promoting animal birth control to founding the Humboldt Spay-Neuter Network, Jennifer's initiative has been pivotal in reducing euthanasia rates through affordable spay-neuter clinics. Her story is a powerful testament to how accessible and high-volume...
info_outline
020: Building Solutions: Tackling NYC’s Overpopulation Crisis with Flatbush Vet with Will Zweigart
United We Spay
Could the key to solving New York City's animal overpopulation crisis be more accessible than we think? Join us for this episode of United We Spay as we unravel the transformative journey of Will Zweigart, the driving force behind Flatbush Cats and Flatbush Vet. Once an advertising executive, Will discovered that adoption and rescue efforts alone were insufficient to address the city's crowded shelters. Through our conversation, you'll uncover how his nonprofit veterinary clinic, established in 2023, aims to systematically “turn off the sink” of animal overpopulation by making spay-neuter...
info_outline
019: Systemic Solutions: Targeted Spay/Neuter and Legal Advocacy for Animal Welfare with Prof. Lisa Milot
United We Spay
On this episode of United We Spay, Lisa Milot, a distinguished professor of Canine Welfare Law at the University of Georgia, shares her transformative journey from an animal rescue volunteer to a nonprofit founder focused on strategic spay-neuter programs. Her passion for systemic change in animal welfare underscores the episode as she recounts her “aha moment” that shifted her focus toward addressing the root causes of pet overpopulation. Stacy and Lisa explore how collaboration with animal control and community engagement can significantly enhance spay-neuter efforts, dramatically...
info_outline
018: Turning the Tide: Operational Efficiencies and Legislative Wins for South Carolina’s Animals with Dawn Wilkinson
United We Spay
Dawn Wilkinson, the dynamic executive director of the Humane Society in South Carolina, joins us on this episode of United We Spay to share her inspiring journey from accounting and healthcare to animal welfare advocacy. Her leadership has been pivotal in transforming the organization by reducing costs and expanding programs to perform thousands of spay-neuter surgeries annually. Dawn's passion for ending animal cruelty and overpopulation shines as she discusses the importance of making these services accessible to more communities. We explore the financial strategies that are driving...
info_outline
017: On the Frontlines: Managing Shelter Operations and Ensuring Spay/Neuter in Alaska with JJ Hendrickson
United We Spay
On this episode of United We Spay, join us for an enlightening conversation with JJ Hendrickson, former Chief Animal Control Officer at the Kenai Animal Shelter in Alaska, as she shares her insights into the world of spay-neuter programs and their crucial role in animal welfare. JJ recounts her journey from implementing a voucher system to adopting a more direct approach to fixing animals before adoption. This shift significantly curbed the number of animals returning with litters despite the obstacles posed by Alaska's unique environment and limited veterinary resources. Her experiences offer...
info_outline
016: Advancing Spay/Neuter: Inside United Spay Alliance's High-Quality, High-Volume Wet Labs with Brianna Lovell Myers
United We Spay
On this episode of United We Spay, Stacy welcomes Brianna Lovell Myers, the Administrative Director of the United Spay Alliance. Brianna shares her compelling journey and deep passion for promoting accessible spay-neuter services. Growing up in a low-income household, Brianna witnessed firsthand the challenges of managing cat overpopulation without affordable spay-neuter options. These personal experiences have fueled her commitment to finding better solutions for animal welfare. We explore the various initiatives she leads, such as the Wet Lab Program, which provides crucial hands-on training...
info_outlineOn this episode of United We Spay, learn how spay-neuter services are transforming animal welfare and reducing shelter overpopulation with our expert panel.
Hear from Peter Marsh, who provides historical insights into effective sterilization laws from California and New Hampshire, and learn from Dr. Jeffrey Young and Dr. Phil Bushby about their extensive experience in spay-neuter programs and veterinary training. Learn the importance of spaying and neutering animals before adoption and how these initiatives are essential in preventing an influx of homeless animals in shelters.
We also emphasize the need for veterinary students to master spay-neuter procedures before five months of age, ensuring they are equipped with the best surgical skills upon graduation. Innovative training programs in Colorado and other areas are highlighted for their hands-on approach and high-quality techniques, moving beyond traditional methods.
This episode underscores the importance of adhering to spay-neuter protocols, celebrating the progress made, and calling for ongoing improvements. Visit UnitedSpayAlliance.org and FelineFixedByFive.org to learn more and support this vital cause.
In this episode, you will hear:
- The importance of spay-neuter services in transforming animal welfare and reducing shelter overpopulation
- Historical insights on sterilization laws from California and New Hampshire by Peter Marsh
- Experiences and expertise of Dr. Jeffrey Young and Dr. Phil Bushby in spay-neuter programs and veterinary training
- The significance of spaying and neutering animals before adoption to prevent an influx of homeless animals
- The critical need for veterinary students to master spay-neuter procedures before five months of age
- Innovative training programs with hands-on, high-quality spay-neuter techniques
- Adhering to spay-neuter protocols and celebrating progress in animal welfare initiatives
Resources from this Episode
-
Feline Fix by Five: www.unitedspayalliance.org/feline-fix-by-five
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.