Podcasts 2021

January 8, 2022

Happy New Year! Our first show of 2022 includes Carol and Dan talking about their holiday season. We paid our respects to Betty White, an animal welfare supporter, who passed away this past weekend. All this and more on today's show. Give this a listen.

December 18, 2021

On today's show: have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an Animal Control Officer? Carol and Dan talked to Tina, who is an Animal Control Officer. She explains her role and what she has seen over the past 30 years. From all of us at ARL Animal Connection, have a great Holiday Season! We're back live on January 8th!

December 11, 2021

Carol, Megan and Mary are on today's show. Mary is one of 10 people in the running in the "Feline Foster Heroes" contest. This contest comes with a $5,000 award for the winner, which would go directly towards helping the pets at the ARL. You can vote for Mary here. Megan explains TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) and the importance of this program. Give today's show a listen.

December 4, 2021

The holidays are coming up! What presents are you buying for your pet? Carol and Dan discuss ideas on what to buy. Are you a one-cat household? Carol discusses adopting another cat so your current cat would have a companion when you're away from home.

November 27, 2021

On todays show, it was all about dogs. Do you have a new puppy? Is your dog showing negative behaviors? The ARL has online resources to help. Go to www.arl-iowa.org and click the pet help tab. Give today's show a listen!

November 20, 2021

On today's show, it's all about the events going on at the Animal Rescue League. KC, the ARL Events Manager, talked all of the events that are going on during the holiday season. Give this a listen.

November 13, 2021

On today's show, Carol and Dan discuss cats and how to bring them into a home with pets already in the house. Do you know the 10 dog breeds who are great with cats? Are you looking to adopt a pet? What about fostering a dog or cat? You can find information at www.arl-iowa.org.

November 6, 2021

On today's show, Carol and Dan discuss the ARL's involvement in a 500+ dog rescue in Southern Iowa. Tom Colvin, director of the ARL, joined and discussed all of the help the ARL received from other shelters around the region. Bernie from the ARL's Humane Action Network joined to discuss how to reach out to your state representatives. Give this episode a listen.

October 30, 2021

On today's show Carol and Dan talk about bats, spiders, and snakes and the positive aspects of these creatures. A caller reminds us why we shouldn't put our addresses on our dog's tags. Also, trivia! Do you know what a spider's blood color is? Give this episode a listen.

October 23, 2021

On today's show, Carol and Dan talk about black cats and debunk the myth of black cats. They also talked about rats, hamsters and bats OH MY! Events and classes are on the website at www.arl-iowa.org/events. Give this a listen!

October 16, 2021

Did you hear about the elk that had a tire around it's neck for over 2 years? Carol and Dan discuss this story. Have you thought about your dog and clicker training? Dan discusses the benefits. All this and more on today's show.

October 9, 2021

On today's show, Carol and Dan talk about bears and a contest they did not know they were in. We also answer some of your questions from the website. Interested in classes and other upcoming events? Check out the ARL website at www.arl-iowa.org. Give today's show a listen.

October 2, 2021

On today's show: Bears, Bonded Buddies, and Basic Pet Care. Carol and Dan discuss bears, bonded buddies at animal shelters -- what they are and why they're important, and how to trim your pet's nails without hurting them. Give this episode a listen.

September 25, 2021

On today's show, Carol and Dan talk cats and play a little trivia! Tom Colvin, CEO of the Animal Rescue League, joined in to talk about his experience in animal welfare and he discusses all of the volunteer opportunities with the ARL. Give this show a listen.

September 18, 2021

On today's show: Dan's back and had a great time in Yellowstone Park! He talks about what he saw on his trip. Iowa Dog Jog is Sunday at 9 a.m. at ARL Main. Follow all of the upcoming ARL events at www.arl-iowa.org/events. Give this show a listen.

September 11, 2021

Casey and Mary talk about events and volunteering at the ARL. The ARL is holding a Liberty Clinic at ARL Main. All this and more on today's show.

September 4, 2021

On today's show: Dan is on his way to Yellowstone Park. Carol and Dan chat about what he is going to do on his trip. Head over to arl-iowa.org for anything you may want to know about events or volunteer opportunities. Give today's show a listen.

August 28, 2021

On today's show, Dan leaves for Yellowstone Park next week! He will have plenty of details from his trip to share when he returns. The Iowa Dog Jog is coming up fast! It's on Sunday, September 19th at ARL Main this year. Also, Carol and Dan talk about the top 10 random acts of kindness that you can do for pets. All this and more on today's show. Give this a listen.

August 14, 2021

On today's show, a reminder: please do not bring your pets to the Iowa State Fair. Also, Carol and Dan talk about the top 10 dog and cat names for 2021. Give this show a listen!

July 31, 2021

It's all about the cats on today's show. Carol and Dan discuss TNR (Trap, Neuter and Release) and what you can do to help the shelter in your area. Did you know about the ARL's Shelter Cat Getaway Program? You can foster cats to give them a vacation from the shelter. Get more info at arl-iowa.org. Give this show a listen!

July 24, 2021

It's hot this weekend! Carol and Dan talk about your pets safety during this hot spell we are in. Joe Stafford, Director of Animal Services, called in to discuss if you can get in trouble if you see a pet in distress and break out the window. What are the top 10 calmest dog breeds? Classes, events, and volunteer opportunities are available on the ARL website. Give today's show a listen.

July 17, 2021

On todays show, Carol and Dan discussed the top 10 chickens breeds. Yes the show went to the chickens! They also gave tips on how to raise chickens. A good reminder that classes are available at the ARL if you need help with your pets. You can register for classes at www.arl-iowa.org. Give this a listen.

July 10, 2021

How did your pets do over the 4th of July weekend? Carol and Dan discuss how their pets did. How do you train your dog to go into a crate without causing fear in your dog? Dan has tips that will help you and your dog. Carol discusses how the ARL helped a puppy that was found abandoned in a dumpster this past week.

July 3, 2021

On today's show: Pet safety is a must this weekend with the 4th of July and fireworks, plus temps in the 90's, makes pet's safety a high priority. All this and more on today's show. Give this a listen.

June 26, 2021

On today's show, Carol and Dan recap the Raise Your Paw Auction. How do you keep all pets cool this summer? Dan has some suggestions for you. Carol has suggestions for animal enrichment. All this and more on today's show. Give this a listen.

June 12, 2021

Carol and Dan talk about safe practices for your pets with the heat that we are seeing in Iowa, including what to do when you take your dog out with you and the best time to take walks. We also talk about pets grieving. The Raise Your Paw auction is coming up next weekend and Carol has the information for tickets! And we take your calls LIVE!

June 5, 2021

On today's episode: The ARL has new Cat Daddy and Dog Father T-shirts available for Father's Day. The Raise Your Paw Auction is in two weeks! The event is almost sold out so get your tickets today. Temps are rising, and we need to remember that leaving a pet in a hot car is dangerous and can be deadly. If you see a pet in a closed car without the engine running please call your local police for assistance.

May 29, 2021

The 2021 ARL Raise Your Paw Auction is June 19th at the Iowa Events Center, with the online auction starting on June 12th. Also on this episode: Circus Elephants went to a sanctuary in Florida this week.

May 22, 2021

On today's show, it's all about cats. This morning we talked about TNR (Trap Neuter Return). If you TNR a cat, please put it back where you initially found it. These cats are also called working cats. The ARL will "tip" the ear of a cat that was neutered or spayed as an identifier that the cat has been spayed/neutered.

May 15, 2021

On today's show: Do you have a cat that is not using the litter box? Carol and Dan have details on how to solve this common problem. The Raise Your Paw Auction is June 19th at the lowa Events Center. The online auction will run from June 12th to 19th. Do you need help with your pet? Call or email the ARL for help.

May 8, 2021

Do you know what the top 10 animal moms are? Carol and Dan discuss this Mother's Day weekend. Did you hear about the alligator call the ARL responded to? Joe Stafford from ARL fills us in on the details. All this and more on today's show.

May 1, 2021

On today's episode: Carol discusses the dangers of driving into the station and the wildlife she encountered. Did you hear about the bison who were walking on the road in Yellowstone National Park? What do you do when you find a baby animal?

April 24, 2021

Are you going back to work and do you have an animal? Carol and Dan discuss what you need to start doing to help your animal adjust to you going back to work, and they also discuss some different animals that have bonded together. All this and more on today's show.

April 17, 2021

On today's show, another week of talking about raccoons! Carol and Dan talk about raccoons under the barn?! Have you ever thought your flower bed could harm your pet? How about the hazards in your bathroom? And we talked to a caller who has a duck on his front porch and she is expecting ducklings. All this and more on today's show.

April 10, 2021

On today's show: Carol discusses her camera that watches wildlife. She watched a mother racoon move her babies into a hole in the ground on her farm. Do you have a stray cat and need to trap it? Dan discusses the ways it can be done with help from the ARL.

April 3, 2021

Did you hear about the dog in North Carolina who ran into the Dollar Store and grabbed a unicorn? The Annual Raise Your Paw Auction is coming up in June. There are less tickets this year due to COVID, so be sure to snag yours when they become available! All this and more on today's show.

March 27, 2021

Those of us who are animal lovers have had that moment of panic when we have a lost pet. Carol and Dan discuss what to do. When you go to the ARL to adopt an animal, have you thought about considering Bonded Buddies? We took a call from a gentleman who has feral cat problems just west of Des Moines and Carol discusses the ARL TNR Program. All this and more on today's show.

March 20, 2021

Today's episode: Raccoons and the hazards they present if you try to pet them. Are you returning to the office? How do you help your pets get used to you going to work again. The Raise Your Paw Auction is June 19th. Less tickets will be available but there will be a virtual option.

March 13, 2021

Today's episode: Carol and Dan talk about humans and wildlife and how we interact. Do you have the right cat or dog toys? Also, do you use a cat carrier or a crate for your dog or cat? A caller says her daughter's new puppy has separation anxiety.

March 6, 2021

Today's episode: The ARL is having a microchip event at the Animal Control Center from 1-3 pm at 1615 SE 14th Street in Des Moines and Bernie checks in to update us on what is going on at the Statehouse.

February 27, 2021

Is your dog worth a million dollars? For most of us, they are. Did your pet get a new collar? Carol and Dan discuss what to watch out for and how to fit the collar to your dog. How does your dog do when their toe nails are cut? All this and more on today's ARL Animal Connection.

February 13, 2021

On today's episode: We discussed what to do when you find a lost pet and Joe Stafford from the ARL calls in to talk pet safety. When it's cold outside, bring dogs and cats inside to protect them from the elements. If you see an animal in distress, call the Des Moines Police department non-emergency number at 283-4811. Outside of Des Moines call your local law enforcement number or call 911.