Animal House w/Deborah Roberts

Debbie Helsel, Executive Director of the Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge, brings along Hang Ten, an injured gopher tortoise, and Luna, an Eastern Screech owl, to celebrate construction finally being complete on their new animal rehabilitation facility. The Back to Nature Wildlife Refuge will host a Grand Re-Opening on Saturday, July 12th, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., featuring food trucks, vendors, a new Visitor Center and Gift Shop, and guest wildlife. For more information, (407) 568-5138.

Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina McDonnell, and Team Lead Zoo Teacher, Emily Geist, stop by from the Central Florida Zoo and bring along their Children's python named Nellie in honor of World Snake Day on July 16th. Along with continuing summer day camps, Christina and Emily invite the community to celebrate the Zoo's 50 years at their current location, where they will be debuting a brand-new, limited-time historical gallery inside the Wayne Densch Discovery Center building. Get more information at https://www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Darryl Payne with Pawfection Dog Training once again answers listeners' questions, including offering up some solutions for a dog that won't drink water, what to do for an older dog that seems confused, and what you can do for a dog that appears to be in mourning.

We talk to Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House, a nonprofit sanctuary that advocates for the welfare, protection, and dignity of all animals. Lee will make an appearance at Hard Rock Live in Orlando on October 15th, 2025, and we ask him questions ranging from how Lee got started in animal rescue, to how many dogs he sleeps with at night. The number will amaze you!

Kenny Tallier with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando brings along kittens Fran and Dan to talk about how June is National Adopt A Shelter Cat. Kenny also shares the exciting news about the roof getting installed on the new shelter next week, and how their website is a good resource for Hurricane Tips for your pets.

Zoo Teacher, Emma Aagaard, and Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina O'Donnell, joins us from the Central Florida Zoo, along with Spot, their spotted turtle, in honor of World Ocean Day. Despite not being living in the ocean, Emma and Christina talk about how clean waterways are important to ALL animal species. They also share the many events taking place at the Zoo, including Night Hike at the Zoo, Sunset at the Zoo, Cub Club, and more. Learn more at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Darryl Payne with Pawfection Dog Training joins us for Animal House to answer listeners' questions regarding their dog's behavior, and to also share some important personal news.

Kenny Tallier and Brandy Bennett from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando bring along Georgina, Kenny's Golden Retriever 'foster fail' to give an update on the construction of their new shelter. Kenny and Brandy also talk about the influx of kittens they've received during the annual 'kitten season,' what's on their Shelter Wish List, and where you can find all the animals they have available for adoption. Get more information at www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Zoo Teachers Emily Geist and Alissa Jobe, from the Central Florida Zoo, share some fascinating facts about 'Meriadoc,' their lesser Madagascar hedgehog tenrec. Emily and Alissa also talk about their upcoming Sunset at the Zoo, as well as the remaining slots open for their Summer Camps. For more information, go to www.centralfloridazoo.org or (407) 323-4450.

Daisy Fiore, PhD, Senior Coordinator of Education with the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey, talks about their Baby Owl Shower: Eras, Celebrating 40 Years, to raise funds and awareness on how you can get involved with conservation. There will be crafts, games, a raffle, and visits with the Center's Ambassador birds. Admission is free with an item from their general wishlist or Amazon wishlist. Find out more at www.cbop.audubon.org or call (407) 644-0190.

Sgt. Jay Nix, from the Marion County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit, and former Orange County Sheriff's Office K9 Deputy Robert Ramos, talk about the new license plate that benefits K9's United and how the plate proceeds support law enforcement agencies in Florida, and even around the country.

Darryl Payne with Pawfection Dog Training once again answers listeners' questions regarding their puppies' and dogs' behavior, including when is a good time to socialize your dog, what size crate should you use, and even what is the best to leave on in the background when you leave the house: a radio or TV? Learn more at www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or call (407) 456-1066.

Kathy Burns and Kenny Tallier from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando talk about what constitutes 'kitten season' and what listeners can do to help, either through adoption, fostering, or even volunteering. Kathy and Kenny also give an update on when their new shelter will open.

Senior Ambassador Animal Keeper, Christina O'Donnell, and Zoo Teacher, Chlöe Fawcett, and Flick, the gopher tortoise, visit from the Central Florida Zoo remind everyone of the importance of this keystone species, which is an organism that helps define an entire ecosystem. Christina and Chlöe also talk about upcoming events at the Zoo, including Brews Around the Zoo this Saturday, Hippity Hop the following Saturday, as well as a special Pay Once, Visit Twice deal going on. Get more information at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

Darryl Payne of Pawfection Dog Training helps some listeners' with various behavioral issues with their puppies or dogs. Some of the issues covered include excessive barking, skittish behavior in a rescue dog while training them, and even what to do when a dog eats poop. Get more info at www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or call (407) 456-1066.

Kathy Burns and Kenny Tallier from the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando talk about National Pet Poison Prevention Week and what common household hazards and even food that can be dangerous for your pets. They also introduce us to Doritos, a 3-month-old pup available for adoption to help celebrate National Puppy Day on March 23rd. Find out more by going to www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Emily Geist and Chlöe Fawcett from the Central Florida Zoo bring along Coconut, an Amazon Milk Frog. Emily shares some interesting facts about Coconut, like how her large toe pads help her lift 14 times her weight, and despite being a frog, they breed high up in the trees. Chloe also talks about the varioys events taking place at the Zoo, including Brews Around The Zoo. Get your tickets and more at www.centralfloridazoo.org or call (407) 323-4450.

In this episode of Animal House, we talk to Elizabeth and Mike McAleenan, the owners and operators of Little Bit Wildlife Rescue, the only licensed permitted Wildlife Rehab facility in Lake County listed on the FWC, the Florida Wildlife Commission's website, to locate Wildlife Rehabbers. Elizabeth and Mike talk about their organization and how a podcast scam has affected the number of followers on their Facebook page. To show your support and to learn more, go to www.littlebitwildliferescue.org or give them a call at (561) 270-9328.

Miranda Nathanson with the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando gives us an update on the construction of their shelter after a fire destroyed their original structure in 2021. Miranda also discusses the benefits of becoming a pet foster, and she lists everything that's included when you sign up. Find out more at www.petallianceorlando.org or call (407) 351-7722.

Darryl Payne from Pawfection Dog Training helps listeners with the problems they're having with their puppies and dogs, including what is the best dog breed for a child with special needs. Darryl also assists with other issues like food aggression, and when is the best time to neuter your male dog. For more information, go to www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or call (407) 456-1066.