The Bark: A Pet Podcast Unleashed
Our podcast launched in June 0f 2025 and our sights are set on helping the community understand the ripple effects of Tennessee's animal crisis – which we can't do without your support. Many have asked, "Why a podcast?" Podcast listening is growing rapidly. Over 450 million people listened to podcasts in 2023, with numbers expected to reach 619 million by 2026. For us, this podcast will also act a gateway: capturing the support of listeners all over will help us expand our reach to those who may not be listening. The show's contents will help the community understand the ripple effects of common events, many of which the public is unaware of. We'll open up conversations with industry experts and our community, and unapologetically discuss topics that impact you, like:
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Why the current pet climate demands advocacy
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The impact of spaying/neutering (or choosing not to)
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Breeding: What consumers really need to know
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Medical issues affecting pets & how to prevent them
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How your tax dollars are enabling the animal crisis
Hang on to your leash, as we take you on a long walk through the landscape of pet life in Tennessee.
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@laws-saving-paws
Recent episodes
Click the images to listen or watch our episodes on Youtube, or catch us on other streaming services like Apple, Spotify, Pandora, and more. Just search "The Bark: A Pet Podcast Unleashed".
Episode 15: In this festive episode of The Bark, we’re cutting through the holiday sparkle to talk about the real do’s and don’ts of Christmas when it comes to our pets. While the season brings joy, it also brings a dangerous spike in impulse pet purchases, roadside puppy sales, and “free to a good home” litters from irresponsible breeders. We break down why buying—or even takin —a puppy under these circumstances fuels the animal crisis and puts families and pets in tough situations once the holiday glow fades. But it’s not all warnings. We’ll share why foster-to-adopt is one of the best gifts you can give an animal (and yourself), offering a safe, commitment-free way to see if a pet is truly the right fit. We’ll also cover holiday safety basics to keep your own pets protected — from dangerous décor to toxic treats to the stress that comes with busy homes and visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or thinking about bringing home a new furry family member, this episode will help you navigate the season with compassion, clarity, and responsibility.
Episode 14: When the Crisis Hits the Farm Release date: November 20, 2025 At Laws Saving Paws, we believe meaningful change happens when communities and industry leaders come together — and few voices in Tennessee are as influential as Farm Bureau. In this episode of The Bark, we explore how the state’s growing animal overpopulation crisis is no longer contained to shelters or city centers. Stray and roaming dogs, driven by an absence of breeding laws and limited access to spay/neuter, are now impacting the very people Farm Bureau represents: our farmers. From threats to livestock to increased safety concerns and financial strain, the ripple effect of unchecked breeding is real — and preventable. That’s why we’re asking an important question: What role could Farm Bureau play in addressing a crisis that now touches every corner of Tennessee? Join us as we unpack the issue, highlight opportunities for collaboration, and discuss how policy, partnership, and awareness could protect both animals and the agricultural communities that keep our state strong.
Episode 13: A Lifeline For Our Heroes Release date: October 31, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we spotlight the life-saving bond between veterans and their dogs — a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and healing. While our veterans step up to defend our country, countless dogs are stepping up to defend them right back, providing critical emotional support, mobility assistance, and a renewed sense of purpose when life after service feels overwhelming. But here’s the hard truth: while dogs are saving lives, too many of theirs are being thrown away. As we face a growing animal crisis, we must rethink the value society puts on a dog’s life — especially when their impact can mean the difference between hope and despair for the heroes who served us. We’ll sit down with Monica Piper, a veteran and Executive Director of Warrior Freedom Service Dogs – an organization committed to helping veterans with service induced brain injuries reconnect through the unconditional love of a service dog. If you’ve ever doubted the worth of one animal’s life, this episode will change your mind.
Episode 12: The Foster Effect Release date: October 10, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most overlooked aids to Tennessee’s animal crisis — fostering. While shelters struggle to keep up with endless intakes and the fallout of overbreeding, foster homes are the unsung heroes keeping the system from collapsing. We’re talking about what really happens when there aren’t enough fosters — dogs left in kennels for months, cats born on the streets, and animals turned away because there’s simply nowhere for them to go. Fostering doesn’t just give animals a temporary home — it gives them a fighting chance. It’s also the smartest way to see if a pet fits your life before making the long-term commitment of adoption. We’ll break down how fostering saves lives, eases overcrowding, and chips away at the root of the animal overpopulation problem — one home, one heart, one animal at a time. If you’ve ever said, “I could never foster — I’d get too attached,” this episode may make you think twice.
Episode 11: Together or Nowhere: A Conversation with The Animal Alliance Release date: September 24, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we sit down with the global organization out of Baltimore, Maryland, The Animal Alliance, whose mission is clear: Transforming Communities Through Compassion for Animals. Together, we explore how tackling issues like animal overpopulation and continued compassion for our animals, irresponsible breeding, and lack of access to spay/neuter services requires collaboration — not competition. Too often, rescues, shelters, and advocates work in silos or even against each other. The Animal Alliance is a driving force for using partnerships to inspire not only in our local communities, globally. Listen in as we talk about how teamwork can create a future where animals — and people — thrive.
Episode 10: Law & Order: Tennessee Style (with Special Guest, Jessica Schultz) Release date: September 3, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we take a closer look at what’s really happening in Tennessee with animal laws — and what that means for you, your pets, and your community. We’ll talk about your rights as a citizen when dealing with irresponsible pet owners, what it takes to be a truly responsible pet owner, and the steps you can take to make a difference. Joining us is special guest and local attorney Jessica Schultz, who brings valuable insight into how the law protects both people and animals — and where gaps still exist. From practical advice to bigger-picture solutions, this episode gives you the tools to stay informed, get involved, and help create change.
Episode 9: No-Kill: The Hidden Fallout Release date: August 20, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we pull back the curtain on the no-kill shelter movement and reveal the hidden consequences of chasing a “no-kill” status at all costs. While the goal sounds compassionate, the reality is far more complicated — and often devastating for animals and communities. We uncover how shelters that should be open-intake are instead turning away pets, leaving strays, abandoned litters, and unwanted animals with nowhere to go. The result? Overcrowded neighborhoods, rising animal control issues, and increased strain on taxpayers, rescues, and responsible pet owners. We’ll share our views and expose the hard truths about what’s happening behind the “no-kill” label — giving you the facts you need to see the full picture and make up your own mind. And as a bonus, this episode is unofficially dedicated to Tom Brady — you’ll have to listen to find out why.
Episode 8: Pedigree or Profit? Release date: August 6, 2025 In this powerful episode, we uncover how organizations like the AKC and USDA are quietly fueling America’s growing animal crisis—including right here in Tennessee. Behind the polished image of registered breeds and kennel standards lies a system that may appear to be built on unchecked overbreeding, outdated policies, and a disturbing tolerance for puppy mills and backyard breeding operations. These high-volume breeding facilities aren’t just rare, isolated cases—they’re part of a national pipeline, enabled by lax oversight and protected by the very institutions meant to uphold animal welfare. With little accountability, puppy mills continue to churn out dogs, flooding the market and keeping both online sellers and some pet stores supplied. We explore how profit, politics, and public perception collide in a system that prioritizes registration fees and industry power over the wellbeing of animals. If you've ever questioned where your dog came from—or what it really means to be “AKC registered”—this episode will open your eyes.
Episode 7: Injustice For All Release date: July 30, 2025 We’re tackling a disturbing but critical piece of the animal crisis: the brutal reality of animal cruelty—and the warning signs it carries for domestic violence and child abuse. This isn’t just about neglected dogs or starving cats. It’s about animals being beaten, chained, shot, or left to die—and how that cruelty often signals a much bigger threat. Studies and real-life cases across the country show a direct connection between animal abuse and violence in the home. Where animals are being harmed, children and partners often are, too. We speak plainly about what’s happening: abusers who take out rage on animals as practice… or punishment. Pets used as leverage in abusive relationships. These are not isolated cases—they’re patterns, and they’re preventable. We also look at how this violence overloads our shelters, strains the animal population, and creates trauma not just for the animals, but for responders, neighbors, and entire communities. If you care about protecting animals, you should care about protecting people too. And if you're a person who believes in defending what's right, this is your call to action.
Episode 6: Not Illegal Enough Release date: July 23, 2025 When it comes to animal laws in Tennessee, the truth is brutal: many of them aren’t broken—they were never built to work in the first place. In this episode, we’re digging into the legal side of the animal crisis and exposing the loopholes, penalties, and enforcement barriers that let abuse and neglect slip through the cracks. We break down how a lack of resources and outdated legislation are fueling the rise in our dangerous animal overpopulation. From backyard breeders to animal hoarders, this episode hits where it hurts: the gap between what's "illegal" and what gets punished. No matter who you are, what you do, or where you live… if you’re tired of seeing animals dumped and communities overwhelmed, this is the reality check you need.
Episode 5: "Houston, we have an animal problem" - Part 2 Release date: July 16, 2025 The animal crisis is growing—and in Part 2 of our deep dive, we’re exposing the real cost of animal overpopulation in Tennessee. This episode unpacks the hard truths: higher euthanasia rates, shelter and rescue burnout, and the hidden taxpayer burden most people never think about. We’ll also connect the dots to rural life—how overpopulation affects livestock, landowners, and even public safety. Whether you’re a cozy office 9-5er, a farmer, a retiree, or someone who just wants to see change, this conversation gets to the core of the crisis—with no sugar-coating. This isn’t just about stray animals—it’s about broken systems, overwhelmed communities, and who’s left holding the leash when it all falls apart.
Episode 4: "Houston, we have an animal problem" - Part 1 Release date: July 9, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we dig into the messy truth behind animal overpopulation—and how problems that seem unrelated are often deeply connected. At the center of it all? Irresponsible breeding practices, lack of access to spay and neuter services, and a system that looks the other way. We expose how backyard breeding, accidental litters, and failure to fix pets fuel a statewide crisis impacting shelters, neighborhoods, and taxpayers alike. From rural counties to city streets, Tennessee is feeling the pressure—and it’s time we talk about why. Whether you're already in the fight or just starting to pay attention, this episode will connect the dots and show why it matters. Because the truth is: overpopulation isn’t just an animal problem—it’s a people problem.
Episode 3: Balls to the Wall Release date: June 25, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we’re going balls to the wall on one of the biggest drivers of animal overpopulation in Tennessee — the decision to spay or neuter your pet. We dig into why fixing your animals matters and what happens when people don’t. From a growing veterinarian shortage to a lack of low-cost spay/neuter clinics, we break down the barriers keeping people from taking action. We also explore how these gaps affect shelters, communities, and responsible pet owners across the state. Whether you're an animal advocate or someone who’s tired of the animal crisis, this episode gives you the facts — and ways you can help fix the problem, literally and systemically.
Episode 2: Not Just a Personal Problem Release date: June 25, 2025 In this episode of The Bark, we explore how responsible pet ownership isn’t just a personal choice — it’s a community issue that impacts all Tennesseans. From securing your pet and understanding the risks of choosing not to fix your animals, to the serious consequences of animal abandonment and chaining dogs, we break down why individual actions have statewide effects. Irresponsible pet care doesn’t just harm animals — it narrows the path for those who care deeply about their pets and the community. Join us as we discuss how every choice affects animal welfare, public safety, and the future of Tennessee’s animal climate. If you're ready to make a difference — or need a reason to care — this episode will give you both the insight and the push to get involved.
Episode 1: The Leash is Off Release date: June 25, 2025 Welcome to The Bark, a Tennessee podcast powered by Laws Saving Paws, where we confront the animal welfare crisis at its roots. In this kickoff episode, we dive into the real issues behind animal overpopulation — from backyard breeders and loose dog laws to overwhelmed shelters funded by taxpayers. Unlike feel-good animal rescue shows, The Bark is for people who want change that lasts. Through education, grassroots advocacy, and bold legislative reform, we’re working to fix the system — not just patch it. If you're a dog-loving guy or gal, a responsible pet owner, or just someone who cares about what’s happening in your state, this podcast brings you the truth about how the crisis impacts all Tennesseans — and what we can do about it. It’s time for tough conversations and real solutions. The leash is off — let’s dig in.