A Pawdcast: A Deity Animal Rescue Podcast

This week on the Season One Finale of A Pawdcast, we give you The Takedown of The House of Horrors. Becca Chavez from Yaqui Animal Rescue, Kimberly Elliott and Jenny Amuchestegui of the Be Like Josh Foundation, Shira Scott Astrof from the Animal Rescue Mission, and Koco Garcia of HandoverRover walk us through September 22, 2023 in Chandler, Arizona. The day the police department and Arizona Humane Society finally, after years of pleading from worried animal lovers and neighbors, showed up to save 60+ special needs dogs from extreme abuse, neglect and a certain death. April McLaughlin, the hoarder with a sick affinity for these differently abled pups was arrested and taken into custody. As this episode airs McLaughlin has been indicted by a grand jury on 24 counts of animal cruelty, 77 misdemeanor charges, failure to provide medical treatment to an animal and is currently behind bars awaiting to stand trial. You guys, this is just the tip of the tragic iceberg. Giving you so many details today but there’s so much more to the story. If you have questions put them in the comments below or DM any of us so that we can dive into them in future #Chandler55 episodes. Yep, planning to make it happen. Now. let’s get into it. Produced by  @purplebanter  Katia Dragotis & LJ Stead

This week on A Pawdcast we continue the twisted journey leading us in to the House of Horrors. To anyone who was on this horrific ride with us you probably remember the moment when a now iconic video hit your Instagram feed… a video showing a rescuer crying in tears saying “She’s holding our dogs hostage. Please help us”. For most, this is the very moment the entire world became aware of the existence of those precious souls who would soon be known as the #Chandler55 . The woman in the video is Koco Garcia. And the dog she was pleading to the world for help in getting back was Marbles. A sweet, blind pup who was rescued off a chain in Mississippi. In good faith and with the hopes of finding him a better life, Marbles was transferred to the Special Needs Animal Welfare League in Chandler, Arizona. Unbeknonst to Koco, and so many more well intentioned humans, the woman behind SNAWL was an animal abusing hoarder who preyed upon special needs dogs. Watch and listen as Koco starts from the beginning, giving the details about where Marble’s came from, how he was rescued, and how April McLaughlin inserts herself into the picture. We learn why she begins to suspect something is not right, and how a phone call from a previous victim confirms her worst fear and blows her world wide open. We discuss that iconic video, how it purposefully came together, and how it’s impact motivated a social media army to light a fire under law enforcement’s ass to finally do something. Guys. In Marbles’ honor Koco tells her story. Because it deserves to be told. Grateful to her for putting it here, because maybe, at some point, it will aid in the prevention of this atrocity happening to others. Let’s go. #Chandler55

Presenting a special Saturday episode of A Pawdcast. In light of the crisis happening in and around our Los Angeles city shelters, and the questions so many have as to what the issues are, we wanted to sit down in real time and talk to a couple of the women who are leading the charge in making our voices heard and demanding change for a system in crisis. Please welcome Valarie Ianniello founder of Women United For Animal Welfare (WUFAW) and Shira Scott Astrof founder of the Animal Rescue Mission to the sofa. We talk about the dire overcrowding situation and why there are multiple dogs in every kennel as well as pop up crates lining the hallways and stacked on top of each other. We discuss the “No Kill” initiative, how it came to be, what exactly it means, why the false narrative is so dangerous and how it has overwhelmed the City’s shelter system. And lastly, and so very importantly, we talk about the lack of Spay / Neuter in a city where breeder licenses are being handed out “like candy”. ✨Since filming our latest episode, there have been even more disheartening updates regarding city shelters. The 3 million dollars initially promised to LAAS to hire more staff has been drastically reduced to a mere $277,048. Additionally, the city officials have now announced they are considering defunding the shelters altogether. The idea of defunding the LAAS shelters is appalling and demonstrates a shocking disconnect between our city officials and the suffering animals in these shelters. If these cuts go through, it would further decimate an already struggling system that relies on a skeleton staff to care for these vulnerable animals. Let’s get into it.

In April of 2023 a dog had been found shot leaving him paralyzed in his hind end. A South Texas rescue stepped up for him, vetted him and bought him wheels. He went by the name of Butters. To their delight at the time, The Special Needs Animal Welfare League in Chandler, Arizona reached out and offered to take him under their wing and find him a home. The transfer was made. After a few months of ongoing sketchiness and lack of communication between Becca and SNAWL’s elusive founder, “Samantha Taylor”, Becca and her wife jumped in the car to go and get Butters back. As soon as they arrived, Becca knew her suspicions were correct. Butters was being held captive in a hell unlike anything she’d ever seen. This week on A Pawdcast tune in to hear Becca’s story of how she did not - would not - give up the fight to get her dog back. Even when law enforcement would do nothing to help. Watch and listen as she tells how months of detective work, combined with a relentless team of badass humans and a social media inspired army resulted in bringing down what has been dubbed “The House of Horrors”, leading to the rescue of Butters and the #Chandler55 .It turns out that the name “Samantha Taylor” was just one of many aliases used by the woman we now know as animal abuser April McLaughlin. McLaughlin has scammed over 30 rescues and at the time was hoarding over 60 special needs dogs in her 950 square foot home. Some of them did not survive. She since has been indicted by a grand jury on 24 counts of animal cruelty, 77 misdemeanor charges, failure to provide medical treatment to an animal and is currently behind bars awaiting to stand trial. Butters saved all the dogs. It’s time his story was told. We are excited to welcome Becca Chavez from Yaqui Animal Rescue, Shira Scott Astrof from the Animal Rescue Mission, Jenny Amuchastegui and Kimberly Elliott from the Be Like Josh Foundation and Koco Garcia from Handover Rover to A Pawdcast.This is Part 3 in the #Chandler55 ongoing series. Don’t for get to Follow and Subscribe so as not to miss an episode.

In September of 2023, on the inside of a 900 square foot home in Chandler, Arizona over 60 special needs dogs were found neglected, tortured and some, deceased. The raid by authorities also led to the discovery of an elderly woman living inside amongst barking animals, filth, defecation and death. It took months, years actually, to prove to police and animal control that something was horrifically wrong and that something needed to be done. In that time, more animals were acquired and more animals died. Finally, thanks to the unwavering voices of a team of relentless animal lovers, the dogs now known as the the Chandler55 were rescued and the woman behind this House of Horrors has been indicted by a grand jury on 24 counts of animal cruelty, 77 misdemeanor charges and failure to provide medical treatment to an animal. As this podcast airs, she is behind bars. This week on A Pawdcast we continue diving deep. Along with innumerable others, our guests tell the stories of how this con artist cons. Shira Scott Astrof shares the rescue stories of her beloved pups Chester, Rudy and Bailey and how April McLaughlin, who went by the alias “Sammy Taylor” among many others, misrepresented her way in and “adopted” the boys. Shira lets us in on what her experience with McLaughlin was like, and how much effort and how many lies were told to her on an ongoing basis in order to keep the mind blowing deceit going. We talk about that first phone call from Kimberly Elliot to Shira, delivering the information of the evil that was believed to be happening. What began with shock and disbelief soon turned into Shira getting on a plane to go get her dogs back. And there’s so much more. Last week, this week, and for the next few weeks, we sit down with a few of the of rescuers who were instrumental in exposing this case. In Part 1 we laid the foundation, which for some of us began in 2019. We talk about the struggles in getting law enforcement to listen and do their job, We discuss dealing with a con artist, and what it feels like to realize you have been conned - in the absolute most horrifying way. Later we will get into what tipped off Becca of Yaqui Animal Rescue, and how she did not stop investigating until she got answers. Answers that eventually led to getting the dogs back. Let’s go Part 2. Please join us as we welcome Kimberly Elliott and Jenny Amuchastegui of The Be Like Josh Foundation, Rebecca Chavez from Yaqui Animal Rescue, Shira Scott Astrof from The Animal Rescue Mission and Koco Garcia of HandOverRover. #Chandler55 Warning: this episode includes content associated with the feelings around the emotional impact of fraud and scams which could be triggering to some.

In September of 2023, on the inside of a 900 square foot home in Chandler, Arizona over 60 special needs dogs were found neglected, tortured and some, deceased. The raid by authorities also led to the discovery of an elderly woman living inside amongst barking animals, filth, defecation and death. It took months, years actually, to prove to police and animal control that something was horrifically wrong and that something needed to be done. In that time, more animals were acquired and more animals died. Finally, thanks to the unwavering voices of a team of relentless animal lovers, the dogs now known as the the Chandler55 were rescued and the woman behind this House of Horrors has been indicted by a grand jury on 24 counts of animal cruelty, 77 misdemeanor charges and failure to provide medical treatment to an animal. This week, and for the next few weeks, we sit down with a few of the of rescuers who were instrumental in exposing this case. Join us as we lay the foundation, which for some of us began in 2019. We talk about the struggles in getting law enforcement to listen and do their job, We discuss dealing with a con artist, and what it feels like to realize you have been conned - in the absolute most horrifying way. We get into what tipped off Becca of Yaqui Animal Rescue, and how she did not stop investigating until she got answers. Answers that eventually led to getting the dogs back. Let’s start here. We are diving in. Please join us as we welcome Kimberly Elliott and Jenny Amuchastegui of The Be Like Josh Foundation, Rebecca Chavez from Yaqui Animal Rescue, Shira Scott Astrof from The Animal Rescue Mission and Koco Garcia of HandOverRover. #Chandler55

Dr. Lisa is there to hold your pet while she's holding your hand. Passion has guided her since she was a little girl and there are so many hot topics she's passionate about these days. For our Pawdcast hosts and her countless clients at the Malibu Coast Animal Hospital, Dr. Lisa is the opened armed, unwavering lifeline who will do whatever it takes to help your baby while she's giving you straight up no bullshit realistic expectations. Dr. Lisa “goes there” on why it’s essentially important to spay and neuter not only for the health of your animal but for controlling community populations as well. She’s straight up on giving us her take on rescuing versus buying from a breeder. Dr. Lisa offers wise words and guidance on that end-of-life transition and helping your animals to cross that rainbow bridge. We talk diets, nutrition, allergies, and why it’s OK to spoil them. Sometimes… :) So excited to bring Dr. Lisa to you… the best news, she has offered to join us on a regular basis to answer all your questions. “Ask Dr. Lisa” is here!

We are so excited. We are sitting here with a mental health expert, Nathalie Botezatu. She is not only a foster of ours, but has become a sister and has been in the trenches with us through a lot welcome Nathalie. Nathalie is very vocal about the way that fostering has changed her life and her initial apprehensions about getting involved and the positive changes it's made in her life since being involved.

Our guest today is a very special part of Deity Animal Rescue. In her personal and professional world, she fills so many roles, including Director of Development for Hello Sunshine, and in our world, she's a foster extraordinaire, bleeding heart animal lover, physical therapy enthusiast, emotional supporter, Special needs caretaker and way more cat has fostered 47 dogs And there are moments when she is caring for three deity dogs at one time because there is unlimited room in her heart Cat is our go to gal for small defeated Overlooked angels to relax find peace and receive love and security. She never shies away From these precious souls with medical needs, physical ailments, or surgery recovery patients, and is always more than happy to give a dog in need a temporary spot if they need a soft place to land.We are eternally grateful for her calm energy, perfect dog names, and her support of our mission, and we want to share her with you. Kat Ramsburg, welcome to a podcast.

Our guest today has spent a huge portion of her life being involved with many organizations aimed at bettering the lives of animals as well as the humans around them. These include the Director of Volunteer Programs for Los Angeles Animal Services, Founder and executive director of Kids and Pets and the director of Pals to Pets. Her passion for raising awareness through education and public speaking continues to reach out nationwide. Currently, our guest is the Public Information Director for programs including VIP, Volunteer Information Professionals, and the world famous PUP program at Los Angeles World Airport LAX. Our guest developed and created the Pets Unstressing Program in 2012 with the purpose of alleviating stress and anxiety at airports. She has assisted 90 airports to date, both nationally and internationally. You guys, we are honored to welcome Heidi Huebner.

**Content Advisory: This episode has discussion of suicide** Our guests today have survival stories that deserve to be told. We were first made aware of Koda, when an Instagram follower messaged us about this pit bull who was living under a car in her neighborhood, the good human had been feeding her and giving her water. The dog had been there for weeks, and even with postings on all of the appropriate sites, no one claimed her. The weather was hot. and the road was busy. Her life was in danger every second. The pictures that accompanied the message were heartbreaking. Lindsay and I jumped in the car. Armed with a bowl of food and a slip lead, we prayed she would let us help her. And when I tell you the moment this girl slinked her skinny bod out from under the car, gratefully accepting the food with a humble wag, we knew then. That Koda is why we rescue. As soon as our friend Nathalie saw Koda's story, she reached out. Ellen, she said. We must meet her. I see something in her eyes. I've known our guest Nathalie for many, many years. She kicks my ass often, right here at The Beat Fitness. Nathalie is a multiple platform fitness and bodybuilding champion. She's inspirational, motivational, a mother and a friend. But what I didn't know then was the challenges she's faced in her own past. And most recently, watching her kick Cancer's ass. Together, Koda and Nathalie are beautiful.

In this special episode of 'A Pawdcast' by Deity Animal Rescue, founders Lindsey and Ellen give fans an inside look into the recent happenings at the rescue. They are joined by foster dog, Lady Bug, to not only share her story, but let everyone know that this sweet, very well-behaved pup is adoptable!They share valuable information on what the public can and should do if they spot an abandoned or lost dog as well as misconceptions and 'must-knows' in the animal rescue space.

Our guest today is an absolute icon in the canine welfare world, for many reasons. In 2014, he founded I Pity the Bull, an organization that is dedicated to providing education about responsible pet ownership, spay and neuter, and improving the communication between dog and human. I Pity the Bull was inspired by a pit bull girl named Penny Lane as an effort to reverse negative stereotypes around this breed of dogs. John's belief is, just as a human is a human before their race, a dog is a dog first before their breed. Their mission, and this is a powerful one, educate, advocate. and never discriminate. Goes beyond dogs, which is why you will not only find John and his team working with rescues and animal shelters, but also in schools with their educational program as well as out in the community assisting the unhoused and others in need.

Ellen and Lindsay first met today's guests in 2015. Lisa and Bob, sweetest couple who decided that they could no longer sit back and do nothing about the overcrowded and under resourced shelters in Los Angeles. Dogs were dying and they were here and ready. They continuously look their worst fears in the eye and become a part of the good fight, even if it means falling in love with animals they know will never make it outta the shelter alive. They are choosing a path in life that is soul crushing on the daily. The number of animals who because of them have taken that coveted freedom walk from behind the locked gates of what could have easily have been their last stop are too numerous to count. And there are so many more that together they have. Both positively impacted and therefore are alive today. To us, they are true heroes and we are so happy to have them here today. Lisa and Bob, welcome to A Pawdcast.

Welcome Tracy Bregman and Ivy Rose to A Pawdcast. Not only is our guest someone Lindsey and Ellen have felt like I've known forever, thanks to her Emmy award winning role as Lauren Fenmore on CBS's 'The Young and the Restless', but also because I followed her on Instagram and already knew. That she was a sister. This animal activist, vegan mama, who uses her platform to support rescue, as well as women owned small businesses, all in between flying back and forth to LA for work while running her horse ranch in Nashville. Still, somehow, had time to step up to foster a pregnant, totally unsocialized, chihuahua. Sprung from the depths of a downtown LA RV hoarding situation in the midst of a global pandemic.

'A Pawdcast' by Deity Animal Rescue welcomes Mike Noon, the elusive dog catching Guru. Mike's skills and expertise extensively span to help finding dogs near and far, he can even help find dogs on the run without physically being there. Mike shares how we as humans fail in our logic when it comes to finding our lost furry friends and how he has learned how to tap into the minds of animals for quick and safe recoveries. He shares tips on what to do if your dog is lost, as well as misconceptions surrounding lost animals.

Jamal and Ali @k9kommittee walk the walk, talk the talk and have the dog training answers… in a language that makes sense to our untrained brains. When it comes to learning dog behavior and psychology, it’s important to first know how our own conduct and actions play a role. Jamal and Ali @caliali023 , the founding partners of this Los Angeles based team, make sure that as they are working with a dog, they are also operating hand in hand with the owner, clearly communicating the “why’s” and “how’s” and “try this”’s every step of the way. And once they are onboard, they’re vested, and they will be in your dog’s back pocket for refreshers - forever.Join us as we talk about how decompression is key, especially for new dogs joining the pack, fresh from the shelter or other stressful situations. The importance of taking our own energy to a “Pack Leader” level, even if that means we need to teach ourselves what that title means. That’s some powerful sh*t right there. And tune in to hang out with our boyfriend from the desert, Jomas. He’s here, he’s magical, and the best news… soon after this episode was made HE WAS ADOPTED!

Join hosts Ellen and Lindsay as they welcome one of the animal welfare world’s biggest advocates. E.G. Daily uses her voice both on screen and off, for some of Hollywood’s most well-known characters. But her biggest mission is using her voice to have an impact and make change for the voiceless. Everywhere. And she’s not afraid to use her celebrity platform in which to do so. In this episode: ⁃ How Ellen’s 80’s girl crush slid into the Deity DM’s and inevitably ended up fostering - and saving the life of a tiny days-old puppy and her mama. ⁃ Hear how scooping cones at a Hollywood ice scream store introduced young E.G. to Chris DeRose and the world of frontline animal activism. ⁃ Talk of how a degree in veterinary school is not necessary to take on medical cases, but you definitely should honor your mama bear instincts. Don’t miss out on this totally tubular episode. We’re so glad you’re here!

In this special episode, hosts Ellen and Lindsey are joined by the incredible actress, animal advocate, and founder of 'Hera the Dog' Vodka, Julia Pennington.Grab your favorite beverage and get ready for a paw-some time as they sit down with Julia to discuss her passion for animal advocacy and her unique venture, 'Hera the Dog' Vodka. Julia takes us on a journey through her experiences, shedding light on the inspiring work she does with cat colonies and the furry friends she helps along the way.But that's not all – as the holiday season is upon us, Julia brings along 'Hera the Dog's' exclusive holiday cocktail kits. Ellen and Lindsey can't wait to dive into the festive spirit and share some heartwarming tales while sipping on these specially crafted holiday concoctions.

Welcome to "A Pawdcast by Deity Animal Rescue"! In this episode, we are thrilled to have the incredible Bob Ferber as our special guest. Join us for an inspiring conversation as Bob shares his profound journey of how animals changed his life and transformed his health. Bob, a distinguished figure with a storied career in law, takes us through his remarkable experiences in advocating for animals. Tune in as he delves into the amazing feats he's achieved in changing legislation and policies surrounding animal cruelty. From groundbreaking legal battles to pivotal moments in shaping the welfare of our furry friends, Bob Ferber's impact is nothing short of extraordinary. Discover the powerful intersection between Bob's personal connection with animals and his dedication to creating lasting change in the legal landscape. Join us on "A Pawdcast by Deity Animal Rescue" as we explore the profound connections between humanity and our beloved animal companions. Bob Ferber's passion and dedication are sure to leave you inspired and motivated to make a positive impact in the world of animal welfare. Don't miss out on this engaging and uplifting episode!