The Foster Files

The Foster Files

By: Kelly

Language: en-us

Categories: Kids, Family, Pets, Animals, Business, Non-profit, Leisure

On The Foster Files we are telling stories about adoptable animals and the people who save them. Our focus will be on highlighting adoptable animals while discussing the joys, struggles, highs and heartbreaks of choosing to foster animals in need. You can expect to hear about training, rehabilitating, adoption and rescue stories, and animal welfare issues and concerns all while learning about animals in your community who need a home. Who knows, maybe you'll find your next great love

Episodes

Stay Danglin'
Jan 07, 2026

With over 140,000 followers on Instagram, Cameron is the designated Dangler in Chief of the does.it.dangle account. On staff at Austin Pets Alive he works with behavior case dogs daily in an attempt to get them adopted into loving homes. He wears his heart on his sleeve as he talks about his love for animals, The Doc, and the work he gets to do, even when it's difficult. 

Foster Spotlight: Austin Pets Alive! | Harley

Instagram - @playfetch.with.harley

Dangler in Chief (@does.it.dangle) • Instagram photos and videos

https://www...

Duration: 00:53:09
All Things Horses with Dawn from Rosemary Farm
Dec 31, 2025

The founder of the largest Equine Rescue in the Northeast, Rosemary Farm Sancturary, talks to Kelly about the cruelty of horse auctions, why not every horse is meant to be ridden, and what it really means to love horses. By the end of this episode you'll be looking for a horse to sponsor or for a stay at their on-farm Airbnb!

ROSEMARY FARM SANCTUARY

Staydoption™ — ROSEMARY FARM SANCTUARY

DIMITRI — ROSEMARY FARM SANCTUARY

Horses from Every Window! - Farm stays for Rent in South Kortright, New York, United States - Airbnb

Nonp...

Duration: 01:07:09
Rescuing Animals Can't Rescue You
Dec 24, 2025

Author and Certified Breathwork Coach, Katya Lidsky takes some time to talk to us about some of the pitfalls in wellness surrounding animal rescue. After 20 years in rescue she's come to learn that healing people is the only way we can truly help these animals. 

Katya Lidsky | Breathwork Coach for Animal Professionals & Creatives

The Trauma Stewardship Store - The Trauma Stewardship Institute

About - Jessica Dolce

A Purposeful Rescue

FOSTER SPOTLIGHT - Meet Sweet Heart A2243666 | LA Animal Services

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Ke...

Duration: 00:54:12
A Behavior Road Map
Dec 17, 2025

Animal Behavior Counselor, Lillian Akin, talks about the intricoes of a dog's behavior. Taking the time to identify what might have changed for the dog, the message the dog is trying to communicate, and how our human behaviors are contributing to it, are all critical in understand your foster or adopted dog. 


Jessica Dolce | Practice Compassionate Badassery

Amazon.com : trauma stewardship lipsky

Behavior Professionals | Ampp - Find Lillian's contact information here

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:54:16
The Hardest Decisions We Make
Dec 10, 2025

Loving our pets comes with hard choices. On today's episode Kelly & Crissy talk about some of those decisions. First, the decision that we make to welcome a new pet into our home. And second, what it means to make the decision to say goodbye. 

BluePearl Pet Hospital Pittsburgh North | Pittsburgh, PA

In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Pittsburgh | Caring Pathways

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:42:29
Thanksgiving Hangover - A repeat episode
Dec 03, 2025

Since Kelly will be traveling over the holiday she decided to repeat an earlier episode, What to Expect When Expecting a Foster. All new content will be headed your way next week, so be sure to listen!

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:33:41
I'm Just a Bill
Nov 26, 2025

Pennsylvania is joining the growing number of states attempting to pass best interest laws when it comes to animal welfare during a divorce. To hear more about the bill, and how to be a part of its' passing, give today's episode a listen and a like.


House Bill 97 - Bill Information (History) - House Bill 97; Regular Session 2025-2026 - PA General Assembly

Contact your PA Senator - Members of the Senate | 2025-2026 Session - PA State Senate

Beau's Profile - Wagtopia: Adopt Dogs, Cats, Register Pet Microchip, Geo Tags

<...

Duration: 00:20:39
We All Need Therapy
Nov 19, 2025

Denver Pet Partners is an organization dedicated to strengthening the human and animal bond through their volunteer work. Rika and Laura walk us through the work they do, how important it is to the people in their community, and the steps you can take if this work speaks to you.


Littleton, CO - Hound (Unknown Type)/Pit Bull Terrier. Meet Kelly a Pet for Adoption - AdoptaPet.com

DPP Main Site – Advancing the Human-Animal Bond

Volunteer Therapy Pets & Therapy Dog Program: Pet Partners

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

...

Duration: 00:56:37
More Than One Way to Treat A Cat
Nov 12, 2025

Dr. Hougentogler of K Vet Animal Care takes the time to talk about other ways to treat what ails your pet. From acupuncture, to physical therapy, to herbal remedies and spinal manipulation, different options could be a better path for your cat or dog. With years of experience under his belt, Dr. H is a wealth of knowledge on how to make sure your family pet is living their best and most fulfilled life. 


Wagtopia: Adopt Dogs, Cats, Register Pet Microchip, Geo Tags - Adoptable Carlos

Vet & Animal Hospital in Greensburg, PA | K...

Duration: 01:06:05
Please don't hump me
Nov 05, 2025

As we approach the months filled with cabin fever, Kelly thought it would be a great time to talk about unwanted behavior from excited dogs. Lauren from Choose Wisely Dog Training offers some easy, actionable tips when your dog is jumping, barking, or humping for attention!


Wagtopia: Adopt Dogs, Cats, Register Pet Microchip, Geo Tags

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:29:44
The Ins and Outs of Animal Shelters
Oct 29, 2025

Danielle, Shelter Administrator and Foster Coordinator of Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley joins the podcast to talk all things animal shelters. If you ever wondered why adoption fees are a few hundred dollars, or how shelters care for their most stressed residents, this episode is for you!

Volunteer - ANIMAL PROTECTORS OF ALLEGHENY VALLEY

Fur-Ever Mine Fund | The Pittsburgh Foundation

Dog for adoption - Odie, a Pit Bull Terrier in New Kensington, PA | Petfinder

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:45:38
Birds of a Feather
Oct 22, 2025

Branching out from the usual content about dogs and cats, Kelly learns all about bird welfare! Joined by Jenna from Soaring Spirits Sanctuary she hears the good, bad and ugly about why birds shouldn't have been domesticated in the first place  but how we can help clean up the mess we made, as humans. 

facebook.com/capehornpets (1) Facebook

facebook.com/soaringspiritssancturary (1) Facebook


https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:45:21
Straight Up Dog Talk
Oct 15, 2025

Fellow podcaster, Em, visits Kelly to talk everything dog! A dog trainer and nutritionist Em brings her wealth of knowledge, compassion for animals as well as practical tips that can help you improve your dog's overall well being. After you listen to Em here, be sure to subscribe to her podcast, Straight Up Dog Talk!

Grover the Dog (Black Mouth Cur)

A different kind of dog podcast, where no topic is taboo. Owners and experts get real about what really matters

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:55:32
Max Update!
Oct 08, 2025

A short episode to give everyone an update on Max!

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:04:36
Rescued by Hope
Oct 01, 2025

On this episode Kelly talks to Janine Guido, the founder of Speranza Animal Rescue in Mechanicsburg, PA about her journey in rescue, the animal welfare act she helped bring into law, and her new book, Rescued by Hope. Janine's story isn't unique in rescue; it's heartbreaking, inspiring and never ending. Despite her efforts there will always be another soul to save, another heart to heal. Janine is a warrior among rescue and worth the listen. 

Speranzarescue.org

Rescued by Hope: The Story of Speranza Animal Rescue: Guido, Janine: 9798262815685: Amazon.com: Books


Duration: 00:43:51
Duolingo for Dogs
Sep 24, 2025

If you're looking for ways to translate your dog's body language, this is the episode for you! Back on the pod is Lauren from Choose Wisely Dog Training to give us tips on how to listen to what our dog is telling us, without any words. 

Home | Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

About The Play Way - Play Way Dogs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jP2vqpD3hc

https://choosewiselydogtraining.com/blog/f/the-importance-of-play


https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:36:26
Finding Humanity in Humane Cases with Heather B.
Sep 17, 2025

Some of the hardest cases that a rescue will face begin with animal cruelty and neglect. Heather B, a fellow volunteer with Cross Your Paws, takes the time to talk to Kelly about how she finds it in herself to keep facing these heartbreaking cases. Every dog that finds themselves in a shelter or rescue, need our love and care, but these Humane Cases need more than most. 

Home - Rescue Village - Rescue Village is a humane society that serves the Cleveland area's eastern communities

Home | Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter

Wagtopia: Adopt D...

Duration: 00:44:01
Other Ways to Rescue
Sep 10, 2025

Kelly talks to a friend, Cheyenne, who does great work in rescue without always fostering. Her experience as a volunteer with Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley has changed the day to day life of dozens of dogs in need. 

animalprotectors.net

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:30:31
Intro to Fostering
Sep 03, 2025

Taking a little time to discuss Fostering 101, Kelly breaks down the steps you need to take to be as successful as possible when fostering a new dog. After that, she talks about the importance of the 3-3-3 rule in setting yourself, and the dog, up for success!

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:28:54
Walk it Out
Aug 27, 2025

Ever wonder what the secret to peace with a dog is? It's probably simpler than you think and in episode 8 Kelly breaks down her tried and true recipe for Utopia with dogs, long and frequent walkies. 

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:33:13
It's Not Always Wagging Tails and Happy Dogs
Aug 20, 2025

After a failed Meet and Greet, Kelly sat down to talk about one of the hardest aspects of fostering, whether or not the dog is adoptable. This short episode gives an update on Max, what happened, and how fostering him could possibly move forward.

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:18:57
Lauren Knows Best
Aug 13, 2025

Lauren from Choose Wisely Training joins Kelly on the podcast to talk training tips, the most common mistakes dog owners make, and the four things every training session needs. 

Show Notes and Links:

https://journal.iaabcfoundation.org/the-resilience-rainbow/

https://amzn.to/4m5DYKf

Asheville Dog Training & Dog Behavior Experts - The Dog Door

https://www.crossyourpaws.com/blank-5/1-wags-n-wine-ticket

Click here to meet Floyd

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:40:05
Trap Queens
Aug 06, 2025

This week Kelly talks to Monica & Bobbi, local volunteers who spend their days finding and reuniting lost dogs in Western PA. Tune in to learn what to do if your dog goes missing, how to prevent your dog from getting lost, and how you can support their volunteer efforts. Also, learn about adoptable Komi from Grand Forks, North Dakota!

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:40:06
Crissy & Arthur
Jul 30, 2025

A special interview where Kelly talks to a friend about her journey in fostering, her advice for others, and the special dog she's caring for now. 

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:37:27
What to Expect When Expecting.... A Foster
Jul 23, 2025

This episode explores why fostering is so important, the statistics behind the need for more fosters, and what you can look forward to as you prepare to welcome your first foster animal. 

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:33:41
We Can't Keep Them All
Jul 16, 2025

If you're like most people you hesitate to foster animals because you worry you'll get attached to them and be unable to watch them get adopted into another home. In this episode, Kelly discusses how she and Michael approach those emotions when they take on a new foster and how you might be able to overcome that to help saves lives.

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:26:37
Max
Jul 09, 2025

In our introductory episode of The Foster Files, Kelly introduces herself, her husband Michael and the path that led them to fostering dogs with Cross Your Paws all while talking about their current foster, Max! 

https://www.instagram.com/thefosterfilepodcast

Meet Kelly Motter – CanvasRebel Magazine

Duration: 00:29:04