Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills

Ep56: Shelters We Love: Marshalltown ARL

Through our work, we are blessed to be surrounded by amazing people who are doing amazing things for animals (and the humans that love them!)- like Austin and Jodi with the Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown. This dynamic duo has done incredible work in getting their rural shelter noticed by their community and by national organizations!  Tune in this week to hear more about the issues that shelters in Iowa are facing and how innovative solutions can open up the doors for even more community support!

Ep55: Fetching Attention

This week, Mindi and Kristen kick off the episode by chatting about our experience with a local company that spent time with us to create videos and PSAs for our social media channels. We've learned a lot about what gets picked up on different platforms the best, and we've also learned to let ourselves look a little silly online (if that means more people see our message!)  This episode evolves into a conversation regarding the latest breeder bust in Missouri and how weird exemptions to laws allow for loopholes to be taken advantage of. In this case, the 'hobby breeder' exemption in a law allowed for a kennel to grow to have more than 80 dogs on the property without having a single inspection. You can read more about that story here: https://www.ky3.com/2026/05/15/volunteers-supplies-needed-after-huge-dog-rescue-newton-county/ [https://www.ky3.com/2026/05/15/volunteers-supplies-needed-after-huge-dog-rescue-newton-county/] We also just announced a TWO THOUSAND DOLLAR match thanks to two incredible families! If you would like to help us reach our goal of raising $15k in the month of May, you can make a gift here: https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2 [https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2] And our new merch store is live as well: https://www.bonfire.com/store/bailingoutbenji/ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/bailingoutbenji/]

Ep54: KP Goes National!

Y'all this week we are TIRED! Kristen flew across the country to table at her first ever national conference and then we recorded this one day after she got back (and one hour after our monthly free pet food pantry!)  So you are most definitely getting our sharpest thoughts and sweaty selves today :)  Tune into this fun episode where Kristen shares the information she learned while being out in the field! She heard so much from shelters across the country about what they are facing and she shares some of the conversations she was able to have about how puppy mills impact communities differently.  Check out our merch here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/bailingoutbenji/ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/bailingoutbenji/] Make a donation here: https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2 [https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2]

Ep53: Indiana Puppy Mill Bust

On this week's episode of "Truth, Lies, and Puppy Mills", Alexis, Kristen, and Mindi talk about the recent puppy mill bust in Indiana and how lax laws across the country allow for animals to fall between the cracks. We discuss our research into the recently cancelled licensed breeders and talk about what steps can be taken to make laws more uniform across the country.  To view the news story and details on the Indiana bust, click here: https://www.wane.com/top-stories/humane-fort-wayne-calls-for-repeal-of-paradoxal-anti-puppy-mill-bill-following-rescue-of-43-dogs/ [https://www.wane.com/top-stories/humane-fort-wayne-calls-for-repeal-of-paradoxal-anti-puppy-mill-bill-following-rescue-of-43-dogs/] This month is also our anniversary! Please consider making a donation to help us continue our work: https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2 [https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2]

Ep52: Benji is 15!

Our little baby organization is officially 15 years old! So much has happened during that time and we have already accomplished so much. Tune in this week as Kristen and Mindi walk back through time and chat about some of the biggest ways that our work has had an influence on the world- and vice versa. We have lofty goals for the future and we can't do it without you!  Please consider making a donation today in honor of our birthday and help us continue our work: https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2 [https://secure.everyaction.com/0dQVOHirMU-jZmPplXFC2g2]