Dogs Beyond the Lab

Cherisse Friesen Epp recounts how a planned short-term foster named Odie became a beloved member of her family. Odie arrived in Manitoba in September 2023 profoundly fearful, avoiding people and struggling to settle. Cherisse describes his early challenges, including serious conflicts with resident dog Daisy, and the added strain of supporting her partner, James, as he navigated PTSD after a traumatic vehicle accident. With patience, professional guidance, and veterinary support, Odie gradually

John, Lori and Chelsey are joined by Brandon Wilder, to discuss animal research and the lives of the animals involved.

Joe Bailey didn't plan on becoming an advocate for former research dogs — he just wanted a beagle. On this episode of Dogs Beyond The Lab, hosts Chelsey Marino (Keeper and Kin), Lori Cohen (The Beagle Alliance), and John Ramer (Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary) hear how a two-week notice from the Beagle Freedom Project brought Presley, a six-and-a-half-year-old beagle straight off an Oklahoma breeding farm, into Joe's Los Angeles home. Joe taught him stairs, leashes and how to eat slowly, and lea

John Ramer, Chelsey Marino, and Lori Cohen talk with Alice and Dima about Kane, a senior lemon beagle rescued from Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary. Alice grew up with beagles and had always wanted to adopt a former research dog, while Dima had never lived with a pet before Kane came along. After meeting through a senior adoption promotion, Kane joined their family — and quickly made it clear that he had a lot to learn. From peeing on the desk during his adoption meeting to experiencing the wo

Rob Wadd joins Dogs Beyond the Lab to share the profound journey of Gabe, a former research beagle whose life was transformed by love, patience, and community. Rob recounts how he and his wife Sharon moved from life with Badger—their confident, well-adjusted beagle—to adopting Gabe, a deeply traumatized ex-lab dog terrified of ordinary things like doorways, wind, darkness, and TV. With Badger as a mentor and Sharon as his anchor, Gabe slowly learned safety, routine, and trust, from four-hour bac

Melanie shares what she uncovered about industrial-scale facilities, the gaps in animal-welfare enforcement, and the promise—and slow adoption—of non-animal research methods. It’s an honest conversation about grief, investigative journalism, advocacy, and why Hammy’s story still matters.