The Doggone Truth About Rescue - Always & Furever

Hosted by Sheila Sickau / Syreeta Gapelu

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Episodes

Latest episode

Mar 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Imagine a place where old, sick, abused, abandoned, & unwanted dogs all come together, to rest, live, play, and snuggle - looking for their future furever family. For some experiencing love for the first & last time. We hope to spread awareness of Always & Furever's mission of waking up into a world where every animal, despite age, breed, or health is treated with kindness, dignity, respect and most importantly has been touched with love, even if only for a moment. It's never too late for happily ever after.

Listen to episodes

50 recent

March 5, 2026Episode 735 min

Growth Isn’t Easy, But It’s Worth It

Send us Fan MailFounder, Jen Dulski shares exciting news about Always and Furever’s new mobile veterinary RV campaign reaching its funding goal thanks to an anonymous donor, while opening up about the challenges of leadership, growth, and building systems as the organization expands. The conversation also explores the emotional realities of rescue work, the importance of questioning “no-kill” shelter claims, and a surprising real-life moment when Sheila and Sy intervened in a car theft—sparking a deeper discussion about courage, faith, and the bigger purpose behind the work they do.Cover Cat: Fanny, 6 Months Old, Domestic Medium Hair, FemaleSupport the show

January 23, 2026Episode 642 min

Hope On Wheels

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we share an update on the podcast’s growing impact, celebrating six episodes this season and more than 53,000 downloads. Jen Dulski, discusses exciting shelter renovations, expansion plans in Wichita, and a bold vision to launch a mobile veterinary RV offering donation-based care to animals and pet owners in need. From manifestation and faith to community support and big dreams, this conversation captures what it takes to turn vision into action—for animals who need it most. Cover Dog: Romeo is a 9 year old, 80 lb, Terrier/Pit Bull Mix, maleSupport the show

January 19, 2026Episode 621 min

Wichita: A New Beginning for Senior Dogs

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of the Always and Furever Podcast, Sheila and Sy welcome Aspin, manager of the new Always and Furever Dog Sanctuary in Wichita, KS. Aspin shares her background working with dogs, her passion for senior dog rescue, and the journey of opening a brand-new shelter location.She gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at managing a senior dog shelter, the unexpected addition of puppies, and the challenges—and rewards—of helping dogs find their furever homes. The episode wraps up with ways to support the shelter and a special spotlight on Lilly, the podcast’s featured cover dog.Lilly: 11 year old female, American Staffordshire/Terrier, American Pit Bull Mix Support the show

January 14, 2026Episode 534 min

Driven to Save Lives

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we go behind the scenes of Always & Furever Rescue to explore how a small transport effort grew into a nationwide, volunteer-powered lifeline for dogs in need. Intake coordinator Kelly and transport coordinator Craig share how they’ve helped move more than 4,400 dogs to safety, organized 900+ transports in just the past year, and built a network of nearly 600 dedicated drivers. From cross-country rescue missions and emotional saves of mothers and puppies to the realities of shelter transformation, burnout, and hope, this conversation highlights the compassion, collaboration, and resilience behind every rescue journey.Cover Dog: Ocean is a 2 year old male, Cattle Dog Mix, 71 lbs Support the show

December 20, 2025Episode 434 min

A Year of Second Chances: 2025 Recap

Send us Fan MailIn this 2025 recap episode of The Doggone Truth About Rescue, the team reflects on the challenges, wins, and hard decisions that shaped 2025—and what’s ahead for 2026.Meet members of the Always & Furever Rescue board as they share how the organization operates behind the scenes, from leadership and finances to medical coordination. The conversation dives into the rising cost of rescue, major projects, and how collaboration with other rescues helped save more animals.The episode wraps with a look toward the future, including expansion plans, caring for senior dogs, and the continued need for community support.Honest, casual, and full of heart—this is the real story behind rescue work.Cover Dog: Santana is a 9 year old Bulldog, American / Mixed Breed (Large), male looking for his Furever homeSupport the show

December 13, 2025Episode 328 min

Where Passion Meets Purpose: Megan’s Story

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, we talk with Megan about her journey into animal care and leadership. She shares how she transitioned from a traditional career to managing barn operations, advocating for staff, and caring for dogs with complex needs. Megan also reflects on how her work shaped her perspective on animal adoption, including her decision to adopt a cat with FELV. We touch on facility transitions, the dedication of rescue staff, and Megan’s hopes for the future of Always and Furever, along with ways listeners can support the mission.Cover Dog: Eclipse - 5 yr. old, female, Retriever, Labrador / Mixed Breed This sweet girl came to us from a rural shelter in Oklahoma where she was dumped after being attacked by her owners other dogs. Since coming to us she has shown that while she is still working on her trust in dogs, she is always elated to be around all humans. She loves being held, getting cuddles, and zooming around the yard with her toys!Support the show

November 22, 2025Episode 242 min

Building Hope: Puppies and the Lighthouses

Send us Fan MailThis episode isn’t just an update — it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what real animal rescue actually takes. Jen Dulski breaks down the emotional rescue of 3 mamas and 26 puppies in 2 days from euthanasia, and why these moments define the heart of Always & Furever's mission. You’ll hear the updates on the Lighthouses at Oz transforming the location into a beacon of hope, the truths about puppy adoption and fostering. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the “we saved them” headline — or how ordinary people can make an extraordinary impact — this episode is a must-listen.Support the show

September 27, 2025Episode 143 min

It's Time to Kickoff Season 5!

Send us Fan MailWe kick off Season 5 of The Doggone Truth About Rescue with powerful stories and bold visions for the future. From Moose's miraculous brain surgery and recovery, to emotional updates on foster cases, and the loss of a beloved Always & Furever alumni pup, this episode dives deep into the heart of rescue. We dive into the big plans for expanding Always and Furever — including the new shelter in Wichita for senior dogs and neonatal kittens and the Lighthouses at Oz. Plus, find out why dreaming big (and sharing those dreams) matters when it comes to saving lives.Cover Dog: Moose is a sweet boxer mix was found wandering house to house looking for support. Was he dumped, forgotten or just left.... we will never know. What we do know is he is a sweet guy, recovering from a recent brain surgery and ready for his Furever home. Support the show

August 26, 2025Episode 644 min

Tiny Homes, Big Hearts

Send us Fan MailAlways and Furever is transforming rescue with Lighthouses at Osawatomie—not kennels, but true sanctuaries. These safe havens are designed for dogs who need more than food and shelter—they need peace. With four barns already delivered thanks to the incredible support at the Golden Gala, the vision is quickly becoming reality. 🐾In this episode, we also share important heat safety reminders, honor Patrick’s memory, talk about exciting expansion plans, and welcome new leadership as we look ahead to Season 4.Cover Dog: Sally Mae - 4 year old, Bulldog, American/Terrier, Pit BullSally Mae’s journey shows what patience, love, and trust can do. She was abandoned in the countryside during a Midwest blizzard, scared and alone, until we were able to bring her to safety. At first, she was shut down—avoiding people and too traumatized to even go outside. She continues to grow and open her heart! Support the show

July 15, 2025Episode 544 min

Building a Legacy

Send us Fan MailWe’re back with another catch-up episode, and this one’s packed with big updates and even bigger heart. Founder Jen Dulski joins us to share what’s been going on behind the scenes over the past month—starting with a life-saving 4th of July weekend rescue mission that pulled over 40 dogs off the euthanasia list in Oklahoma. We also dive into the exciting news of leasing a new building to expand our impact in Wichita, plus the latest on some expansion projects at the Oz shelter. As always, we reflect on the deeper why—what it means to build something that lasts, and how every hard-fought victory is part of the legacy we’re leaving behind.If you care about second chances, grassroots grit, and the power of love in action, this one’s for you.Cover Dog of the Episode - Legacy is a 6 year old Pit Bull that has been with Always & Furever for almost 3 years! She is medium-energy dog who strikes the perfect balance between playtime and relaxation. She loves going on walks, playing with her toys, and ending the day snuggled up with her favorite people. More details at www.alwaysandfurever.org Support the show