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Inside The Strain On America’s Animal Rescue System

You are here: Home / Archive / Feature Stories / Inside The Strain On America’s Animal Rescue System
Published: January 18, 2026 by VPR Producer

Zaleski’s farm has grown over the years and is now a non-profit operation that’s open to the public. She says animals wind up at funny farm for a variety of reasons.


More than six million companion animals enter U.S. shelters each year and a little over four million are adopted. Sadly, shelters still rely on euthanizing when facilities are overcrowded and an animal has been there for a while. Author Laurie Zaleski has made it her life’s work to rescue hundreds of these unwanted pets and care for them on her farm. We speak with Zaleski as well Dr. Joshua Fisher, an animal expert, about the importance of approaching any pet adoption with the mentality that it’s a lifelong commitment.


It’s true. Even purebreds, like the highly sought-after golden retriever, or designer breeds, like the popular cockapoo, which is a mix between a pure-bred cocker spaniel and poodle. These popular breeds can, and do, end up at animal shelters. Animal care and control experts say this often happens when pets are given as gifts.


Guests:

  • Laurie Zaleski, author, Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue Animals
  • Dr. Joshua Fisher, Director of Animal Services, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Links for more info:

  • Funny Farm by Laurie Zaleski
  • What You Should Know About Pet Adoption Before Getting Started – American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
  • Funny Farm Rescue & Sanctuary Website
Program #: 26-03segment type: Feature StoriesGuests - Dr. Joshua Fisher| Laurie ZaleskiBooks & Publications - Funny Farm: My Unexpected Life with 600 Rescue AnimalsHost - Marty PetersonProducers - Jason Dickey| Polly Hansen
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About VPR Producer

Since 2000, Viewpoints Radio has been bringing listeners the relevant information they crave in current events, literature, entertainment and more. Both Viewpoints Radio and sister show Radio Health Journal are productions of AURN.

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