In this festive episode of The Bark, we’re cutting through the holiday sparkle to talk about the real do’s and don’ts of Christmas when it comes to dogs and cats. While the season brings joy, it also brings a dangerous spike in impulse puppy purchases, roadside puppy sales, and “free to a good home” litters from irresponsible breeding. We break down why buying — or taking — a puppy under these circumstances fuels the animal crisis and puts families and pets in tough situations once the holiday glow fades.

But it’s not all warnings. We’ll share why foster-to-adopt is one of the best gifts you can give an animal (and yourself), offering a safe, commitment-free way to see if a pet is truly the right fit.

We’ll also cover holiday safety basics to keep your own pets protected — from dangerous décor to toxic treats to the stress that comes with busy homes and visitors.

Whether you’re a seasoned pet parent or thinking about bringing home a new furry family member, this episode will help you navigate the season with compassion, clarity, and responsibility.

At Laws Saving Paws, we believe meaningful change happens when communities and industry leaders come together — and few voices in Tennessee are as influential as Farm Bureau. In this episode of The Bark, we explore how the state’s growing animal overpopulation crisis is no longer contained to shelters or city centers. Stray and roaming dogs, driven by an absence of breeding laws and limited access to spay/neuter, are now impacting the very people Farm Bureau represents: our farmers.

From threats to livestock to increased safety concerns and financial strain, the ripple effect of unchecked breeding is real — and preventable. That’s why we’re asking an important question: What role could Farm Bureau play in addressing a crisis that now touches every corner of Tennessee?

Join us as we unpack the issue, highlight opportunities for collaboration, and discuss how policy, partnership, and awareness could protect both animals and the agricultural communities that keep our state strong.

In this episode of The Bark, we spotlight the life-saving bond between veterans and their dogs — a partnership built on trust, loyalty, and healing. While our veterans step up to defend our country, countless dogs are stepping up to defend them right back, providing critical emotional support, mobility assistance, and a renewed sense of purpose when life after service feels overwhelming.

But here’s the hard truth: while dogs are saving lives, too many of theirs are being thrown away. As we face a growing animal crisis, we must rethink the value society puts on a dog’s life — especially when their impact can mean the difference between hope and despair for the heroes who served us.

We’ll sit down with Monica Piper, a veteran and Executive Director of Warrior Freedom Service Dogs – an organization committed to helping veterans with service induced brain injuries reconnect through the unconditional love of a service dog.

If you’ve ever doubted the worth of one animal’s life, this episode will change your mind.