SPCA Stories
SPCA Monterey County Content and Education Manager Dawn Fenton chats with members of the SPCA Monterey County team about who they are, what they do, why they do it, and the hopes for the future in Monterey County’s world of animal welfare and protection. Dawn Fenton has been with SPCA Monterey County since 2008 when she joined the Community Outreach Department, focusing on the growth of the education department and assisting with providing information to the community. She is passionate about the incredibly wide scope of work provided to the community by her organization, and the devotion of its hard-working, enormous-hearted, skilled staff and volunteers. The heartfelt hope and intention of “SPCA Stories” is to bring awareness of the SPCA’s contributions to the Monterey County community and beyond, and to stimulate responsible discussion and growth in the world of animal welfare and protection with compassion, empathy, and kindness. Original Music by Scott Fenton; original artwork by Araceli Hernandez. SPCA Monterey County is a nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. Their work is only made possible by compassionate, generous supporters. To learn more about SPCA Monterey County and how you can support their efforts go to www.spcamc.org.
Episodes

Jul 13, 2026
Jul 13, 2026
12 min
BONUS EPISODE! Our first event in May was incredibly successful, and because of the response from our community, we're doing it again! SPCA Monterey County is holding another free microchip and affordable vaccination event on Friday, July 17, from 9 am to 2 pm at the SPCA Veterinary Clinic in Salinas.
We are joined by Blanca Marquez, SPCA Monterey County South County Community Educator, to spend a few minutes talking about why this event matters and tackle some of the biggest myths we hear surrounding microchips and vaccinations.
During the event, the SPCA will also provide essential pet vaccinations for just $25 each, helping pet owners safeguard their companions against common illnesses affordably. No appointments are required. For more information visit SPCAmc.org/vax

Jul 8, 2026
Jul 8, 2026
25 min
Meet Christina Torres, Store Manager of Pet Food Express in Carmel. We'll talk about what makes Pet Food Express unique, why community partnerships matter, and how working together helps create happier, healthier lives for pets and the families who love them.
Pet Food Express has been a longtime supporter of SPCA Monterey County, helping countless adopted pets get off to a great start while supporting animal welfare in meaningful ways throughout our community. From hosting adoption events and SPCA behavior classes to supporting pet owners every day, they share our commitment to strengthening the bond between people and their animals. Enjoy!
Support SPCA Monterey County - www.spcamc.org
Visit Pet Food Express - They are located at 300 Crossroads Boulevard in Carmel!

Jun 25, 2026
Jun 25, 2026
25 min
Meet Peter, Assistant Shelter Manager at SPCA Monterey County. Peter helps oversee the daily care of our pets and works closely with staff, volunteers, and adopters to help create successful outcomes for pets and people alike. Peter is passionate about animal welfare, helping people find the pet that is just right for them and so much more!
Giveaway time! Listen until the end of the episode - we have something special to give away to a lucky listener!
For more information about SPCA Monterey County and to help pets in need please visit us at www.spcamc.org.

May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
5 min
🚨 BONUS EPISODE ALERT! 🚨
If your pet isn’t microchipped yet or is due for vaccinations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In this special bonus episode of SPCA Stories, Ashley Fessenden, SPCA Monterey County Clinic Practice Manager, joins us with important details about SPCA Monterey County’s upcoming Free Microchip and Low-Cost Vaccination Event happening Saturday, May 30th on the SPCA campus.
Microchips will be completely free, vaccinations are just $25! Ashley explains why microchips are so important, what vaccines will be available, and what pet owners can expect at the event.
If your dog or cat needs a microchip, vaccinations, or preventative care, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these affordable services.
Events like this — and all the work we do for animals at SPCA Monterey County — are only possible because of the generous support of our donors and community.
Listen now, share with fellow pet lovers, and help us spread the word to keep more pets safe, healthy, and protected.

May 14, 2026
May 14, 2026
30 min
Meet Pasi Eltit! She is one of the dedicated Client Care Specialistsat SPCA Monterey County. From scheduling appointments and assisting clients, to supporting wellness services and helping the clinic run smoothly each day, Pasi plays an essential role in creating a welcoming and compassionate experience for both pets and the people who love them.
You can help animals in need. Learn more about SPCAmc's vital programs and services; support SPCA Monterey County - we can't do any of this without you!

May 7, 2026
May 7, 2026
34 min
Greetings! This episode we’re joined by Bonnie Logue, SPCA Monterey County’s Behavior & Training Manager. Bonnie oversees the behavior side of our TLC Program — that’s Treatment, Learning, & Compassion — helping shelter pets build confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for brighter futures. She also leads our Ruff Start Program and the behavior and training classes we offer to the public.
For more information on our Behavior Training Classes visit our SPCA Monterey County Behavior and Training Resources page.
You can make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected, and homeless animals in Monterey County. Visit us here. (Thank you!)

Apr 27, 2026
Apr 27, 2026
24 min
Spring has sprung—and here at SPCA Monterey County, that means one thing: puppy and kitten season is here! Every year, as more young animals come into our care, the need for foster families grows in a big way.
In honor of this busy and lifesaving time, we’re re-sharing a special episode all about our foster program. You’ll hear from Abigail Shaw, our Lead Foster and Transfer Coordinator, and Destinee Lopez, Foster and Transfer Coordinator, as they share what fostering really looks like—and the incredible difference it makes for animals who need a little extra care before finding their forever homes.

Apr 21, 2026
Apr 21, 2026
24 min
In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations—highlighting the heart, dedication, and impact of our incredible volunteers.
Today, we’re re-sharing our episode featuring Chris Patton, a volunteer with our Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Chris is one of the many compassionate individuals who give their time and energy to care for wild animals in need, helping them heal and return to the wild where they belong.
As you listen, we hope you’ll be inspired by Chris’s story—and by the powerful difference volunteers make every single day.
For more information on volunteering for SPCA Monterey County and to support our lifesaving programs please visit www.spcamc.org!

Apr 20, 2026
Apr 20, 2026
17 min
This week, we’re celebrating something truly special—National Volunteer Week—and the incredible people who give their time, their hearts, and their compassion to the animals in our care.
Volunteers are the quiet heroes behind so many of our success stories. They show up day after day to walk dogs, comfort shy cats, work with barn animals and wildlife, assist behind the scenes, and help create brighter futures for animals who need it most.
To learn more about becoming an SPCA Monterey County Volunteer or to support all of our programs and services visit www.spcamc.org!

Apr 3, 2026
Apr 3, 2026
14 min
This week’s episode of SPCA Stories is a little different. We’re trying out a new storytelling format—bringing you closer to the moment, the emotion, and the journey of one very special dog.
Instead of our usual interview, this episode unfolds more like a story—one that lets you experience each step along the way, from rescue to recovery to a happy ending.
This is a story about compassion, resilience, and how one act of kindness can ripple into a forever home and a happy ending.
This… is Enoch’s story.
For more information and support all of SPCA Monterey County's programs and services please visit www.spcamc.org
Background music:
"Lamentation" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
"Touching Moments Three - Deeper" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
"Pepper's Theme" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/






