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

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 20, 2026

17 min

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/
 

Apr 3, 2026

14 min

Mar 27, 2026

40 min

When disaster strikes, people often have just minutes to make life-changing decisions—what to grab, where to go, and how to keep their families safe. For many of us, our animals are family. But what happens when pets, livestock, and wildlife are caught in the middle of an emergency?
Here in Monterey County, there’s a team trained and ready to help.
From evacuations and large animal rescues to sheltering and reunification, the SPCA Monterey County Disaster Response Team works alongside emergency responders to protect animals when they need it most. 
Joining us is Rosanna Isely, our Vice President of Operations, who leads these lifesaving efforts and ensures our teams are always ready to respond.
For more information and to support SPCA Monterey County's programs and services visit https://www.spcamc.org/
 

Mar 27, 2026

40 min

Mar 5, 2026

34 min

Meet Kennedy Rivera, one of our amazing Community Educators here at SPCA Monterey County!  Kennedy is fun, smart, and incredibly creative, and she brings so much heart to the work she does with animals and the people who love them. She’s passionate about helping our community learn how to care for animals and build compassionate connections with them.
Kennedy also runs one of our most popular programs —SPCA Summer Animal Camp! With registrations now officially open, she’s here to talk about what makes camp so special, what kids can expect, and why it’s such a fun and meaningful experience for young animal lovers.

Mar 5, 2026

34 min

Feb 25, 2026

36 min

Meet Lisa Borne, SPCA Monterey County Controller!  Brilliant with numbers and strategic to her core, Lisa keeps our financial world running smoothly.  Lisa is fun to talk to, and she brings a genuine passion for animals to everything she does for us at the SPCA and beyond.

Feb 25, 2026

36 min

Feb 10, 2026

34 min

Meet Ciera Duits-Cavanaugh, SPCA Wildlife Center Manager.  Ciera leads the day-to-day operations of our Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, where compassion, expertise, and dedication come together every single day. Under her care and leadership, our team rescues and treats more than 2,500 wild animals each year, giving them the opportunity to heal and return to the wild where they belong.
 
For more information on all of our programs visit www.SPCAmc.org!

Feb 10, 2026

34 min

Jan 15, 2026

45 min

Meet Les Lamcke, SPCA Facilities Manager!  Every door, kennel, and system reflects Les’ dedication to SPCA Monterey County - he knows our facilities inside and out.  His dedication and passion helps the animals in our care to thrive.  For more information about SPCA Monterey County visit www.spcamc.org!

Jan 15, 2026

45 min

Nov 24, 2025

53 min

Meet SPCA Dr. Jen Wernsing, one of SPCA Monterey County's exceptional veterinary staff members!  For more information on SPCA Monterey County, visit www.spcamc.org.  
Season 1 of SPCA Stories is coming to a close with this episode. We will take a bit of a hiatus, with Season 2 commencing in January!  We will continue with the interview-style format  - we still have many wonderful SPCA folks to introduce to you!  We will also be exploring an additional format that we think you all will enjoy, and this format will feature heartwarming stories of animals rescued by your SPCA Monterey County.  Thank you so much for your support!  

Nov 24, 2025

53 min

Nov 18, 2025

40 min

Meet Sherrie McCullough, esteemed Chair of the SPCA Monterey County Board of Directors.  For more information about SPCA Monterey County visit SPCAmc.org.

Nov 18, 2025

40 min

Oct 2, 2025

25 min

Meet Zack Young!  Zack is an IT technician for Livewire Information Systems - the amazing company that takes care of all of the SPCA’s important tech needs.  Zack is a great guy who loves animals and truly appreciates the work that is accomplished at SPCA Monterey County.  For more information about SPCA Monterey County visit spcamc.org; for more info on Livewire Information Systems visit livewireis.com!  

Oct 2, 2025

25 min

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.

Podcast Powered By Podbean

Version: 20241125