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
Wednesday May 20, 2026
Wednesday May 20, 2026
🚨 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.
Thursday May 14, 2026
Thursday May 14, 2026
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!
Thursday May 07, 2026
Thursday May 07, 2026
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!)
Monday Apr 27, 2026
Monday Apr 27, 2026
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.
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
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!
Monday Apr 20, 2026
Monday Apr 20, 2026
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!
Friday Apr 03, 2026
Friday Apr 03, 2026
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/
Friday Mar 27, 2026
Friday Mar 27, 2026
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/
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
Thursday Mar 05, 2026
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.
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
Wednesday Feb 25, 2026
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.