Dogs Beyond the Lab

About Dogs Beyond the Lab

Dogs Beyond the Lab is a deeply human podcast about rescue, rehabilitation, trust, and the life-changing bond between people and dogs. While the series begins with former research dogs — many of them beagles who spent their early lives inside laboratory facilities — the heart of the show reaches far beyond animal research. This is a podcast about what happens when vulnerable dogs are given a second chance, and the people who choose to walk beside them through fear, uncertainty, healing, and transformation. Across North America, thousands of dogs are still used in laboratory research. A small number eventually leave those facilities and enter a world they have never experienced before: grass beneath their feet, open skies, neighborhood walks, toys, couches, stairs, car rides, affection, and freedom. For many of these dogs, even the most ordinary parts of daily life can feel overwhelming and unfamiliar. Dogs Beyond the Lab explores those first moments of transition and the long emotional journey that follows. Hosted through the voices and experiences of rescuers, behavior specialists, sanctuary leaders, adopters, veterinarians, and advocates, the podcast tells stories of resilience from both ends of the leash. Listeners will hear firsthand accounts of dogs learning how to trust, play, communicate, and simply exist outside the controlled environment of a lab. At the same time, the series reveals the emotional realities faced by the humans who welcome these dogs into their homes and hearts. The podcast features the expertise and lived experience of leaders in the field, including John Ramer of Kindness Ranch, Lori Cohen of The Beagle Alliance, and Chelsey Marino of Command Canine, whose rehabilitation work has helped former research dogs adapt to life beyond the laboratory. Together, they provide insight into rescue efforts, advocacy work, behavioral rehabilitation, and the evolving conversation around animal testing and rehoming. But this is not a podcast solely for people connected to former research dogs. Anyone who has loved a dog through illness, trauma, fear, aging, anxiety, or the everyday messiness of life together will find themselves in these stories. Dogs Beyond the Lab understands that living with dogs is rarely perfect. It is patient work. Emotional work. Relationship work. The show embraces the idea that being a good guardian is not about always having the right answers, but about continuing to show up with compassion, consistency, and care. At its core, Dogs Beyond the Lab is about connection. It is about the quiet ways dogs change us, soften us, ground us, and teach us to notice more. It is a series about second chances, healing, advocacy, and hope — and about the realization that sometimes the dog we set out to save becomes the one who ultimately saves us.

Publisher

John Ramer, Chelsey Marino, Lori, Cohen

Category

kids & family · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

3 May 2026

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Oct 2026

   Cherisse & Odie: Through PTSD and Panic Attacks

   Cherisse Friesen Epp recounts how a planned short-term foster named Odie became a beloved member of her family. Odie arrived in Manitoba in September 2023 profoundly fearful, avoiding people and struggling to settle. Cherisse describes his early challenges, including serious conflicts with resident dog Daisy, and the added strain of supporting her partner, James, as he navigated PTSD after a traumatic vehicle accident. With patience, professional guidance, and veterinary support, Odie gradually made progress. Cherisse also credits scent-based enrichment with helping Odie emerge from his shell. The conversation explores how dogs and people with trauma can support one another, and how setbacks coexist with meaningful gains. Cherisse encourages prospective adopters and fosters to use rescue organizations’ resources instead of facing difficult behaviors alone. For her, the joy of watching Odie play, explore, and simply be a dog makes the ongoing work worthwhile and rewarding.The hosts of the show are:John Ramer is the Executive Director of Kindness RanchLori Cohen is the Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle AllianceChelsey Marino is the founder of Keeper and Kin. The Leading Experts in Former Research Beagle Rehabilitation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2. 

   29 Sept 2026

   In the Lion’s Den: Brandon Wilder on the Ethics of Animal Research

   John, Lori and Chelsey are joined by Brandon Wilder, to discuss animal research and the lives of the animals involved.We ask Brandon the difficult questions: When is animal research justified? Who decides whether an experiment is necessary? And how do we account for an animal’s well-being during research and long after it ends? Brandon shares what drives his work, where he believes research practices need to improve, and why he hopes emerging methods could help reduce the use of animals.We also talk about the realities of caring for animals after research, the bond Brandon shares with his rescued dog Toki, and what becomes possible when scientists and animal advocates are willing to listen to one another. Join us for a conversation grounded in compassion for both animals and people.Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn. The hosts of the show are:John Ramer is the Executive Director of Kindness RanchLori Cohen is the Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle AllianceChelsey Marino is the founder of Keeper and Kin. The Leading Experts in Former Research Beagle Rehabilitation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3. 

   15 Sept 2026

   Joe Bailey's Lessons from Presley

   Joe Bailey didn't plan on becoming an advocate for former research dogs — he just wanted a beagle. On this episode of Dogs Beyond The Lab, hosts Chelsey Marino (Keeper and Kin), Lori Cohen (The Beagle Alliance), and John Ramer (Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary) hear how a two-week notice from the Beagle Freedom Project brought Presley, a six-and-a-half-year-old beagle straight off an Oklahoma breeding farm, into Joe's Los Angeles home. Joe taught him stairs, leashes and how to eat slowly, and learned his triggers — metal on metal, the need to back up against something to relieve himself. Presley was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma in March 2024 and died that November, after twenty weeks of treatment at Penn Vet and Mount Laurel Animal Hospital. Joe calls him "the boy who brought me home."Then came Carol — possibly Presley's biological relative, and a year into freedom before adoption. Confident where Presley was timid, vocal where he was silent, she's what Joe calls his redemption arc.Did you know that there is an instagram page starring Presley? The hosts of the show are:John Ramer is the Executive Director of Kindness RanchLori Cohen is the Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle AllianceChelsey Marino is the founder of Keeper and Kin. The Leading Experts in Former Research Beagle Rehabilitation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4. 

   1 Sept 2026

   Raising Kane: the Anxiety the Milestones, and the Love…

   John Ramer, Chelsey Marino, and Lori Cohen talk with Alice and Dima about Kane, a senior lemon beagle rescued from Kindness Ranch Animal Sanctuary.Alice grew up with beagles and had always wanted to adopt a former research dog, while Dima had never lived with a pet before Kane came along. After meeting through a senior adoption promotion, Kane joined their family — and quickly made it clear that he had a lot to learn. From peeing on the desk during his adoption meeting to experiencing the world like a puppy, Kane's journey into home life has been full of unexpected challenges, breakthroughs, and plenty of laughs.Alice and Dima share an honest look at adopting a former research beagle, including potty training, anxiety, socialization, trauma recovery, and the small milestones that can mean everything. Over time, Kane's personality began to emerge, revealing a quirky, affectionate dog with his own routines and a growing sense of confidence.In This EpisodeWhat to expect when adopting a former research dogThe challenges of potty training and socializing a senior research beagleHow to help an anxious rescue beagle adjust to home lifeUnderstanding trauma and nervous-system recovery in rescued research animalsThe small breakthroughs that mark progressCommon beagle myths — and what life with Kane has taught Alice and DimaWhy they’re considering adopting a second former research beagleIf you're researching how to adopt a former research beagle, wondering what to expect when adopting a research dog, or looking for ways to help an anxious rescue beagle settle into home life, Kane's story offers a heartfelt, practical, and often funny look at the journey. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

5. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Badger, Gabe, and Kai: How Three Beagles Rewrote One Family’s Life

   Rob Wadd joins Dogs Beyond the Lab to share the profound journey of Gabe, a former research beagle whose life was transformed by love, patience, and community. Rob recounts how he and his wife Sharon moved from life with Badger—their confident, well-adjusted beagle—to adopting Gabe, a deeply traumatized ex-lab dog terrified of ordinary things like doorways, wind, darkness, and TV. With Badger as a mentor and Sharon as his anchor, Gabe slowly learned safety, routine, and trust, from four-hour backyard sit-ins to finally mastering the dog door and cuddling on the couch—after years of keeping his distance from Rob.When Badger passed, Kindness Ranch connected them with Kai, the tiger-striped beagle they’d originally hoped to adopt, completing a poignant full-circle story. Rob reflects on what it really takes to adopt a former research dog, when he’d advise someone not to, and how Gabe’s resilience has humbled and changed him, turning him into a thoughtful advocate for both dogs and the humans who care for them.The hosts of the show are:John Ramer is the Executive Director of Kindness RanchLori Cohen is the Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle AllianceChelsey Marino is a canine Behavior Specialist and the founder of Command Canine See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6. 

   4 Aug 2026

   Melanie Kaplan: Lab Beagles, Legislation, and Love

   Hosts John Ramer, Lori Cohen, and Chelsey Marino call up their good friend, journalist and author Melanie Kaplan to discuss her book Lab Dog, which chronicles her journey with Hammy, a former research beagle. Kaplan explains how adopting Hammy led her to investigate the vast and largely hidden industry of breeding dogs for laboratory research—a scale that stunned her as she uncovered industrial facilities housing tens of thousands of animals. The conversation moves from Hammy's behavior and the emotional challenges of adopting a lab beagle to the systemic issues within animal research, including inconsistent enforcement of welfare laws and the slow adoption of non-animal testing methods.They discuss:- The industrial scale of beagle breeding facilities and how three major operations dwindled to one during Kaplan's reporting- Balancing the heartbreak of animal research with readability and emotional engagement in the book- Why legislation and enforcement are the most effective pathways to change in the research industry- How non-animal methods are advancing rapidly but face barriers to widespread adoption- The personal experience of losing Hammy and continuing to share his story through book tours and public speakingThis episode explores the intersection of personal grief, investigative journalism, and advocacy—offering insight for anyone seeking to understand the realities of animal research and the dogs who emerge from it.Links to Melanie: LinkedInMelanie's Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Snooper Star: Luke Toennies on his Beagle Snoop

   Luke Toennies tells the story of adopting Snoop, a former research beagle. Luke initially reached out to the Beagle Alliance after losing his dog Leo.After a six-month to a year wait, he adopted Snoop, who was initially traumatized but quickly bonded with Luke. Snoop's unique bark and playful nature, despite his past, have made him a social media star. Luke emphasizes the importance of patience and training, noting Snoop's progress and his role as an advocate for former research dogs. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts of organizations like the Beagle Alliance, Kindness Ranch, and Keeper and Kin in supporting former research dogs and their adopters. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

8. 

   7 Jul 2026

   Ginny & Celie: Trust, Patience, and a Beagle Doing Things Her Way

   David and Ginny share their adoption and rehabilitation of Celie, a severely fearful former research beagle from Kindness Ranch. They describe choosing Celie, her initial terror at the ranch and home, and the slow work to build trust through routine, “place” training, and positive games like “boop” and ball play. Bowman, their calm older beagle, served as a critical mentor, helping Celie gain confidence.They spoke of a traumatizing week when Celie escaped; the community’s search efforts and the emotional toll on the family, and Celie’s eventual safe recovery. Over three years, small victories—first down stretches, requesting interaction, tolerating handling, reliable potty routines—became milestones. Hosts and guests discuss practical advice for prospective adopters: patience, celebrating incremental progress, and preparing for setbacks during transitions. John explains Kindness Ranch’s broader role and industry trends shifting from dogs to pigs in research. We talked community support, compassionate consumer choices, and advocacy, highlighting how rescuing a single traumatized dog can transform both canine and human lives. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9. 

   23 Jun 2026

   Rob Sturman & Otis: Compassion, Art, Activism

   This week's episode features photographer/activist Robert Sturman, and of course, his good pal Otis - a former research hound. Robert shares how early exposure to the realities of animal testing shaped his compassion, eventually leading him to adopt Otis after seeing him through Beagle Freedom Project. While Otis is still triggered by loud noises like trains and fireworks, Rob explains all the ways he and Otis help each other every day.We explore parallels between Robert’s long-standing work documenting human suffering (including yoga programs in prisons and the military) and his emerging activism for animals. As a living face of animal testing, Otis and Robert work together to raise awareness about cruelty-free products, and the need to shut down breeding facilities such as Marshall Bio Resources. The conversation closes with reflections on empathy, forgiveness, each person’s “link in the chain,” and the transformative lessons these dogs offer humans. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

10. 

    9 Jun 2026

    Angelique's Bad Ass City Dog

    Angelique shared her journey of adopting research beagle Oliver from Kindness Ranch. Oliver is a deeply fearful dog who required months of patience before showing signs of progress. Her journey stands in stark contrast to easier adoption stories, illustrating what happens when an adopter commits to a dog with severe trauma and learned helplessness. John, Lori and Chelsey discuss: - Why Oliver entered a five-month decompression period where he slept over 20 hours daily - The difficult decision to return Hunter when the two dogs proved incompatible in the home - How learned helplessness prevents research beagles from making choices or expressing preferences - The difference between standard behavior training and trauma-informed work with research animals - Why celebrating small acts of independence matters more than correcting "bad" beagle behavior This episode offers an honest look at the emotional stamina required to help a research beagle transition into domestic life, and the support network that makes long-term success possible for both dog and adopter. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11. 

    26 May 2026

    Jean Unger: Patience, Purpose, and Beagles

    Meet Jean Unger, a longtime Kindness Ranch volunteer and adopter whose life has been transformed by former research beagles. Jean shares how adopting her first lab beagle, Henry, opened her eyes to the hidden world of animals used in research and set her on a path of deep involvement with Kindness Ranch. She describes working hands‑on with hundreds of dogs at the sanctuary, helping match them with the right homes, and the emotional push‑and‑pull of falling in love with dogs she doesn’t ultimately adopt. Jean talks about her current dogs, including Cinnamon, and the realities of setbacks, fear, and decompression once a dog leaves the lab. Supported by a strong community—including Lori Cohen and Chelsey Marino—Jean explains how these dogs have taught her patience, resilience, and purpose, and why she believes she’s been changed more by them than they have been by her. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12. 

    26 May 2026

    The One That Didn’t Get Away: Christy & Casey’s Former Research Beagle Story

    Hosts John Ramer (Kindness Ranch), Lori Cohen (The Beagle Alliance), and Chelsey Marino (Keeper & Kin) talk with Christy Cooke, a teacher and “foster fail” adopter of Casey (formerly Fiat), a former research beagle. Christy shares how her family, intending only to foster, instantly fell in love when Casey walked out of the kennel and into her daughter’s arms. She describes Casey as unusually “normal” for a former research dog—deeply trusting, social with strangers, and bonded to her canine “big brother” Finnegan, who helps her feel safe on walks. Over time, Casey has blossomed: celebrating her first Christmas, learning to play with toys, and luxuriating in long, peaceful sleeps in bed. Christy explains how knowing Casey’s past has transformed her views on animal testing and consumer choices, and how she now actively educates her students and the public about research beagles. The hosts then broaden the conversation to legislation, systemic change, and the supports needed so former research dogs and adopters can succeed. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

13. 

    26 May 2026

    Beyond The Debate: Helping The Dogs In Front Of Us

    Dogs Beyond the Lab’s first episode introduces John Ramer (Kindness Ranch, Wyoming), Lori Cohen (The Beagle Alliance, Manitoba), and Chelsey Marino (Keeper and Kin, North Carolina), and the unique collaboration among their organizations. They recount how a viral article about the 4,000 Envigo beagles and Lori’s supportive voicemail led to their partnership and later town halls and joint rescue efforts. The conversation explores the emotional toll of public backlash, the complexity of animal research, and their shared decision to take a non-adversarial, collaborative approach with laboratories to secure long‑term, systemic change while still getting individual dogs out now. Chelsey explains how her work evolved from general dog behavior to founding Keeper and Kin, focused exclusively on former research dogs and their unique behavioral needs. They frame the podcast as a place to share honest, sometimes messy but ultimately hopeful *uccess stories of former research dogs and the humans whose lives they transform. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14. 

    3 May 2026

    UNLEASHED: Dogs Beyond The Lab

    This is Dogs Beyond The Lab. This show explores what happens after rescue — when dogs raised in research facilities encounter freedom, trust, and everyday life for the very first time. Featuring insights from John Ramer, Lori Cohen, and Chelsey Marino. John Ramer is the Executive Director of Kindness Ranch, one of the leading sanctuaries in North America dedicated to former research animals. Working in animal rescue since 1999, he has devoted his career to helping animals transition from laboratories into safe, loving homes. John is widely respected for building compassionate partnerships that create alternatives to euthanasia for retired research animals. Lori Cohen is the Founder and Executive Director of The Beagle Alliance, a Canadian charity focused on rescuing and rehoming former research beagles. Through advocacy, education, and hands-on rescue work, she has helped bring national attention to animal testing in Canada while creating pathways for dogs to move from laboratories into loving homes. Lori’s work has helped place dozens of former research dogs with foster and adoptive families across North America. Chelsey Marino is a canine Behavior Specialist and the founder of Command Canine, where she specializes in fear, anxiety, and trauma rehabilitation. She is also the creator of The Keeper & Kin Project, North America’s only training and rehabilitation program designed specifically for former research dogs. Chelsey works closely with rescues, sanctuaries, and adopters across Canada and the United States to help severely traumatized dogs adjust to life beyond the laboratory. They will introduce you to a compassionate series about rehabilitation, patience, and the profound emotional connection between humans and dogs. While rooted in the experiences of former research beagles, the show ultimately speaks to anyone who has loved a dog through life’s challenges — fear, illness, aging, uncertainty, and growth. Dogs Beyond the Lab is the story about second chances, healing, and the realization that sometimes the animals we believe we are saving are the very ones who change us most. Connect with us on our website or Follow the Show on.... Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music iHeart Radio See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

9 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Contact Dogs Beyond the Lab

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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