In Episode 16 of The Bark, we’re kicking off the new year with updates on what LSP has been working on behind the scenes—and what it means for animals and communities across Tennessee. We break down our Better Boards campaign, an initiative urging Tractor Supply Co. to address a misalignment we’ve identified within the company, which is working against the efforts of the rescues and shelters they support.

We also dig into Tennessee Senate Bill 1475, why it’s critical for animal welfare, and how it fits into the bigger picture of prevention. Plus, we share updates on the key relationships we’re building to move the veterinary premises permitting amendment forward—an essential step in expanding access to spay/neuter and care.

If you’ve been waiting for ways to get involved in the change, we’ve got a ton of action items for you in this episode. We'll deliver transparency, hard truths, and action—you’ll want to tune in.

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.