They greet us at the door with wagging tails, curl up with us when we’re down, and bring pure joy into our homes. But did you know that owning a pet is also a major boost for your family’s mental and emotional health?

In this episode of Pulse Check, we sit down with Jenny Warren, the Director of Development at CARE Humane Society in Auburn, Alabama. Jenny shares her inspiring journey from corporate sales to animal welfare, the powerful lessons of empathy that pets teach our children, and the reality of what local rescue organizations face today.

As the "dog days of summer" stretch across Alabama, Jenny breaks down the critical warning signs of pet heatstroke that many owners accidentally overlook. We also dive into the vital role of preventative care—like microchipping and spaying/neutering—to combat shelter overcrowding. Plus, Jenny gives us the inside scoop on CARE's upcoming summer camp programs and their exciting local fundraiser!

• Featured Organization: CARE Humane Society (Auburn, AL) – Serving companion animals and their families across Lee County through rescue, adoption, education, and foster care.
• Upcoming Local Event: Wine, Whiskers, and Wags – Happening July 15th! Visit the CARE website to grab your tickets and support local animal welfare initiatives.
• Youth Education: CARE Summer Camp – Beginner and advanced tracks designed to teach children empathy, responsibility, and hands-on animal welfare skills (including bottle-feeding kittens!).