Keeper & Kin
The Stories Behind the Work
Sometimes The Dog We Set Out To Save Is The One Who Saves Us
Tens of thousands of dogs are still part of laboratory research in the United States and Canada. A small number of them make it out.
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But, getting out is not the end of the story. In so many ways, it is where the real story begins. At the heart of this, is the people willing to walk through it all; the dog's first real family. They show up with their hearts open wide.... filled with hope...filled with emotion, and take their first look at a scared little dog and think, “I am going to give you everything.”
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This story is about former research beagles and their people, but it is also about something bigger. Somewhere between the hard moments and the life we built together, we realize something... the dog we set out to save is the one who saves us.
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Through honest conversations with experts, adopters, and others in the community, Dogs: Beyond the Lab explores what it really means to help these dogs adjust to life beyond the lab. We’ll share the laughter, the tears, the setbacks, and the victories, along with practical insight and encouragement for anyone touched by this journey.
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You don’t need to have a former research dog to belong here. This is a podcast about dogs and humans finding their way to each other. Dogs: Beyond the Lab is for anyone who has ever loved a dog through fear, confusion, illness, aging, trauma, or simply the ordinary challenges of sharing a life together.
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Because at its core, this podcast is about what it means to be changed by the dogs we love.
About The hosts
Three People Who Have Each Seen This World Up Close
Chelsey Marino
Chelsey is a Behavior Specialist and Co-Founder of Keeper & Kin. She has spent the past decade working with dogs facing serious behavioral challenges and her expertise is trusted by veterinarians, rescue organizations, and professionals.
Chelsey has spent years working hands-on with former research dogs, sanctuaries and rescues across the U.S. and Canada, and their fosters and adopters.
John Ramer
John has spent years providing sanctuary and finding homes for animals retired from research.
As Executive Director of the nation's largest sanctuary focused on former research animals, he creates real pathways out of the lab, working with lawmakers on policy, collaborating with veterinarians, institutions, and organizations seeking humane options once their work is done.
Lori Cohen
Lori Cohen is the Executive Director and Founder of The Beagle Alliance. Lori has spent years bringing national attention to animal research in Canada.
She has years of experience facilitating placement pathways through advocacy, public education, and direct work around rehoming and transition. As the leader of Canada’s only nonprofit focused exclusively on former research beagles, Lori is also deeply committed to working closely with fosters and adopters.