Healing, Resilience, and Rescue: Lisa Beggio’s Story Behind the Shelter Doors

2025-08-31

In this powerful episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Lisa Beggio, Executive Director of Columbia Humane Society, whose nearly three decades in animal welfare have been defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both animals and the people who care for them. Lisa opens up about the realities of rescue work, including her own experience of surviving a horrific dog attack that left her physically and mentally sidelined for over 80 days. With honesty and courage, she shares how therapy, a strong support...

In this powerful episode of Tails of Resilience, we sit down with Lisa Beggio, Executive Director of Columbia Humane Society, whose nearly three decades in animal welfare have been defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to both animals and the people who care for them.

Lisa opens up about the realities of rescue work, including her own experience of surviving a horrific dog attack that left her physically and mentally sidelined for over 80 days. With honesty and courage, she shares how therapy, a strong support network, and a deep belief in her mission have helped her return to the work she loves—despite ongoing struggles with anxiety.

We talk about her advocacy for mental health in the rescue community, the importance of compassion fatigue training, and the legacy she hopes to leave. She also shares the touching story of a dog she adopted who defied the odds and lived a joyful 15 years, as well as valuable insights for anyone considering stepping into rescue work or supporting it from the sidelines.

🐾 This is an episode about resilience, empathy, and the deep bonds that make the challenges of rescue worth every moment.

⚠️ Trigger Warning:
This episode may contain themes of animal suffering including abuse and death, as well as themes of mental health that could include reference to suicide.

🔗 Featured Rescue:

Columbia Humane Society- St. Helens, Oregon

Columbia Humane Society FACEBOOK
Columbia Humane Society IG
Columbia Humane Society MAIN WEBSITE

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