Dog Tales

Today we’re bringing you a special episode from another Spotify Original from Parcast. If you enjoy it, check out Haunted Places: Ghost Stories on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts!  Have you missed Alastair? Hear him retell chilling tales on the new Spotify Original from Parcast, Haunted Places: Ghost Stories! In this episode, meet a lovesick man who would do anything to marry the woman of his dreams… dead or alive.

In 2006, Mike Dowling and Megan Leavey were each desperate to adopt their bomb-detecting partner in the Marines: Rex the German Shepherd. But they’d have to fight the U.S. government, life-changing injuries, and even each other in order to bring their beloved Sergeant home.

Today, Abraham Lincoln is famous for his presidency, and for signing the Emancipation Proclamation. But he was known in his own lifetime for eccentricities like his love of animals, and his close relationship with a small stray mutt named Fido.

In 1958, animal trainer Frank Inn spotted a dirty, homeless mutt in an animal shelter. He took the pup, named Higgins, home... and made history. That humble stray became one of the biggest leading dogs in Hollywood, headlining the beloved Benji franchise.

On the island of New Guinea, at the height of WWII, Bill Wynne came across a stray pup—a 7-inch tall Yorkshire Terrier. He named her Smoky, and she's credited with being the first recorded therapy dog.

Just like humans, many dogs have their fair share of bad luck. But that can make their “Cinderella story” that much more inspiring. We’re sharing miraculous tales of animals that faced adverse circumstances and tall odds—but were lucky enough to connect with owners who helped them rise up and inspire the world.

Sigmund Freud is frequently described as the father of psychoanalysis, and his dog Jofi could be considered the grand dame of therapy dogs. Theirs was a partnership that didn't begin until late in Freud's life, but it was one that would change him forever.

The image of a Saint Bernard bounding through the snow, a barrel of brandy attached to its collar, comes from one specific dog: Barry der Meschenretter. Throughout his illustrious rescue career in the early 1800s, he saved many lives and kept travelers in the St. Bernard pass safe.

An estimated 600,000 animals were killed or stranded by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. But, in the wake of the storm, politicians and animal rights activists banded together to create a silver lining: they made sure our pets would never be left behind again.

When James Conroy adopted a stray dog named Stubby shortly before shipping off for World War I, he thought he was bringing along a cute companion. He had no idea the little dog would save his life...and many others.

Meet the Maharaja of Junagadh, an Indian prince from the early 20th century who owned 800 dogs. Although he treated them all like royalty, his favorite was a small black dog named Roshanara, who established a new royal tradition with her elaborate wedding to a golden retriever named Bobby.

From Mesopotamia to Alexander the Great, dogs have played an important role in the ancient world. And in some cases, they saved entire kingdoms. Without these brave animals, the world as we know it wouldn't exist.

Throughout this Labrador Retriever’s years of service, she rescued twelve people. And thanks to Frida’s efforts during one incredible earthquake recovery, she went viral on Twitter and became a national symbol of hope for Mexico during times of crisis.

We are thrilled to bring you a brand new episode of Dog Tales today and for the foreseeable future. We thank you for your patience during this unprecedented time. Instead of following a single dog’s story from start to finish, we’ll be profiling several canines who had a significant impact on politics. These animals’ time in politics was fleeting, as if calculated in dog years. But during their moments in the spotlight, they left enduring legacies.

If you enjoy the stories told in Dog Tales, check out this episode from our series Tales: By 1697 the story of an incredible cat spread to Paris, where author Charles Perrault created his own version, entitling it “La Maître Chat,” ou “Le Chat Botté.” But unlike his modern DreamWorks counterpart, Puss in Boots was originally female, overshadowed by her male counterpart.

Life isn't easy at the top—especially when you're a dog who inherited a $12 million fortune. In 2007, with an enraged public and jealous family nipping at her heels, a Maltese named Trouble found out her namesake was all too accurate.

Born in 1849, most people know Ivan Pavlov as the man who discovered that he could condition dogs to drool when they heard a buzzer. But his experiments were further reaching—and more invasive—than that, with many of his subjects meeting tragic ends.  WARNING: This episode contains some graphic content that may not be suitable for listeners under 13.

Due to the unfortunate spread of COVID-19, Parcast has decided to halt recording for the time-being. This is a precautionary measure taken to ensure the safety of our hosts and staff. In the meantime, we're excited to share one of our classic episodes that we know you'll enjoy! In 2009, San Jose resident Eric O'Grey was so dangerously obese that his doctor told him he'd be dead within five years. But with the help of a plucky rescue pup named Peety, Eric was able to turn his life around and find true happiness.

A medical emergency. A house fire. A drowning child. The situations where heroic dogs have risen to the occasion are countless. Follow a group of canine crusaders as they risk their lives to save the people they love.

When a 6-month-old puppy moved to a blue-collar part of town in 1931, he had just one problem: he was afraid of water. But he overcame that fear to save a total of 27 people and two dogs in the course of his life.

In the early 1800s, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark became famous for their perilous journey to the Pacific Ocean and back. Less famous was Lewis' faithful Newfoundland dog, Seaman. Over several years and thousands of miles, Seaman stood loyally by his master's side, proving to be one of the most valuable members of the Corps of Discovery.

Alfred Hitchcock was known as the Master of Suspense. But he might have been an even better Master to his dogs. Hitchcock owned many dogs in his life, but none quite captured his heart the way Geoffrey and Stanley did—a loving bond that even influenced his work as a director.

New York Times best-selling author. People Magazine cover girl. Resident of the Oval Office. English Springer Spaniel Millie Bush skyrocketed to fame in the 1990s. But before she stole America's hearts, she had to learn to impress one very important couple: Barbara and George H. W. Bush.

In November 1957, canine cosmonaut Laika became the first living animal to ever orbit the earth. She only made the record-breaking flight thanks to a series of painful experiments, discomforting surgeries, and a heart-breaking tragedy. Her story embodies the height of human achievement—and the depths of a dog's loyalty.

While on a road trip with his family in Indiana, Bobbie disappeared after a run-in with some local dogs. Following days of searching, his family returned home to Oregon without their beloved pet. Six months later, Bobbie walked into his family's restaurant, having walked almost 3,000 miles to return home.

In 2009, Eric O'Grey was so dangerously obese that his doctor told him he'd be dead within 5 years. But with the help of a plucky rescue pup named Peety, Eric was able to turn his life around and find true happiness.

Lucca had an illustrious career as a bomb-sniffing dog, leading nearly 400 patrols and identifying dozens of buried IEDs, weapons caches, and enemy soldiers. But Lucca’s real claim to fame was her positive demeanor and ability to change the lives of every person she met.

While most Americans know about the pilgrims who journeyed across the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower, few know of Duncan—the pilgrims' dog that witnessed many of the new nation's key formative moments, all while providing care and comfort to scared people in a new world.

As World War II encroached further into everyday life in northern Italy, Carlo Soriano still walked to the town piazza with his dog Fido each morning for work. He would hop on a bus only to return each evening with Fido anxiously awaiting his arrival. Until one day, Carlo didn’t get off the bus and Fido was left waiting for a master who would never return.

In 1918, Corporal Lee Duncan had rescued two puppies from a kennel in France that had been devastated by artillery raids. One of the pups was Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd who would go on to break into the film industry and act his way into America’s hearts.

He was a Scottish Terrier who had a very special bond with his owner, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Fala’s journey took him from humble farm dog to hobnobbing with world leaders, and even to the most important Allied leadership summits of World War II.

In the wake of the attacks on the U.S. on September 11th, 2001, heroic first responders rushed to Ground Zero to look for survivors. Joining them were some very brave dogs, including one particularly exceptional canine named Apollo, determined to do all they could to help.

For decades the British crown has been linked with the dozens of corgis that live in Windsor Palace. But the lives of these royal pups are about more than dining on wild game served in silver dishes. The Royal Corgis play an important diplomatic role.

Military dog trainer Jose Armenta never expected to fall for his bomb-sniffing German Shepherd, Zenit. But a life-changing accident in 2011 taught Jose to open his heart to the dog. Then, it was Jose’s turn to save Zenit.

With a powerful blizzard sweeping across the Alaskan Interior, the Great Serum Run of 1925 was in serious jeopardy. But Togo, Balto, and their determined mushers refused to back down in the face of adversity. The lives of the children back in Nome were hanging in the balance.

In 1925, a deadly diphtheria outbreak gripped the town of Nome, Alaska. Togo, a 12-year old Siberian Husky, was chosen to run a 674-mile relay to transport a vital case of medicine across the Alaskan interior. He’d find help in the form of an unremarkable 6-year old Husky named Balto.

Born on a farm in Switzerland, Buddy was far more than just an ordinary 1920s working dog. She was a German Shepherd bred to fight alongside soldiers, help police track criminals, and assist the Red Cross. But Buddy’s true destiny was yet to come—becoming America's first seeing-eye dog.

Every Monday, hear tales of inspiration from all breeds of life in the new Parcast original series, Dog Tales. Each episode is as unique as the pups themselves, and sure to bring you closer to the furry friend in your life. Like “Buddy” the German Shepherd—the world’s first official seeing-eye guide dog. Or Huskies “Balto” and “Togo,” the sled-dogs who made a life-saving medical delivery from Anchorage to Nome. Dog Tales premieres November 11th. Listen free on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe today!