Sometimes the image of a perfect dog doesn't synch up with the reality of the dog you end up with. This was the case with this week's guest, Stephen Hunking of the band Dew Claw, whose "beautiful mess of a rescue dog" Mouse wasn't the dog he imagined adopting but soon became the dog he couldn't do without. It's a great story about providing a dog the compassion, patience and space to allow them to come into their own.

Dew Claw's latest album E.L.F., featuring the song Rescue Dog, is out now. Catch them live this week on October 9th at Mama Tried in Brooklyn

Stephen gave his shout outs to START Rescue who coordinates large-scale rescue-transport missions to save animals from overflowing and high-kill shelters, neglect, abuse, and abandonment. To adopt, foster, donate or learn more about their community resources visit startrescue.org

He also gave props to the Humane Society of Southwest Washington whose mission "rescue • return • restore • rehome • reconnect" gets to the crux of their vision to create a community where everyone loves and cares for animals. For more information on the array of services they provide go to southwesthumane.org

For more pics and clips from this interview and the 160 before it follow the show on Instagram at @rockerdogpodcast