Season 4 of Animal Talk Delivers Heart, Humor—and Plenty of Animal Antics

From therapy dogs and healing horses to wildlife rescues and foster journeys, host Karen Kalunian and the Animal Talk crew go behind the scenes with Rhode Island’s most inspiring animal advocates

"Animal Talk" host Karen Kalunian follows the work of star therapy dog, Little Bear
“Animal Talk” host Karen Kalunian follows the work of star therapy dog, Little Bear
RI PBS
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"Animal Talk" host Karen Kalunian follows the work of star therapy dog, Little Bear
“Animal Talk” host Karen Kalunian follows the work of star therapy dog, Little Bear
RI PBS
Season 4 of Animal Talk Delivers Heart, Humor—and Plenty of Animal Antics
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They are the most notorious of scene stealers, animals and children. The “Animal Talk” crew spends a lot of time with both during Season 4 and as the producer, I can reveal the formula behind the adage: adorable + unpredictable = fun!

The “Animal Talk” team is—out of necessity—nimble, quick to laughter, and not afraid to get messy. Inevitably, perfectly framed shots are ‘ruined’ by the boop of a horse muzzle, a dog’s lick, or an untimely hawk squawk. These are the bloopers that result in the most memorable onscreen moments.

Little Bear, the therapy dog and social media star
Little Bear’s work impacts the well-being of hundreds of local children
RI PBS

This season, host Karen Kalunian tracks hardworking social media star Little Bear to learn about the former shelter dog’s transformation to a confident therapy pooch, and the impact of his work on the well-being of Rhode Island’s children.

Beachwood Integrative Equine Therapy in Charlestown, RI
Beachwood Integrative Equine Therapy in Charlestown, RI
Beachwood Integrative Equine Therapy in Charlestown, RI

We continue our exploration of the connection between people, animals, and mental health during a visit to a Beachwood Integrative Equine Therapy center in a moving episode featuring horses that heal.

A new beginning for a dog transported from a southern kill shelter to a foster home in Rhode Island
Rhode Home Rescue provides a new beginning for a dog transported from a southern kill shelter to a foster home in Rhode Island
RI PBS

Our crew also spends time at Rhode Home Rescue to better understand the realities of fostering pets and to share the joy of a successful dog transport from southern kill shelters to foster homes in the Ocean State.

Animal Talk host Karen Kalunian watches the repair of an injured turtle at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island
Animal Talk host Karen Kalunian watches the repair of an injured turtle at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island
RI PBS

Finally, Karen goes wild this season, making her first visit to the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island. There she becomes witness to a morning of nonstop triage, as good Samaritans bring in wounded, ill, and orphaned animals. We feel privileged to have watched the repair of a wounded mama turtle and we’re thrilled to share that story with you.

Diamondback Terrapin Shell Repair
Diamondback Terrapin Shell Repair at the Wildlife Clinic of Rhode Island
RI PBS

Rhode Island’s junior U.S. Senator says many international leaders at the COP30 conference finally recognized the necessity of addressing the rising cost of property insurance caused by more frequent and intense weather events
Spotted lanternflies, Japanese barberry, Oriental bittersweet – When plants and animals like these invade our environment, they can disrupt other organisms that are native to the region. But can we stop these species? And should we?
The Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fall River recently called out the U.S. government for its aggressive immigration policies
Proposal would have shaved up to $80 off monthly gas and electric bills
Field hockey won the Division II championship. Soccer won 16 games and reached the Division IV final. Tennis reached the Division II semifinals