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

The number of Rhode Islanders seeking assistance from the Food Bank has increased by 13,000 in the last seven months. CEO Melissa Cherney says rising costs, SNAP changes and fewer donations are stretching resources thin
Plus: storytelling from The Moth, Italian guitar in South County, “Yo Soy Minerva” at Teatro ECAS, and more
A settlement paid by Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. for using contaminated fill while constructing Rhode Island’s Route 6/10 Connector project will fund pediatric dental clinics that serve low-income families.
For the Blackstone Valley Schools co-op, this season has been about grief, support and staying together — on and off the ice