Rappaport To The Rescue

I am honored to be the face of the Grey Muzzle Organization’s national fundraiser, called Sunshine & Summer Smiles. Together and with your help we are aiming our efforts at dental care for our seniors and every dollar you give goes to saving their lives. Today we are one on one with the organization’s executive director, Denise Fleck to talk about how they are putting their money where senior dogs’ mouths are!

Checks can be mailed to:
The Grey Muzzle Organization
14460 Falls of Neuse Road #149-269
Raleigh, NC 27614

Listen to Episode #63 Now:

BIO:

Denise Fleck is the Pet Safety Crusader™, inspiring people of all ages to “Be the one who makes the difference in the life of an animal!” Raised by a gentle giant, Ulysses the Great Dane, Denise has dedicated her life to caring and advocating for animals. As a proud dog mom to thirteen canines, her soft spot lies with senior dogs, so she joyfully serves as the Executive Director of The Grey Muzzle Organization that granted $1.57 million in June 2025 to 119 shelters and rescues. Denise believes there is no greater love than reflected in the affectionate gaze of a senior dog. Prior to Grey Muzzle, she volunteered for 15 years as a "boots on the ground" animal rescuer.

Fleck's commitment to animal welfare led her from a career as a movie studio publicist to pouring her heart into training, researching, practicing, and then developing her own Pet First Aid & CPR curriculum which she has taught to more than 33,000 pet parents and pet professionals. She demonstrated these skills on television, including CBS–TV’s ‘The Doctors,’ Animal Planet, KTLA, and CNN, but now focuses on training the next generation of animal care instructors. She also created courses in pet disaster preparedness and first aid for birds, rabbits, and other four-legged friends.

Honored as one of Forbe’s Magazine’s 50 Over 50 Impact in 2025, Denise has also been named"A Woman of Influence" by Pet Age Magazine and recognized as a two-time finalist as "Pet Industry's Woman of the Year," Denise authored fifteen books and scores of articles on pet health and safety earning numerous “Muse Awards” from the Cat Writers Association and “Maxwell Medallions” from the Dog Writers’ Association, including “Best Children’s Book” for Don't Judge a Book by its Cover which teaches kids 0-99 to never judge an animal (or anyone) by their age, breed, fur color or anything.

Fleck’s educational journey from high school outside Orlando, led her to the University of Southern California’s Film School to receiving a teaching certificate from UCLA and then furthering her Pet CPR skills at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After three decades in Los Angeles, Fleck now finds home outside Atlanta, with her husband, Paul, and their beloved rescued Akita, Wish, who was adopted at age 11 (and is now 14) from the Big East Akita Rescue. Learn more at www.PetSafetyCrusader.com

Transcript:

"Rappaport to the Rescue" Theme Song Written & Produced by Mark Winter
© Copyright 2022 Such Fun Music (ASCAP)