"Talking Animals" with Waggle CEO Steven Mornelli

Waggle CEO Steven Mornelli appeared on the weekly radio show Talking Animals to, well, talk animals. He recalls to host Duncan Strauss how he has been an animal lover since he was a kid, living with pets at all phases of his life, including while he was in college and grad school. Still, he notes, he didn't imagine doing anything professionally tied to his passion for pets, until he experienced a "transformative moment," which ultimately led to the launch of Waggle.

Acknowledging that it hasn't been uncommon over the years to see crowdfunding campaigns for sick or injured pet, Mornelli outlines some key differences in the way Waggle operates, including removing the possibility of fraud or abuse by ensuring that monies raised go directly to the veterinarian or animal hospital that is associated with that Waggle campaign. In addition to devising a system with those protections in place, Waggle has further distinguished itself, Mornelli explains, by aligning itself with sponsors such as Maddie's Fund and GreaterGood.org.

Mornelli walks Strauss through the mechanics of how someone can seek Waggle's help, noting that currently there is a $2,000 cap on the organization's assistance for a given campaign, and he recounts his favorite case thus far of helping defray the cost of a vet bill.

Listen to the full episode below or over at NPR.