This episode will explore animal communications with Callie Kellem, an intuitive animal facilitator at Lightbody Academy. Callie shares her journey of discovering her ability to connect with animals, including the heartwarming story of reuniting a lost dog with its owner. Learn how deepening our connection with animals can help us reconnect with nature and ourselves, as well as gain insights into how you can enhance your own relationship with the animal kingdom. Callie will share the unspoken wisdom animals offer and how it can transform our understanding of the world around us as well as within us.

EPISODE NOTES: Natural Connections: Beyond Words with Animal Intuitive Callie Kellem

In this episode, we're talking with journalist Carol Mithers about her upcoming book, RETHINKING RESCUE: Dog Lady and the Story of America’s Forgotten People and Pets. This book takes a heartfelt look at the special bonds between pets and their owners, even when those owners are struggling with poverty, addiction, or homelessness.

One often overlooked topic is how poverty directly impacts a person's ability to care for their pets, highlighting the need to address the social issue of poverty itself. By understanding these connections, we can work toward more comprehensive solutions that support both people and their pets.

EPISODE NOTES: Rethinking Rescue: Pets, Poverty, and Compassion

In this episode, we’ll talk about the world of rescue dogs with Debby, a passionate advocate for rescue dog rehabilitation. Her journey began in the mid-1970s when she noticed the increasing number of terrified pups entering homes. Through her experiences, she shares valuable insights on identifying rescue dogs' triggers, understanding their impact on adoptive families, and providing effective strategies to help these dogs overcome their fears. This episode discusses Debby's journey, with her transformative relationship with Nora, a fear-biter she adopted, and the profound lessons they learned together.

EPISODE NOTES: Understanding Rescue Dogs: Overcoming Triggers and Fostering Trust

In today’s episode, we're joined by Anne Abel, author of newly released book, Mattie, Milo, and Me. Anne shares the touching stories of how her rescue dogs, Mattie and Milo, helped her navigate grief and depression. We discuss the complexities of adopting pets with undisclosed behavioral issues, highlighting the compassion and commitment required. Additionally, we tackle the debate: does someone with grief need time to recover before getting another dog, or does a new furry companion aid in healing? Join us for a heartfelt exploration of resilience, love, and the transformative power of canine companionship.

EPISODE NOTES: Navigating Grief with the Healing Journey of Rescue Dogs

In this episode, W.B. Murph, the creative mind behind the children's book, "Molly's Miracle: A Chosen Dog, Not a Broken Dog." W.B. Murph, a former veterinary nurse, shares the remarkable journey of Molly, a lovable Beagle whose experiences mirror the harsh reality of animal neglect. Together with his real-life silly Beagle companion, Murph crafted a narrative that goes beyond the pages, encouraging young readers to embrace love and care despite perceived flaws, fears, and failures. The author discusses the inspiration behind this touching story that explores the depths of compassion, second chances, and the profound bond between humans and their furry friends. This episode explores the creative process behind this heartfelt children's book and how Molly's journey serves as an inspiration for readers of all ages.

EPISODE NOTES: The Beagle's Voice: Unveiling Molly's Miracle

In this episode, we delve into the touching story of Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me with its author, Grant Hayter-Menzies. While Grant is renowned for his historical works, his latest book shifts the focus to a more contemporary and deeply personal subject – his cherished rescue dog, Freddie who has crossed the rainbow bridge in 2021.

In this episode, Grant shares the invaluable insights, steps, and tools they used to facilitate Freddie's acclimatization to overcome his fears and alleviate his general anxiety in the world. As we celebrate Freddie's life, Grant's tips and experiences offer a guide for those who wish to follow in his footsteps. His new book not only pays tribute to a remarkable rescue dog but offers comfort to others who resonate with loving and losing a pet, gone through a medical journey with a pet, or adopted an animal with a history of abuse. Freddie may have rescued Grant, but his legacy now extends to countless others through the lessons he imparts.

EPISODE NOTES: From Puppy Mill to Loving Home: How One Man Rescued and Rehabilitated His Best Friend

In this episode, we sit down with a professional dog trainer and CEO of Dog Training Elite, Mark Mestas, to talk about ways to reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters due to behavioral issues. Today’s show explores the transformative power of effective training for dogs which can make all the difference to their future. Discover expert tips, heartwarming success stories, and invaluable insights into how you can make a difference in the lives of your canine friends through the art of positive training. Whether you're a dog lover, aspiring pet owner, or rescue dog volunteer, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to rescue, rehabilitate, and train.

EPISODE NOTES: Transforming Troubled Tails: A Chat with a Dog Training Expert

In this episode, we explore the powerful synergy between technology and compassion in revolutionizing dog adoptions. Join us as we talk to Rescue Spot founder Nicole Patrick about how social media, apps and other out-of-box strategies are transforming shelter-to-home connections for dogs in need. Explore avenues beyond traditional volunteering, discover ways to make a difference, and learn about launching foster-based rescues. Tune in to discover the evolving landscape of dog adoption and find inspiration to take action in your own unique way.

EPISODE NOTES: Transforming Dog Adoptions: Tech, Compassion, and New Horizons

In this episode, renowned animal communicator Claudia Hehr will share her insights on who animals really are. Not what, but who. Her expertise & passion in animal communications has opened up another lens into the animal kingdom and will share with us how animals see the world. As we also open up our perspective, this may influence the dynamics between human and animal in the hopes that animal cruelty and neglect can decrease.

EPISODE NOTES: Who Are Animals, Really?

Losing your 4-legged best friend can be one of the most difficult things to experience. Because of their shorter life span than humans, that is often the case. However, it can go the other way around. The dog may also lose their human through illness or death and their lives drastically change to a whole different environment. Unfortunately, it is likely a shelter if family members are unable to care for the dog. Organizations like ElderDog not only have a mission of re-homing dogs in these cases, but they also support elders in taking care of their dogs so they are not put in a position to let their dog go. Our guest for this episode is Dr. Ardra Cole, Executive Director of ElderDog Canada, a national charity dedicated to ageing people and ageing dogs.

EPISODE NOTES: Aging Dogs, Aging People

In this episode, special guest Stephanie Filer, executive director of Shelter Animals Count: The National Database, will discuss the statistics of shelter admissions over the past few years. Currently, shelter intakes are up across the board and as a result, there is a crisis within many shelters. Have adoptions increased or decreased during the pandemic? Why are the shelters especially overwhelmed at this time?

EPISODE NOTES: Shelter Statistics: Pre-Pandemic to Post-Pandemic