Paws Between Us

Hosts reunite for a girly weekend podcast catching up on pet life: a neurologist's assessment for pug Betty, fostering two sweet chihuahuas, and the challenges of pet care. Guest Katie shares why she’s never had pets, life in Stockholm, and how family, allergies and travel shape her views on animals. Conversations touch on ethical pet food choices, balancing pets with children, and Swedish pet culture, plus plans for next weeks interview with a Clinical Animal Behaviourist.

Natalie and Sacha discuss the latest pet-focused headlines: Italy allowing paid leave for seriously ill pets, rising kitten breeding and falling neutering rates in the UK, bans on greyhound racing in Wales, tougher fines for dogs chasing livestock, and pets abandoned amid Middle East tensions. They share personal experiences caring for their pets, reflect on the emotional impact of these issues, and tease next week’s in-person episode where they’ll try to persuade their friend Katie to get a pet.

In this episode the hosts catch up about their weekend life and pet updates, from a windy cat and a pug facing possible myelopathy to highlights from Crufts and the numerous charity stands. Guest Laura, a volunteer with Ethical Hamster Rescue, shares the story of her rescue hamster Pudding and explains evidence-based hamster care: the need for large floor space, deep burrowable bedding, appropriately sized wheels, safe substrates, and realistic costs. They discuss why adoption matters, common reasons hamsters end up in rescue, practical improvements owners can make now, and useful resources to learn more about ethical hamster welfare.

In this episode the hosts share uplifting pet news: new genomic research suggests many cat tumours resemble human cancers, opening the door to more targeted treatments; Sweden introduces guidelines requiring cats to be checked twice daily, prompting debate about pet care and responsibility; and a heartwarming story of a hearing dog named Arlo who protected and alerted help for his deaf owner after a fall. The conversation also touches on the Humanimal Trust’s work to bridge human and animal medicine and the wider importance of enrichment and support animals in people’s lives.

Paws Between Us brings a short, uplifting roundup of feel-good pet news: a loyal dog in São Paulo inspired a new law allowing pets to be buried with their human families, a town in East Sussex is opening its first dedicated pet cemetery, and veterinary blood donors in Portland are helping save animals’ lives. This episode celebrates the bond between people and pets and highlights practical changes and heart warming stories that make life better for animals and their humans.

Hosts Natalie and Sacha discuss Betty the pug’s mobility problems and the possibility of pug myelopathy, her referral for an MRI and neurologist, and the physio and treatments being tried (including massage, laser therapy and potential gabapentin). They talk about the emotional toll of navigating veterinary opinions and undiagnosed conditions, share experiences with their dogs’ treatments, and end with a brief news discussion about poultry welfare and industry commitments.

For our very first episode we take time to introduce ourselves and dive into a world where love, chaos, and pure passion for animals collide? This episode is your raw, authentic guide to the joys and struggles of living alongside our furry, feathered, and scaled companions. If you’ve ever loved a pet like family, this is for you, no filters, just real talk with friendship tethering it together. In this episode: From childhood hamsters to senior pugs, celebrating decades of pet love The emotional rollercoaster of pet health issues and loss The surprising science behind cats’ purrs and what they really mean Innovative changes in animal welfare around the world The truths about breed-specific health challenges and responsible pet ownership Exploring the unbreakable bond with our pet community Future dreams: supporting emotional, physical, and healthcare needs for pets Why sharing stories helps us heal, learn, and advocate for better animal lives