The Companions Collective

I’m sharing some important news about the future of this podcast. I appreciate each and every one of you who has listened, shared and supported the show.” I’ve come to a decision that has been difficult but necessary: there will be no more episodes of The Companions Collective. 2024 has thrown us a lot of curveballs here at Chez Bella, making life a little more challenging lately. My baby girl is not really a baby anymore and with arthritis setting in on that leg she had TPLO surgery on in January 2023, she needs more from me. More of everything. As many of you know, she is my world, just as your pets are to you. She's my ride or die and it’s vital for me to be there for her in this time. On top of that, my husband and I have faced some challenges dealing with his mother's estate. Navigating this kind of family business has been a heavy burden, and balancing everything has become increasingly difficult. I need to simplify my life to focus on what matters most right now. I’ve loved flexing my interview skills and connecting with so many of you through this podcast, especially during episodes that focused on understanding pet loss and grief. I believe our pets—especially our dogs—come into our lives to change us and make us better people. Losing them transforms us in even more profound ways, and those conversations have been close to my heart. I’m proud of the insights we’ve shared together. I set a personal goal to reach 100 episodes, and while I won’t get there, I’m grateful for the journey and the conversations that brought us all closer together. I do believe, though, that many of the episodes are a valuable resource to pet guardians who are experiencing anticipatory grief or pet loss grief. I hope you will go back and listen again when you need them or share them with someone who might need to hear them. This isn’t goodbye forever; it’s just a shift in focus. I have other creative pursuits I want to explore, and I believe there’s a different outlet out there that might align more with where I am in my life right now. I'll be over at Big White Dog Photography, making art for people who love their dogs that damn much, and getting as much love and as many snuggles as I can from the sweetest Maremmano-Abrusseze to ever exist in the world. Thank you for being part of The Companions Collective. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope you continue to honor the beautiful bond we share with our pets. Keep being kind to yourselves and each other. Until we meet again, tell your dog I said hi. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Hand2Paw is a nonprofit that connects homeless youth with meaningful employment opportunities in animal shelters. In this week's episode, we chat with Penny Ellison, Hand2Paw’s leader and passionate animal advocate, about how this innovative program is changing lives and creating a brighter future for young people facing homelessness. Penny shares her journey from a corporate law career to dedicating her life to animal advocacy, highlighting how her experiences shaped the mission of Hand2Paw. Learn how the organization provides essential job training and support to homeless youth while promoting the well-being of animals in shelters. Discover the transformative power of compassion and connection, and how caring for animals can foster personal growth, responsibility, and a sense of purpose. We also discuss the challenges and successes of working with at-risk youth, the importance of community involvement, and how listeners can get involved to make a difference. Tune in to hear how Penny's vision is not just about saving animals, but about empowering youth to rise above their circumstances and build a brighter future. Where to find Hand2Paw Hand2Paw.org Facebook Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Crates can be … ah … not the most attractive piece of furniture in your home. But some people find them quite useful in training and containing their dogs. So why not have a crate that becomes a part of your décor? That's where Danny Nathan comes in. He's the founder and CEO of Apollo 21, a company that sits at the intersection of a business consultancy, a product design studio and a venture studio. Essentially, he designs cool shit. Like a sleep platform to overland in his SUV. And more recently, dog crates. But you don't just buy the crate. Oh no, my friends. Danny designs cool shit then creates design manuals so you can do it yourself. I think it sounds like fun, and Danny fills us in on the how and why in this episode. Where to find Stay. Good Dog crates StayGoodDog.com Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

You're not weird if you see a dog in a muzzle and think, "He's so scary looking." You're not weird if you see a dog in a muzzle, pick up your chihuahua and hurriedly cross the street. But you might be wrong. Kylee Doyle of Kylee Doyle Photography in Sacramento, California, has embarked on an incredibly meaningful personal project: photographing dogs in their muzzles. She hopes to educate people that dogs wear muzzles for a variety of reasons, not just because they might be aggressive or reactive. Kylee sits down with me today to tell me all about her project and what she hopes it can mean to the dog community, not just in Northern California but around the world. Where to find Kylee KyleeDoylePhotography.com Instagram Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Do you end up with a wooly ball of anxiety every time you have to go to the vet? I do. In fact, we've been having to go to a lot of appointments lately as arthritis has set in with the knee Bella had TPLO surgery on last year. Now … we adore our general practice vet here in Spokane Valley but if Latah Creek Animal Hospital was a little bit closer, I would be seriously considering a switch. Based right here in my town, Spokane, Washington, Latah Creek is a fear-free clinic. I've been following their Instagram account for a while and I just love the energy that comes out in their posts: informative, educational, kind … I reached out for a chance to interview the top dogs there and clinic owners Jessica Osborne and Dr. Megan Bauer couldn't wait to share the good word of fear-free veterinary practices. We talk about this innovative approach to reduce stress and anxiety for pets during vet visits and how Jessica and Dr. Megan create a calm environment for both stressed-out animal and stressed-out human guardian. Where to find Latah Creek Animal Hospital LatahCreekAH.com Instagram Facebook --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

I get so fired up when I connect with someone who wants to talk about the deeper meaning for dogs in our lives. Like when I chat with a fellow believer that dogs teach us who we are and who we need to be. It didn't take long before I was mesmerized with Saro Boghozian's words. After becoming a certified dog trainer through The College of Canine Behavioral Science, Saro quickly recognized he also needed learn about human psychology so that he could help his two-legged clients understand the root causes of their dogs' behavior. Together, we explore the profound impact dogs have on our personal growth and well-being. Where to find Saro Saro Dog Training YouTube Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

I know you know what I'm talking about when I say sometimes our veterinarians aren't the best communicators. Hell's bells, Dani McVety told us as much on the podcast last fall. They're introverts. They'd rather be dealing with our animals, not us. So sometimes they tell us a lot of words that go in one ear and out the other. Or we run home and start Googling, doing our best to remember the words and take our best shot at spelling them. Enter Tyler Sugerman. An emergency vet in Tacoma, Washington, Tyler bridges the gap between vet jargon and pet guardians on his podcast Vetsplanation. With a goal to help pet guardians keep their animals happy, healthy and safe, Tyler breaks the science of vet care down into simple, understandable terms. Today, he shares that journey with us. Where to Find Tyler Vetsplanation website YouTube Facebook Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

We've spent a lot of time on this podcast talking about grief over the loss of our beloved companion animals. Much of the content has revolved around anticipatory grief and the loss of a pet due to a terminal illness or old age. But there are many more types of loss pet guardians can face. Runaways. Accidents. Surrenders. Custody battles. Behavioral euthanasia. And they all carry with them trauma and nuanced, complex emotions. My dear friend Coleen Ellis of Two Hearts Pet Loss Center joins me to unravel those emotions and how guilt and grief intertwine. Where to Find Coleen Two Hearts Pet Loss Center Facebook Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Diana Lundin's journey from journalist to dog photographer has been a winding one, filled with challenges and personal growth. Now she's bringing her life full circle, joining journalism and dog photography together to shine a spotlight on the way climate change is affecting our animal species. She leaped at a recent volunteer opportunity that took her on an adventurous cross-country road trip to relocate animals for a farm sanctuary. The 3,600-mile journey was not without its obstacles, as the team navigated weather challenges, vehicle issues and a rather hungry llama. She documented the trip while driving the bus and caring for the animals and she intends to use the experience and her storytelling skills to bring light to the important conversation surrounding the impacts fo climate change. Where to Find Diana You want adventure? OK, drive an animal sanctuary across the country -- Medium Diana Lundin Photography Facebook Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

In a world where power dynamics often leave us feeling disempowered and disconnected, Carmen Theobald has found a unique, transformative way to help humans reclaim their personal power and reconnect with their true selves. Through her work at Horse Sense North, Carmen harnesses the healing power of horses to guide individuals on a journey toward empowerment and authenticity. At Horse Sense North, the belief is that true empowerment comes from a place of balance and heart-centeredness. It is about finding the strength within ourselves to be who we are meant to be, without fear or inhibition. Carmen understands the challenges that come with navigating power dynamics and strives to provide her clients with the skills and tools necessary to move through the world with confidence and grace. Carmen joins us to chat about the Horse Sense North mission that is centered on clarity, connection and courage. And how through the horses' unique ability to provide immediate, non-judgmental feedback, clients often rediscover their authentic selves and embark on profound inner journeys of healing and self-discovery. And of course we talk about that one horse that changed Carmen. What to Listen For Carmen's trauma, growth and connection with horses That horse that taught Carmen to understand a horse's perspective and trauma Where Carmen learned to show up for herself Why she wants to build a bridge between horses and humans How horses can help humans connect deeply with themselves and find their authenticity Why connecting with horses can help us transform our own healing journey Where to Find Carmen Horse Sense North Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube LinkedIn --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Today is a throwback to this podcast's roots in the grief we endure when our best fur friends die. My good Beth Bigler and I had this chat before I decided to rebrand the pod and expand the subject matter beyond that niche. As I continued to study grief, it struck me that a number of folks out there might not seek professional help with their grief for the pet. We exist in a world where our sorrow is called "disenfranchised grief," in which our loss is not necessarily accepted, respected and acknowledged by some people in our lives and the world at large. Because it's "just a pet," right? We know better. And Beth helps dispense the notion that it's just too darn silly or shameful to seek professional help. Beth is a licensed pet loss grief counselor and her Instagram account, @honoring our animals, is one of the comprehensive resources for pet loss you can find on the internet. In this episode, she offers insights into the challenges faced by individuals navigating this grief alone. What to Listen For Disenfranchised grief: How society's perception of pet loss as insignificant can lead to stigma, hindering individuals from seeking support. Challenges of seeking help: Beth sheds light on common misconceptions and barriers faced by those reaching out for counseling or support groups. Missteps in counseling: The discussion touches on ineffective counseling experiences and the importance of finding a counselor who understands the unique dynamics of pet loss. Creating a supportive environment: Beth shares strategies for creating a safe space where pet owners can express their grief without judgment. Building community: The role of community in healing, offering insights into how shared experiences can provide comfort and validation. Where to Find Beth Honoring Our Animals website Instagram --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

The transformative power of therapy animals with Mary Margaret Callahan of Pet Partners We pet guardians see our companion animals as more than just animals, creatures with four legs roaming around our homes or yards, waiting for their next dinner. Many of us see them as family … some of us, as our children. Still more of us look at them as vital sources of therapy and emotional support. Our best fur friends – or hairless or scaled, whichever you choose – become vital sources of therapy and emotional support. They give us comfort, help us reduce stress and provide us with a sense of stability and responsibility. A small group of pet guardians take their animals' secret powers and share them with others. Today's guest is Mary Margaret Callahan, the chief mission officer at Pet Partners, an organization dedicated to improving human health and wellbeing through the power of therapy animals. The nine different species Pet Partners registers bring joy, comfort and healing to countless individuals in hospitals, schools, senior living facilities and many other environments. Mary Margaret and I dive into the profound impact the volunteer teams have on the humans they visit and Mary Margaret share some insights into the human-animal bond that transcends the guardian-companion relationship. What to Listen For The different species Pet Partners registers as therapy animals The impact therapy animals have in different environments How Pet Partners evaluates therapy animal teams Why pet guardians must be aware of their animals' comfort in a therapy environment Where to Find Pet Partners PetPartners.org YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Have you taken an Enneagram test? What number are you? Today we welcome pet loss grief coach Wendy van de Poll and Pant the Town Photography's Darlene Woodward who explore the profound connection between the Enneagram and navigating the emotional journey of losing a beloved pet. Wendy shares her unique approach to pet loss grief, which combines her extensive experience in animal communication, mediumship and the Enneagram. Wendy explains how understanding the nine personality types of the Enneagram can offer invaluable insights and tools for coping with grief. She delves into the different ways head, heart, and gut types experience and process grief, providing practical advice on how to use this ancient system to foster healing and self-awareness during such a challenging time. Darlene, a true Type 4, shares her personal experience with grief and how the Enneagram has helped her understand and manage her emotions better, while Wendy offers tips on how to get started with the Enneagram, recommending specific books and resources to help guide you on this transformative journey. What to listen for Wendy's journey with the Enneagram The three body types under the Enneagram How the types differ when encountering pet loss grief How Wendy applies the Enneagram to her animal medium sessions Why understanding our Enneagram number can help us cope with grief Where to Find Wendy Website Facebook LinkedIn Resources Mentioned in This Episode  The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Russ Hudson and Don Richard Riso You Are More Than a Type by Tammy Hendrix --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

According to her business's Facebook page Brittni Heywood spreads  contagious kindness. And fitness for dogs. Brittni is the owner of Potential Unleashed in Kuna, Idaho … heyo, just down the road from me … and she is dedicated to improving dog behavior, manners and fitness. That's right, she's a dog trainer. With a twist. Sure, she'll teach humans how to get our dogs to sit, stay and heel but she's much more into getting -- and keeping --- our dogs fit and healthy. Brittni also just launched the P.U.P., or Potential Unleashed Pool, a water dog's private paradise. She's built on an acre-and-a-half of her property a swimming pool and a large, fenced-in play area that humans can rent for two hours of playtime with their dogs.  Brittni joins me today to share her expertise in canine fitness, highlighting how personalized fitness routines can significantly enhance our dogs' health and extend their lifespan. Certified in both  behavior and canine fitness, she gives us valuable insights into keeping dogs of all ages active and healthy. What to Listen For Importance of maintaining a healthy weight for dogs Tailored fitness routines for puppies, adults, and senior dogs Exercises like cavaletti for muscle development and mobility Collaboration with rehab centers for post-injury fitness Enhancing the human-dog bond through fitness activities Understanding and advocating for your dog's health Where to find Brittni Potential Unleashed IdahoP.U.P. IdahoFacebookInstagram What to listen forWhere to find Brittni --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Her first spoken word was "cat." Even before she said "mama" and "dada." And the cat didn't even like her. Today's guest is Tracy Munson, my good friend from lower shebobia New Brunswick. Lower shebobia … ha … it's technically Hillsborough, New Brunswick, a small community about a half hour south of Moncton and right on the Petitcodiac River. About a three-hour drive from the little town in Nova Scotia where I grew up. But she's not from there. She's a Toronto girl, from the Big Smoke, where she plied her trade as a veterinary technician. The work got to her, though. Being in veterinary medicine is hard. It may be the only industry we know where it is a responsibility to end life. Tracy recognized she was in burnout mode and started planning her escape … to becoming a pet photographer. She's now a recognized leader in Canadian pet photography and an award winner in both pet photography and landscape photography. Today, we have a discussion about careers in vet medicine and the trials and tribulations that lie within. What to listen for 5:23 Vicarious trauma and its impact on animal shelter workers 11:53 The emotional toll of euthanizing sick and injured animals 17:53 How support in the field is improving for animal shelter workers 28:28 Compounding trauma with the grief from her own loss 40:00 How the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll 41:50 Why prioritizing your exit plan can make all the difference Resources mentioned Dr. Faith Banks on TikTok Compassion Fatigue in Animal Shelter/Rescue Workers Practice Compassionate Badassery with Jessica Dolce The Art of Being Kind to Your Vet --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Spray-dried plasma is the new kid on the scene of pet health supplements. What is it? It's a powder formed by exposing the liquid part of blood to high heat. The process preserves the bioactive components of plasma that offering numerous benefits for our companion animals, from joint health to immune function. And it's the key active ingredient in WinProPet products. Tim Mitchum, president and CEO of WinProPet, joins us this week to break it all down for us. When his own chihuahua stopped jumping onto the couch for cuddles, he tried WinProPet's hip and joint chews and became inspired by Roxy's transformation. That's when he joined the company, bringing his business acumen and deep love of dogs to the table. Tim shares his expertise on the benefits of supplements for our pets and the testimonials that undergird his belief in the product. And if you're a cat person, fear not! WinProPet just launched its line of feline-dedicated products. If you'd like to give WinProPet supplements a try with your pet, go to WinProPet.com and type ONE20 in the discount code box on the checkout page for 20% off a one-time purchase or your first order of a subscription. What to listen for 5:46 How plasma is the "natural enemy" of inflammation 9:02 Scientists discover its spray-dried form reduced mortality rate from 20% to 1% in piglets 17:21 Spray-dried plasma can improve a cat's oral health 21:27 How to look for pet supplements that can help your cat or dog Where to find WinProPet WinProPet.com Instagram Facebook TikTok Other questions you might have Are WinProPet supplements suitable for all dog breeds? While WinProPet supplements are generally well-tolerated by most dogs, individual preferences and health conditions may vary. It's recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your pet's diet. How long does it take to see results with WinProPet supplements? Results may vary depending on factors such as the pet's age, health status, and the specific supplement being used. Some pet owners report seeing improvements within a few weeks, while others may require longer-term supplementation for noticeable benefits. Are WinProPet supplements safe for long-term use? Yes, WinProPet supplements are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients and are designed for long-term use to support ongoing pet health and wellness. However, it's advisable to follow recommended dosage guidelines and monitor your pet's response over time. Can WinProPet supplements be used alongside other medications or treatments? WinProPet supplements are generally safe to use alongside other medications or treatments, but it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure compatibility and avoid potential interactions. Do WinProPet supplements require refrigeration? WinProPet supplements are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. However, it's recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal freshness and efficacy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Things are going to change around here. Said not in the tone my father used to say those words ... The topics of grief, loss and pet loss grief are heavy, and I understand that not every episode is easy to listen to, especially if you're in grief. It's taken its toll on me too. To care better care of myself, we're rebranding from One Last Network to The Companions Collective and diversifying the content we're going to offer. Look forward to discussions on a broader range of pet-related topics, including the profound connection between human and companion animal and the incredible projects my professional pet photographer friends are using to change the world. Let's emBARK on this next stage of the journey! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Lynn Sehnert of Lance and Lili Photography covering the Washington, D.C., area takes the mic today and interviews Jessey Scheip, a licensed veterinary technician with a specialty in behavior. Jessey also has training certification from the Karen Pryor Academy and has worked with Dr. Amy Pike of the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia. That's where Lynn met Jessey, looking for help with her sweet boy Lance. Jessey enjoys teaching pet guardians how to understand their pets and how to use behavior principles to ensure they grow together and live their best lives together. Today, Lynn and Jessey have an in-depth discussion about canine cognitive disorder. What to listen for How Jessey fills a void between veterinary behaviorists and standard trainers What symptoms should pet guardians watch for to notice CCD Why pet guardians should track their pets' health changes Treatment options for canine cognitive dysfunction When to decide it's time to say goodbye Where to find Jessey Mindful Mentor Behavior Consulting Facebook Other episodes you may find interesting The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 1, with Dr. Kyle Bohland The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 2, with Dr. Kyle Bohland The Art of Aging Gracefully with Dr. Dennis Wormald --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

You may have heard of animal chaplains. They are spiritual caregivers who provide support and comfort to individuals who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal or who are facing difficult decisions related to their pets' health and wellbeing. And then there's Scott Campbell, veterinary chaplain. Veterinary chaplains are rare in the United States. Scott is one of just a handful of these trained professionals who provide emotional and spiritual support to veterinary staff, in addition to pet guardians and the animals in veterinary settings. There are even fewer of them affiliated with a university, and Scott practices his craft at Washington State University, just down the road from me in Pullman, Washington. A veterinary chaplain's role may seem similar to that of a chaplain in human healthcare but individuals like Scott focus specifically on the unique challenges and emotional experiences within the veterinary medicine realm. Scott joins me on the podcast today to share his journey into veterinary chaplaincy and his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of pets, pet guardians and the world-class team at WSU, affectionately known in these parts as WAZZU. We talk about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession, including its high suicide rates, and how his own experiences are motivating him to establish the American Association for Veterinary Chaplains. Have a listen as Scott shares how he aims to alleviate the emotional burdens of the veterinary community and foster healing for those of us who suffer as our companion animals need care. What to listen for How Scott ensures WSU clients feel comfortable and heard Why a veterinary chaplain must be prepared to address a variety of belief structures The evolution of companion animals as family members in society What Scott finds more rewarding about veterinary chaplaincy Scott hosts a series of events called Celebration of Life and Remembrance for our Animal Companions for pet guardians to grieve and honor the lives of their precious babes. The event will feature a Remembrance Garland Ceremony, during which participants write messages on ribbons and attach them to a garland that's hung outside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU in Pullman. The next one is set for Saturday, April 13, at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It starts at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m. and Scott suggests it's a good idea to arrive early to prepare a ribbon for the garland. A social hour follows from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Are we doing better? And can we do better yet? These are the questions I had for Dr. Dani McVety, the cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia with Dr. Mary Gardner. Lap of Love is a national network of veterinary doctors who offer hospice care and peaceful euthanasia in the comfort of a pet's home. When Dani was prepping a family for a euthanasia one night at the emergency clinic where she was working shortly after graduating from veterinary school, her client said, "Please, can you leave her on my lap? I don't want her on that cold sterile table. I want her right here with me." That wasn't clinic policy, though. Dani said yes. And it was at that moment, she knew that's what every pet deserves, to be in the place where they are most comfortable … their guardian's lap. Lap of Love was born, and now 15 years later, Dani and her cofounder are advocates for ways the veterinary world can improve the euthanasia process for pets and their families. After all, the word "euthanasia" is Greek for "eu," or easy, and "thanatos," or death. Easy death. Let's find out what that really means. What to listen for How end of life care has evolved for veterinarians The importance of honoring a pet's journey Why pet guardians need a comfortable, supportive space How a better experience can shift the end of life process Normalizing hospice care in veterinary medicine Where to find Dr. Dani McVety Lap of Love Dr. Dani McVety (for speaking engagements) Lap of Love Facebook Lap of Love Instagram Lap of Love YouTube --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support