The Long Leash with James Jacobson

You’ve come home from work to discover evidence your dog has diarrhea. Ugh. It continues, and you call the vet. No appointments for two weeks, unless you want to pay for an emergency visit … but this doesn’t seem like a huge emergency. Most veterinary visits are for the same few problems. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could get basic health tests – like fresh poop samples you scrape off your floor – done from home, and get the results back in time for your scheduled veterinary visit? Today we are speaking with CEO Jen Hagness of MySimplePetLab, the first from home general wellness company. MySimplePetLab offers at-home and from-clinic testing kits for dogs and cats. The test kits are designed by veterinarians, and MySimplePetLab provides the tests, shipping to their lab for testing, and the results delivered to both you and your vet.  Jen shares with us the benefits to pet parents and veterinarians of these kits, and what the future may hold for at home testing. Episode Links MySimplePetLab This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 00:00 Start 02:56 MySimplePetLab 07:33 Traditional Pet Parents vs. Modern Pet Parents 11:33 Gold Standard Testing 12:59 Vets Included 15:29 2023 Teaser 20:02 Telemedicine 30:29 Being a CEO About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have grieved the loss of our dogs ever since they first became man's best friend, thousands of years ago. Everyone experiences loss in their own way, but it is a pain that is shared by everyone who has ever loved a dog. But is there anything you can do to prepare for that grief? Our guest Nancy Gordon works to raise awareness about the different stages of pet grief, and how to process the guilt and heartache from end-of-life decisions. As a licensed clinical social worker and certified life coach, Nancy understands the pain of loss through her personal journey. After a terrible car accident, she had to leave her practice and focus on her own recovery with chronic illness and debilitating pain. Relief from the pain (both physical and mental) came to her through her service dogs, Pink and Toaster. But then, the inevitable happened. Both of her service dogs had to cross over the rainbow bridge and Nancy was left navigating that loss. Taking what she learned from that experience, Nancy continues to help others through the dark days that follow the death of a beloved pet. In today’s touching conversation, Jim and Nancy discuss anticipatory grief and how facing that inevitable loss ahead of time can help transform that experience for you and your dog. Episode Links Nancy Gordon I Miss You Already: Bearing the Unbearable Loss of Your Pet by Nancy Gordon This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:22 Start of Interview 4:45 Unhealed Grief 7:30 The 7 Stages of Grief 29:22 Jim’s Pet Loss Therapy Session 38:05 Continuted Bond 42:41 How to Find the Right Therapist 47:24 Outro About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show we discuss the history and evolution of dog training. Dog training now looks very different than it did just a few decades ago. It used to be commonly accepted that the best way to train a dog was to punish them when they did something wrong. Whether it was spanking them, rubbing their nose in their accidents, or using choke chains or shock collars. But things are changing. This evolution of dog training has taken us from punishment and pain training, to something much more powerful. Shannon Riley-Coyner created Truly Force Free animal training to help you train your dog without using pain or fear. Shannon has over 30 years of experience training dogs and is optimistic about the direction her industry is heading: towards more positive reinforcement. On today’s episode, Shannon shares with us the evolution of dog training, what science tells us about how dogs learn, and what to look for in a trainer. Episode Links Force Free Dog Training The Evolution of Dog Training by Shannon Riley-Coyner This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 12:24 The Neck is Very Vulnerable 16:01 Trauma Bond 27:20 Picking A Trainer 29:10 Group Training vs. One-on-One 30:56 Online Training Videos About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show: dog geniuses. What does it mean to be a truly gifted dog? Researcher Dr. Claudia Fugazza has been on a mission to better understand how dogs learn. She is particularly interested in the dogs that can memorize dozens of toy names. Everyone thinks they have the smartest dog in the world (or at least the best!) but what makes a dog a prodigy? Dogs like Chaser, a border collie who has purportedly learned the name of over 1,000 toy names! But that kind of talent is very rare. And it’s not well known why they are able to do this. Is it breed? The way they were trained? Were they just born talented? Dr. Fugazza and her colleagues at the University of Budapest want to find more. Thus, the Genius Dog Challenge was born.  In her search to better understand talent and language in dogs, Dr. Fugazza has started an online initiative to study smart dogs around. In this conversation, we delve into the world of dog learning, and you will find out how to test if your dog is a genius. Episode Links Genius Dog Challenge The Long Leash #61 Sit, Stay, Speak...with Buttons! With Leo Trottier This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 2:30 What is a Smart Dog? 14:21 Talent in Dogs 24:40 Rico and Chaser-Genius Dogs 30:27 Do As I Do 36:52 Episodic Memory 43:56 Is Your Dog a Genius? 49:12 Outro About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s show we hear from Jen Danna, a crime novelist whose FBI K9 novel series explores the world of FBI agent Meg Jennings and her search-and-rescue dog Hawk. If you’re thinking “I thought that series was written by Sara Driscoll,” you’re right. Sara Driscoll is a joint pen name for Danna, a Canadian infectious disease researcher, and her co-author, Ann Vanderlaan, a Texan oil biz technical writer.  Their very different work and their shared passion for writing inspired them to pen seven novels under their joint pseudonym. Danna’s dedication to scientific accuracy drives her storytelling. She shares what she has learned about the deep connection between FBI working dogs and their handlers.  Danna also talks about the seventh novel in their series, “Still Waters,” which has been published half-posthumously after Vanderlaan’s death earlier this year. Even as she celebrates the new novel, Danna reflects on how she will continue Meg Jennings’ story now that she has lost her other writing half. Episode Links Still Waters: An FBI K9 Novel by Sara Driscoll (aka Jen Danna and Ann Vanderlaan) Jen Danna official website Bouchercon World Mystery Convention Does the Dog Die The Long Leash Episode #57 My Life Transformed by a Golden Angel with writing legend Dean Koontz Dog Edition Episode #71 From the Titanic to Queen Mary 2: Transatlantic Dogs This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox.  About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Too many people face a cold reality when their dog gets sick: they want to give vet care, but simply cannot afford it. Ways to cope vary, including hoping and wishing the problem will disappear on its own, reducing pain and other medication use to “make them last,” and even euthanizing a dog who might recover with proper care. It’s devastating for the family members and the veterinarians and their staff who must help them make these terrible choices. When money is the issue, and money is not there, no question has an easy answer. Our guest today is Dr. Michael Blackwell, the founder of AlignCare Health. His organization is a national, community-funded One Health interprofessional system that helps families with limited means get access to veterinary care. In other words, he helps keep families together, regardless of species. Dr. Michael Blackwell’s received his calling to help after hearing about a veteran whose dog was put to sleep because he could not afford his treatments. What was the problem? A police officer had shot his dog (unjustly), and the resulting injuries required extensive and expensive procedures. The veteran’s utter loss and devastating pain “lit a fire” in Dr. Blackwell’s soul. That’s when the high-ranking government official and educator decided to start breaking down economic barriers that prevent pets and their families from getting the care they need. Dr. Blackwell joins us for an in-depth, moving discussion about how our pet’s care influences our own health and healthcare, and why affordable veterinary care is critical to our health as a species and citizens. Episode Links Access to Veterinary Care-Barriers, Current Practices, and Public Policy A project of the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition, Dec 2018 AlignCare Health official website This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 2:26 Start of Interview 4:09 The Event that Changed Everything 6:38 1 in 4 Families Lack the Ability to Pay for Vet Care 8:58 Phycological Benefits of Having a Pet 11:32 Economic Barriers to Vet Care 13:05 Status of Pet Insurance 17:03 Health Benefits Associated with Pet Ownership 19:21 What is AlignCare? 22:47 AlignCare in Los Angeles 34:55 The Emotional and Financial Stress of Being a Vet 45:54 The Importance of Public Servants 50:09 First Minority Dean of a Major Vet College 54:14 Future of AlignCare 56:52 Outro About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every dog-loving human has their own idea about what being dog-friendly means. For some, it’s the neighbor who switches to non-toxic snail bait. For others, it’s a dog water bowl in front of a business, or a grassy dog park in an otherwise quiet neighborhood. But some humans have bigger ideas, like creating dog-friendly architecture and dog-friendly legislation. Dog-friendly school curriculums and dog-friendly business models. How do we include human's best friend in our life design efforts? Beth Miller, the founder of Wagtown, joins us to talk about the macroeconomic and health benefits of dog-friendly planning. Her non-profit helps communities define what dog-friendly means to them … and then become more dog friendly. In Miller’s world, dollars follow dogs. Creating more dog-friendly spaces impacts economic development, business growth, housing markets … and even our own lifespans, which are longer when we share them with dogs. Wagtown has been involved in many dog-friendly planning projects. Beth shares how they changed patio laws for the state of Ohio in a “Pups on Patio” campaign. Wagtown also assisted local law enforcement officers in building a working relationship with community dog walkers. Listen and be inspired to create a more dog-friendly future for all humanity! Episode Links Wagtown This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:36 What does it mean to be dog-friendly? 3:12 Dog friendliness desert 4:50 Dog friendliness is a factor of location 8:29 What is Wagtown? 13:22 Interviewing 600 people 14:25 What to consider when building a new dog park 19:22 Building dog friendly spaces 20:26 The economic benefits of being dog-friendly 21:00 Pups on patios 27:19 Future of a dog-friendly society 29:09 Dog walkers working with law enforcement 30:52 Outro About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you pair wine with something that’s not food? Our guest today says it’s simple: compare the personalities and traits of both. And yes, you can pair wine with dogs! Michele Gargiulo, certified sommelier, wanted to sprinkle some joy into the winery world, which she says takes itself far too seriously. In her book Pairing Paws, Gargiulo discerns the distinctive personalities of various vintages and a multitude of mutts … and makes a compelling argument for which goes with what. Sound weird? Maybe. Not everyone thought this book was a good idea. Gargiulo’s personal story about writing and publishing her quirky and fabulous book started out as a romantic adventure tale, but soon turned tragic when her boyfriend died. Gargiulo credits her dog, Riesling, with keeping her moving and bringing love and light back into her story. Episode Links Pairing Paws by Michele Gargiulo Azores Wine Company Arinto dos Açores White to be paired with Maltese This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:26 Pairing Paws the book 11:19 Pairing dogs with wine 15:49 How do you publish a book? 22:31 What it REALLY means to be a master sommelier 24:02 Making the wine world more accessible 26:24 Surviving the loss of a loved one 30:16 Outro About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For more than two decades Dr. Renée Alsarraf treated cancer in her canine patients. Then, at age fifty-one, she was diagnosed with cancer herself … and so was her boxer, Newton. The healing nature of their bond helped Dr. Alsarraf fight. Newton acted as her guide dog through chemo, therapy, and recovery. Dr. Alsarraf joins us to share what’s she learned about cancer from her own ordeal. There are similarities in between the species that she understands more deeply than ever. The lessons she learned on her journey she incorporates into her current veterinary practice. Now cancer-free, Dr. Alsarraf connects with the parents of sick animals with a new level of empathy and experience. Dogs teach us how to live well, if we pay attention – and Dr. Alsarraf pays attention. She has chronicled her extraordinary experience in her book “Sit, Stay, Heal.” Episode Links Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach us About Living Well by Dr. Renée Alsarraf This episode is sponsored in part by EverPup and BarkBox. About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veterinarians are animal lovers, and many expect their career to be all about spending quality time with animals. Reality is a little different, though. First, veterinary school is hard. It’s also expensive. When vets graduate, their starting yearly salary might be half of their debt burden. Practicing animal medicine is an emotional roller coaster, and every day features new and more loop-the-loops. Over the course of a single workday, a general practice veterinarian goes from handling a playful kitten to helping someone understand their pet is dying. This daily fluctuation in emotional tone is sometimes called the killing-caring paradox. It can take a heavy toll on caregivers. And now things are changing. Pet health providers have responded to pet parents viewing their dogs and cats as family members. The medicine is better, the vet practice is safer, and the stakes are even higher than they have been. Where does that leave the veterinarians? On today’s show, we discuss changes in veterinary medicine, and how to improve wellness for those who care for our pets. George Melillo is the CEO and founder of a chain of veterinary hospitals called Heart + Paw. In his hospitals, the veterinarian’s mental well-being is the priority … with the aim of improving pet care, as well. George Melillo’s innovations may seem simple, but they could be seen as revolutionary. Aiming to reduce stress in an incredibly stressful profession, he gives veterinarians more autonomy when it comes to scheduling and includes pet parents are included in all aspects of care. Join us as Dr. Melillo explains why his business approach will help animals and veterinarians alike. Episode Links Heart + Paw Chapters [00:00:00] Teaser [00:00:14] Introduction [00:01:41] Introducing George Melillo [00:03:54] The Challenging Career of Veterinary Professionals [00:06:04] High Rates of Veterinarian Suicide [00:07:15] Creating a Safe Space for Veterinarians [00:13:47] Changes in the Vet Industry [00:16:33] Changes in the Industry as a Result of COVID [00:22:55] Heart + Paw [00:24:57] Giving Advice to your Past Self [00:26:17] Outro About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on the show, Valerie Reid, who started the non-profit Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary. The mission? To provide an extraordinary retirement community for senior dogs who find themselves unhoused and unhumaned. Elderly dogs find their way to Valerie for one of several reasons. Their human may have passed, and their surviving family members can’t provide proper care. Other dogs come from horrendous hoarding situations. Others are rescued from horrible conditions at drug houses. Peanut, who watches over Valerie throughout this conversation, is a drug house rescue. As he sits on Valerie’s lap, you would never guess this serene little one-eyed gentleman was found blistered and scalded and in desperate need of care. He was left in a cage in 90-degree weather with no food or water. Those who used the drug house he was rescued from didn’t let him out to pee, so he had terrible urine scald. His skin was blistered from the beating sun. Who would take in such a pathetic creature, who had so much need? Whispering Willows, Valerie’s nonprofit. Whispering Willows is a senior dogs’ paradise. A gracious home on five acres of fenced property in Missouri gives them shelter and food and companionship for the rest of their days. The dogs are never left alone or caged. They have free range to go where they want, whenever they want. They receive 24-hour care and live as a family with their Caregivers. They are never, ever alone, right up until the end. About Valerie Reid Valerie Reid is the President and Founder of Whispering Willows. Since starting the sanctuary, Whispering Willows has been able to offer full time care for over 600 senior dogs. Over 550 of those seniors have passed over the Rainbow Bridge, with love being whispered until their last breath. Episode Links Whispering Willows Senior Dog Sanctuary About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Marty Becker has devoted his life to helping animals in need. For many years he made regular appearances on national TV shows such as Good Morning America and Dr. Oz. That is where he got his moniker as America’s Vet. He has owned or co-owned seven different veterinary hospitals, lectured to veterinarians on six continents, and has written 25 books (selling over 8 million copies with three New York Times bestsellers).  On today’s show, Dr. Marty Becker shares the impact fear can have on your dog—especially when it comes to vet visits. He believes fear is the worst thing any social species can experience, and it is his mission to educate pet professionals and pet owners to eliminate fear-filled experiences. That’s why he founded Fear Free. Dr. Marty Becker and his team are taking the “pet” out of “petrified” by eliminating and alleviating fear, anxiety, and stress in pets. What should you look for when selecting a vet? How can you make the waiting room experience less stressful? How do you examine a pet on their terms? Dr. Marty Becker tells all in this incredible discussion. He also gives us a sneak peak into a new direction of pet health, and its nothing to yawn about... About Dr. Marty Becker Dr. Becker was the resident veterinary contributor on "Good Morning America" for 17 years. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of American Humane as well as its Chief Veterinary Correspondent. His special fondness for older pets has led him to a spot on the Advisory Board of The Grey Muzzle Organization, which is dedicated to helping homeless senior dogs. A passionate advocate for the human-animal bond, Dr. Becker practices at North Idaho Animal Hospital because he loves veterinary medicine, pets, and the people who care for them. Dr. Marty Becker: https://www.drmartybecker.com/ Episode Links Dog Edition episode #55: The Lost Dogs of War in Ukraine Fear Free pets About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s likely that you have watched some of the animals Mark Harden has trained. Do any of these titles ring a bell: Stuart Little, Hachiko, Dracula, Arachnophobia, or Pirates of the Caribbean? Mark takes us behind the scenes to show us the art of animal training and Hollywood production. How do you use makeup to make a dog look old? How do you keep a dog actor in perpetual puppyhood? How has CGI transformed animal acting in Hollywood? After forty years in the business, there isn’t anything Mark doesn’t know. Mark has trained many species, but he says dogs are special. They can learn complex behaviours and portray a range of emotions that most other animals simply cannot. During this conversation, Mark shares with us the life of a wild animal trainer who transitioned to working in Hollywood … who has embraced the occupational hazard of adopting dogs from the set. About Mark Harden  Hollywood animal trainer Mark Harden has worked with and trained animals of all sizes and species, from elephants to ants. In a career spanning over four decades, he has trained animals to act on the sets of major blockbuster hits, like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story, Dennis the Menace, and Captain Marvel. He has been married to Lori since 1983. They have three children. Mark Harden IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0362103/ About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Throughout her life, super swimmer Lynne Cox has been making waves; she has swum the Nile, around the Cape of Good Hope, and more than a mile in Antarctic waters. She was also the first person to swim the Bering Strait. This accomplishment earned her praise from both U.S. President Reagan and Soviet leader Gorbachev. Lynne has swum nearly 55,000 miles (that’s two trips around the world!) in dangerous, open water. So, when she saw a video of a rescue dog fearlessly leaping from a helicopter, she was mesmerized. On today’s show, Lynne shares how she recognized a kindred spirit in that daredevil dog, and how she joined the Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs. What does it take for a chocolate Newfoundland named Al to become an expert water rescue dog? A lot of heart, a couple of dog treats, and one furry hero. Cover art image provided by: Steven Gronfenbrenner Episode Links Italian School of Water Rescue Dogs (SICS): http://www.academyofwaterrescue.org/ About Lynne Cox Lynne Cox is an American long-distance open-water swimmer, motivational speaker, and author. Over the course of more than 35 years, Lynne accomplished swims setting world records and opening borders, contributed to medical research, supported environmental causes, and inspired people to overcome great obstacles. She is best known for her swim across the Bering Strait from the United States to the Soviet Union 7 August 1987. She twice held the overall record for the fastest crossing of the English Channel from England to France and has completed over 60 challenging swims around the world, holding over 50 world records. Lynne Cox: https://www.lynnecox.com/ Books Written by Lynne Cox Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer Tales of Al: The Water Rescue Dog Swimming in the Sink: A Memoir About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do dogs have abstract thoughts? What do they dream about? Do they understand us? Do they know each other’s names? We have so many questions! And lately, it seems, we may be getting answers … from dogs themselves. Cognitive scientist Leo Trottier is confirming what dog lovers already suspect: our pets have complex inner lives and can directly communicate with humans. He is gathering evidence for his hypothesis using recordable communication buttons. Leo is the CEO of Clever Path. His company has developed a tool dog parents use to record commands like “outside” or “playtime” into an easy-to-press button. There is no limit to the number of buttons that can be added, nor the “conversations” you can have with your dog. In this interview, Leo shares the science behind these talking buttons and the psychology of communication. He also shares what he hopes will come next in his research.  With new technology on the horizon, getting a text message from your dog while at work isn’t so far-fetched. About Leo Trottier Leo Trottier is a unique blend of cognitive scientist, software engineer, product designer, and entrepreneur. He is founder and CEO of CleverPet, a startup that uses smart hardware to teach pets automatically through advanced cognitive and behavioral science techniques. Leo is an alumnus of San Diego’s EvoNexus and the Qualcomm Robotics Accelerator (powered by Techstars). He has a degree from the cognitive science and A.I. program at the University of Toronto, and started CleverPet while a PhD candidate at UC San Diego. Before CleverPet, Leo ran Scholarpedia, Wikipedia’s academic equivalent, where he worked with Nobel Laureates to “wikify scholarly canons.” FluentPet’s website: https://fluent.pet/ The original talking buttons on CleverPet: https://clever.pet/ Question forum for CleverPet buttons: https://how.theycantalk.org/c/home Episode Links See the video of the grieving cat here. FluentPet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fluentpet/ FluentPet on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FluentPet FluentPet on Twitter: https://twitter.com/fluentpet About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jane Cowan is an Australian journalist who has reported from around the world, including as a foreign correspondent in the United States. But as life would have it, her biggest assignment as an investigative journalist would be her own attempt to save her dog’s life. Jane spent 20 years at Australia’s national broadcaster the ABC, reporting internationally on the biggest news stories and most elevated subjects, winning awards along the way. Upon her return home to Australia to work as a photojournalist, she (finally) adopted the dog she’d longed for over the years. Her joy over her new puppy, Shiva, a boxer, didn’t last. The happy, healthy 18-month-old suddenly found himself unable to bend down or move his neck. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition and prescribed steroids as treatment. But the steroids risked organ damage … leading Jane to wonder about alternatives. Her investigative journey lead her into the sometimes counter-intuitive world of canine health and wellbeing. Soon, she was leveraging her decades in hard news reportage to write a book on how to raise a healthier dog. About Jane Cowan  Jane Cowan is the author of Supercanine: How to Raise a Healthier Dog or Revitalize a Sick One. The book is drawn from her experiences restoring her own dog’s health after drug damage caused by steroids prescribed for an autoimmune condition. Jane spent two decades as an award-winning journalist for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, including six years as a foreign correspondent based in the United States, before walking away from it all to apply her investigative training to canine health and wellbeing. She writes the Boxer Dog Diaries, a comprehensive resource for Boxer owners and the blog Shiny Happy Doggy.  The Boxer Dog Diaries: https://boxerdogdiaries.com/ Shiny Happy Doggy: https://shinyhappydoggy.com/home/ Episode Links Supercanine book: https://boxerdogdiaries.com/book-supercanine/ How to Raw Feed Your Dog online course: https://www.subscribepage.com/s4h5g1 About Dog Podcast Network (DPN) DPN is the first of its kind. A podcasting network as devoted to dogs, as they are to us. Our mission is simple: entertain, inspire and inform. We will improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows: Dog Edition: our flagship show where a global team of dog-obsessed journalists and storytellers feature news, in-depth reporting, analysis, features, and interview segments Dog Cancer Answers: which offers vetted advice from real veterinarians who answer your questions about dog cancer Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wildfires move rapidly and destroy everything in their path within minutes. In the chaos of evacuation, many have little warning and must leave immediately. Some don't even have time to grab a family member's urn. Can these cremains be recovered in the devastation? Alex DeGeorgey is the principal investigator at an archaeological consulting firm. When a coworker lost his home in a wildfire (and his father's urn inside), Alex wanted to help. He discovered a way to incorporate the incredible power of dog’s noses into his archaeological toolbox.  Working with the Institute for Canine Forensics, Alex founded the Alta Heritage Foundation. Their mission? To provide solace to families who have lost their loved ones, twice. In today’s show, Alex shares with us how dogs are helping recover those precious cremains. About Alta Heritage Foundation It is our mission is to use applied archaeology techniques in support of humanitarian efforts; to provide heritage educational opportunities; to foster historic preservation events; to address climate change impacts to cultural resources; and to provide support to students, academic institutions, and non-profit organizations conducting archaeology or historic preservation activities. https://altahf.org/ About Alex DeGeorgey Alex’s professional career began in 1994. Since that time, he has completed projects with both public agencies and the private sector engaged in the management of cultural resources. He manages prehistoric and historic-era resources investigations, including directing large-scale field studies and assembling field teams. https://www.altaac.com/ About The Long Leash Dogs know that the most delicious and nourishing treats are often found on the ground. In The Long Leash, we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show. Go behind the scenes of a fledgling podcast network dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!   Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows.  Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An exile from Corporate America, Ward Serrill sought the untamed Alaskan wilderness to discover himself … and found himself fighting off demons from his abusive childhood. Alone in a cabin far from other humans, despairing and lonely, he found himself in communion with one other person: his yellow Labrador. Woody’s steadfast companionship and love inspired Ward to gather his courage, confront his past, and change his future. Their extraordinary story is captured in Serrill’s memoir, To Crack the World Open. Join us as the author and award-winning documentary filmmaker leads a heart-to-heart conversation about love, dogs, healing ... and how imagination can often conjure up our best self-therapy. About Ward Serrill Ward Serrill is the award-winning writer and director of The Heart of the Game, released by Miramax to wide critical acclaim as well as The Bowmakers. He has created more than ninety short films including Building One House with Robert Redford and Wild America with Sissy Spacek. His fourth feature, Dancing with the Dead: the Life and Times of Red Pine, is in production. Ward’s memoir, To Crack the World Open – Solitude, Alaska, and a Dog Named Woody is published by Girl Friday Books. To purchase To Crack the Word Open – Solitude, Alaska, and a Dog Named Woody by Ward Serrill, click here. For more about Dancing with the Dead, Red Pine and the Art of Translation, click here. https://wardserrill.com/ Episode Links Dog Edition: Dogs as Healers About The Long Leash Dogs know that the most delicious and nourishing treats are often found on the ground. In The Long Leash, we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show. Go behind the scenes of a fledgling podcast network dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them.   If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!   Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows.  Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dean Koontz has written more than 100 novels and sold over 500 million copies worldwide. And just like us, this international bestselling author absolutely loves dogs. In this special episode, Dean shares his story of a life transformed by the love of a good dog.  An admitted workaholic, Dean says he only learned to live in the moment after he adopted Trixie, his golden retriever. Not only did she enforce reasonable working hours, but she taught the writing legend to open his eyes to the wonder of the world around them. Join us for a conversation about loving and respecting dogs, and the pivotal role that they play in our lives.  Episode Links Canine Companions for Independence: https://canine.org/ “The Big Dark Sky” by Dean Koontz: https://www.deankoontz.com/my-new-novel-available-for-pre-order-2/ About Dean Koontz International bestselling author Dean Koontz has written more than 105 novels, a number of novellas and short stories, and has sold over 500 million copies to date. Fourteen of his novels have risen to number one on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list, making him one of only a dozen writers ever to have achieved that milestone. After graduating from Shippensburg State College Dean Koontz wrote nights and weekends around other jobs to launch his career as an author. With the support of his wife Gerda, Dean eventually made his mark and she eventually quit her job to run the business end of her husband’s writing career. The couple live in Southern California with their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens now passed, Trixie and Anna.  https://www.deankoontz.com/ About The Long Leash Dogs know that the most delicious and nourishing treats are often found on the ground. In The Long Leash, we rescue tasty scraps from the editing room floor in an unscripted interview show. Go behind the scenes of a fledgling podcast network dedicated to helping improve the quality of life for dogs and the people who love them. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!   Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows.  Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many dogs have helped men with presidential ambitions get elected, and one even helped a President prevent nuclear catastrophe. Andrew Hager, Historian-in-Residence at the Presidential Pet Museum, joins host James Jacobson to discuss the presidential pooches who have pooped on the White House lawn. Ronald Reagan had Lucky. JFK was gifted Pushinka. Richard Nixon defended Checkers. Most American Presidents have been dog lovers, too … even dogs so naughty one was named Satan. Andrew tells tall tales about the dogs we’ve loved, including our current #DOTUS (Dog of the United States), and the first shelter dog, Major.  About Andrew Hager Andrew Hager has been historian-in-residence at the Presidential Pet Museum since 2017. Prior to that, he spent a decade teaching middle school social studies for Baltimore County Public Schools. He graduated from Towson University with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a Master’s in the Art of Teaching. Andrew understands firsthand the power of a canine companion. He is legally blind and travels with a black Labrador Retriever guide dog named Sammy. Andrew also has two cats, a fish, and a fluffy mixed-breed rescue dog named Emmy. About ALL-AMERICAN DOGS: A History of Presidential Pets from Every Era by Andrew Hager Not only is the book filled with incredible facts about presidential pets, but Hager includes his original research and some rare photographs from the National Archives to trace the history of America’s first dogs as well. Readers will learn not only past presidents’ dogs in each historical era, but also the cultural history of dogs as pets too. This book is perfect for pet-lovers and history-buffs alike! https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59314717-all-american-dogs About the Presidential Pet Museum Founded by Claire McClean in 1999, the Presidential Pet Museum was established as a means of preserving information, artifacts, and items related to the presidential pets in an educational and fun way. https://www.presidentialpetmuseum.com/ Episode Links Millie’s Book by Barbara Bush Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids’ Letters to the First Pets by Hillary Clinton https://theovalpawffice.com/ https://www.instagram.com/first_dogs_usa/ If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!   Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows.  Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices