Pets Add Life

Episode 141 explores the emotional lives of animals, from recognizing and treating separation anxiety to understanding how pets communicate through behavior, body language and the bonds they share with us. Hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine also discuss holiday travel decisions, an unusual new Girl Scout treat for dogs, and practical ways to strengthen relationships with birds and horses. Story Time features: Kristen highlights a Rover survey examining how pets influence Americans’ travel plans. According to the figures discussed in the episode, 71% of respondents prioritize their pets’ needs over their own vacation experiences, while 39% report having canceled an expensive trip at the last minute because of their pet. Chris introduces Patch Pals, a new dog biscuit collaboration between Girl Scouts and BARK. The blueberry muffin-flavored treats are expected to become available for direct shipping in January 2027, giving dogs their own way to participate in Girl Scout cookie season. Special Guests: Dr. Tracy Dice, Veterinarian & Medical Lead for Behavior Solutions at Zoetis Dr. Tracy Dice joins the podcast to explain why separation anxiety is a genuine behavioral health condition rather than simply disobedience or poor training. Drawing on nearly three decades in veterinary medicine, she discusses the early signs of fear, anxiety and stress, particularly during the holidays when travel, visitors and disrupted routines can create additional challenges for pets. She also introduces her "surround sound" approach to managing anxiety, combining veterinary evaluation, appropriate medication and behavior modification. The conversation explores evolving treatment options and the importance of developing individualized plans that address both emotional and physical well-being. Joan Ranquet, Animal Communicator, Author & Founder of Communication with All Life University Joan Ranquet shares her perspective on the intuitive connection between people and animals, including her belief that animals communicate through images, feelings and impressions beyond conventional body language. With more than 30 years of professional experience, Joan discusses her approach to animal communication, stories from her work with horses and wildlife, and ways she encourages people to become more attentive to their animals. She also introduces her book Animal Chakra Healing, exploring the relationship she sees between energy, emotions and the human-animal bond. Her discussion of telepathy and chakra healing reflects her personal practice and beliefs; these approaches are not established veterinary diagnostic or medical treatments. Pet Product Recommendations: Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Hair — a laundry-cleaning product featured for households dealing with accumulated pet hair. PawsPik 3-in-1 Convertible Plush Cave, Donut & Basket Pet Bed — a convertible bed designed to offer different cozy resting configurations for cats and small dogs. Q&A Topics: I have an African grey parrot who's incredibly expressive, using different sounds, body language and behaviors depending on my mood. Sometimes it feels like he knows exactly what I'm feeling. How emotionally tuned in are birds to their people, and what signals might we be overlooking? (Submitted by David from Tampa, FL) I recently got my first horse, and sometimes when I approach her, she walks away or turns her body from me. How can I tell whether she's asking for space, feeling uncomfortable or simply behaving naturally? What can I do to build more trust with her? (Submitted by Michelle from Kentucky) Related Links: Rover – 2026 Pet Parent Travel Survey – https://www.rover.com/blog/press-release/summer-travel/ Girl Scouts – Official Patch Pals Announcement – https://www.girlscouts.org/en/footer/press-room/2026-press-announcements/2027-new-cookies-patch-pals-sparkables.html Understanding Pet Anxiety – https://petanxietyawareness.com Zoetis Petcare – https://www.zoetispetcare.com Joan Ranquet – https://joanranquet.com Communication With All Life University – https://cwalu.com Animal Chakra Healing – https://joanranquet.com/animal-chakra-healing/ Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Pro – https://uprootclean.com/products/uproot-washing-machine-cleaner-pro PawsPik 3-in-1 Convertible Pet Bed – https://pawspik.com/pages/pet-beds American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV  

It’s Halloween on the Pets Add Life Podcast! Hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate spooky season with incredible pet costumes, custom stuffed-animal keepsakes, a true-crime podcast where animals help crack the case, and one of Brooklyn’s most beloved Halloween traditions. Plus, they share Halloween-themed products and important tips for keeping pets safe, comfortable and happy during the festivities. Story Time features: Kristen digs into the National Retail Federation’s 2026 Halloween survey, which projects Americans will spend $13.5 billion celebrating Halloween this year—including $920 million on pet costumes. Pumpkin remains the most popular pet costume, followed by hot dogs and ghosts. Chris shares the inspiring story of Sammy, a 12-year-old Chiweenie from New Jersey who uses a wheelchair after a spinal injury left him with mobility challenges. Sammy has become a local celebrity and Halloween superstar, winning six consecutive pet costume contests with elaborate costumes built around his wheels—including an unforgettable Amazon delivery truck. Special Guests: Scott Meier, CEO of Budsies & Petsies Scott Meier takes us behind the scenes at Petsies, where artists transform photographs of beloved pets into one-of-a-kind custom stuffed animals. He explains the detailed process of recreating everything from a pet’s markings and expressions to wheelchairs and Halloween costumes, and shares some of the emotional stories behind the keepsakes. Scott also discusses the deeper meaning these creations can have for families—from college students missing a pet back home to people looking for something tangible to hold after losing a beloved animal—and his work alongside The Sato Project and Wings of Rescue helping rescued dogs and cats from Puerto Rico reach new homes. Paula Quintana, Creator, Host & Producer of Dog Days of Murder Paula Quintana brings true crime to the Halloween special with Dog Days of Murder, her podcast exploring real cases in which animals played a role in uncovering the truth. Alongside her canine co-host Ein the Corgi, Paula investigates cases involving everything from search dogs and forensic evidence to animals whose behavior provided investigators with an unexpected clue. Paula shares how a conversation during a dog walk inspired the podcast, along with remarkable cases involving animals that helped save lives or connect investigators to crucial evidence. Alana Davis & Courtney Cox, Great PUPkin Event Coordinators, Fort Greene PUPS Alana Davis and Courtney Cox take us inside the Great PUPkin, Fort Greene Park’s legendary Halloween dog costume contest, now celebrating its 28th year. Alana also shares the story of her dog Howie, a Chiweenie who uses a wheelchair and won Best in Show in 2021 after Alana and Courtney transformed his wheels into an elaborate New York City hot dog cart. After experiencing the Great PUPkin first as spectators and then as winners, Alana and Courtney went on to help organize the beloved Brooklyn tradition themselves. Pet Product Recommendations: SodaPup Halloween Collection – https://sodapup.com/collections/halloween-collection BLUE Boo Bars Pumpkin & Cinnamon Dog Biscuits – https://www.bluebuffalo.com/dog-treats/blue/boo-bars-halloween-biscuits/ Q&A Topics: With candy everywhere, decorations, candles and trick-or-treaters constantly at the door, Halloween feels like a minefield for pets. What are the biggest Halloween hazards we should watch out for, and is there anything people are often surprised to learn can be dangerous? (Submitted by Lisa from Hoboken, NJ) My family loves dressing up our dog for Halloween, but sometimes I can’t tell if he’s enjoying it or just tolerating it. What signs tell you that a dog is uncomfortable in a costume, and how can we make dressing up safer and more enjoyable? (Submitted by Jason from Austin, TX) Related Links: Petsies – https://www.mypetsies.com Budsies – https://www.budsies.com The Sato Project – https://thesatoproject.org Wings of Rescue – https://wingsofrescue.org Dog Days of Murder – https://www.buzzsprout.com/2611937 Dog Days of Murder on Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dog-days-of-murder/id1894760517 Fort Greene PUPS – https://www.fortgreenepups.org National Retail Federation Halloween Research – https://nrf.com/research-insights/holiday-data-and-trends/halloween ASPCA Animal Poison Control – https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Petsies (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/mypetsies Budsies (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/budsies Dog Days of Murder (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dog_days_of_murder Dog Days of Murder (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@dog.days.of.murde Fort Greene PUPS (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/fortgreenepups DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Halloween Pet Safety: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435 Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV  

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore what our pets’ behavior is really telling us—and how understanding the reasons behind that behavior can transform the way we live and communicate with them. From the science of animal behavior and the importance of giving pets choice to building confidence through training and canine sports, this episode is packed with practical insights for creating happier, stronger relationships with our animals. Story Time features: Kristen celebrates Adopt a Dog Month with the remarkable story of Canyon, a former Mississippi shelter dog who became an elite search-and-rescue canine. After being recognized for his intelligence and drive by Category 5 K9, Canyon earned certifications in human remains detection and wilderness operations and went on to serve during major disasters including the Maui wildfires, Hurricane Helene and the 2025 Texas floods. His extraordinary journey from stray to search-and-rescue hero earned him the ASPCA’s 2026 Dog of the Year award. Chris explores the fascinating—and controversial—world of pet cloning through the story of Tom Brady and Junie, a genetic clone of his late dog Lua. The story raises an intriguing question for pet parents: If you could genetically replicate a beloved pet, would you? Special Guests: Susan G. Friedman, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Utah State University & Founder of Behavior Works Susan Friedman joins the show to explain why understanding animal behavior starts with looking beyond labels like “stubborn,” “bad” or even “guilty.” Instead, she encourages pet parents to look at what an animal is actually doing and the conditions surrounding that behavior. She discusses how behavior is influenced by what happens before and after it, why choice and control are important to animal welfare, and what decades of working with species ranging from companion animals to zoo animals have taught her about learning. Susan also returns during the Q&A to explain how pet parents can begin helping a dog who becomes reactive around other dogs on walks. Jack McCauley, Professional Dog Trainer, BFF Pet Services Jack McCauley shares how training can become much more than teaching obedience—it can build communication, confidence and a stronger bond between dogs and their people. He offers practical advice for loose-leash walking, explains how confidence can be developed gradually through achievable challenges, and introduces listeners to canine sports including disc dog, tracking, agility and Treibball. Jack also discusses why the right activity should be matched to each dog’s age, physical condition and individual abilities, and returns during the Q&A to explain why a dog who performs commands perfectly at home may appear to “forget” everything once distractions are added outside. Pet Product Recommendations: StitchLeash Clip & Go Starter Set – https://stitchleash.com/products/clip-and-go Go Cat Da Bird Original Feather Teaser Wand – https://www.dabird.com/da-bird Q&A Topics: My dog is perfectly sweet at home, but the second he sees another dog on a walk, he barks, lunges and completely loses it. People assume he’s aggressive, but I’m not sure that’s what’s happening. Why do dogs become reactive like this, and what should I be doing in that moment? (Submitted by Melissa from Philadelphia, PA) My two-year-old dog knows commands like come, stay, sit and leave it really well at home. But outside, it’s like he’s never heard them before. Is he choosing not to listen to me, or is there something about the environment that’s making it harder for him? (Submitted by Brian from Chicago, IL) Related Links: Behavior Works – https://www.behaviorworks.org How Behavior Works: Living & Learning With Animals – https://www.behaviorworks.org/htm/lla_info_links.html BFF Pet Services – https://www.mybffpetservices.com BFF Pet Services – Meet the Trainers – https://www.mybffpetservices.com/about-us StitchLeash – https://stitchleash.com Go Cat / Da Bird – https://www.dabird.com ASPCA 2026 Humane Awards – https://www.aspca.org/about-us/press-releases/aspca-unveils-2026-humane-awards-recipients Category 5 K9 – https://www.cat5k9.org American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Behavior Works (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/behaviorworks BFF Pet Services (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/BFFPetServices BFF Pet Services (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/bffpetservices StitchLeash (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/stitch.leash DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube  

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate the extraordinary bonds between people and animals, from shelter dogs getting another chance at happiness to the healing power of love and community after losing a beloved pet. Plus, they share an incredible reunion story, explore the growing influence of celebrity pets, and recommend two innovative products for dogs and cats. Story Time features: Kristen shares the remarkable story of Floor, a Chihuahua who disappeared from her owner’s car in Illinois and was reunited with her family 12 years later. Thanks to a microchip and the dedication of a volunteer group called Microchip Hunters, Floor finally made her way home. The story is a powerful reminder of why every pet should be microchipped—and why keeping registration information updated is so important. Chris highlights the newest four-legged celebrity making headlines: Wendy, the Samoyed shared by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Wendy recently appeared alongside Travis in a Tommy Hilfiger advertising campaign, joining a growing list of celebrity pets stepping into the spotlight. Special Guests: Jess Borda, Longtime Volunteer, Dog Trainer & Animal Advocate at Austin Pets Alive! Jess Borda shares her experiences helping shelter dogs who need extra time, training and support before finding their forever homes. She discusses why some wonderful dogs remain in shelters longer than others, how behavioral training and foster programs can transform their lives, and the importance of supporting adopters even after they bring a pet home. Jess also introduces listeners to Austin Pets Alive!’s compassionate Phospice program, which helps terminally ill dogs spend their remaining time in loving foster homes rather than shelters. Through stories of remarkable dogs and dedicated volunteers, she reminds us that every animal deserves comfort, dignity and a chance to experience love. Matthew Sigman, Award-Winning Writer & Author of Because of a Dog: How an Enchanted Italian Village Mended a Broken Heart Matthew Sigman shares the deeply personal story behind his new memoir, inspired by the loss of his beloved dog, Augie, after 18 years together. Heartbroken and searching for a way forward, Matthew embarked on an unexpected journey from New York City to Quarna, a tiny mountain village in northern Italy. There, an unlikely friendship and the warmth of a welcoming community helped him rediscover connection, hope and a new perspective on life. Matthew reflects on the extraordinary ways dogs shape our lives, the challenges of navigating grief, and how the love of an animal can continue guiding us long after they are gone. Pet Product Recommendations: Handmade Fall Dog Sweaters from Lanusia Store on Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Lanusia%20dog%20sweater Lady N Pheromone Tofu Cat Litter – https://ladynpet.com/us/product/pheromone-tofu-cat-litter/ Q&A Topics: My cat can be incredibly sweet, and then suddenly she'll swat, scratch or even bite me with what seems like no warning. Is she just a feisty cat, or could this behavior be her way of telling me she's stressed, overstimulated or uncomfortable? (Submitted by Jennifer from Boston, MA) We're thinking about adopting a dog, but we have two young kids, and this would be our first family dog. When we visit a shelter, what should we look for to find a dog whose personality and energy level will actually be a good fit for our family? (Submitted by Rachel from Denver, CO) Related Links: Austin Pets Alive! – https://www.austinpetsalive.org Austin Pets Alive! Foster Program – https://www.austinpetsalive.org/foster Austin Pets Alive! Volunteer Opportunities – https://www.austinpetsalive.org/volunteer Austin Pets Alive! Adoptable Dogs – https://www.austinpetsalive.org/adopt/dogs Matthew Sigman – https://www.matthewsigman.com Because of a Dog – Official Publisher Page – https://www.sourcebooks.com/because-of-a-dog.html Because of a Dog – Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1464270171 Lady N Cat Litter – https://ladynpet.com/us/ Microchip Hunters – https://www.microchiphelp.com American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Austin Pets Alive! (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/austinpetsalive Austin Pets Alive! (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/austinpetsalive DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV  

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore how innovation is changing the way we care for animals—from artificial intelligence in the veterinary exam room to sustainable new approaches to pet food. Plus, they look at a major commitment to animal welfare, practical ways to make veterinary visits less stressful, and products designed to support healthier, more enriched pets. Story Time features: Chris highlights Raising Cane’s 30th anniversary and the company’s commitment of $30 million over the next 10 years to animal welfare organizations supporting pets and the communities that love them. Kristen explores new research from North Carolina State University testing an AI-enabled digital stethoscope against veterinary students and experienced veterinary clinicians. The study offers an important reminder that while AI may become a valuable tool in veterinary medicine, technology needs to be properly validated for the species it is being used to evaluate—and experienced veterinary expertise remains essential. Special Guests: Dr. Natalie Marks, Veterinarian, CEO of Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs (VANE) & Chief Veterinary Officer of OpenVet Dr. Natalie Marks joins the show to discuss how veterinary medicine has evolved over the past two decades, including major advances in pain management, emotional health, Fear Free care and personalized preventive screening. She shares practical advice for reducing the stress of veterinary visits—especially for cats—and explores the opportunities and limitations of artificial intelligence in veterinary medicine, including why responsible AI requires reliable data, proper validation and continued human oversight. Eric Adams, Founder & CEO, Dog & Whistle Eric Adams shares how his background in culinary arts and restaurant management inspired him to tackle food waste in an entirely new way. Through Dog & Whistle, Eric gives nutritious ingredients that might otherwise go unused a second life in pet food and treats. He also discusses his work in the upcycled food movement and introduces DOGTV’s Can My Dog Eat This?, where he joins veterinarian Dr. Azza Diasti-Kennedy to answer one of the questions pet parents ask most: Can my dog safely eat this? Pet Product Recommendations: AnimalBiome S. boulardii + FOS Powder for Cats and Dogs – https://www.animalbiome.com/products/animalbiome-s-boulardii-fos-powder Beaktivity Sustainable Bird Toys – https://beaktivity.com Q&A Topics: My dog is wonderful at home, but the second someone rings the doorbell, he completely loses it—barking, jumping and running to the door. Is this excitement, fear or protective behavior? And how can I teach him to react more calmly when people come over? (Submitted by Megan from Minneapolis, MN) We have a small freshwater aquarium, and I’ve always wondered how you can actually tell if a fish is happy and healthy. Since fish can show discomfort differently than dogs or cats, what changes in swimming, eating, appearance or behavior should fish owners be watching for? (Submitted by Brian from San Diego, CA) Related Links: Dr. Natalie Marks / VANE – https://vane.vet OpenVet – https://www.openvet.ai Fear Free Happy Homes – https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com North Carolina State University – AI-Enabled Stethoscope Study – https://news.ncsu.edu/2026/08/ai-enabled-stethoscope-can-miss-the-beat-in-pets/ Dog & Whistle – https://dogandwhistle.com Can My Dog Eat This? on DOGTV – https://watch.dogtv.com/can-my-dog-eat-this Can My Dog Eat This? / Dog & Whistle – https://dogandwhistle.com/pages/can-my-dog-eat-this Upcycled Food Association – https://www.upcycledfood.org AnimalBiome – https://www.animalbiome.com Beaktivity – https://beaktivity.com Raising Cane’s – https://www.raisingcanes.com American Pet Products Association (APPA) – https://www.americanpetproducts.org DOGTV – https://www.dogtv.com Pets Add Life – https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV