In today's episode, we dive deep into the pressing issue of rising veterinary care costs and the heartbreaking impact it has on the human-animal bond. As pet owners, we all want the best for our furry friends, yet the reality is that many are faced with difficult choices, even relinquishing their pets to shelters due to financial constraints.

We are thrilled to welcome our special guest, Dr. Anna Van Heeckeren, a passionate veterinarian and the founder of the One Health Organization. With her extensive background in veterinary medicine and molecular genetics, Dr. Heeckeren is on a mission to provide affordable veterinary access to pet owners in Northeast Ohio who need it the most.

Join us as we explore Dr. Heeckeren's journey, the vital work One Health Organization is doing, and the collaborative efforts with local shelters to ensure pets remain in loving homes. We’ll discuss the importance of compassionate care, the challenges faced by low-income pet owners, and how we can all contribute to making a difference in the lives of pets and their owners.

She was able to share her experience as a survivor, highlighting the crucial role that pets play in providing emotional support during tough times. This brings us back to the heart of our discussion: the importance of understanding the human-animal bond and the need for accessible veterinary care, especially for those facing economic hardships.

Join us as we reflect on personal stories, share insights about the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health, and emphasize the need for compassion and understanding within our communities. Dr. Heeckeren’s passion and dedication to her mission are truly inspiring, and this conversation will leave you with a greater appreciation for the role pets play in our lives and the importance of supporting those who care for them.

Be sure to check our Facebook page for links to resources, including the One Health Organization’s website, where you can learn more about their efforts and how you can help make a difference. Tune in for an engaging and heartfelt discussion that highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the unconditional love of our pets.

Dr. Anna Van Heeckeren has always loved animals. She grew up surrounded by dogs, cats, horses, a donkey, a goat, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and even llamas. Naturally, she wanted to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Anna first attended the University of Michigan. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology there. Later, she earned a master's of science degree (MS) in molecular genetics and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from The Ohio State University.

Over the years, Dr. Anna has volunteered at many animal nonprofits. The most prominent was the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. In 2008, she founded One Health Organization. Her dream was (and still is) to benefit the whole community by keeping animals healthy.

When she's not busy being the President and CEO, Dr. Anna spends time with her husband and cat named Pearl (with Pearl's permission). She is the proud mom of two young women.

FInd a wealth of resources here:

https://www.onehealth.org/

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.