Believe in Dog

Episode 10. 8 Lessons Learned from My Dog's Mystery Illness

Have you ever struggled with your dog’s health?  Or with getting a proper diagnosis for your dog? Have you ever felt like your veterinarian wasn’t listening? Or felt pressured by your vet to make a decision that you didn’t agree with or couldn’t afford?  I’ve been there.
On a beautiful spring morning at the end of April 2014, my Lucy collapsed on our walk around the neighborhood. I struggled to get my 60 lb pit bull girl home as she kept falling over after walking a few steps at a time. But then an hour later, she seemed back to normal. And she was fine for a few more days, but then she collapsed again. What was wrong with my girl?
I’ve learned many lessons as a Dog Mom and today I’m sharing with you: 8 lessons I learned from my dog having a mystery illness. I learned these lessons the hard way, so hopefully you won’t have to.
8 Lessons Learned:
You know your dog better than anyone. If you think something is wrong, weird or unusual with your dog’s health, behavior or appearance, trust yourself.
Keep a dog health journal. This can be in a notebook or a typed document in your Google Drive. (**I am working to create a version of this. If you would like to be part of a test group, please email erin@believeindogpodcast.com)
Document your dog’s health concern by photo (e.g. lump, bump, wound) or taking video (e.g. seizure, movement problem, or an intermittent occurrence).
It’s ok to say “No” to your vet.
Get a second opinion. Or a third opinion. See a specialist. See a holistic vet. Get a consult at a veterinary teaching hospital.
Get a copy of your dog’s blood work for your own records. And any other lab results (e.g. pathology report). Compare your dog’s blood work results over time. If you are super organized, create a spreadsheet. (Note: I am not this organized.)
Don’t forget your own self-care. When we are dealing with a chronic or terminal illness in our dogs, it’s a very stressful time and can really take a toll on our own well-being. You can’t take care of anyone else if you aren’t taking care of yourself first.
Every day with our dogs is a gift. Enjoy every moment, every tail wag, every belly rub.
 
Links Discussed:
Understanding your dog's blood work. This is the best link I have found to explain what is being measured, the normal ranges and what these indicate about your dog's health.
https://www.caninecancer.com/lab-values
 
Please note: I am not a veterinarian and am not giving medical advice. This is information based on my personal experience as a Dog Mom.
 
Let's Connect:
Have you ever struggled to get a proper diagnosis for your dog?
Facebook: @believeindogpodcastInstagram: @believe_in_dog_podcastEmail: erin@believeindogpodcast.com
If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review.

Episode 9. Zazie Todd's Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy

Zazie Todd did not grow up with pets, while on her way to becoming an accomplished social psychologist. When she & her husband adopted 2 dogs within 6 weeks from their local humane society, Zazie used her psychology and research background to make sure she was doing the “right” things for her dogs. As she began looking into the burgeoning field of canine science and what we are learning about dogs, Zazie shared her findings by starting her blog, Companion Animal Psychology.
If you’ve ever wondered if your dog is as happy as you hope, or if you are making the right decisions for your dog, Zazie shares all that she’s learned in her new book Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, which comes out Tuesday, March 10.
Zazie and I discuss:
Her background and how her dogs Ghost and Bodger joined her family;
The behavior issues of her dogs that led to Zazie using her psychology background to looking to the research and science to ensure she was making the right decisions for her dogs;
What motivated her to start her blog, Companion Animal Psychology;
Attending Jean Donaldson’s Academy for Dog Trainers;
How to find the “right” information for training your dog;
Taking your dog on a “sniffari" and other items on the Checklist for a Happy Dog;
Training cats;
Zazie’s work with shelter dogs at her local humane society;
The importance of selecting the right dog for your family’s lifestyle;
Her #1 training challenge as a dog owner;
What does “fear-free” mean for veterinary care?; and
End-of-life care for our dogs.
I also give you 5 of my favorite takeaways from the book. When you order your copy of Wag: The Science of Making Your Dog Happy, make sure you find the 3-page Checklist for a Happy Dog. You can even cross-reference each checklist item with the location in the book where this topic was discussed. While you may already be doing many of these but, there are a few that surprised me!
Order the book:Paperback or Kindle
When your book/ebook is delivered, share a photo in your IG stories, and tag @believe_in_dog_podcast and @zazietodd.
Links discussed:Companion Animal Psychology blogThe Ultimate Dog Training TipIs My Dog Happy? How Dogs' Body Language is a Guide10 Tips to Integrate Dog Training into Your Everyday Life
Find Zazie online:Companion Animal Psychology blog, Facebook or Instagram
Let's Connect:Facebook: @believeindogpodcastInstagram: @believe_in_dog_podcastemail: erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Episode 8. Jen's Story: Shelter Director

Jen’s lifelong love of animals and work experience in the nonprofit world have combined to create a meaningful career in animal sheltering. Jen became the Executive Director of the HSHC in August 2015 and every year since 2016, the shelter has achieved a 90%+ live release rate.
Jen and I discuss:
Her background and how her work and volunteer experiences led her to the world of animal sheltering;
How special needs animals keep finding her;
The importance of building “people” relationships to help more animals;
How to get involved in your local and state humane legislation;
Why it’s important to get involved in your local shelter and ask questions;
What does the term “No Kill” really mean?;
The importance of self-care in the animal sheltering world;
Replacing “compassion fatigue” with compassion resilience;
Pros and cons of social media for animal shelters; and
Challenges and successes of the job.
Links discussed:
Visit Humane Society of Harford County Find HSHC on Facebook and Instagram too.
Humane Society of Harford County's 2019 Report Card
Maryland Humane Lobby Day(Please note I was could not find a comprehensive link to Humane Lobby Day events in other states, so I encourage you to google “Humane Lobby Day + [your state]" to find out more about events in your area.)
Mid-Atlantic Animal Care & Field Services Conference
HeARTs Speak
Compassion Fatigue Resources: https://www.animalsheltering.org/topics/compassion-fatigue
Compassion Resilience: https://redrover.org/resource/compassion-resilience/
 
Please note:If someone you, or someone you know, is struggling emotionally, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is confidential, free and available 24/7. 1-800-273-8255
 
Let’s Connect:
Facebook @believeindogpodcast
Instagram @believe_in_dog_podcast
NEW Email! erin@believeindogpodcast.com
 

Episode 7. Liz's Story: Tovi's Gift

Liz’s Story – Tovi’s Gift
If you’ve ever lost a dog you loved, a dog that changed your life, your heart & soul dog, you may find a piece of yourself in Liz’s story.
Special thanks to Mindy of Hunter & Harvest Apothecary from Episode 2 for introducing me to Liz.
I start this episode sharing about losing our Lucy (Episode 1) and bonding with my girl, Penny.
Liz & Tovi had an amazing life together for 12+ years. In early 2017, Tovi’s health took an unexpected turn and a few weeks later, Liz was saying her final goodbye to Tovi. As Liz tried to navigate life without Tovi, she thought adopting a new dog would help her feel better. But she had a very complicated emotional experience after impulsively adopting her new pup, Mille. Liz struggled to bond with the unexpectedly anxious and fearful Millie and Liz felt a range of emotions from guilt to resentment. Liz is so open and honest about her emotional journey.
Through Tovi’s loss, Liz found the courage to pursue her childhood dream of writing. Using her background in psychology, Liz is writing about her own experience, as well as interviewing others about their experiences with pet loss or adopting a pet after loss.
Liz and I discuss:
Why it’s difficult for her to talk about her childhood family dog;
How pet loss can occur in many ways and we want to treat all of these with compassion;
How Liz stayed too long in her first marriage out of concern for her pets;
How our life experiences have helped us realize that life has many gray areas, not everything is black & white;
Liz’s background in psychology and how she got the courage to leave her career to pursue her lifelong dream of writing;
How a Greyhound bus ride led to Liz adopting Tovi;
Liz & Tovi’s beautiful life together;
That we try to make the best medical and end-of-life decisions for our pets based on the information and resources available, and we can’t use hindsight to question ourselves or second-guess;
The origin of Pet Therapy Notes;
How Liz was simultaneously mourning the loss of Tovi as well as her impulsive decision to adopt Millie;
Liz’s relationship with Millie today and what she has learned along the way;
An author who has inspired Liz’s writing; and
Finding meaning in our grief, honoring the memories of our dogs and honoring our dogs for the individuals they are.
 
Find Liz online:
Website: www.pettherapynotes.comPet Loss Resources: https://www.pettherapynotes.com/resources-1Liz's Blog: https://www.pettherapynotes.com/blog-1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pettherapynotesInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/pettherapynotes/
 
Be a part of Liz's work:
If you or someone you know has a story about pet loss to share, please contact Liz through her Pet Therapy Notes website. Liz is particularly looking to interview people who have experienced:
a pet that was lost or stolen;
if you've had to re-home your pet;
euthanasia due to behavioral issues;
pet loss due to divorce; or
pet loss due to incarceration.
Links we discussed:
Meghan Daum's The Gift of a Great Dog
 
Let's Connect. 
You can find photos of Liz, Tovi and Millie on my Facebook and Instagram. If this episode resonated with you, let me know.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/believeindogpodcast/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/believe_in_dog_podcast/Email: erin@believeindogpodcast.com
If you are enjoying this podcast, please subscribe and leave a rating or review.

Episode 6. Annie's Story: Compassion in Action

Annie’s Story – Compassion in Action with Charm City Companions
Happy New Year! Happy New Decade! Today I share a brief reflection on how my volunteer work in the community with B-More Dog has helped me become a happier person than I was 10 years ago by releasing judgment and having compassion for others. I also explain some of the Baltimore-specific references that Annie & I discuss.
At the start of Episode 3 with Michelle Serocki, I gave a little bit of background on some of Humane Society of the U.S. programs to help dog owners in underserved communities. HSUS’s former End Dogfighting program morphed into what is now known as Pets For Life. The Pets For Life program helps to address the lack of resources pet owners experience in underserved communities by providing free veterinary care, supplies, services and information.
Our guest today, Annie Pruitt of Charm City Companions (“CCC”), literally wrote the book on the Pets For Life program. Annie worked for more than 20 years in the field of communications and market research. When her company was hired by the Humane Society of the U.S. to help create the Pets For Life campaign, Annie’s life changed forever.
Through her own experiences, it became so clear to Annie that the benefits of the human-animal bond reach beyond someone’s socio-economic status. Annie now runs Charm City Companions full-time. Her days are spent doing door-to-door community outreach in East Baltimore neighborhoods that are also known for high rates of gun violence.
Annie and I discuss:
How supporting pets is also creating healthier communities;
Annie’s unconventional childhood;
How her professional marketing career led to the creation of Charm City Companions;
How Annie decided to concentrate CCC’s efforts in the East Baltimore communities of McElderry Park and Ellwood Park;
How Annie’s own pets supported her during a life-altering break-up which affected her both personally and professionally and made her realize the strength and importance of the human-animal bond to pet owners of all socio-economic backgrounds;
How the work Annie & I have done in underserved communities has changed our perceptions and understandings and how we hope the animal welfare community will continue to evolve in presenting stories in a manner that’s compassionate and respectful to all parties; and
Stories about some of the people Annie has met in the community through CCC.
To end, I “geek out” about a book I read that affected how I think about poverty, “Scarcity, the New Science of Having Less and How it Defines Our Lives.” This “Malcolm Gladwell-style” read helps us correlate how a busy person’s lack of time, or dieter’s lack of will power, can affect decision-making, similar to a poverty mindset.
Find Charm City Companions online:Website: http://www.charmcitycompanions.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charmcitycompanions
Links talked about:
HSUS Pets For Life
Baltimore "butterfly map" and also here
Safe Streets - East Baltimore
 
Let’s connect. You can find photos of Annie, her dog Poly and her work with Charm City Companions at:
Facebook @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcastNEW Email! erin@believeindogpodcast.com 

Episode 5. John's Story - Part 2

Happy Holidays!
In Part 2 of John’s Story, we discuss:
The biggest challenge John faces as a dog trainer (Hint: we walk on 2 legs);
Divorce and dating with dogs;
Some of John’s dog training philosophy;
What to do if you need help with your dog’s behavior; and
How to select a dog trainer and red flags to look out for.
Takeaway Training Tips:
#1 Most Important Thing when training your dog = consistency;
If you want to improve your dog’s behavior, you have to do the work;
Sometimes you have to choose your battles;
Take responsibility for the energy you bring to working with your dog. If you are frustrated, your dog knows that.;
Learn your dog’s body language;
3 dog trainer “red flag” words: fix, guarantee, perfect;
When deciding on a dog to join your family, be honest with yourself about your lifestyle. If you are a couch potato, then a purebred herding dog may not be the best choice for you.
 Dog Training Resources from John:
Book: On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals by Turid Rugaas
Find an IACP Dog Trainer
IACP Videos
Canine Human Relationship Institute
 
*Please note: This episode does have a few instances of NSFW (or children) language.*
 
Find John online:http://barktodaytraining.com/https://www.facebook.com/barktoday/https://www.instagram.com/bark_today/
Listen to the Why I’m Single podcast, hosted by John’s girlfriend, Amy:https://whyimsinglepod.podbean.com/orhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-im-single-the-podcast/id1452121345
 
Let’s connect. You can find photos of John, Amy, Hexie & Hammer on my Facebook and Instagram.Facebook @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcastNEW Email! erin@believeindogpodcast.com

Episode 5. John's Story - Part 1: "I want others to find their Hexie"

John Frank did not have very much experience with dogs growing up, but his ex-wife really wanted pets. After a couple discouraging attempts at fostering dogs, John felt overwhelmed and didn’t know what to do with the health and behavior issues of the foster dogs. But after making a commitment to adopt a pit bull to show what good dogs they could be, a sassy gal strutted her way into John’s heart, now named Hexie.
In Part 1 of John’s Story, we discuss:
Hexie’s adoption story;
John’s experience volunteering at the BARCS animal shelter in Baltimore where he started learning about dog behavior;
How John learned “a few simple things” that could change a dog’s behavior and make them more likely to get adopted and stay in a home;
How volunteering led John to adopting a second dog named Hammer;
John’s experience at dog training school;
What it was like to work at an animal shelter; and
Some of the challenges John faces as a dog trainer
 
Find John online:
http://barktodaytraining.com/https://www.facebook.com/barktoday/https://www.instagram.com/bark_today/
Listen to the Why I’m Single podcast:
https://whyimsinglepod.podbean.comorhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/why-im-single-the-podcast/id1452121345
 
Let’s connect. You can find photos of John's dogs, Hexie & Hammer, at the social media links below.
Facebook @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcastEmail believeindogpodcast@gmail.com
*Please note: This episode does have a few instances of NSFW (or children) language.*
 

Episode 4. Kate's Story: Muffy's Legacy

Each of my dogs - past and present - have taught me lessons for which I'm very grateful. To celebrate Thanksgiving, I share some of these lessons.
Today's interview is with Kate, a volunteer with the Seattle Animal Shelter. Kate & I talk about: 
Her confusing (and hilarious!) first childhood encounter with a dog;
How Kate’s family dog, Muffy, helped her navigate a complicated home life;
How Kate’s volunteer work helps her honor the memories of and feel connected to her father and Muffy; and
How sometimes loving dogs means knowing that your life is not conducive to having your own dog.
Are dogs so special because of how they "hold space" for us? Here's a few links about this concept:
From Tiny Buddha;
From The Angry Therapist;
From The Chopra Center; and
11 Ways to Help You Hold Space for Someone.
Let’s connect:
Facebook @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcastEmail believeindogpodcast@gmail.com

Episode 3. Michelle's Story: Capone & a Craigslist Ad

We start with a little background on the Missouri 500 dogs and why they are so important.
Our interview is with Michelle Serocki, the founder of the Brew City Bully Club (“BCBC”), who is changing minds and saving lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Michelle and I talk about:
How a Craigslist ad led to the start of Brew City Bully Club;
Michelle’s experience working with the Missouri 500 dogs rescued from the largest dogfighting bust in the U.S.;
BCBC’s work in advocacy and owner support; and
BCBC’s unique and creative events. 
Find Michelle and BCBC online:Website: www.brewcitybullies.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/brewcitybullyclub/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brewcitybullyclub/Ride to End Dogfighting: https://www.facebook.com/ridetoenddogfighting/
Info about the Missouri 500 case from July 2009:https://www.riverfronttimes.com/stlouis/to-pull-off-the-biggest-pit-bull-fighting-bust-in-us-history-investigators-went-deep-undercover-so-did-their-dogs/Content?oid=2492155
Let’s connect. Check out the photos of Michelle’s beautiful Capone tribute tattoo, Michelle’s mayor getting pit bull kisses, scenes from the Ride to End Dogfighting and more at:
Facebook: @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcastEmail believeindogpodcast@gmail.com
 

Episode 2. Mindy's Story: The Majik Touch

Mindy’s Story: The Majik Touch 
Mindy FitzGerald was born into an animal-loving family but the first dog that was truly hers, was Majik. Her constant companion during a very transitional time of her life, Mindy is still mourning Majik’s passing. In this episode, Mindy & I discuss:
The role Mindy’s pets have played in supporting her through a life-altering illness
How a crime scene led to Mindy’s love of pit bulls
How a foster cat’s asthma led to the creation of Mindy’s business, Hunter & Harvest Apothecary
My own dogs have supported me through medical issues and research even shows that dogs are good for our mental and physical health.
Find Mindy online:Website: www.hunterandharvest.comEtsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hunterandharvest1Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hunterandharvestoils/Email: hunterandharvestapothecary@gmail.com
Mindy’s blog about Majik: https://hunterandharvest.com/blog/2019/10/25/heart-dogs
Find Hunter & Harvest products in stores:Untamed Boutique – Hanover, PAWhiskers Vintage & Vinyl – Shippensburg, PA
The Feline Rescue Association:http://www.baltimorecats.org/
Trap-Neuter-Return in Baltimore’s Park Heights neighborhood:https://www.facebook.com/ParkHeightsAnimals/ 
Have your pets helped you through an illness or injury? 
Let’s connect:Facebook @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcastEmail believeindogpodcast@gmail.com