Believe in Dog

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

Episode 1. Erin's Story: I Love Lucy

Welcome to the Believe in Dog podcast. My name is Erin Scott and in this first episode I’m sharing with you:
how I went from reluctant dog owner to Dog Mom AF,
the difference dogs have made in my life and some of the hard times that my dogs have gotten me through, and
why I started this podcast
My mission is to connect dog lovers by sharing stories that celebrate how the love of a dog is inspiring people to change their lives, the lives of others and changing our world for the better. This is also a place where you can know you aren’t alone in the difficult times, like dealing with your dog’s illness or when you are facing grief and loss.
Find out more about the organization B-More Dog (www.bmoredog.org) that I volunteer with.  Find out more about Bad Rap, the rock stars of pit bull advocacy and community dog owner support (www.badrap.org).
I am an advocate for pit bulls, shelter dogs, rescue & adoption, humane education in schools and dog owner support programs.
Who’s the dog that changed your life?  Let’s connect:
Facebook @believeindogpodcastInstagram @believe_in_dog_podcast or #believeindogpodcastEmail believeindogpodcast@gmail.com
Sending hugs & belly rubs!
 
Special thanks to:
My husband, Tim
Amy Dee and Chuck of Why I'm Single, The Podcast (You can hear me on the episode Tell 'em Steve Tim)
Kelsey Murphy of the Whiskey & Work podcast and the women of the Podcast with Soul Mastermind