Believe in Dog

How to Easily Feed Real Food to Your Dog with Ruby Balaram

How did Ruby Balaram go from being a reluctant dog mom to pet industry CEO? You don’t want to miss this episode.
Like me, Ruby grew up in a house where she wasn’t allowed to have pets - except that one time she & her mom tried to sneak in a cat! So when Ruby met her partner, Turk, he came with a dog and she wasn’t so sure about jumping into the Dog Mom Life.
But when Turk’s dog got a second cancer diagnosis, Ruby witnesses the power of feeding fresh real food to dogs when the grumpy old Doberman started running around with puppy-like energy. Ruby & Turk were so amazed that they wanted to start a company to make fresh real food accessible to all dog owners.
Ruby shares their early entrepreneurial journey with us and all the pivots they made along the way to form Real Dog Box in 2015.
No matter what diet you feed your dog, Real Dog Box is an easy and affordable way to add fun and healthy variety to your dog’s bowl. And you definitely don’t want to miss out on the fun of the Secret Shop!
Ruby & her team have now launched the Feed Real Institute which was born out of all the questions they’ve received from Pet Parents over the past 8 years.
Creating digital courses for both Pet Parents and Veterinarians, Ruby wants everyone to have access to the scientific-backed information showing the healthiest food choices for our dogs.
Want to try Real Dog Box for your dog? Save $10 off your first order at: https://real.dog/erinthedogmom
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at: https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode69
 
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The Law Enforcement K9 Bond with Author Jen Danna (aka Sara Driscoll)

By day, Jen Danna is a scientist studying infectious diseases. But at night, Jen has immersed herself in creating the world of FBI K9 Handler Meg Jennings and her dog Hawk. 
 
From domestic terrorism to human trafficking, the FBI K9 series follows Meg & Hawk as part of the FBI’s Human Scent Detection Team.  From page one, these books had me hooked and it felt like I was along for the ride as Meg & Hawk are tasked with locating the missing, lost, escaped or dead.
 
Jen shares her writing process with us and how it has changed following the recent loss of her longtime writing partner, Ann Vanderlaan.
 
We discuss the critical importance of the partnership and bond between law enforcement K9s and their handlers.
 
At the end of the episode I share what I’ve learned about the history of law enforcement K9s in the US. I was surprised to discover that  my hometown of Baltimore plays a uniquely special role in this history of law enforcement K9s!
 
Get 20% off your next order of Teef, for your dog's dental health with the code: ADM.
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode68
 
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How to Train a Human with Jessica Fisher, Dog Trainer & Pet Health Coach

We’re diving into an age-old question today: do dog trainers train dogs … or people?  As a dog trainer and pet health coach, Jessica Fisher has a lot to share on this topic.
 
Despite having some “not so great” experiences with pets when she was growing up, Jessica was on her way to becoming a bit of a crazy cat lady when she met the man who would become her husband … and his chihuahua.
 
But it took her dog Kimberly, a rescue who came with separation anxiety, for Jessica to find her calling as a dog trainer.
 
Jessica and I discuss everything from how to work with a dog trainer over Zoom to how vulnerable it is to share your story on a podcast.
 
Jessica is also a member of the Two Podcasts Club – you can listen to her on The Parenting Reset and Pet Health Junkies.  I highly recommend listening to Jessica share her story on the episode: Why Are Dog Moms Not Having Kids?
 
Get 20% off your next order of Teef, for your dog's dental health with the code: ADM.
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode67
 
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Growing & Heeling: A Conversation About Dogs and Mental Health with Karoline of Dog Mom Mentality

We see these memes online everyday joking that all of our dogs are freelance emotional support dogs.  But what if it’s your dog’s behavior that’s causing you anxiety?
 
I’m grateful to Karoline Edmonds of Dog Mom Mentality for courageously sharing her ups and downs with us today.
 
Admittedly a bit of a reluctant and naïve dog owner, in early 2020 Karoline agreed that her boyfriend could get a dog – if he was willing to do all the work.  Then COVID happened and Karoline found herself being the one at home all day everyday with Layla the Australian Shepherd mix.
 
When Layla began showing fear, reactivity and even some fear aggression, Karoline found that her dog’s anxiety was giving her anxiety!  So now what was she going to do?
 
Over the past 3 years Karoline has embarked on a journey of Growing & Heeling – working on her own mental and emotional health, as well as Layla’s behavioral challenges.
 
Karoline has now created the Growing & Heeling Journal to help pet parents navigate through both the awesome times and those times when it’s unexpectedly difficult sharing your life with your dog.
 
Get 10% off Karoline's Growing & Heeling Journal with the code: BID10.
 
Get 20% off your next order of Teef, for your dog's dental health with the code: ADM.
 
Find Links and Show Notes at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode66
 
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What You Should Know Before Hiring a Pet Sitter (and SO much more!) with Isabel Alvarez Arata

Who is caring for your pets when you’re traveling?  That’s the question today’s guest, Isabel Alvarez Arata, is going to help us answer.
Isabel describes herself an advocate for in-home pet sitting and shares with us everything we should know before hiring a pet sitter.
Though she’s a lifelong animal lover, Isabel never intended on a career in the pet industry.  But when she had trouble finding a dog walker for her newly adopted dog Titan, Isabel saw a career changing opportunity and spent the next 15 years running a highly in-demand pet sitting business in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington DC.
A Dog Mom, Cat Mom, Human Mom and military spouse, Isabel is now a writer,  journalist, content creator and creator of the Covered in Pet Hair Podcast.  Isabel describes her podcast as a boozy show for pet lovers and every episode features cocktails and games mixed in with her interviews. (You can catch my episode of Covered in Pet Hair here.)
Spending her early years living in Ecuador before moving to Miami, Isabel shares this experience and reflects on how family pets are viewed in the Latin American culture and how that has evolved in the last 30 years.
This interview was recorded shortly after Isabel and her family said goodbye to their 15 ½ year old dog Titan.  Isabel describes how her family celebrated Titan’s life and how she prepared her children to say goodbye. (Unbeknownst to me at the time, this was the last interview I recorded with Penny by my side.)
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode65
 
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How a Special Needs Bulldog Inspired Michelle Dumont to Write Children’s Books and a Young Entrepreneur Creates Always Happy Pets

Today we’re welcoming two guests to the podcast!
 
First we’ll meet Michelle Dumont who created a series of children’s books based on Phoebe Cakes, the tiny special needs bulldog who spent 4 amazing years with Michelle & her family.
 
While Michelle always thought of herself as a “cat person,” she quickly fell in love with dogs after her sons' campaign for a canine family member.
 
When looking to adopt a bulldog from a local rescue, Michelle wasn’t deterred when she learned that her family was 21st on a list of applicants for a bulldog who needed some extra special attention.  And it was meant to be when Phoebe joined their family.
 
From rides to Starbucks to her Mardi Gras Barkus Parade “float,” Phoebe lived and loved to the fullest.  Michelle’s books continue to spread Phoebe’s zest for life to children with her fun interactive books. 
 
I even learned some new dog breeds in Phoebe Cake’s Alphabet Tails!  And how to pronounce Xoloitzcuintli.
 
 Next we’ll meet young entrepreneur Ari Minkus, the founder of Always Happy Pets.
 
As a middle schooler, Ari created his company to provide high-quality sustainable gift baskets for dogs filled with treats and toys - which ship nationwide!
Ari shares what inspired him to start this venture, how he sources the products and why he stopped using actual baskets and what he uses instead.
 
We’ll also learn how COVID affected his schooling and his plans for the future.  I think it’s safe to say this young man has a bright future ahead!
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode64
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STAY: Lisa Rimmert’s Forever Friendship with Her Aging Dog

Thank you for your patience as I took a mini hiatus from the podcast these last couple weeks. When Lisa & I recorded this episode at the end of 2022, I didn’t know it would be hitting so close to home right now.  As many of you know, we recently and very unexpectedly said goodbye to our beloved Penny when she suffered a sudden health crisis.  
It’s very special to me that Penny was so much a part of my conversation with today’s guest, Lisa Rimmert.
 
Lisa is here to share the story of Dakota who inspired her book: STAY – My Forever Friendship with an Aging Dog. Have you ever felt like maybe you want to punch someone who calls your dog “old” or a “senior”?  Lisa’s been there.  But Lisa was pretty sure that her “elder states-dog” of the dog park was going to live forever.
 
Lisa graduated college, became a military spouse and adopted Dakota all within a few months in her early 20s. She spent her whole adult life with Dakota by her side –  while crisscrossing the USA with her husband’s military assignments.
 
Lisa didn’t know how to be an adult without Dakota. And when Dakota begins to show concerning signs of a degenerative spinal disorder, Lisa didn’t want to have to be the grown-up to make difficult decisions on Dakota’s behalf. 
 
Lisa & I share how much our dogs have taught us about ourselves – from enjoying the caregiver role to work/life balance – from being present to learning how to show up for others during hard times.  I think many of us have felt that our dogs play a huge role in making you … you.
 
Both Lisa’s book and this conversation are vulnerable but perhaps surprisingly funny reflections of everything from mystery poops to examining our own internal monologue.
 
Lisa & I cover topics such as assessing your dog’s quality of life, advocating for your dog’s health and a few Public Service Announcements of things we’ve learned the hard way which might come handy for you in the future.
 
Trigger Warning: General theme of pet loss, but specifically may need tissues in the first 7 minutes.
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode63
 
If you feel called to, you can make a donation in Penny’s memory to B-More Dog.
 
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How Photography Connects Us: With Our Dogs & The World with Mindy Dutka of Dogs I Meet

From running away from home with her dog to bringing her dog to college, Mindy Dutka has been passionate about her love for dogs since childhood.  And Mindy’s other lifelong passion is photography. 
 
6 years ago Mindy merged her passions to create her pet photography company: Dogs I Meet. From family photo shoots to working with pet brands, Mindy is dedicated to using photography to create connection through visual storytelling.
 
Mindy generously shares her best tips & tricks with us so we can all take better photos of our dogs with our phones. (I was doing one of these things right!)  Check the show notes for these tips!
 
We also discuss the value of investing in photography for your family and how that can take on even more meaning after your dog has passed.
 
From free spay/neuter clinics in Mexico to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, Mindy’s photography has taken her on several adventures to document the amazingly powerful work of rescuers and volunteers working to save dogs’ lives globally.
 
Did you know a good photo can even save a dog’s life? Mindy also shares with us about her experiences volunteering with animal shelters and rescues to take photos of dogs looking to be adopted.
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode62
 
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Physical Therapy & Fitness with Your Dog: Best Practices for Pet Parents (and so much more!) with Steph Evans

Steph Evans is a Physiotherapist (UK term for Physical Therapist) for both people and animals.  She shares with us everything we should know to not only rehab our dogs after an injury – but also how to prevent injuries in the first place with Prehab.  We’ll also learn signs of pain to look for in our dogs and thoughts about how to choose a harness versus a collar for your dog.
 
Steph is also the creator of the Ultimutt Bootcamp for Pet Parents and their pups to exercise together.  Not only is this a great way to keep our bodies moving but it’s an amazing way to bond with our dogs! With her background in Physiotherapy, Steph is able to tailor exercises for each Pet Parent and their dog based on their limitations.
 
There’s so much more to my conversation with Steph though. After wanting a dog her whole life, 3 years ago Steph finally became a Dog Mom to Teddy the Golden Retriever – who has NOT been an easy dog. Steph is incredibly honest about her struggles with Teddy and all that she’s learned along the way. From how to select a dog trainer to motivating a dog who’s not interested in food, Steph shares invaluable insights.
Steph is so much fun to listen to and you can’t help but laugh at her adventures chasing Teddy through a sheep field in Wales, hoping he’s ok when he jumped off that cliff and becoming the Pied Piper of all the dogs in her neighborhood – except Teddy! – as she tried to lure him with a roast chicken.
 
Thank you for listening to the Believe in Dog Podcast and making 2022 our best year yet!
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:
https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode61
Episode Sponsored By:
Hugs & Belly Rubs Dog Health Journal. Use Code: XMAS22 to save $2 before December 22.
https://www.hugsandbellyrubs.com/doghealthjournal
 
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Everything You Need to Know About Rescue with Susan Shahoda of Westside German Shepherd Rescue

Susan Shahoda is a lifelong dog lover who has devoted much of the past 15 years to volunteering with Westside German Shepherd Rescue in Los Angeles, CA.  But don’t let the name fool you –  Westside rescues dogs of all shapes & sizes and adopts to families throughout the continental U.S. and Canada. In fact, Westside is celebrating 20 years and 20,000 dogs finding loving homes!
 
What should potential adopters look for in a rescue organization? Why are those adoption applications so long? How do rescues determine which dogs get chosen?  And what do rescues really think about people who can’t keep their dogs anymore? Susan gives us a true behind-the-scenes view of running a rescue organization. 
 
Susan also shares her thoughts on the unsung heroes of the animal welfare community, the surprising benefit of the Nextdoor App, the best & the hardest parts of rescue and what keeps her going even in the tough times.
 
We’ll also learn how Susan’s life has been touched by Laurel, a special needs German Shepherd Dog who suffers from permanent neurological damage after contracting Canine Distemper virus.
                                
In the season of giving, your generosity is appreciated by organizations like Westside German Shepherd Rescue and your local animal shelter and rescue groups.
 
Find Links, Show Notes & Photos at:https://believeindogpodcast.com/episodes-1/episode60
 
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