Pets Teach Love with Dr. Whitney Keller

Are you unknowingly letting others control you? As a (recovering) control freak, this episode hits close to home for me. Regarding what you can and cannot control, today I'm diving into why you might be giving away power over what you actually can control to others. If you've ever found yourself frustrated by other people's opinions, actions, or words, this episode is for you. You know you can't c...

Labels shape our world—but are they helping or holding you back? In this episode, I'm going on a little thought experiment—one that might just change how you see yourself and the world around you. Who doesn't love a good label? They help you sort things out, make decisions faster, and help you feel like you understand the world (at least a little bit). But what happens when you apply too many labe...

Messy moments at the vet aren't just normal—they can actually be useful! In this episode, I'm diving into something that happens in vet clinics every single day —but somehow still makes people cringe with embarrassment: when pets pee or poop in the exam room. If you've ever apologized profusely while scrambling to clean up after your pet, this episode is for you! First things first—your pet is not...

Nail trims are more than just a chore—they're an emotional rollercoaster. Let's talk about how to make them easier! Let's talk about something that sparks a lot of overwhelm—your pet's long nails . If you've ever walked into the vet clinic (or waited while a vet came to your house), bracing yourself for judgment because your pet's nails are "too long," take a deep breath. I promise, we are not jud...

Loving your pet doesn't mean knowing everything. Another apology I hear way too often? Apologizing for not knowing something! You bring your pet in, get unexpected news, and suddenly you're drowning in guilt, thinking, "I should've known." But here's the thing: You were never supposed to know everything. Even veterinarians don't have all the answers all the time! In this episode, we're diving into...

Your pet chose you, not your bank account. This episode is about another apology veterinarians get way too often—people apologizing for having a budget when it comes to their pet's care. And I get it— money is emotional . We've been conditioned to believe that if we just had enough money, we could control outcomes, guarantee our pet's health, or somehow prove that we're "good enough". But here's t...

Your vet wants you to ask questions! This week, we're addressing something I see all the time in the clinic—people apologizing for asking questions about their pets. Maybe you've said, "Sorry, I have another question," or felt embarrassed for not understanding medical jargon. But here's the truth: You should be asking questions! And not just for your own peace of mind, but because it directly impa...

Have you ever apologized to your vet for something totally unnecessary? Hey there, pet lovers! It's time for a heart-to-heart about something I see all the time in the vet clinic - apologizing for things that don't need an apology. Seriously, I can't tell you how often people come in, shoulders hunched, with a guilty look, and the first thing they say is, "I'm so sorry about…"—you name it. Whether...

Pet Relationship Mini-Series: 5 of 5 From puppy accidents to senior pet care, our pets give us endless opportunities to practice patience, love, and self-forgiveness ! You know that moment when your pet does something completely ridiculous—maybe they knock over a full glass of water, chew up your favorite socks, or wake you up at 3 AM just because they felt like it—and yet, you still love them unc...

Pet Relationship Mini-Series: 4 of 5 From anxious pacing to confident strides—discover how training and communication can transform your pet's mental state! Welcome! This is the fourth episode in our five-part miniseries on relationships with our pets, and we're diving deep into how you can actively support your pet's mental resilience. You love your pet like family, but they experience the world...

Pet Relationship Mini-Series: 3 of 5 Your pet's body language is their voice—are you listening? Hey there! This episode is so exciting- it's all about deepening your relationship with your pet through Joy and Security. You already know how much Joy your pet brings. It's one of the most wonderful things about connecting with pets! But how can you ensure your pet is experiencing Joy and Security as...

Pet Relationship Mini-Series: 2 of 5 Ever wonder what your pet really wants to do? Learn how curiosity and respect can unlock a whole new level of companionship! Over the past 40 years, our relationships with animals have evolved. Pets have gone from workers and companions to cherished family members . But here's the catch—our pets aren't little humans. When we expect them to be, we overlook what...

Pet Relationship Mini-Series: 1 of 5 Your pet relies on you for health, safety, and comfort—discover how setting smart boundaries can improve their life and yours!   Hey there, and welcome back! So, this was supposed to be the final episode of our relationship mini-series. But once I started writing, I realized there was no way I could fit everything into one episode. Our relationship with pets is...

Relationship Mini-Series: 5 of 6 How a foundation of self-care can improve all the relationships in your life:   Hi! This installment of the relationship mini-series is really special- because it's all about you ! If you've ever felt that your self-worth, self-forgiveness, or overall wellbeing gets pushed to the back burner while you take care of everyone else, then this episode is for you.  I'm s...

Relationship Mini-Series: 4 of 6 Is your family a source of stress or growth? How about both!   Welcome back to the relationship miniseries! This is the fourth episode, all about reframing your relationship with family. Family connections can be tricky, so how could you shift your perspective to start seeing family challenges as opportunities for personal growth ?  Inspired by the unconditional lo...

Relationship Mini-Series: 3 of 6 How your pet friends can deepen your connections with your people friends!   Hey there! Welcome back to the relationships mini-series. If you're just joining us, don't miss episodes 19 and 20 about your relationships with society and group dynamics. This episode dives into something a little more personal: friends . As your pet teaches you about loyalty and joy, yo...

Relationship Mini-Series: 2 of 6 Group activities can create personal growth! Find out how your pet can help transform your group experiences :   Welcome back! This is the second installment in the New Year, New Perspectives miniseries on Relationships! Episode 19 was all about connections on a societal level, and this episode explores deepening connections through shared interests in Groups. If y...

Relationship Mini-Series: 1 of 6 Discover how curiosity and respect can help you navigate the complexities of society :   Hey there! As you ring in a new year, it's the perfect time for new perspectives . Even better- these new perspectives are inspired by your pet ! Wondering how your pet's natural curiosity and respect for new environments can teach you about interacting with society? This episo...

Why the winter solstice is a guide to self-compassion and personal growth – with your pet's love lighting the way:   In this holiday season, there are many celebrations for the hope, warmth, and light that will be coming soon. This is the perfect time to remember that all seasons – even the cold and dark ones – are just part of the cycle that is necessary for the beautiful blooms of spring. You ca...

Discover how to recognize and release guilt—guided by insights from your pet's unconditional love.   How often do you think of something that turned out different than you wanted or expected? Discover how to handle that guilt in a way that leaves you feeling empowered , not weighed down. You can learn a lot about handling this challenging emotion by watching your pet . They forgive quickly, move f...

Are you stuck in routines that don't serve you?  Sustainability is a core concept here at Pets Teach Love, so this episode defines how sustainability applies to your actions and choices. This is crucial for building the life you truly want . Discover why not every activity that feels good right now will actually serve you in the long run—and how your pet can be a powerful guide in figuring out whi...

Discover how understanding your pet's actions can help you identify your own actions and emotions! Hey there! Understanding your own emotions and thoughts can actually become easier when you pay attention to your pet's behaviors! You might have noticed that your pet's body language changes depending on how they're feeling—maybe they're calm and content after a walk, or they get tense during loud n...

Discover the special ways pets help you zero in on the areas of life you control! Ever found yourself spiraling over something you can't change? Or maybe giving away too much energy to situations that don't serve you? Today's episode unpacks why this is so frustrating and how your pets can be the perfect reminder to focus on what you can control. Whether it's daily routines, practicing boundaries,...

Feel like self-doubt is holding you back? Let your pet's love and wisdom show you a new path forward. It's no secret that your pet gives you a unique kind of love —unconditional, boundless, and completely free of judgment. But what if you could take that love and use it to overcome self doubt ? That's what this episode is all about! I'll share some personal stories and offer ways to challenge self...

Tackle holiday stress with the Overcome Overwhelm framework, and finish this year on top! As the end of the year and holidays approach, it may feel like you have to keep up with impossible expectations . It's easy to get overwhelmed with all the events, expenses, and food. (Yes, I'm always here for the food!)  If that resonates with you, don't worry— you're not alone . This episode dives back into...