The Pawsome Companion

In this gentle and emotionally rich episode of The Pawsome Companion, host Johanna Herrera is joined by guests who explore how dogs respond to grief — not just through training, but through instinct, connection and quiet presence.   Dog trainer Wendy Meek shares how support dogs are matched and trained to work with individuals navigating trauma, PTSD and loss. Her experience shines a light on the...

In this special highlights edition of The Pawsome Companion, host Johanna Herrera brings together three remarkable stories that show just how powerful the bond between dogs and humans can be. We begin with a touching story from RSPCA South Australia. A golden retriever, rescued from the harsh conditions of a puppy farm, finds a second chance at life. His journey from fear to trust is a reminder of...

In this heartwarming episode, Johanna Herrera chats with Natalie Bubner, a dedicated volunteer with Story Dogs, a program that helps children build confidence in reading by partnering them with calm, friendly dogs. Natalie shares how her own dogs became a furry classroom companion and how this work has transformed not only young readers but also her own perspective on connection and calm. With sto...

In this heartfelt episode of The Pawsome Companion, Johanna Herrera sits down with internationally acclaimed animal communicator and medium, Annie Bourke. Based in Queensland, Annie shares how she helps people connect with their animals both living and passed through her work at Cosmic High Intuitive. As the bestselling author of The Bridge to Animal Consciousness, Annie brings a unique blend of c...

Vanessa’s world revolves around dogs those she’s rescued, rehabilitated, and loved with her whole heart. In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we sit down with the woman behind one of South Australia’s most heartfelt dog rescue stories. From facing behavioural challenges to celebrating second chances, Vanessa brings a raw and honest perspective to what it truly takes to care for dogs who’ve be...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, Johanna Herrera is joined by Justin Diamond from Rose-Hip Vital – a trusted name in natural joint health supplements for pets. Justin shares the inspiring journey of Rose-Hip Vital, the science behind its anti-inflammatory properties, and how it’s giving thousands of Australian dogs a new lease on life.   From limps and lethargy to bounding back into zoomi...

Season 3 of The Pawsome Companion begins with a deeply personal and refreshingly funny conversation. Travis C. Yates joins host Joanna Herrera from Florida to share how one determined little dog changed the course of his life. Travis is the author of Nobody Told Me My Legs Don’t Work: Journey of a Down Dog – a book that explores disability, healing, and identity through the eyes of his dog. Togeth...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we meet Oliver—an animal lover who turned his passion for dogs into a business. With the support of an employment agency, Oliver launched Walking with Dogs, a dog-walking business that’s already building a loyal client base just four months in. Oliver shares how the idea came to life, the joy of working with animals, and what it takes to run a successful p...

What does three decades of veterinary experience teach you about animals, their humans, and the industry? In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, Johanna Herrera chats with Karen Potterton, lead vet at Hilton Vet Centre. Karen reflects on her 30-year journey from Liverpool to Adelaide, shares honest insights about working with pets and their owners, and talks about the changes she's seen in vete...

In this heartwarming episode of The Pawsome Companion, host Johanna Herrera sits down with Aida Laverde, a visually impaired woman whose life has been transformed through the support of her guide dog. Aida opens up about her journey from Colombia to Australia, her experiences navigating the world with vision loss, and how her guide dog provides not just mobility—but freedom, confidence, and compan...

For many veterans, life after service comes with invisible battles. In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we speak with Sophie from See Differently, who has spent over a decade working with service dogs trained to assist veterans with PTSD. She shares how these highly skilled dogs provide emotional support, independence, and life-changing assistance, helping veterans navigate daily challenges...

What’s it really like behind the scenes of an emergency vet clinic? In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we sit down with Alex Hibbert, an experienced emergency veterinarian in Adelaide. Alex shares eye-opening stories from the ER, essential first-aid tips for pet parents, and insights on when to rush your furry friend to the vet. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or a new one, this episode...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, Amy Van Dyk shares valuable insights on creating good habits in dogs. She discusses the importance of consistency, repetition, and making training a part of your lifestyle. Amy also emphasizes the need to practice training regularly, even after the initial learning phase, to reinforce good habits.   Additionally, Amy touches on the topic of dog parks, high...

Join us for a special mashup episode of The Pawsome Companion, featuring the best tips and tricks from Season 1. Our experts share valuable advice on various aspects of pet care, including becoming a dog trainer, managing reactive dogs, optimal feeding practices, and fostering dogs in need.

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we chat with Teagan from Jame Farm Days Outdoor Doggy Daycare, a unique dog daycare that offers a fun and enriching experience for dogs. Teagan shares the benefits of their outdoor facilities, their approach to socialization and play, and how they cater to dogs with different personalities and needs. Whether you're a dog owner or just a dog lover, this epi...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Karen Potterton, a seasoned veterinarian with over 10 years of experience in South Australia and over 20 in the UK, where she originally trained.  With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for animal care, Karen shares her experiences, answers our questions, and offers valuable insights into the world of veterinary medicine. From the most common health is...

Join us for a conversation with Mandy Jones, founder of Conservation Dogs SA, as she shares her team's incredible work detecting animals at risk of extinction. Learn how their expertly trained dogs collaborate with Flinders University and government bodies to protect and conserve South Australia's unique wildlife. Discover the impact of their vital work and the future of conservation efforts.   Le...

We had the pleasure of meeting Maxie, a retired guide dog, and chatting with Daisy Holt from See Differently!   Ever wondered what it's like to be a guide dog? Or how to interact with someone who has a guide dog? We got all the answers and more in this informative episode!   Tune in to learn about:   The life of a guide dog How guide dogs are trained What it's like to be a guide dog handler How to...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Wendy Meek, an ethical trainer from Hobark, operating in Adelaide and Hobart. Wendy shares her expertise on positive reinforcement training methods, tailored to individual needs, and accredited for Mind Dog Assistance Dogs. Learn how her approach empowers both humans and dogs, fostering strong relationships and confident companions. Discover the power of...

In this insightful episode, Scott Corcoran from Adelaide K9 shares his expertise on behavioural issues in dogs, revealing how owner dynamics play a significant role in shaping their pets' behaviour. Scott discusses how often, the root cause of behavioural problems lies not with the dog, but with the owner's actions, habits, and energy. He offers practical tips and strategies for managing and train...

Meet Nick Martin, award-winning CEO of The Pet Butcher, who's shaking up the pet food industry with his passion for varied and nutritious diets for our furry friends! In this episode, Nick shares his inspiring story of how he applied his catering and hospitality expertise to create a unique pet food business. He discusses the importance of mixing things up in your pet's diet, just like we do with...

Meet Jenna Gorman, a dedicated pet sitter who goes above and beyond to ensure your furry friends feel loved and secure while you're away! In this episode, Jenna shares her secrets on how she maintains consistent care, sticks to routines, and handles those pesky "testing" moments when pets try to see what they can get away with. From feeding and playtime to snuggles and fun, Jenna reveals how she b...

Join us for a thought-provoking episode with Hon. Sarah Game MLC, a vet, teacher, single mum, and passionate advocate. Sarah discusses the pressures faced by young vets and the importance of mental health awareness in the industry. She also answers questions and concerns about our furry friends, offering valuable advice and insights. Sarah's courage and compassion are an inspiration, and we're hon...

Join us for a fun-filled episode with Amy Van Dyk, experienced dog trainer and founder of ABT in Adelaide! Amy brings her three adorable dogs into the studio and shares valuable insights from her journey as a veterinary nurse to becoming a renowned dog trainer. Get ready for a pawsome chat packed with tips, tricks, and answers to your burning questions submitted through our socials! From behavior...

Join us for our very first episode of The Pawsome Companion podcast! We're excited to welcome Carolyn Jones, Media Manager of RSPCA SA, and her adorable dog King, who's a survivor of a puppy farm rescue. In this heartwarming conversation, Carolyn shares the incredible work of RSPCA SA, the profound impact of pets on our mental health, and how the organisation supports the wider community. Get read...