Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.

During this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" we're speaking with Rhonda Bell of Dog Days Consulting. Rhonda helps veterinarians, other pet service professionals and their clients talk to one another over social media.  She helps animal service providers improve and maintain their good reputations online. She also shows them how to resolve and repair their reputation if there has been negative feed...

Mindy Dutka Is Celebrating Our Unsung Dog Heroes of COVID-19 through Tales of Support! There's no question about it, our pets -- especially our dogs -- have and continue to help their families get through this challenging time.  My good friend, Mindy Dutka from Dogs I Meet , returns to "Why Do Pets Matter?" to talk about her new passion project -- Tales of Support.  During this incredibly insightf...

Carolyn Shadle, the CEO and resident guru of Interpersonl Communication Services, Inc., returns to "Why Do Pets Matter? " to discuss the importance of post-COVID interpersonal communication, the relationship between oxytocin and pet ownership, why the words and language we choose during our conversations matter, and how to keep our pets with us post-pandemic   More About Carolyn Shadle Carolyn C....

During this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" We're speaking with Cathy Madson, a Certified Behavior Consultant and professional dog trainer from PreventiveVet . She was one of our special guests in December 2019 and gave a mini-training about leaving your dog alone. At the time, little did we know that we would really need that training in 2021. So, Cathy's back with another training on how to lea...

During this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" we're speaking with Liz Rubinstein, CEO of GingerLead, a harness that pet owners can use whether their dog has arthritis, is recovering from surgery, hip dysplasia, or another type of cruciating injury. This is one of the best harnesses on the market for helping owners keep their pets safe during recovery. Liz is also an attorney who, like me, mediates...

Today we're speaking with the Airbnb of rescues and shelters, Chris Roy of Doobert.com . Chris is chatting with us about how COVID has created a collaborative environment between shelters, rescues, and volunteers. Learn More About Chris: Chris is a technology guy in his "day" job and used his experience to create Doobert.com which is an online software platform custom-built for animal rescuers.  ...

Olivia Summerhill, CFP®, CDFA®-- a financial planner -- is joining us during this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?"  Olivia helps women who are going through a divorce with their finances. One thing she has noticed is that most people don't put together a plan for their pets while they still like one another -- pre- disagreements, separation, and ultimately divorce. Olivia is sharing her thoughts a...

Today we're chatting with my long-time friend, Laura Reeves, about how breeders sustain their breeds and how they pick their owners.  She is a breeder, exhibitor, former handler, and seasoned podcaster -- hosting Pure Dog Talk and a contributing host to the Good Dog Pod.  Laura's motto is, "As man plans, God laughs!" Learn more about Laura Reeves: Laura is an AKC Breeder of Merit, AKC Judge, Good...

Today we're chatting with Mark Olcott, DVM, Co-founder & CEO VitusVet, a Veterinary Practice Management Solution that helps veterinarians use modern technology to improve patient care and grow their business.  Mark, a former partner at a multi-doctor small animal practice, co-founded VitusVet to solve the client-communication problems he saw each day. The company’s goal is very simple: to make it...

On today's "Why Do Pets Matter?" Podcast we're hearing from a new voice in the animal law community, Jessica Chapman, JD.  Currently, Jessica is pursuing her LLM at Lewis & Clark Law School -- the only University in the country offering an LLM in the field of animal law. (An LLM is a secondary degree for lawyers who have achieved their JD and passed the bar exam, and who are interested in a focuse...

Today I'm speaking with Dr. Lindsay Evans about the important role our pets have played in helping us maintain good self-care and mental well-being practices and why compassionate, non-judgemental communication for both veterinarians and their clients -- especially when it comes to difficult diagnoses and financial matters -- is critical. About Dr. Lindsay Evans Lindsay is a Veterinarian and a Reg...

"What would happen to your pets if something happened to you?"  That's the question today's guest, Peggy Hoyt, a Trust and Estate attorney and I are exploring in this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?"  and why having a MAAP Plan in place for your pets is so important! Peggy describes herself as “an attorney, animal advocate, and pet mom.” Her love for animals was developed as a child when her fathe...

Scott Fine, founder of Joey's Legacy, returns to "Why Do Pets Matter?"   and is chatting with us today about best-selling author JL Robb's new book "Joey's Legacy - Seeking Truth and Integrity In Veterinary Medicine which promises to expose the wrongdoing in the veterinary profession.  Scott also talks about veterinary accountability and responsibility, why it's important to know your rights, and...

Is it possible for veterinarians and their clients to improve how they communicate to help the animals they love and care for live their best lives?  This week's "Why Do Pets Matter?" special guest thinks so. Dr. Stacee Santi is an extraordinary veterinarian who believes in honesty, integrity, and transparency. And, for her, it all starts with diligent communication between the veterinarian and pe...

Today Mindy Dutka from Dogs I Meet is our special guest today! Mindy is a professional photographer based in Boston who helps people take pictures of their dogs for posterity. She also takes pictures of dogs at rescues and shelters so they are more adoptable. Photography had always piqued her curiosity. The way a picture preserves memory and a single snapshot can tell a story. As a New Yorker, she...

Dr. Randall Lockwood is an internationally recognized expert on the connection between animal cruelty and human violence.  He currently consults with the ASPCA about policy, response, and engagement regarding animal abuse since he retired from his position as Senior Vice-President with them.  During this incredibly educational conversation, Randall and I talk about how pets benefit people, public...

Vivian's passion in life is helping people make real, compassionate connections with the animals in their lives so that both of you are living your best life with one another. Today she's sharing lots of great tips about living happily and positively with your animal(s) and how to better understand and develop the relationship you and your pet have through observing, decoding, and guiding their be...

Jeff Davis, owner of a successful pet services business in Houston, TX and founder of "My Pet Credentials" (MPC) is talking to us today about an online tool he created that will help you keep your pet's information up to date and accessible 24 hours a day  -- no matter where you are. The MPC app allows you to create multiple pet profiles and you can add all of your veterinarian's information, vacc...

Sheila Goffe, VP of Government Relations of the American Kennel Club (AKC) joins us on "Why Do Pets Matter?" to discuss the importance, capabilities and credentialing of service animals. Our dog breeds are a reflection of how humans have evolved. Dogs are very special because they are dogs -- many of them were originally purpose-bred to help their humans stay alive and thrive. They were helpers in...

"Only A Punk Would Hurt A Cat Or A Dog."  So honored to have Caroline Griffin on this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" with you! Caroline was a practicing attorney for 20 years. For the past 10 years, she has been working in the animal protection arena supporting animal welfare and co-founding an anti-cruelty campaign that has become a movement - "Share Your Soft Side." Show Your Soft Side is a pu...

I can't wait for you to listen to this special "Lollapalooza" episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" You'll get to meet and learn more about the incredible work of four very passionate animal and people lovers who are making an impact around the world. Learn More About: Spencer B. Hodgetts Spencer helps Pet Advocacy & Therapy Professionals connect globally to create the social-impact they desire through...

Deirdre Chiaramonte, DVM - Science and Technology Meet A Deep Love For Animals Deirdre Chiaramonte provides veterinary professionals and pet owners with solutions that improve the lives of their pets, their working animals, and their patients.  She is the Director of Clinical Education at Assissi Animal Health. And is currently working with a rescue in the mid-Hudson Valley. Assissi's products emp...

I can't even begin to tell you how excited and honored I am to be sharing this next podcast interview with you. My good friend, Dr. Temple Grandin is known worldwide for her trailblazing work as a spokesperson for people with autism and her lifelong work with animal behavior. Temple is truly a living legend. She is a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and is considered one of...

Thomas Nicholl is both an attorney and a veterinarian. As a former practicing veterinarian who is thoroughly familiar with all aspects of the horse industry -- racing, breeding, show, endurance, hunter-jumper, dressage, cutting, driving, pleasure horses and companion animals -- he has amazing insight into the huge impact COVID is having on the racing industry and the health and well-being of the h...

Barbara Gislason is a true pioneer in the area of pet law. She is the one who put it on the books as a practice area first in Minnesota and then has gone on to create international awareness and programs advocating for animals and their welfare. During this episode of "why Do Pets Matter?" we talk about her life long passion and advocacy for animals, how a trip down the Yangtze River in China and...