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

Dr. Nadine Hamilton from Australia returns to "Why Do Pets Matter?" this week. COVID has created tremendous stress and challenges for veterinarians world-wide.  Nadine talks about how Australian veterinarians are coping with the pressure while providing excellent levels of care for their furry patients and their loving human owners. Burnout, split shifts, super long hours, and less than ideal work...

Animals have very complex and deep emotional lives that we humans are just beginning to understand. Raj Reddy, director of the Animal Law LL.M. Program at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, OR shares some profound insights into what our animals are feeling now that we've actually been spending more time than ever with them at home during COVID. We touch on what we need to do to prepare them and...

Divorce is often confusing, frustrating, and acrimonious. It's hard to figure out how to move forward when you never planned for life without your spouse. Too often divorcing couples weaponize pet custody. Unfortunately, they don't realize that their pets don't hate their ex and forget to consider what kind of custody situation would be in the best interest of their animals. Karis has masterfully...

Diane Eigner talks openly about how "a piece of her heart belongs to each of the cats and dogs who've crossed her path". She provides compassionate hospice and end of life care to felines in Ocean County, NJ. Diane is deeply committed to helping cat owners be at peace with the decisions they need to make for their pet's transition when the time comes. About Diane Eigner, DVM In 2015 when Diane was...

Jeremy Cohen, Esq. "Dedicated To Defending Companion Animals" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Vey Voda-Hamilton, Esq. During this candid conversation, Jeremy talks about how his legal work helps animals, their owners, and their veterinarians, feel valued and understood by talking to one another first -- often eliminating the need for litigation. A lawyer for nearly 20 years, Jeremy Cohen has bee...

Do you love cats? Yes? You're in for a real treat! During this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" Debra has a powerful conversation with Melissa Supernor about how her pets -- 4 calico cats -- are helping her staying sane during these challenging times. Melissa also shares some wonderful insights into the nature of calicos -- the "red-heads" of the feline world!   Plus Melissa talks about what makes...

Dr. Ian Hale, an Author, Speaker, Poet, Consultant, Autism Advocate, and cat lover is from the historic City and County of Bristol, England. During our conversation, Ian talks about life with his many cats -- he has four -- how the absolutely delight him and how they have taught him some of his greatest life lessons.   He is a member of British Mensa, the Accademia Costantiniana and a graduate of...

Mary Gardner, DVM "A Passion For Older Pets" on Why Do Pets Matter with Debra Hamilton #143 Dr. Mary Gardner, DVM is passionate about helping geriatric pets. In this episode listen as Mary and host Debra Hamilton talk about pet aging and how you can navigate the senior years of your pet with more grace and peace. You can learn more about the services Lap Of Love provides for Veterinary Hospice and...

Yvonne DiVita "Pets Are More Than Companions" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton Podcast #138 Yvonne DiVita built BlogPaws to encourage women to write and deepen the love of pets around the world. More About Yvonne DiVita Yvonne DiVita is a writing professional with a passionate desire to help women everywhere achieve their highest goals and write more books. She considers herself a serial...

Jeff Nicol, DVM "Your Pet's Behavior Matters" on Why Do Pet's Matter? with Debra Hamilton #142 Dr. Jeff Nicol shares his love for pets, and how they taught him about life in this warm and educational episode of Why Do Pets Matter? Podcast hosted by Debra Hamilton. More About Dr. Jeff Nicol Pets are special to Dr. Jeff Nicol. Growing up his family always had cats and dogs in their home. It’s hard f...

Here are a few tips to help you make socializing your dog easier and safer while we are practicing Social Distancing during the COVID pandemic.

"Don't Lose Your Beloved Pet Because Something Happens to You" on Why Do Pets Matter? Q&A with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #140 A 72-year-old woman who broke her leg at home now has to sue the Rescue that adopted out her Afghan Hound because she didn't have a pet care plan in place to ensure continuity of her pet's care if something happened to her.  These tips can help you avoid a similar situat...

Here are some tips to help your dog (and you) avoid gaining weight during COVID.

Kids and pets do much better when they are on a schedule. Here are a few practical tips to ensure that you create an effective schedule for everyone since we are spending so much more time at home now. Plus, the things you need to think about when the kids go back to school and you go back to work. Enjoy this Q/A episiode with Debra Hamilton!   More About Debra Hamilton Debra Hamilton is a pet lov...

Dr. Dave Nicol "Pet Podcaster, Speaker and Advocate" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton Podcast #137 A Scotsman in the UK, Dr. Dave Nicol is an advocate for veterinarians everywhere. His leadership is undeniable, his attidude is upbeat, and you will love this conversation with host Debra Hamilton, Esq. on Why Do Pets Matter? Podcast.  More About Dr. Dave Nicol Dr. Dave Nicol has been a vet...

Catherine Haskins “An Evolutionary Love Affair with Animals and The People Who Care For Them” on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton Podcast #135 The human-animal bond reveals itself in some surprisingly awesome ways during the wee hours of the morning for Catherine Haskins. And, she has fallen even more deeply in love with animals and the people who care for them during her career as a conver...

Dr. Jeni Waeltz DVM "Unconditional Love" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton Podcast #134 The unconditional love of a pet matters more than ever in times of Covid! Dr. Jeni Waeltz and host Debra Hamilton dive into being a pet owner in today's environment, the ups and the downs. Dr. Waeltz experienced burnout before changing things around to live her dream life. Enjoy this episode!   More Ab...

Xander Gibb "Loving Our Fur Babies" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #133 Talk show host Xander Gibb shares stories of adopting pets from sanctuaries and other upbeat conversations on this lively edition of Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. TV and radio personality Xander shares how much he and his family treasure their pets! More About Xander Gibb Xander Gibb i...

Henry Yampolsky "Finding Peace Amid Chaos" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #132 In this episode, Henry Yampolsky, J.D. shares insight into living in peace even during Pandemic. A peace educator, mediator and conflict coach, Yampolsky and host Debra Hamilton talk about the opportunity for peace even as massive change is underway. More About Henry Yampolsky Henry Yampolsky,...

"How Do I Go Back To Work With A New Pet" on Why Do Pets Matter? Q&A with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #131 How do I go back to work with a new pet, and how to hire help to care for your pet on this Question and Answer episode with host Debra Hamilton, Esq. To ask a question for Debra Hamilton, send it to WhyDoPetsMatterPodcast @gmail.com! More About Debra Hamilton, Esq. Debra Hamilton is a pet lo...

"Kong Toys For Your Dog When You are Working from Home" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #130 Kong toys are good for puppy teething and doing a webinar undisturbed on this Question and Answer episode with host Debra Hamilton, Esq. To ask a question for Debra Hamilton, send it to WhyDoPetsMatterPodcast @gmail.com! More About Debra Hamilton, Esq. Debra Hamilton is a pet lover...

"Should I Adopt or Foster a Pet Now?" on Why Do Pets Matter? Podcast with Debra Hamilton Esq. Podcast #129 The differences between adopting a pet and fostering a pet, and how to discern if this is the right time on this Question and Answer episode with host Debra Hamilton, Esq. To ask a question for Debra Hamilton, send it to WhyDoPetsMatterPodcast @gmail.com! More About Debra Hamilton, Esq. Debra...

Dr. Alex Rowell, PsyD "Holding an Empathic Place During Sadness" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #128 In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter? clinical psychologist and veterinary college expert Dr. Alex Rowell walks through how to get through difficult times, even if you are sad or having challenges in your day-to-day. He's so compassionate! You will love this episode with...

 JonaKarina Whisenant "Building Lifelong Relationships with Our Pets" on Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. Podcast #127 The wise JonaKarina Whisenant, therapist, shares how to deepen your relationship with your pets on this warm and therapeutic episode of Why Do Pets Matter? with Debra Hamilton, Esq. With so much going on in the world, and so much more time with pets, this episode will...

"Caring for Pets in a Pandemic" on the Why Do Pets Matter Q & A Podcast #126 Host Debra Hamilton Esq. shares strategies for caring for your beloved pets even when you are stuck in the house and can't get out to shop. This is a special Q/A episode of the podcast!   More About Debra Hamilton, Esq. Debra Hamilton is a pet lover extraoridinaire! Debra is a full-time mediator and conflict coach for peo...