Canine nutrition goes far beyond what sits in the bowl. When your dog won't eat, struggles with chronic health issues, or shows puzzling behavioral patterns, the answer might lie in how we understand nourishment itself. Dr. Alexia Mellor shares how her own dog's health crisis led her to question everything she thought she knew about feeding dogs—and ultimately transformed how she understands the bond between dogs and their people.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why "balanced and complete" is a marketing term, and what bioavailability actually means for your dog's ability to absorb nutrients

• How to start improving your dog's diet without overwhelm, beginning with simple fresh toppers that address what's missing from kibble

• The FETCH methodology for observing your dog holistically—from tracking behaviors at specific times of day to understanding what environmental factors might be affecting their wellbeing

• Why restlessness at 11 PM, nibbling at certain times, or seasonal changes in appetite might be telling you something about your dog's internal health

• How Chinese medicine principles and energetics can unlock puzzling health or behavior patterns that conventional approaches haven't solved

• What it means to work in partnership with your dog rather than treating them as an optimization project

• How curiosity about what your dog is showing you can become an entry point for deeper understanding—and why there's rarely just one root cause

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"They are gateways to our own spiritual evolution." — Alexia

ABOUT DR. ALEXIA MELLOR

Dr. Alexia Mellor is a holistic canine nutrition consultant on a mission to transform how we nourish our dogs, ourselves, and the world we share. Through Mystic Dog Mama, she explores what it truly means to be nourished—using dogs as both teacher and guide. Her work brings together canine nutrition, holistic health, systems thinking, and the wisdom of the human-animal bond. With a background in participatory art, design, and climate research, Alexia approaches dog health with curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for the partnership between dogs and their people.

CONNECT WITH DR. ALEXIA MELLOR

Website: mysticdogmama.com

Podcast: Search for "Mystic Dog Mama" wherever you listen to podcasts

Free Resource: Mystic Dog Mama Nourishment Starter Kit at mysticdogmama.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co - the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

Your dog heals you in ways you may not fully realize. The simple act of having a dog in your life already offers measurable health benefits, but there's a whole world of untapped potential in that relationship. This conversation explores how the human-dog bond can become a deliberate pathway to better physical health, emotional balance, and everyday wellbeing.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How synchronizing with your dog creates what Michael calls a "cocoon"—an energy system that amplifies wellbeing for both human and dog

• The measurable health benefits dogs offer, from increased oxytocin and serotonin to reduced cortisol, lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and even potential cancer prevention

• Why walking your dog while staring at your phone means you're missing the most healing part of the walk

• How simple rituals like placing your hand on your dog while visualizing love can calm an anxious or traumatized rescue dog

• The concept of "sniff walks" and why letting your dog lead the pace and choose what to investigate is actually mindfulness practice for you

• How dogs act as mirrors, reflecting back our own mental and emotional states in ways that can reveal what we need to address in ourselves

• Why setting too many boundaries with your dog—no couch, no bed, no jumping—might mean you're missing out on the deeper healing potential of the relationship

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Dogs are uniquely attuned to us all the time. We look at our dog, and we see our own mental state as a reflection." — Michael

ABOUT MICHAEL PRIV

Michael Priv is a wellness innovator, writer, and former energy healer who has spent decades exploring how the human-dog bond can become a powerful pathway to better health and emotional balance. He is the creator of HoundHeart, a human-dog synchronization app that uses paired wearable devices and AI-supported insights to help people unlock the wellness benefits of the relationship they already have with their dog. Michael believes those benefits can be strengthened, measured, and made more intentional through technology and simple daily rituals.

CONNECT WITH MICHAEL PRIV

• Website: michaelpriv.com

• HoundHeart: houndheartwellness.com

• Facebook: facebook.com/michaelprivauthor

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelpriv

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com.

And if you're a dog lover who wants community, trusted expert resources and coaching to create a calmer, happier, healthier life with your dog, come find us at planetcalm.co — the Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How dog-friendly offices actually increase productivity and employee retention, backed by peer-reviewed research

• Why predictability matters more than enthusiasm when it comes to managing dogs (and people) in shared workspaces

• The traffic light system that helps dogs settle and prevents over-excitement without feeling restrictive

• What makes a dog suitable for office life, and the one non-negotiable that rules a dog out entirely

• How to address common concerns like allergies, phobias, and the myth that offices will turn into chaotic doggy daycares

• Why some dogs need a "red light" approach even when they're friendly, and how that sets them up to succeed

• What happens when new management takes over, and how to make the case for keeping dogs in the office

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"I counted and I was like, 'We've got 18 dogs in here,' and yet you wouldn't know. Every dog was just fast asleep under the table." — Emily

ABOUT EMILY BIRCH

Emily Birch is the Owner and Director of The Office Dog, where she helps organisations introduce dogs into the workplace in a structured, safe, and genuinely beneficial way. She also runs a canine consultancy focused on behaviour work. Based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Emily has been pioneering dog-friendly office environments since 2014, working with businesses at every stage - from policy creation and training through to implementation and probation sign-off.

CONNECT WITH EMILY BIRCH

Website: theofficedog.org

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why a dog who looks calm and well-behaved might actually be scared and shut down — and how to tell the difference

• What classical conditioning really means, and why it matters more than you think when it comes to how your dog experiences the world

• How punishment (yes, even "just a correction") can create hidden fallout you won't see in a 30-second Instagram video

• Why dog body language is so misunderstood — and what that little tongue flick actually means

• How focusing on what you want your dog to do instead of what you want them to stop changes everything

• Why there's no such thing as "just dog training" — it's all rooted in the science of behaviour, whether people know it or not

• What questions to ask before choosing a trainer, a method, or even a viral training hack

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"A shut down dog can look like a well-behaved dog." — Annie

ABOUT ANNIE GROSSMAN

Annie Grossman is a dog trainer, journalist, and the author of How to Train Your Dog With Love + Science. A lifelong New Yorker, she spent over a decade running School For The Dogs, a storefront training centre in the East Village where she worked with thousands of dogs and their people. Before diving into dog training, Annie worked as a journalist and producer, writing for outlets like The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She's a graduate of the Karen Pryor Academy and a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement rooted in behavioural science. These days, she writes Don't Be a Dick to Your Dog on Substack and speaks at conferences about making dog training less jargon-heavy and more human.

CONNECT WITH ANNIE GROSSMAN

Website: anniegrossman.com
Instagram: @anniegrossman
Facebook: @annie4thedogs
Substack: dogtraining.substack.com

Get the Free guide on How Not To Be A Dick To Your Dog (😛)

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CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com
And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

WHAT YOU''LL LEARN

• Why veterinarians often don't have time to answer all your questions, and how pet health coaches fill that critical gap without replacing veterinary care

• What actually happens during a pet health coaching session—from reviewing your dog's medical history to creating a personalized plan you can realistically follow

• How to know when your dog needs emergency veterinary attention versus when you can manage a health concern with lifestyle changes and support

• The questions you should be asking your vet to make appointments more efficient and effective for everyone involved

• Why lifestyle medicine matters for chronic conditions like kidney disease, allergies, and cancer—and where conventional treatments still play an essential role

• How to approach your veterinarian with information about integrative care without creating conflict or defensiveness

• What credentials to look for when choosing a pet health coach, and why real-world experience matters as much as education

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"If Janet had not had me, Rosie would've been dead a year too early." — Ruth

ABOUT DR. RUTH ROBERTS

Dr. Ruth Roberts is an integrative veterinarian with over 30 years of experience and the creator of The Original CrockPet Diet. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded Holistic Pet Health Coach, an educational institution that trains and certifies professionals to become trusted guides for pet guardians navigating chronic illness and complex health decisions. Her work emerged from witnessing too many pets lose precious time because their guardians had nowhere to turn for reliable, personalized support beyond the exam room.

CONNECT WITH DR. RUTH ROBERTS

Website: drruthroberts.com

Instagram: @dr.ruthroberts

Facebook: @Crockpetdiet

YouTube: @DrRuthRoberts

Free guide: When Not to Go to the ER Vet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How MaryBeth developed a turmeric-based blend when her dog Teddy was given only weeks to live, and what happened when his aggressive sarcoma disappeared after four months on the formula

• Why ingredients like turmeric, ginger, flaxseed and medicinal mushrooms work synergistically to support healing, reduce inflammation and boost overall wellness in dogs

• What signs to watch for when introducing natural remedies, including how dogs sometimes signal what their bodies need through their appetite and interest in certain ingredients

• How to start incorporating anti-inflammatory support into your dog's routine, whether they're dealing with a health crisis or you want to support them preventatively

• Why natural flea and tick repellents made with essential oils can be an alternative to chemical-based collars and treatments

• What pet owners report back after trying turmeric blends, from improved mobility and energy to relief from chronic allergies and skin conditions

• How to navigate the conversation between holistic approaches and traditional veterinary care, and when pharmaceuticals may still be necessary

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"He didn't even want to walk, so we decided we didn't want him to die like that. Within two or three days he started walking." — MaryBeth

ABOUT MARYBETH POWERS

MaryBeth Powers is the founder of Teddy's Turmeric Tamer, a Virginia-based pet wellness company born from her determination to save her beloved Newfie mix, Teddy, after he was diagnosed with an aggressive sarcoma. What started as a desperate search for natural ways to help one dog has grown into a business that supports hundreds of dogs facing cancer, arthritis, inflammation and allergies. After a 30-year career in event planning, MaryBeth now dedicates herself to creating all-natural, human-grade wellness products and educating pet owners about the power of whole-food ingredients. A portion of every sale goes back to dogs in need through rescues and shelters.

CONNECT WITH MARYBETH POWERS

Website: teddysturmerictamer.com

Instagram: @teddysturmerictamer

Facebook: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

LinkedIn: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

TikTok: Teddy's Turmeric Tamer

Use code SOUL for 10% off your order

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs and the people who love them.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why adopting a senior dog can be one of the most rewarding decisions you'll ever make, even if you never expected to become a pug person

• How Noodle's simple "Bones or No Bones" routine became a global phenomenon during lockdown, and what made it resonate so deeply with people who needed hope

• What it's really like to navigate grief when your dog was beloved by millions, and how fostering became a healing path forward

• How Jonathan used his platform to raise awareness for dog rescue while keeping the focus on what mattered most: his dogs' comfort and wellbeing

• Why Milton, his fifth foster pug, turned out to be the perfect fit—not because he replaced Noodle, but because he brought his own quiet, uncompromising personality to the family

• How Jonathan turned viral moments into children's books that teach kids about asking for help, taking care of themselves, and being brave in the face of change

• What it means to keep your day job while your dog becomes internet-famous, and why that boundary mattered so much

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Being brave can be hard, but everything is a little easier with a friend by your side." — Jonathan

ABOUT JONATHAN GRAZIANO

Jonathan Graziano is a number one New York Times bestselling author and the devoted caretaker of some of the internet's most beloved pugs. His late dog, Noodle, captured hearts worldwide with the "Bones or No Bones" series during lockdown, teaching millions that it's okay to take a day for yourself. Jonathan has since fostered and adopted Milton, another pug with his own distinct personality, and continues Noodle's legacy through children's books that celebrate kindness, bravery, and the importance of rescuing senior pets. He works in communications and social media marketing and is based in Rochester, New York.

CONNECT WITH JONATHAN GRAZIANO

Website: jonathangraziano.com

Instagram: @jongraz

TikTok: @jongraz

Preorder Milton Makes a Move (out August 4): Simon & Schuster

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog, come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How dogs reveal the gap between who we pretend to be and who we actually are, and why that matters for leadership and personal growth

• Why people-pleasing patterns show up instantly when working with dogs, and what a simple bowl of treats can teach you about setting boundaries

• How mental state affects performance in dog sports, and what that means for managing your own reactions under pressure

• The difference between demonstrating dominance and offering genuine leadership, as dogs will always choose the highway over an inflexible handler

• Why starting with the basics matters, whether you're learning agility for fun or aiming for competition level

• What happens when corporate teams work through exercises with dogs instead of staring at PowerPoint slides

• How fear and discomfort can shift when someone gets to approach dogs at their own pace, without pressure or pretence

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"There's only one nervous creature allowed in the ring, and the dog has already chosen." — Frank

ABOUT FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN

Frank van Nimwegen is a Dutch agility handler, instructor, and coach who has competed internationally with Belgian Shepherds and served as team manager of the Dutch agility team. After decades in dog sports, he became increasingly interested in how dogs can help people develop confidence, communication, and leadership. Today, he combines his competition experience with coaching methodologies like NLP and mBIT to offer dog-assisted coaching for agility handlers, corporate teams, and professionals seeking greater performance and personal growth.

CONNECT WITH FRANK VAN NIMWEGEN

Website: www.qynnect.nl

LinkedIn: Frank van Nimwegen

Additional: www.caniquest.com

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business - or just want a calmer, happier dog - come find us at Happy Pupcakes. Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why kibble alone might be contributing to your dog's skin issues, digestive upset, and low energy, even if it's the expensive "vet-approved" brand

• How to transition your dog from kibble to whole foods without shocking their system or second-guessing every meal

• What "gently cooked" actually means and why it might be easier than you think to feed your dog real, nutrient-dense food

• The role histamine levels play in your dog's inflammatory response and why the way food is cooked matters more than you realised

• How to know if you're feeding too much or too little when you switch from kibble to whole foods

• Why rotating proteins matters and how to keep meals simple, affordable, and genuinely nourishing

• Where to find support and trustworthy guidance when you're ready to go against the grain and trust what your dog's body is telling you

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Your dog's probably not allergic to chicken. It's highly unlikely." — Wendy

ABOUT WENDY BROWN

Wendy Brown has spent over 25 years in medical and behavioural dog rescue, including a decade as Vice President of a rescue organisation. Her work with dogs facing serious medical challenges sparked a deep interest in canine nutrition, and she now shares what she's learned through her dog food cookbook and her children's book series, Inspired by Lily. Wendy believes that simple, whole foods can transform a dog's health and that every dog deserves meals as nourishing as the love we have for them.

CONNECT WITH WENDY BROWN

Website: wendychowbrown.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@wendychowbrown

Instagram: @chowdownwithwendybrown

Facebook: facebook.com/wendychowbrown

TikTok: @kitten.atomic

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why your dog needs around 14 hours of sleep a day, and what happens when they don't get it

• The earliest warning signs of osteoarthritis — long before limping starts — including those small hesitations we tend to write off as quirks

• What makes a good dog bed actually good: firmness, height, materials, and why those fluffy beds often backfire

• Why a dog bed should last as long as a human mattress, and how to tell if yours is doing its job

• How sleep and chronic pain are linked — and why good rest can slow the progression of arthritis

• Simple, low-cost changes you can make at home to support your dog's joints and sleep, from rugs on slippery floors to where you place their bed

• Whether dogs should sleep in your bed (spoiler: it depends — and Lauren's answer is refreshingly practical)

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"By the time they're limping, they're really struggling." — Lauren

ABOUT DR LAUREN DAVIS

Dr Lauren Davis is a vet and pet sleep expert, as well as the founder of VetRelieve, a company specialising in orthopaedic pet beds and sleep hygiene for dogs at home, on the move, and in clinics. After spending five years as commercial director of a human medical mattress company, Lauren returned to her roots in veterinary medicine and combined her two worlds. Now she lectures, advocates, and designs products that support healthy sleep — a keystone of wellness, performance, and part of the toolbox against chronic pain conditions like osteoarthritis.

CONNECT WITH DR LAUREN DAVIS

Website: https://www.vetrelieve.co.uk

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesleepvet/

Instagram: www.instagram.com/vetrelieveuk

Facebook: www.facebook.com/vetrelieveuk

Special offer for listeners: Use code STBD20 for £20 off any purchase at www.vetrelieve.co.uk

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why service dog training actually starts on day one of a puppy's life, and what those earliest lessons look like when you're preparing a dog for such important work

• How trainers can tell as early as five or six weeks old whether a puppy might have the right temperament for service work—and why that assessment keeps changing as the puppy grows

• What makes Labs and Golden Retrievers particularly well-suited for service work, and why a "neutral" temperament matters more than you might expect

• How foster families bond deeply with puppies for six months, then find the strength to give them back—and why that emotional connection is actually essential to the training process

• The surprising range of tasks service dogs can perform, from detecting allergens in a room before their person enters to retrieving medication and placing it directly in someone's mouth

• What happens to puppies who don't make it through the service dog programme, and why being "released" as a pet doesn't mean they've failed

• How the fundraising process works for families who need a service dog, and why organisations like ECAD never want cost to be a barrier

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"We are starting their training from day one. It's my responsibility to make them feel comfortable and make them have fun." — Christina

ABOUT CHRISTINA REISER

Christina is the Early Puppy Developer at ECAD (Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities), a nonprofit organisation in Connecticut that has placed around 500 service dogs over the past 30 years. She manages all aspects of care, development and socialisation for puppies eight months and younger, preparing them for lives of meaningful work with people who have disabilities. Before joining ECAD, Christina worked as a marine mammal trainer at an aquarium on Long Island, where she learned the psychology of positive reinforcement training. In her free time, she loves to bake and spend time outside with her dog, Indy.

CONNECT WITH CHRISTINA REISER

Website: ecad1.org

Watch live puppy updates: Search "ECAD Explore" on explore.org (live every Wednesday at 10 AM EST)

Facebook: Search for ECAD

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who wants a calmer, happier dog—come find us at planetcalm.co. The Ultimate Hub for dogs, the people who love them, and the businesses they build.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How to start hearing what your dog is already trying to tell you—and why talking to them out loud actually matters for their mental health

• What dogs typically want to communicate about, from the simple (bacon under the table) to the soul-deep (whether they want to fight through cancer treatment)

• Why your emotions can block the channel when you need it most, and what to do instead

• How smell becomes a fifth sense in dog communication—and what it means when your dog keeps making you think about poop

• The difference between hearing your own dog versus someone else's, and how to tell which one is "speaking" in a multi-dog home

• What dogs on the other side want their people to know, and why there's never guilt from that side of the veil

• How to practice animal communication in a grounded, practical way that doesn't require fifty rituals or years of meditation

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"I cannot underestimate how much just talking to your pet all the time does for their mental health, for their understanding of their environment." — Emily

ABOUT EMILY SNYDER

Emily Snyder is a psychic medium for pets and people based in Brooklyn, New York. Trained at the UK's Arthur Findlay College—the oldest school of mediumship in the world—she works through her practice, Connected Intuition, to help dogs and their humans have deeper, soul-level conversations. She's currently writing her first book and teaches animal communication classes for people ready to start hearing their own animals. When she's not in conversation with the unseen, she's raising two kids in Brooklyn.

CONNECT WITH EMILY SNYDER

Website: connectedintuition.com

Instagram: @connectedintuition

TikTok: @connectedintuition

YouTube: @connectedintuition

Free resource: Animal Communication Guide

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business - or just want a calmer, happier dog - come find us at fetchhappystore.com. Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why dental care is the single most important longevity strategy for small dogs and cats, and how dental disease can shorten lifespan by up to 15%

• The truth about glucosamine and chondroitin (they don't work), and which supplements are actually proven to reduce joint pain as effectively as prescription drugs

• How two longevity drugs — rapamycin and acarbose — are being used to extend life in dogs, and what the research shows about their effectiveness

• Why standard kibble may be setting the table for cancer, inflammation and other chronic health issues, and what to feed instead

• Simple lifestyle changes that reduce cumulative joint damage — from yoga mats in high-traffic areas to avoiding stairs

• How keeping your dog lean is the single most powerful thing you can do to extend their life, backed by a landmark study showing thin dogs lived nearly two years longer

• What signs of arthritis appear long before limping, and how to recognize pain your dog is hiding

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"The thinner your pet is, the longer and less painful they will live." — Kevin

ABOUT DR. KEVIN TOMAN

Dr. Kevin Toman has been a veterinarian for 40 years, and for the last decade has specialized in pet longevity — helping dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives through veterinary care, advanced diagnostics, integrative therapies, and longevity science. His work focuses on older pets dealing with cancer, chronic pain, or heart disease. He lives on the coast of California, and his own health journey opened his eyes to the power of combining traditional veterinary medicine with herbal therapy, acupuncture, and evidence-based supplements.

CONNECT WITH DR. KEVIN TOMAN

Website: https://www.helpingpetslivelonger.com
Free 10-Minute Vet Call: https://www.freevetcall.com
YouTube & Instagram: @TheLongevityVet

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com 

And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business — or just want a calmer, happier dog — come find us at Happy Pupcakes - Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why pet loss often hits harder than losing a human, and why that's completely valid

• What anticipatory grief is and how recognising it can help you prepare emotionally for end of life

• The term "disenfranchised grief" and why society still doesn't fully acknowledge the toll pet loss takes

• How companies are slowly beginning to offer bereavement leave for pets and why that matters for your mental health and financial wellbeing

• What to do if you're struggling with guilt or the feeling that your dog's passing didn't honour their life

• How to navigate getting another dog after loss, and why that decision is far more complicated than people think

• Why grief is love and loss coexisting, and how you learn to move with it, not move on from it

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"We are their entire everything. There is no way that that relationship can't affect you in a different way." — Koryn

ABOUT KORYN GREENSPAN

Koryn is the founder of The Parted Paw, a Toronto-based pet loss and grief support company helping pet parents navigate one of the most overlooked forms of loss. A Certified Pet Loss Bereavement Specialist and Certified End-of-Life Pet Doula, Koryn supports individuals, families, couples, and workplaces through anticipatory grief, active loss, and life after goodbye. Her work is grounded, compassionate, and practical, offering people the language and permission to grieve openly while honouring the bond that endures beyond goodbye.

CONNECT WITH KORYN GREENSPAN

Website: https://www.thepartedpaw.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/koryn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepartedpaw_griefsupport/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepartedpaw?lang=en

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

And if you're a dog lover who's also building a business - or just want a calmer, happier dog - come find us at fetchhappystore.com. Happy dogs, thriving businesses, and a community that gets both.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• What makes a dog suited to therapy work — and why it's about temperament, not breed or size

• How rescue dogs who've lived through trauma can become certified comfort dogs for people in crisis

• Why some dogs thrive on being petted by strangers in schools and hospitals, and others don't

• What therapy dogs actually do in courtrooms, libraries, tax offices, and classrooms after tragedy

• How loving senior dogs — and losing them — can teach us something essential about grief

• Why getting another dog after loss isn't about replacement, but finding a new place for your love to go

• How people who can't bear to adopt again still find ways to stay connected to dogs

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"He's 11, Mike. He's gonna break our hearts. But my husband just said, 'He needs us.'" — Peggy

ABOUT PEGGY FREZON

Peggy Frezon is a contributing editor for Guideposts and Angels on Earth magazines, and the author of several books exploring the bond between people and animals. She and her husband run BrooksHaven, a forever retirement home for senior golden retrievers in upstate New York. Her latest book, Goodbye to a Good Dog, is a guide for anyone navigating the grief of losing a beloved animal. Peggy also volunteers as a therapy dog handler, taking her dogs into schools, hospitals, and community spaces where comfort is needed most.

CONNECT WITH PEGGY FREZON

Website: peggyfrezon.com
Facebook: facebook.com/PeggyFrezonBooks

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit soultouchedbydogs.com

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How assistance dogs are trained from puppyhood through foster families, school, and personalised instruction — and why only about 80% graduate

• What daily tasks an assistance dog performs that most people never think about, from pulling wheelchair users upright in bed to pushing a shower chair out of spray range

• How the matching process works between dog and handler, and why it's more like dating than a waiting list

• What retirement looks like for working dogs, including how families are chosen and why handlers don't always get to keep their dogs

• How to navigate public spaces when not everyone understands the law around assistance dogs — and the creative ways Claudia educates as she goes

• Why assistance dogs wear specific harnesses and what's being developed across Europe to make identification clearer

• What happens during the transition period when a handler says goodbye to one dog and begins training with another

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"Do you expect me to leave my wheelchair outside also? Because that's what you're asking me to do." — Claudia

ABOUT CLAUDIA HENDRIX

Claudia Hendrix is a connector, speaker, and advocate living with chronic illness and using a wheelchair in Alkmaar, Netherlands. She's an ambassador for KNGF Guide Dogs, where she speaks openly about how her assistance dog Katya makes independent living possible. Claudia also works as a coordinator at Stichting Still, supporting families navigating the loss of a child or parent. She previously founded JouwTransformatie and made her online academy freely available. Her writing and speaking bring warmth, gentleness, and a touch of humour to difficult topics, creating space for real conversation and hope.

CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA HENDRIX

Website: https://claudiahendrix.nl

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HulphondKatya

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positiviteitshotje and https://www.instagram.com/claudiahdrx

Become a puppy foster family: https://geleidehond.nl/word-puppypleeggezin/

Free online academy: https://academy.claudiahendrix.nl/courses

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why symptoms are clues, not problems—and what your dog's body is really trying to tell you when something feels off

• How energy balance at the cellular level affects everything from red ears to excessive water drinking, and why these "normal" things might not be normal at all

• What BEAM stands for and why tracking these four simple things matters more than focusing on individual symptoms

• How micro-engagements—short bursts of joy like sniff walks or play—can support healing and improve quality of life in measurable ways

• Why prescribing happiness (yes, really) might be more effective than reaching for medication first

• What the "happiness protocol" is and how it upgrades mitochondrial function through what your dog loves most

• How to start making holistic, informed decisions that work alongside—not against—your regular vet care

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"We ignore the most accomplished doctor in the room, and that is Doctor Mother Nature." — Jeff

ABOUT DR. JEFF FEINMAN

Dr. Jeff Feinman has been a veterinarian since 1985 and is the founder of Holistic Actions!, a movement bringing compassionate communication and practical veterinary spirituality to pet care. With over 30 years of experience, his mission is to bridge the gap between holistic and conventional veterinary medicine through nature-inspired, energy-driven actions. He empowers pet parents with resources, webinars, and a supportive community, and is the author of a new book that merges molecular biology with indigenous wisdom to help animals live healthier, happier lives.

CONNECT WITH DR. JEFF FEINMAN

Website: https://www.holisticactions.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticActions

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticactions/

Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/holisticactions/

Free Self-Care Package: https://www.holisticactions.com/self-care-package-signup/ — Three inspiring webinars to guide you to a more connected place within yourself so you can be the best guardian for your animal.

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why goats need a different kind of herding dog than sheep, and how "loose-eyed" breeds like English Shepherds work up close and personal with stubborn livestock

• What it takes to train a herding dog from scratch when you've never trained a dog before, including why you have to wait a full year before introducing a puppy to stock

• How rotational grazing with a working dog can heal degraded soil while producing high-quality goat milk for soap making

• The importance of always backing up your dog around livestock, even when things don't go to plan—and how discouragement can ruin a working dog's confidence

• What a typical day looks like moving goats from barn to pasture, and how farmer and dog work as a team to guide the herd

• How working dogs stay engaged during winter months when there's no grazing, and why skills like "steady" help a dog learn to respect the bubble of space around stock

• Why early socialisation between young dogs and livestock matters, and how encouragement builds a dog's ability to be the calm, confident leader of the herd

A FAVOURITE MOMENT

"I feel bad that I'm the only person here. I think more people should be able to see this." — Seth

ABOUT SETH

Seth is a farmer and goat herder at New Plymouth Farm in Wisconsin, where he produces goat milk soap using regenerative agriculture practices. Three years ago, he left his previous life behind to work the land with his English Shepherd, Dutch, who helps move the herd from barn to pasture and back again. Seth is passionate about improving soil health and sharing the peaceful, purposeful work of grazing with others.

CONNECT WITH SETH

Website: newplymouthfarm.com

Facebook: New Plymouth Farm

Special offer: Use code Soul10 for 10% off goat milk soap at newplymouthfarm.com. Sign up for emails to be notified when live herding videos launch this spring.

CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

What You'll Learn

• Why burnout in veterinary medicine often goes unnoticed until it's too late, and what signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care about

• How the demands of modern veterinary practice have shifted dramatically from previous generations, and why that matters for both vets and pet owners

• What makes emergency and critical care both the most rewarding and most emotionally taxing area of veterinary medicine

• Why euthanasia can be both deeply honoring and profoundly difficult, depending on the circumstances surrounding the decision

• How crushing student debt and lower-than-expected salaries contribute to mental health challenges in the profession

• What pet owners often misunderstand about veterinary care, costs, and the realities vets face daily

• Why so many veterinarians feel trapped in their career path, and what options actually exist beyond traditional clinical practice

A Favourite Moment

'It was never really communicated to me how hard it was.' — Marie

About Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a veterinarian and board-certified emergency and critical care specialist with over 20 years of practice experience. After experiencing severe burnout while working at a veterinary college, she founded Reviving Veterinary Medicine to address mental health and wellness in the profession through evidence-based programs and resources. A certified coach, yoga teacher, and author of A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, Marie now speaks globally about sustainable veterinary careers while still practicing the emergency medicine she loves.

Connect with Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

Website: www.marieholowaychuk.com

Free Resource: 10 Things Your Veterinarian Wishes You Knew

Facebook: @drmarieholowaychuk
Instagram: @marieholowaychuk
LinkedIn: @drmarieholowaychuk
YouTube: @marieholowaychukdvm

Connect with Soul Touched by Dogs

To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

This conversation with Sonia Fetherling goes far beyond “how to fix it.”

Because what looks like stubbornness, dominance, or “bad behavior” is often something much more vulnerable underneath.

We talk about resource guarding in a way that feels… human.

The fear.
The tension.
The pressure it creates in a home.

And what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the behavior, and start understanding what’s driving it.

Sonia shares not just her professional experience, but the journey with her own dog, who pushed her to question everything she thought she knew.

This isn’t about quick fixes.

It’s about trust, patience… and seeing your dog (and yourself) differently.

🐾 Key Takeaways

👉 The one mistake even experienced dog guardians make with resource guarding
Trying to stop the behavior instead of understanding what’s underneath it.

👉 Why the “quick fix” approach to dog behavior will get you stuck
Because lasting change doesn’t come from control, it comes from shifting emotions, trust, and safety.

👉 The truth behind resource guarding
It’s not about your dog being difficult.
It’s often about insecurity, unpredictability, and a need to feel safe.

👉 How to avoid the biggest mistake when your dog guards objects
Taking things away without building trust first… which can make the behavior worse.

👉 Why it’s actually more simple (and more powerful) to think in terms of “recovery”
Not fixing your dog, but supporting them in an ongoing process of feeling safer.

👉 How a simple shift - from conflict to collaboration - can change everything
A dog bringing you a stolen shoe to trade?
That’s not failure. That’s communication.

👉 The often-overlooked factor that changes behavior faster than training techniques
The relationship. The trust. The predictability.

💬 A Favorite Moment

“It’s a marathon, not a sprint…
Sometimes you’re running, sometimes you’re hobbling.
But you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”

00:00 Podcast Welcome
00:38 Meet Sonya Best of Behavior
02:16 Training Without Owning
03:56 Mentors and Dolphin Lessons
05:09 Marathon Not Sprint
10:38 Patience and Family Dynamics
12:30 In Person and Virtual Work
13:55 Cats and Referrals
14:50 Finding Her Niche
14:58 Adopting Kismet After Loss
17:59 Shelter Surprise Resource Guarding
18:39 Living With A Thief
19:20 Dogs As Teachers
20:29 Beyond Counterconditioning
21:28 Socks Shoes And Swallows
22:26 Root Causes Of Guarding
23:04 When Trading Backfires
24:05 Decompression And Deprivation
27:15 Board And Train Reset
29:27 Recovery Not Cure
31:31 Reward The Swap
33:41 Where To Find Sonia
35:27 Closing Thanks And Outro

Find out more and connect with Sonia

Sonia is the owner of Best of Behavior, a dog training and behavior consulting business based near Chicago, Illinois.

With over 25 years of experience, she works with dogs and their humans on everything from reactivity and aggression to everyday training—with a deeply compassionate, relationship-focused approach.

What makes Sonia’s work stand out is her willingness to go beyond surface-level solutions and explore the emotional roots of behavior—both in dogs and their humans.

She also works professionally with cats (yes, really 😉), helping with complex household dynamics and behavior challenges.

🔗 Connect with Sonia

🌐 Website: https://www.bestofbehavior.com

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobdogtraining

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofbehavior/?hl=en

As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com