Fiction, Fundraising & Fearless Visibility: Three Ways to Create Real Impact for Dogs
This Week's Pawsome Humans: Tricia Montgomery - Marching for More Memories: Early Detection and Hope for Dogs with Cancer .. and .. Jill Hedgecock - Fiction That Heals, Teaches & Celebrates Dogs
Leo Becomes Lea
When I knew a new pup was going to join the family, I was looking for a name. Nothing seemed to fit until it hit me …
Lea.
In honor of my first dog Leo.
And even though they’re not related and never met, Lea has “inherited” some of Leo’s quirks .. like the passion for licking Hada’s ears 😛
Here is a bit of AI time and space travel that brings the two together in a fun way :-)
Do you speak - and, more importantly - understand dog?
Most dog guardians think they know what their dog is saying but often overlook the subtle signs that would make tense situations, outbursts or worse avoidable.
If you missed Annie Phenix’ and Jo Burton’s course
👉 What Your Dog is Really Telling You (But Nobody’s Ever Shown You How to See)
where they slowed everything down, frame by frame, and explained what each subtle signal really means…
You can still get it here: https://choosetotrainhumane.com/cbl-1/
Coming up …
The first Canine Experts Showcase.
I invited 4 experts to share a bit more about the work they’re passionate about - to help you support your dog.
Keep an eye out for an email with more info.
I interviewed each expert about their work and how it can help you, and they each offer a gift for you if you’re interested in finding out more.
I’m super excited to bring them to you. Stay tuned.
This Week's Pawsome Humans: Tricia Montgomery - Marching for More Memories: Early Detection and Hope for Dogs with Cancer
When Tricia Montgomery lost her beloved Moose to cancer, her world stopped.
But out of heartbreak came a mission — to make sure no other pet parent wakes up one morning to find it’s too late.
In this deeply moving conversation, Tricia shares how grief became fuel for purpose and how her non-profit, Moose’s March, is leading the charge for early detection of pet cancer so more dogs (and cats) can live longer, happier lives with the people who love them.
She’s not just raising awareness — she’s sparking hope.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
🐾 The surprising everyday toxins hidden in toys and treats that could quietly harm your dog — and how to spot them before they do.
🐾 Why so many pet parents miss the earliest signs of cancer (and how to recognize them before it’s too late).
🐾 The truth about what’s driving the rise in cancer rates — and what you can do right now to protect your dog.
🐾 A simple, affordable pre-cancer test your vet can add to a routine check-up that could save your dog’s life.
🐾 How to turn grief into goodness — and find healing through helping others.
Favorite Quote
“I knew I needed to honor him in some way. I needed to turn my grief into goodness.” – Tricia Montgomery
About Tricia Montgomery
Tricia Montgomery is the visionary founder of Moose’s March, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to making early detection of pet cancer accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, race, or income level.
With over 25 years of leadership experience in the veterinary and pet industry — including her groundbreaking work with Canine Fit Club — Tricia combines deep industry expertise with heartfelt purpose. Her mission: to stop pet cancer before it starts and give every pet parent more time and more memories.
Connect with Tricia
🌐 Website: https://www.moosesmarch.com
📸 Instagram: @moosesmarch
📘 Facebook: Moose’s March - https://www.facebook.com/MoosesMarch
💼 LinkedIn: Moose’s March Inc. - https://www.linkedin.com/company/moose-s-march-inc/
Jill Hedgecock - Fiction That Heals, Teaches & Celebrates Dogs
What happens when a lifelong animal lover and environmental scientist weaves her passions into stories where dogs see ghosts, save the day, and change lives?
In this episode, award-winning author Jill Hedgecock joins us to talk about her Shadow series — suspenseful, heart-filled novels that entertain while quietly teaching readers about compassion, responsible dog stewardship, and the beauty of the human–animal bond.
From champion agility runs and nose-work discoveries to celebrating a famous Doberman named Ruby who inspired an entire book series — Jill’s world is where storytelling, science, and canine love meet.
💡 Key Takeaways
🐾 The truth behind “owning” dogs — why Jill uses the word stewardship instead, and what it changes in the way we see our dogs.
🐾 How stories can de-stigmatize misunderstood breeds — and the powerful legacy of Ruby the Doberman, social-media star turned literary heroine.
🐾 The surprising reason agility and nose work are about the handler, not the dog — and what it reveals about trust and communication.
🐾 How a simple story choice can spark awareness about serious issues like DCM in large breeds or the environmental impact of pesticides on bees.
🐾 The one thing all great “dog books” really teach us: how to be better humans.
🐕 Favorite Quote
“Agility is the best because the dogs are off leash. They can do whatever they want—and they choose to try to please you.” — Jill Hedgecock
About Jill Hedgecock
Jill Hedgecock is an award-winning and internationally published author whose stories celebrate the powerful connection between humans and animals. Her Shadow trilogy — Between Shadow’s Eyes, From Shadow’s Perspective, and In Shadow’s Reflection — follows a Doberman who can see ghosts and a young girl who learns to see through her dog’s eyes.
A lifelong animal lover, Jill also writes a monthly pet column for The Diablo Gazette in the San Francisco Bay Area. When she’s not writing, she’s outdoors hiking with her two rescue dogs or training them in agility and nose work.
Her upcoming novel, Queen of the Rhino, merges her environmental roots with her love of wildlife — proving that fiction can entertain, educate, and inspire change all at once.
🌐 Connect with Jill
Website: https://www.jillhedgecock.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/jill.hedgecock.3
Instagram: @hedgecockjill
Bluesky: @jillhedgecock.bsky.social
TikTok: @jillhedgecock
YouTube: @jillhedgecock651
👉 Free Gift: Get Lost Cause, the prequel to Jill’s Doberman series, when you join her newsletter via her website.
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Get your tissues ready for this one …
If you’ve loved an old dog, this poem will melt your heart and make you cry.
https://www.slowdownshow.org/episode/2025/09/29/1362-for-you-who-have-loved-old-dogs-by-silas-house
Found at https://www.facebook.com/dogsdisclosed
For cute T-Shirts, Hoodies and more …
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15% off your first order (enter coupon code STBD15 during checkout) as an exclusive thank you for being a Soul Touched by Dogs subscriber.
And yes, 25% of the profits will be donated to a Pawsome human or non-profit (details to be announced).
Are you a canine professional?
A trainer, coach, behaviorist, nutritionist, holistic vet, or other canine expert with a holistic, kindness-first approach?
Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Do you know someone you think would make a great guest?
Are you looking for ways to get your work in front of more people online?
Go (or send them) to https://soultouchedbydogs.com/pros
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If you know another Soul Touched by Dogs, please send them to
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Until next week,
Awwww, I love that you named her Lea. That AI is pretty sweet too. We once had a Persian cat named Sharlie. Only to find out underneath all her fur, she was a dude. We called him Charlie after that!