The Companions Collective

Things are going to change around here. Said not in the tone my father used to say those words ... The topics of grief, loss and pet loss grief are heavy, and I understand that not every episode is easy to listen to, especially if you're in grief. It's taken its toll on me too. To care better care of myself, we're rebranding from One Last Network to The Companions Collective and diversifying the content we're going to offer. Look forward to discussions on a broader range of pet-related topics, including the profound connection between human and companion animal and the incredible projects my professional pet photographer friends are using to change the world. Let's emBARK on this next stage of the journey! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Lynn Sehnert of Lance and Lili Photography covering the Washington, D.C., area takes the mic today and interviews Jessey Scheip, a licensed veterinary technician with a specialty in behavior. Jessey also has training certification from the Karen Pryor Academy and has worked with Dr. Amy Pike of the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia. That's where Lynn met Jessey, looking for help with her sweet boy Lance. Jessey enjoys teaching pet guardians how to understand their pets and how to use behavior principles to ensure they grow together and live their best lives together. Today, Lynn and Jessey have an in-depth discussion about canine cognitive disorder. What to listen for Where to find Jessey Mindful Mentor Behavior Consulting Facebook Other episodes you may find interesting The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 1, with Dr. Kyle Bohland The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 2, with Dr. Kyle Bohland The Art of Aging Gracefully with Dr. Dennis Wormald --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

You may have heard of animal chaplains. They are spiritual caregivers who provide support and comfort to individuals who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal or who are facing difficult decisions related to their pets' health and wellbeing. And then there's Scott Campbell, veterinary chaplain. Veterinary chaplains are rare in the United States. Scott is one of just a handful of these trained professionals who provide emotional and spiritual support to veterinary staff, in addition to pet guardians and the animals in veterinary settings. There are even fewer of them affiliated with a university, and Scott practices his craft at Washington State University, just down the road from me in Pullman, Washington. A veterinary chaplain's role may seem similar to that of a chaplain in human healthcare but individuals like Scott focus specifically on the unique challenges and emotional experiences within the veterinary medicine realm. Scott joins me on the podcast today to share his journey into veterinary chaplaincy and his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of pets, pet guardians and the world-class team at WSU, affectionately known in these parts as WAZZU. We talk about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession, including its high suicide rates, and how his own experiences are motivating him to establish the American Association for Veterinary Chaplains. Have a listen as Scott shares how he aims to alleviate the emotional burdens of the veterinary community and foster healing for those of us who suffer as our companion animals need care. What to listen for Scott hosts a series of events called Celebration of Life and Remembrance for our Animal Companions for pet guardians to grieve and honor the lives of their precious babes. The event will feature a Remembrance Garland Ceremony, during which participants write messages on ribbons and attach them to a garland that's hung outside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU in Pullman. The next one is set for Saturday, April 13, at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It starts at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m. and Scott suggests it's a good idea to arrive early to prepare a ribbon for the garland. A social hour follows from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Are we doing better? And can we do better yet? These are the questions I had for Dr. Dani McVety, the cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia with Dr. Mary Gardner. Lap of Love is a national network of veterinary doctors who offer hospice care and peaceful euthanasia in the comfort of a pet's home. When Dani was prepping a family for a euthanasia one night at the emergency clinic where she was working shortly after graduating from veterinary school, her client said, "Please, can you leave her on my lap? I don't want her on that cold sterile table. I want her right here with me." That wasn't clinic policy, though. Dani said yes. And it was at that moment, she knew that's what every pet deserves, to be in the place where they are most comfortable … their guardian's lap. Lap of Love was born, and now 15 years later, Dani and her cofounder are advocates for ways the veterinary world can improve the euthanasia process for pets and their families. After all, the word "euthanasia" is Greek for "eu," or easy, and "thanatos," or death. Easy death. Let's find out what that really means. What to listen for Where to find Dr. Dani McVety Lap of Love Dr. Dani McVety (for speaking engagements) Lap of Love Facebook Lap of Love Instagram Lap of Love YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

I've struggled a while with addressing this topic. I don't have human children, never wanted one. So who was I to host a podcast on how to talk to kids about the family pet dying? But I remembered that all I had to do was put on my old journalist hat and ask the right questions. First question: who can answer those questions? Of course, my good friend Coleen Ellis of Two Hearts Pet Loss Center can. Coleen is also my mentor in pet loss grief companioning. With Dr. Mary Gardner, cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Coleen has written two books to guide children through their grief. Both are called "My Forever Friend." One is for saying goodbye to a special dog and the other for saying goodbye to a special cat. Each one contains activities for parents and children to work through together. Coleen, who also doesn't have skin children, a term I learned from Coleen, is quite easily the kind of person you can trust to accompany your kids on this grief journey. She's dynamic and engaging and most importantly empathetic and compassionate. What to listen for Where to find Coleen Coleen Rocks Two Hearts Pet Loss Center Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special dog (Amazon) Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special cat --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Losing a pet is a profound experience that often leaves us grappling with overwhelming emotions. Today, I'm giving you permission to cry on your journey of pet loss grief and standing up for the need to normalize grieving for a pet. In a world that often tells us to toughen up and hide our emotions, it's time to challenge the stigma surrounding tears, especially when it comes to grieving the loss of a beloved pet. Let's dive into the significance of allowing ourselves to cry and the importance of normalizing the grief experienced over the death of a furry companion. What to listen for --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

You might not want to believe what I'm about to tell you … brace yourself. Running an animal rescue isn't all glamour, snuggles and magical puppy breath. I know, right? Shocking. Running an animal rescue can be incredibly challenging, logistically and emotionally. On one hand, there's an immense satisfaction and joy in providing a safe haven for animals in need, giving them a chance at a better life. On the other hand, it comes with a heavy responsibility of making decisions to end an animal's life. The simple reality is -- and it's going to be a tough one to hear -- not every life can be saved. There may be cases where euthanasia is the most humane option, whether due to illness, injury or behavioral issues. These decisions weigh heavily on the shoulders of those running a sanctuary, as they must balance compassion with practicality and often limited resources. Amy Castro of Starlight Outreach and Rescue in Friendswood, Texas, joins us today to talk about the ongoing burden of making those decisions. Amy is a people management and communications expert who coaches organizations on leadership building. While volunteering at one of her local rescues, she felt prompted to start her own in 2017. With upwards of 40 animals on her 7-acre property at any given time, Amy has developed a relatively thick skin when it comes to making end of life decisions. But that doesn't always make it easy. What to listen for Where to find Amy and Starlight Outreach Starlight Outreach and Rescue Starlight Pet Talk podcast Starlight Pet Talk's Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

I'm a word nerd. I took linguistics courses toward my bachelor's degree and I've been a professional writer for more than 30 years. Words matter to me. And recently I've been spending a lot of time thinking about the language and words we use around death, loss and grief, particularly when we're talking about our companion animals. So I brought back my fellow word nerd and friend of the pod, Beth Bigler, for her third appearance. Beth, who has become so well known for her Instagram account, @honoringouranimals, is a certified pet loss grief counselor and pet chaplain. She holds bachelor's and master's degrees in arts and has over 20 years of experience in film, including in writing. Heck, she's even an instructor at New York Film Academy in their screenwriting and producing departments. Beth even uses writing in her counseling, helping her grief clients navigate their journey of love and loss with their pets through the power of story. What to listen for Where to find Beth HonoringOurAnimals.com Instagram The Art of Finding the Right Support The Art of Chasing Rainbows --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Erica's back! Erica Messer is the genius behind Wolfie's Wish, an online resource for pet guardians in grief. It started with a deck of cards, simple pieces of guidance or affirmations that a grieving pet guardian can look to for a little help in getting through the day. In The Art of Shuffling the Deck, we chatted about Erica's journey through pet loss grief after losing her beloved Wolfgang and how we can support each other in our grief. We're checking back in because Erica has expanded the Wolfie's Wish website into an online shop and guidance center, and she is hosting her own virtual grief support group. What to listen for Erica spills the beans on her new podcast and other developments at Wolfie's Wish Why self-care is so important during anticipatory grief The conversation around pet loss grief is changing How to use our memories to help us heal Where to find Wolfie's Wish Wolfie's Wish Instagram Facebook: Wolfie's Wish Pet Loss Support Group YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

We're back with Dr. Kyle Bohland from the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Last week, we talked about the behavioral issues that seems to be becoming more common in our companion animals. Today, we're exploring the complex issue of behavioral euthanasia. We talk about the signs that might prompt such a decision and the factors involved in the process. Dr. Bohland emphasizes the importance of considering our pets' quality of life and safety, along with the quality of life and safety of the humans who share the home. Dr. Bohland highlights how the decision to euthanize on the basis of behavioral issues requires teamwork from the pet guardian and their veterinarian. What to listen for 5:23 How to decide it may be time for behavioral euthanasia 11:45 The considerations a veterinarian might have around behavioral issues 15:00 Having a conversation with your vet about behavioral euthanasia 19:09 When your vet might start that conversation 32:13 The impact behavioral euthanasia has on the veterinary world Where to find Dr. Bohland Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center OSU's Honoring the Bond Grief Support OSU Facebook OSU YouTube --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

We spend a lot of time talking about the grief we experience as pet guardians whose companion animals have grown old or become terminally ill. There are other types of loss and grief, though, that pet guardians can experience. Many carry with them elevated levels of trauma -- sudden death, runaways, theft, loss of custody due to the end of a relationship -- and I would love to interview someone on those very subjects. Today, though, we’re talking about behavioral issues in our companion animals, especially dogs, and the way we manage and treat reactivity or aggression. Dr. Kyle Bohland of the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center joins me to talk about his work in behavioral studies and the intricacies around behavioral euthanasia. Dr. Bohland was born and raised in Fremont, Ohio, and completed his undergraduate degree in economics at the University of Akron. After graduation, he earned his master's in science in agricultural, environmental and development economics from Ohio State University. Along the way, he realized veterinary medicine was his true calling, a career he'd dreamed of since childhood. He graduated from the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 and worked in general practice doing preventive medicine, general medicine, urgent care, surgery and dentistry. All the while, he was working on his residency program in behavioral medicine at OSU and then joined the faculty full time. His topics of interest lie in end of life care, pain management and the behavior of shelter-housed animals. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife, 6-year-old child, four senior dogs, one cat and a few fish. What to listen for 2:42 Early socialization and its impact on dog behavior 8:29 The positive and negative impacts COVID-19 has had on dog behavior 13:27 Trauma and reactivity in shelter dogs 21:55 How the unregulated dog training industry affects dog behavior --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

The Dog Aging Project is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to unravel the mysteries of aging in dogs and, by extension, gain insights into the aging process in humans. Launched in 2018, this collaborative effort involves researchers from various institutions, including the University of Washington School of Medicine and Texas A&M University. The project is designed to be the most extensive study of canine aging, with the aim of improving the health and well-being of both dogs and humans. At the heart of the Dog Aging Project is a longitudinal study that follows the lives of thousands of dogs over several years. By collecting comprehensive data on various aspects of a dog's life, including genetics, lifestyle and environment, researchers hope to identify factors that contribute to longevity and healthy aging. The ultimate goal is to develop interventions and treatments that can enhance the quality of life for both aging dogs and aging humans. One key aspect of the project is the inclusion of citizen scientists—dog owners who actively participate by providing information about their pets. This crowdsourced approach not only facilitates data collection on a massive scale but also fosters a sense of community among dog owners who share a common interest in understanding and improving the aging process for their furry companions. Dr. Kate Illing, one of the research veterinarians with the project—and who hails from my favorite city in the whole wide world, Calgary, Alberta—joins us today to chat about the Dog Aging Project and in particular the research she's doing on rapamycin. What to Listen For 4:24 Kate's journey from engineering to veterinary medicine 7:51 The mission behind the Dog Aging Project 15:06 Kate's research into anti-aging drug rapamyacin 19:01 Who can enroll in the Dog Aging Project Sign Up for the Dog Aging Project Enroll Your Dog Find DAP on Instagram --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Did you know February is Pet Dental Health Month? Vets clinics across North America dedicate their marketing programs to raising awareness about the importance of oral hygiene in our pets. Just like us, our pets can suffer from such dental issues as plaque buildup, gum disease and tooth decay. If we take proactive steps, though, we can prevent these and ensure our pets' overall well-being. I've been fortunate with Bella. Dental care is a priority at our vet clinic. And then … a couple of months ago, I went to a networking event at -- of all places! -- a dentistry clinic for pets. Elevated Pet Dentistry recently opened on Sprague Avenue in Spokane Valley with Dr. Madelynn Mayes running the ship. Maddie has been a veterinarian for 13 years, after graduating from Washington State University in 2010. She was one of only 40 students selected to take an online dental course and wet lab, sparking her interest in dentistry. She started her career as a rural mixed animal practitioner and then transitioned to small animal-only work. But a specialization, a niche, kept calling to her. She nurtured her passion by completing numerous advanced dental training courses with specialists across the country. Her learning helped her improve her technique and proficiency in all areas of general and advanced dental care. Let's meet Maddie and have her tell us all about it. What to listen for 3:26 The impact of dental issues on our pets 8:33 Which dog breeds are more prone to dental issues 10:02 Dental issues that are common in cats 13:18 What we can do at home to care for our pets' teeth 17:19 How often our pets should have their teeth cleaned --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Joy is a stupid word. Or at least it feels that way when you're living with grief. Very little feels like "joy" or "happiness" when you're bound by this complexity of navigating a whole new world without your companion animal. Our host, Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, Washington, explores the challenges we face in grief, especially when we're faced with people who want us to be more positive and, ahem, "get over it." But the cult of positivity doesn't serve everyone. Angela emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our feelings, embracing the emptiness we feel and redefining the word "joy" in our new world. Remember, it's OK to not conform to societal expectations. Finding contentment in the present moment may be the only way you need to feel right now. What to listen for 2:43 Is the real work to be happy or simply to be alive? 5:00 Why the words "joy" and "happy" might feel uncomfortable 8:00 The experience of witnessing someone else's grief 9:45 Steps you can take to find your peace If you need extra help Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Losing our pets is a deeply emotional experience, and navigating the grief that follows is an essential aspect of self-care. Pets become precious members of our families, offering unconditional love and companionship. Coping with their loss requires acknowledging and processing the complex emotions that arise. Our own self-care during pet loss grief becomes crucial. Our grief isn't just overwhelming and confusing, it's also exhausting. Our tanks run empty because all of our energy is funneled into the pain and sorrow we're feeling. Our founder and host Angela Schneider of Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, Washington, shares some thoughts this week about why we need to make self-care a priority and how we might do that. Listen as Angela shares personal insights and valuable lessons to help navigate the intricate journey of grief. What to listen for 1:32 Why grieving for our pets can be more intense 3:37 The importance of acknowledging our grief 4:58 Ways to cope with grief 6:32 How to prioritize ourselves 📚Recommended Episodes to Revisit: The Art of Surviving the HolidaysThe Art of Saying No with Sheryl GreenThe Art of Navigating Your New World with Kait Dinunzio Your discount codes Dr. Buzby's Tip-to-Tail Health Scan: Use code ONELAST Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Facing the holidays while grieving the loss of your pet can be an emotionally challenging experience. Our companion animals hold a special place in our hearts, serving as best friends, the most important member of our support network and a huge source of unconditional love. During the holiday season, traditions and celebrations may trigger memories of shared moments with our pets, intensifying the sense of loss. Their absence can create a profound void, making it difficult to fully engage in festive activities. The holiday spirit, typically associated with joy and togetherness, can feel tinged with sadness. The holidays can also amplify feelings of loneliness and isolation. The companionship and comfort our pets provide are irreplaceable, and the void left by their absence can be acutely felt during a time when the emphasis is on connection and togetherness. We're releasing this episode a couple of days early in case you need to hear it on Thanksgiving morning. Our host and pet loss grief educator Angela Schneider shares 10 strategies you might want to try to get survive these next few weeks. What to listen for 00:43 Angela's struggles with the holidays 3:13 10 strategies for coping with the holidays 5:11 Where to look for support 7:53 Why it's OK to cry during the holidays Your discount codes Dr. Buzby's Tip-to-Tail Health Scan: Use code ONELAST Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelastnetwork/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelastnetwork/support

Welcome to One Last Network and the Art of Being Kind to Your Vet. Dr. Lianna Titcombe is the founder and owner of Claire Place Veterinary Hospice in Ottawa, Ontario, one of the first practices in Canada devoted to end-of-life care for companion animals. You may remember her from The Art of Checking Your Phone. Lianna is one of the veterinarians who have contributed to the pet loss grief content in Help Texts, an SMS-based service to help people cope through loss and grief. On the subject of animal hospice and palliative care, she is an author, speaker, educator and mentor. She is the past president of the International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care and is still active with their international committee. She participates in volunteer missions to provide veterinary care to underserviced communities both locally and in developing countries. And she has been the director of the Pet Loss Support Group of Ottawa for over 20 years. In getting to know each other, Lianna and I learned we were both in the 2022 cohort for David Kessler's grief educator program. Her true passion is the art of gentle euthanasia and in 2021, became the international director and instructor for Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy. After 20 years in veterinary medicine, she has retired from clinical practice to focus on education. She's also a certified yoga instructor and compassion fatigue professional, who is offering grief retreats to people living with loss. Today, we have an in-depth conversation about the veterinary field, euthanasia and the vet-pet guardian relationship. What to listen for 3:29 How Lianna's mom and dog George drive her to improve the death experience 7:12 Why planning the end can make it more peaceful 17:47 Veterinary burnout versus client expectations 26:44 The financial challenges of pet health care 38:04 The emotional impact of euthanizing pets as a veterinarian Where to find Dr. Lianna Titcombe Claire Place Veterinary Hospice in Ottawa, Ontario Instagram Facebook Grief Retreats Resources mentioned Not One More Vet tips for pet guardians Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy Your discount codes Dr. Buzby's Tip-to-Tail Health Scan: Use code ONELAST Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelastnetwork/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelastnetwork/support

While much of our content on this podcast caters to senior pet care and the grief we endure in the days leading up to and after our last farewells, I love to bring you information about end of life pet photography sessions … with professional photographers. One Last Network has a small but growing directory where you can find professional photographers in your area to assist you in creating the kind of memories I believe will help to comfort you in your grief and lead you toward a path of healing. We gather together every couple of months to discuss a subject pertinent to our work so that you can prepare for your upcoming session and feel comfortable with your photographer. One of the key elements in being a photographer is the ability to translate any location, any moment into beautiful memories. The right location can elevate our photos and create a memorable experience and as professional photographers, it is our responsibility to know where the great locations are for your end of life pet photography session and how to work with a less than ideal location. Who joins us Sharon Canovas Canovas Photography in Hamilton, Ontario Instagram Kylee Doyle Kylee Doyle Photography in Sacramento, California Instagram Jenn Wilson Jenn Wilson Pet Portraiture in Kitchener, Ontario Instagram Darlene Woodward Pant the Town Photography in Georgetown, Massachusetts Instagram Lynn Sehnert Lance & Lili Photography in Ashburn, Virginia Instagram Lisa Peterson Pawsh Photography in Minneapolis, Minnesota Instagram Nicole Hrustyk Pawtraits by Nicole in Las Vegas, Nevada Instagram Angela Schneider (host) Big White Dog Photography in Spokane, Washington Instagram Your discount codes Dr. Buzby's Tip-to-Tail Health Scan: Use code ONELAST Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

Nestled on an 11-acre farmland in Rutledge, Georgia, sits a special rescue for dogs. The dream for pet and horse photographer Courtney Bryson, whom you may remember from The Art of Finding the Perfect Imperfect, and her wife Renee Ussery began when they helped on a hoarding case in August 2011. There were 35 Boston terriers, pugs and buggs, or Boston-pug mixes, in crisis. Local rescues teamed up and needed just six days to coordinate transportation and fosters for each dog. But first they had to wait in a non-climate-controlled and very crowded municipal shelter. Six to eight dogs were in each kennel and they were all suffering from mange, flea infestations and illnesses. More than half contracted parvo and died. Courtney and Renee launched their mission: to look for land where they could build a short-term emergency shelter for dogs in crisis. They purchased their property in October 2012 and launched the Rescue Ranch with 17 indoor kennels, each with its own outdoor dog run, and space for veterinary exams. And over there in the corner, you'll see a memorial garden for the pets they took in and never left. As the Rescue Ranch evolved in this last decade, Courtney and Renee are rising to the challenge of working with medically fragile and hospice animals. Which means they have to say goodbye … often. Sometimes sooner than they expected. Today, they share with us a conversation they have about the challenges of facing grief as often as they do. Have a listen. What to listen for 5:23 The first hospice dog they cared for 8:19 Caring for and losing medically fragile dogs 10:10 Making the decision to end a dog's life 13:01 Giving each dog a full life 18:30 The emotional impact of losing a dog 23:40 How grief manifests in rescue work Where to find Courtney and the Rescue Ranch CM Bryson Photography The Rescue Ranch Facebook Instagram YouTube Your discount codes Dr. Buzby's Tip-to-Tail Health Scan: Use code ONELAST Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelastnetwork/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/onelastnetwork/support

The big thing I love about today's guest is how she stresses the power of our relationships with our dogs. Dr. Julie Buzby has been an integrative veterinarian for nearly 20 years. She earned her certification from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association in 1998 and from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society in 2002. She blends traditional Western medicine with alternative therapies and creates out-of-the-box tools for pet guardians to understand and improve their dogs' health and quality of life. She invented ToeGrips, synthetic sheaths that cover the dogs' toenails and assist with traction and mobility. The blog on ToeGrips.com is an incredible resource for all pet guardians, but especially for us pet guardians whose companion animals are entering or have entered the senior stage. Today, she guides us through the concerns we need to have as guardians of senior dogs and how to recognize the more telling signs that something might be wrong. Make sure you stay tuned to the end for a special discount code from Dr. Buzby. What to listen for 0:20 Dr. Buzby's passion for veterinary and holistic medicine 4:12 How ToeGrips can help your dog move around the house 9:31 The signs we need to watch for in our senior dogs 18:18 Changes we can make around the house to help our senior dogs 25:45 The factors that affect a dog's longevity 32:19 How to maintain our dogs' dignity in their golden years Where to find Dr. Buzby ToeGrips.com Instagram Facebook Your discount codes Dr. Buzby's Tip-to-Tail Health Scan: Use code ONELAST Get $10 off your first 12 months of Help Texts --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support