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Episodes
Pet expert Debra Hamilton interviews other pet lovers on this delightful podcast about pet custody, pet drama, pet problems and pet solutions. Why Do Pets Matter? is a heartfelt podcast dedicated to pets, hosted by pet-focused attorney Debra Hamilton, Esq.
Episodes
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
Wednesday Apr 09, 2025
In todays episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I spoke with my good friend, Natalie Armstrong-Motin, Founder of Will Work For Food who also does Social Media Marketing Creation and Management for Mediators and Arbitrators Around the World.
From the emotional benefits of having a furry companion while working alone to comparing pet care infrastructure across countries like the Netherlands, France, and the United States, our conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections. We also challenge common assumptions about American exceptionalism, discuss the concerning parallels between media control in different countries, and share a surprisingly effective librarian's response to book-banning efforts.
Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that weaves together the personal and the political, reminding us all of our responsibility to engage respectfully with different perspectives while staying true to our values.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEXuHPP_Xkk
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingresolution/
https://www.willworkforfood.news/
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals,"
https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
Wednesday Mar 26, 2025
In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the honor of speaking with Christina Warner, a family barrister in the UK and the incredible force behind Ruby’s Law.
Christina is working hard to change the law in the UK to make sure pets are protected in cases of domestic abuse. As someone who’s spent years helping people navigate conflicts over animals, I know just how important this is. Too often, pets are caught in the middle—or worse, used as tools of control. Christina shares real stories from her work, the heartbreaking reality for many pets and their people, and how Ruby’s Law could change that.
We also talked about how the human-animal bond plays such a big role in people's lives, especially in moments of crisis. This conversation really opened my heart, and I think it will for you too.
Listen now and help us spread the word—because pets are family, and they deserve protection too.
🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcE7xJsQH7Q
Guest Links:
🎶 TikTok: rubys_law
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
Wednesday Mar 12, 2025
✨ New Episode Alert! ✨
I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend Carolyn Shadle on this episode of Why Do Pets Matter? 🎙️🐾 Carolyn is an incredible communicator, educator, and author who has dedicated her career to helping people really listen and connect—something that’s so important in veterinary medicine and beyond.
In this episode, we dive into the power of empathetic communication in veterinary practices and how active listening can transform client interactions. We explore the significance of the human-animal bond and its profound impact on both pet owners and veterinary teams. Carolyn shares valuable insights on how veterinary professionals can better connect with clients, offering them agency in the process, which ultimately leads to better care for our pets.
Carolyn also discusses her latest book, From Religion to Reason: My Journey, where she reflects on her transition from church work to communication, giving readers an honest and personal look at her path. We also touch on her other impactful books like Building Communication Skills and Communication Case Studies, which offer great advice for both professionals and pet owners looking to improve communication and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Listen Now:
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynshadle/
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
This conversation with my dear friend Fiona Farrell is one you don’t want to miss! As fellow attorneys deeply involved in animal law, we dive into the profound ways pets and horses shape our lives—not just as companions, but as independent beings with their own agency. 🐶🐴
From our shared love of horses to the incredible impact of animal advocacy, this episode is full of heart, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. 💙 We even discuss the importance of end-of-life decisions for our beloved animals and how we, as pet owners and animal advocates, can ensure their well-being throughout their entire journey.
💬 Why do pets matter to YOU? Drop a comment and let me know!
🎧 Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/A6hPs94k_Rc
🔄 Like, Share, & Subscribe to help spread the message of why pets matter!
#WhyDoPetsMatter #AnimalLaw #PetAdvocacy #HorsesOfInstagram #AnimalLovers #PetLife
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
Wednesday Feb 12, 2025
I’m beyond excited to share this powerful conversation with Dr. Emily Talkington! 🎙️ We dive deep into the incredible ways pets and wildlife shape our lives, from the spiritual connection they bring to the courage it takes to be open, learn, and sometimes—be wrong.
Dr. Emily’s experience with international rescue, chimpanzee rehabilitation, and wildlife advocacy is truly inspiring. Her passion for communication and understanding between humans and animals is something we can all learn from.
Tune in now and let’s explore why pets—and ALL animals—matter more than ever! 🐾💙 Drop a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode!
If you would like, you can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/k9yio4_BcmI
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-talkington-4b25a2300/
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
This episode is a little different—I’m flipping the script and interviewing myself! After 10,000 downloads (thank you all so much!), I realized I’ve never shared my own story on Why Do Pets Matter. So today, I’m taking a step back to talk about why pets matter to me, how I got started in this work, and why I shifted from litigation to mediation to better serve pets and their people.
From my first childhood dog to my lifelong passion for Irish Setters, breeding, and showing, my love for animals has always shaped my path. As an attorney, I saw firsthand how traditional legal battles weren’t always in the best interest of the pets caught in the middle. That’s why I built Hamilton Law and Mediation—to help people resolve conflicts over animals in a way that prioritizes what truly matters: the well-being of the pet.
In this episode, I’ll share stories from my journey, insights into how conflict resolution can make a difference in pet-related disputes, and why mediation is such a powerful tool in everything from divorce and custody battles to contracts and neighborhood disputes. Plus, I’ll break down my Stop, Drop, and Roll method for managing conflict, the importance of transparency, and how looping can help people truly feel heard.
This podcast has been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for all of you who listen, share, and support Why Do Pets Matter. If you love the show, please take a moment to rate and review—it really helps others find these important conversations. And as always, give your pets a kiss from me! 🐾💕
If you would like to watch the video version, you can do so here: https://youtu.be/a41kx2p4j_o
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the absolute pleasure of chatting with my dear friend, Greg Bishop, a relief veterinarian, talented writer, and the creative mind behind the captivating Sasquatch Paw cartoons. Greg’s unique combination of veterinary expertise, sharp wit, and deep compassion shines through in our conversation as we dive into the human-animal bond and the challenges—and opportunities—of veterinary communication.
Greg shares how his love of cartoons and storytelling helps him highlight complex issues in veterinary medicine with humor and relatability. From his passion for connecting with even the most challenging clients to his dedication to improving communication in veterinary practices, Greg offers insightful and heartfelt perspectives. Together, we explore the transformative power of humor, empathy, and listening in building trust and fostering understanding between pet owners and veterinarians.
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-bishop-99ab806/
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
Wednesday Dec 18, 2024
In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Maribeth Decker from Sacred Grove, an intuitive animal communicator and energy healer who helps people better understand and connect with their pets. Maribeth shared her unique approach to communicating with animals, emphasizing how their energy and emotions can shape the bonds we share. From helping a dog overcome fear aggression to assisting a cat in finding peace after a traumatic experience, Maribeth’s work highlights the deep emotional connections between humans and their pets.
If you would like to watch the video version, you can do so here: https://youtu.be/7T0ZiQQoVTA
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribethdecker/
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
Wednesday Dec 04, 2024
In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the pleasure of chatting with my dear friend, Dr. Dave Nicol, a trailblazer in veterinary leadership and practice management. We explored everything from his inspiring journey to becoming a triathlete for Team GB to his incredible work with the Veterinary Leadership Academy. Dave shared his insights on setting ambitious goals, the importance of mentorship in veterinary medicine, and how leadership can transform practices into thriving, collaborative spaces. We also delved into the challenges veterinarians face today, from burnout to the shifting dynamics of practice ownership, and how empathy and transparency can bridge the gap between teams and clients.
It’s an inspiring conversation packed with wisdom and actionable advice for anyone in the veterinary field—or anyone passionate about pets! You won’t want to miss this one! 🎧
If you would like to watch the video version, you can do so here: https://youtu.be/wZOnKAtCb0k
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdavenicol/?originalSubdomain=uk
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Wednesday Nov 20, 2024
Andrea Crabtree, founder of FurPaw Consulting, has transformed her passion for animal care into a thriving veterinary business consulting practice. Her journey reflects a deep understanding of the challenges facing modern veterinary practices, particularly in the wake of COVID-19's impact on the profession.
Crabtree emphasizes the critical role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in managing successful veterinary practices. Her consulting approach focuses on helping practices navigate staff retention challenges while creating supportive, inclusive environments where both employees and clients feel valued in decision-making processes.
Drawing from her experience rehabilitating various animals, including a bull python with facial sores, Crabtree brings a unique perspective to practice management. She stresses the importance of treating all animals with respect, regardless of their purpose, while helping veterinary professionals balance patient care with personal well-being.
Looking toward the future, Crabtree is considering pursuing a master's degree in organizational leadership to enhance her consulting capabilities. Industry expert Debra Hamilton has suggested leveraging Crabtree's HR and compliance expertise through law firm collaborations, offering an alternative path to expand her professional impact in the veterinary industry.
Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/rhibgObL5dc
Guest Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-crabtree-bs-cvpm-sphr-phrca-ccfp-fear-free-000a7985/ https://www.furpawsconsulting.com/
Show Links:
https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation
Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1
SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation