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

Owning Your Energy: How Awareness Transforms Care for Pets and People With Jennifer Edwards

Hey friends!

 

A new episode of Why Do Pets Matter just dropped, and this one is a heart-opener. I sat down with @drjenniferedwards, a veterinarian and leadership energy coach, to talk about the power of awareness, breath, and boundaries that actually support us. We dig into how our energy shows up in the exam room and at home, why taking responsibility is empowering (not blame!), and simple ways to pause, reset, and communicate with more ease, so pets, clients, and teams all win. If you’ve ever felt stretched thin or reactive, this conversation will give you practical tools you can use today.

 

🎧 Listen now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJQHCrqDREg

If it resonates, please like, share, and leave a 5-star review so more pet lovers can find the show. Thank you for listening! 💚🐾

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenniferedwards/

https://drjenniferedwards.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

#WhyDoPetsMatter #VetMed #Leadership #Wellbeing #PetParents #Communication

Ask About the Pet: How a Simple Question Can Change Lives with Dr. Janet Hoy Gerlach Gerlach

On this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I sat down with my dear friend Dr. Janet Hoy Gerlach, a licensed social worker and the driving force behind Ask About the Pet at the Open Door Veterinary Collective. We talked about how one small question, “Do you have a pet?”, can open the door to empathy, understanding, and better care for people in crisis.

Janet shared powerful stories about how pets ground us during difficult times, how asking about them builds trust between providers and clients, and how the Open Door team is helping make veterinary care more accessible for everyone. It’s a heartwarming, eye-opening reminder that our connection to animals truly shapes how we heal and help others.

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/4ocPQnAnbts

 

Guest Links:

https://opendoorconsults.org/

https://www.pethelpfinder.org/m/phf

 

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

#WhyDoPetsMatter #Podcast #VeterinaryCare #PositiveCulture #Leadership

My Balto with Dr. Robert Parkins: Community-Powered Vet Care That Keeps Pets and Families Together

Watch this episode of Why Do Pets Matter with Dr. Robert Parkins, DVM, the veterinarian behind My Balto. We talk about real solutions that help families afford care without turning vet visits into crisis decisions. Dr. Parkins shares how My Balto lets clinics build their own angel funds, use safe community fundraising, and even support preventive care so pets stay healthy and at home. We also chat about creative ideas that bring neighbors together to help pets in need and how the program is expanding across the U.S. and into Canada. If you care about keeping pets with their people, this one is for you.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOkrKvhhZZM

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-parkins-93a2a813/

https://charity.mybalto.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

 

Opening Doors: Breaking Down Financial Barriers in Vet Med with Aimee St. Arnaud

I sat down with Aimee St. Arnaud from Open Door Veterinary Collective to talk about real-world ways we can keep pets with their families, without turning vet visits into battles about money. We dig into transparent communication, “financial triage,” pay-over-time options that actually work for clinics, and how small shifts (like normalizing the money conversation and inviting clients into the care plan) can prevent surrender and crisis decisions. We also touch on Open Door’s tools for teams and pet parents, including resource finders and practical training that make access to care possible. If you’re a veterinarian, CSR, tech, or a pet parent who wants better partnerships with your clinic, this one’s for you.

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w75r2tyTiKw

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-st-arnaud-9055b2177?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name

https://opendoorconsults.org/

 

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

 

#WhyDoPetsMatter #OpenDoorVet #AccessToCare #VetMedCommunity #PetFamilies

The Weight They Carry: Mental Health, Vet Med, and the Human–Animal Bond with Grace Galletti

Listen to this episode of Why Do Pets Matter with filmmaker Grace Galletti, creator of the documentary The Weight They Carry. We talk candidly about the mental health challenges facing veterinarians and their teams, the myths that fuel misunderstanding, and how pet parents and practices can support each other with more empathy, transparency, and care.

Grace shares why she set out to tell this story, what she learned while filming inside busy clinics, and how we can open healthier conversations around grief, burnout, and the human–animal bond. If you work in vet med or love someone who does, this one matters.

 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gracegalletti/

https://www.gracegalletti.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

Why Pets Make Us More Human: A Conversation on Animal-Assisted Therapy with Dr. Aubrey Fine

Listen to this episode of Why Do Pets Matter for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Aubrey Fine, Professor Emeritus at California State Polytechnic University and an internationally recognized pioneer in animal-assisted therapy. Dr. Fine takes us on his journey from growing up in a pet-free home to becoming one of the foremost advocates for the human-animal bond, a path that began with an unexpected friendship with a gerbil named Sasha.

 

In this heartfelt discussion, Dr. Fine shares the therapeutic benefits of animals for children with learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD, while emphasizing why animal welfare must always come first in therapy settings. He reflects on more than four decades of groundbreaking work, his deep relationships with animals from therapy dogs to his horse’s foal “Fine-tastic,” and the profound lessons animals teach us about empathy, resilience, and responsibility.

 

Dr. Fine’s contributions to the field are immense. He served 42 years as a professor at Cal Poly, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in children with ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental disorders, and has been recognized with the William F. McCulloch Award for Excellence in Human-Animal Interaction Education and Practice as well as the CSU Wang Award for Distinguished Professor. His publications include Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy (6th Edition, 2024), Afternoons with Puppy: Inspirations from a Therapist and His Animals, and Our Faithful Companions: Exploring the Essence of Our Kinship with Animals.

Watch It: https://youtu.be/UzkTmHJO6S8

 

Guest Links:

Dr. Fine's website: www.aubreyhfine.com

Cal Poly faculty profile: www.cpp.edu/faculty/ahfine/

Clinical practice: www.aubreyhfine.com (Claremont, CA)

 

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

Pets as Family: Love, Loss, and the Laws Catching Up With Maribeth Decker

This week on Why Do Pets Matter, I’m joined once again by the incredible Maribeth Decker for a conversation straight from the heart. We’re talking about a groundbreaking legal case that recognizes pets as immediate family, why our animals inspire us to be the people they think we are, and how to navigate the toughest moments with love and compassion.

From celebrating the bonds we share to making difficult end-of-life decisions, this episode is a reminder that pets are never “just property”, they are family.

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/eNiw8VU--fA

 

Guest Links:

https://sacredgrove.com/

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

From Litigation to Collaboration: Transforming Animal Law Through Empathy

In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I talk with industrial organizational psychologist Taeler Hammond about the growing connection between animal law, veterinary conflict, and the human-animal bond.

We explore why treating pets as property in court often falls short, and how empathy and communication can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Taeler shares personal stories that show how small moments can turn into big conflicts—or real solutions—depending on how we respond.

We also talk about de-escalation techniques, the role of social media in disputes, and why including clients in the problem-solving process builds trust.

If you work with animals or care about the people who do, this conversation is full of helpful tools and perspective.

Watch Now: https://youtu.be/Qs1CqBQzy7Y

 

Guest Links:

Website: https://www.deiprofinder.com/california/los-angeles/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-consultant/nouveau-paige-consulting

Instagram: @nouveau_paige_consulting

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taelerhammond/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWC4p9h06_s

 

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

Revolutionary Pet Care with Dr. Jeff Grognet

Join us for a groundbreaking conversation with Dr. Jeff Grognet, a veterinarian who's challenging the status quo of modern pet care. In this episode, Dr. Grognet shares his journey from conventional practice to holistic veterinary medicine, offering eye-opening insights that could transform how you think about your pet's health.

Dr. Grognet's mission extends beyond individual pet care—he's working to educate both veterinarians and pet owners about the benefits of individualized, holistic approaches that consider each animal's unique needs and circumstances.

 

Whether you're questioning standard veterinary protocols or simply want to explore additional options for your pet's wellbeing, this conversation offers valuable perspectives that could reshape your approach to pet care. Tune in to discover how thinking beyond basic animal welfare can lead to healthier, happier pets and more informed pet care decisions.

 

Guest Links:

drjeff@earthvet.com

www.newearthvet.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jeff-grognet-b3802595/?originalSubdomain=ca

 

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

 

Creating Mentally Healthy Veterinary Workplaces With Terri Stockdreher, LCSW, MPH

On this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I’m joined by the insightful Terri Stockdreher, LCSW, MPH — a trauma-informed therapist and fellow NAMV Blueprint advisor — for a powerful conversation about mental health in the veterinary field.

Terri specializes in helping high-achieving veterinary and healthcare professionals who are burned out, emotionally exhausted, and struggling to keep up the appearance that everything is “fine.” Together, we discuss the deep emotional connections we have with animals, why communication in clinics can break down, and how unresolved trauma can surface in moments of stress — both for clients and veterinary teams.

We also dive into practical strategies for conflict resolution, boundaries, and creating workplaces that are emotionally supportive from top to bottom. Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, practice manager, or client, this conversation will leave you thinking about how empathy, preparation, and breathing (yes, breathing!) can shift the dynamic for everyone involved.

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and let us know what you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgDUZgYW9uk

#WhyDoPetsMatter #VeterinaryMentalHealth #NAMV #VetMed #ClearBlueprint #WorkplaceWellness #TraumaInformedCare

 

Guest Links:

https://bravelivingcenter.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-stockdreher/

 

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