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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
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
Thursday Apr 06, 2023
I'm excited to have Attorney Jennifer Amundsen join us on this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?". Jennifer is an expert in contract law and is here to discuss a topic that's important for all breeders, co-owners, and owners: breeder contracts. She also breeds and shows Clumber Spaniels.
If you're a breeder, you know that a well-drafted breeder contract can help protect your interests and ensure your puppies go to good homes. If you're a co-owner or buyer, you need to understand exactly what your breeder's contract requires of you.
Jennifer will be sharing her insights on what should be included in these contracts.
And that's not all! Jennifer will also give us tips on communicating with new owners. As a breeder, you want to ensure your puppies go to a loving and responsible home. Jennifer will be sharing her advice on how to have these important conversations with new owners in an educational and approachable way.
We'll also be discussing how new owners should speak with their breeders and what to do if things don't go as planned.
So, if you're a breeder, in a co-ownership contract with a breeder, or considering purchasing an animal from a breeder, you won't want to miss this episode. Let's dive in!
More About Jennifer Amundsen, Esq.
Jennifer has nearly 20 years of experience in the legal and intellectual property industries and nearly 13 years of experience as a lawyer. She represents information technology businesses, authors, independent film and video production companies, theater companies, software developers and other brand and creative content owners, with an emphasis on the implications of emerging technologies, the Internet and social media.
She helps clients to identify, protect and leverage their intellectual property assets, such as trademarks and copyrights, and to avoid conflicts with third-party intellectual property assets. She also counsels clients regarding day-to-day business and legal matters, including a variety of contract matters.
Jennifer has also developed a niche in the areas of canine and equine law, where she advises owners and breeders of companion animals (primarily dogs) and horses on issues pertaining to their hobbies and businesses.
She has represented dog clubs and equine groups and is a frequent speaker on legal topics pertaining to animal ownership.
Jennifer graduated in 2003 from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
She is a State Bar of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs SouthCentral, Inc member.
She is also a member of Badger Kennel Club (past Director), the Clumber Spaniel Club of America (past Secretary), and the Fox River Field Spaniel Club. She is a founding director and current President of the Board of Directors of the Clumber Spaniel Health Foundation, Inc. and also serves on the board of the Friends of Madison Mounted Horse Patrol.
She enjoys spending time with her husband, training and showing their dogs, and riding her horse.
Connect with Jennifer:
https://amundsenlaw.com/about-us.html
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlamundsen
https://twitter.com/jlamundsen
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Amundsen-Law-Firm-LLC/500920289945750
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Thursday Mar 23, 2023
Iris Grimm is a leadership coach and trainer for humans and dogs alike. During today's conversation, we talk about how dogs can help us become better leaders. Iris believes dogs can be our greatest teachers when we listen to them. She speaks from experience. For 22 years, Iris has trained not only her own seven dogs but also fostered and trained many others.
Mentioned During The Show:
Iris' TEDx Alexander Park Talk
https://youtu.be/5FTh_d9z5jM
Dog-Gone Leadership
https://irisgrimm.com/services/dgl/
More About Iris
As a business owner in the leadership development space, Iris makes it her mission to raise awareness of the impact that dogs can have on us. She encourages dog adoptions to improve an individual’s life and leadership performance. When she isn’t working, you will find Iris hiking with her dogs in the North Georgia mountains.
Her Dog-Gone Leadership program is a practical and novel professional development program where she draws parallels between dog leadership and human leadership. This program is ideal for dog-friendly workplaces, animal advocacy groups, and organizations that appreciate transforming leadership with, from, and for dogs.
Connect with Iris
Website: https://irisgrimm.com/
Phone: 404-441-5370
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Thursday Mar 09, 2023
Today we're speaking with Elizabeth Stutz. She's an attorney colleague of mine in Virginia. We've had several discussions about microchips, their benefits, and drawbacks. Microchips are only as good as the information that's on them and the scanning that's done. We're also talking about some of the vagaries of whether or not everyone scans for them.
Pets are important to Elizabeth because having a pet can help us expand our understanding of selflessness, unconditional love, partnership, compassion, passion, joy & empathy. Pets remind us that we are not alone and that the world is greater than ourselves.
When it comes to microchipping your pets, Elizabeth believes that:
- The pet parent is responsible for protecting the pet with proper licensure & identification.
- The pet parent's responsibility to update microchip information in the event of a move or transfer of ownership & failure to comply makes microchip IDs only part of the "puzzle" & not the definitive answer -- meaning veterinary professionals should not solely rely upon the microchip.
- Communication and cooperation between government animal control and private shelters and welfare organizations is essential to ensure lost pets are returned to their pet parent(s).
Mentioned During The Show:
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)
https://www.aaha.org/your-pet/pet-microchip-lookup/microchip-search/
More About Elizabeth Stutts:
The law practice of Elizabeth (EB) Butterworth Stutts focuses on veterinary healthcare, including licensure, televet services and the development, approval and regulation by FDA of veterinary medicines, supplements and medical devices.
A lifelong pet owner and horseman, she lives in Maidens, VA on a horse boarding farm, where she has bred, raised, rescued, trained and competed her own horses and provided "lay-up" care for injured horses, under veterinary supervision.
In addition to having 2 teenage boys and a fiancé, she is currently the "pet parent" of 2 dogs, a cat, a donkey, 5 horses and 2 chickens, and these numbers are always subject to additions!
She is passionate about helping veterinarians and others in the animal industry avoid future problems by having appropriately drafted contracts and documents from the outset. "Money spent drafting solid documents will always be a fraction of that spent litigating a poorly drafted contract."
Connect with Elizabeth:
Website: www.elizabethbutterworthstuttsesq.com
Email: ebstutts@elizabethbutterworthstuttsesq.com
LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/elizabethbstutts
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Thursday Feb 23, 2023
Dogs are a great source of comfort and guidance to people struggling. Dr. Renee Alsarraf joins us to discuss her new book "Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well." The book teaches us about the enormous power the human-animal bond plays in our world.
Each chapter is about a different patient of Dr. Alsarraf's, each with his or her own life lessons to impart. In the book, Dr. Alsarraf shares what those families and she learned from dogs. The book is a front-row seat to what life is like as a veterinarian, and to the struggles many of us face and how we survive and come out stronger.
Mentioned During The Show:
Book: Sit, Stay, Heal: What Dogs Can Teach Us About Living Well
https://www.amazon.com/Sit-Stay-Heal-Teach-Living/dp/0063215225/
More About Dr. Alsarraf:
Dr. Renee Alsarraf received her veterinary medical degree in 1991 from Michigan State University. While there, she established the University’s Pet Loss Support Group. Dr. Alsarraf completed a rotating internship and medical oncology residency at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering in a tissue culture lab.
Dr. Alsarraf has performed numerous veterinary clinical trials, co-authored peer-reviewed journal articles, and has lectured locally and nationally.
Dr. Alsarraf has created 4 different veterinary oncology practices as well as created and led 3 veterinary radiation facilities.
Currently, Dr. Alsarraf works as a consultant for a national veterinary radiation therapy company and does medical oncology consults.
She enjoys giving back to the community by lecturing to schools grades K-8, is a mentor to Michigan State University Veterinary School students, structured and offered internships for high school, college, and veterinary students, created a literacy program for a Newark elementary public school, is on the Cooperman’s Scholars Committee reviewing applications for underprivileged high school students to receive scholarships and support, headed a local community outreach for years for the underprivileged (tutoring, food drives, coat drives, book drives, blood drives), was on the executive committee for a local Boy Scouts of America chapter and was an active Merit Badge counselor and presently is on the University of Rochester Parents’ Outreach Committee.
Dr. Alsarraf used to compete in obedience trials with her boxers. In her free time, she enjoys hunting for antiques, cooking, gardening, and listening to her son play the piano in her free time.
Connect with Dr. Alsarraf:
Website: https://www.sitstayhealbook.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sit-Stay-Heal-Teach-Living/dp/0063215225/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneealsarraf/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-alsarraf-8a939231/
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Thursday Feb 09, 2023
Domestic violence can be an incredibly difficult and isolating experience, and it can be even harder for pet owners who may be afraid to leave their beloved pets behind. Did you know that there are resources available to help keep both pets and their owners safe?
During this segment of "Why Do Pets Matter?", my dear friend Elizabeth Cronin, Director of the New York State Office of Victim Services, will be discussing some of the organizations and programs that provide support and resources for pet owners in domestic violence situations.
Resources Mentioned During The Show
Urban Resource Institute
https://urinyc.org/
PALS Program (People and Animals Living Safely)
https://urinyc.org/uripals/
WILLOW Domestic Violence Center
https://willowcenterny.org/
More About Elizabeth
Elizabeth Cronin is Director of the New York State Office of Victim Services. She was appointed in 2013 by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.
Previously, she was the Director of the Office of Legal Affairs for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. In that capacity, she was responsible for the operation of the Staff Attorney’s Office and Office of Staff Counsel (Circuit Mediation) and overseeing all of the legal work produced by the Office.
In addition, Elizabeth is a published author and frequent public speaker on legal and administrative topics, including prosecuting domestic violence cases, immigration law, and evidence, among others. She served on a number of advisory groups, including for the Administrative Office for the U.S. Courts. She is a past president of the National Association of Appellate Court Attorneys.
She also was an adjunct professor in the Criminal Justice and Sociology Department at Pace University and taught classes to graduate and undergraduate students in the subjects of domestic violence, criminal justice, criminal law, and law enforcement ethics. She also holds two certifications in coaching.
Connect with Elizabeth
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Thursday Jan 26, 2023
Dawn Secord is our special guest today. She's an award-winning author, artist, and illustrator whose love for animals shines through in everything she does.
Dawn is passionate about sharing her love of animals with children. And through her educational children's book series, she's bringing back the old-time values of reading actual books and spending quality family time together.
Why do pets matter to Dawn? In her own words: "Pets matter on so many levels. They are companions, comforters, protectors, and our family members. My husband loves to say that our pets are a window into what heaven will be - unconditional love.
My pets as companions allow me always to feel not alone. Even when surrounded by other people, we can still be alone. When I'm sad or happy, my pets react to my emotions. They celebrate with joy when I am happy, and if I'm unhappy, they become my comforters. It is amazing how much pets comfort us when we need it most.
They protect us. Dogs bark and are considered by many sources to be a great crime deterrent. I have a cat that growls when she sees someone approaching the front door. Years ago, I read of a macaw (parrot) that attacked an intruder and saved its owner.
Pets are my family members. With all they do for me, how could they be any less than a family member? Their love for me is unconditional, and my love for them is just as strong."
I can't wait for you to hear all about Dawn's amazing new children's book -- "No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here."
Get The Book
Amazon
No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here:
https://www.amazon.com/No-Ghoulish-Green-Monsters-Here/dp/1734003901/
Bling's Website
https://www.adogbling.com/awards-reviews
About Dawn Secord
Dawn is a professional author, artist, and illustrator. She has won numerous art competitions, juried into museum and international exhibitions, and been featured in numerous magazine articles and magazine covers. She had a pet-sitting business for 22 years and was named Pet Sitter of the Year by Pet Sitters International. She is currently working on the next book in her children's picture book series - A Dog Bling.
Connect with Dawn and Bling
https://www.facebook.com/adogbling/
https://www.facebook.com/dawnsecordart
https://www.adogbling.blogspot.com
https://www.artofthedog.blogspot.com
https://twitter.com/DawnSecord
https://www.instagram.com/dawn_secord
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-secord-250108b3
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Thursday Jan 12, 2023
Becky Shuttle worth is a canine communicator. She takes those really hard-to-place dogs and helps them live a better life by either staying with her or fostering them until they are ready to be rehomed. She also works one on one with dog owners who are having aggression or anxiety issues with their pets.
In this podcast, she shares some great insights into understanding and managing the things that trigger a dog's "naughty" behavior. She discusses her holistic approach to getting to the root cause of the issue and how to support an animal through it.
More About Becky:
Becky Shuttleworth communicates with dogs. She left a career in 'behavior" and moved into animal communication, where she now helps dog owners understand what their dogs really want and need. She provides the link for better communication between dogs and humans.
Connect with Becky:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becky.shuttleworth.52
Email: therapy4doggos@gmail.com
Thursday Dec 29, 2022
Thursday Dec 29, 2022
If you're a veterinary professional looking to improve your communication skills and overall job satisfaction, or if you're a pet owner interested in learning how to build a better relationship with your pet's healthcare team, this episode is meant for you.
Pet owners know how important it is to have a strong and trusting relationship with their pets' healthcare providers. This relationship not only ensures the best possible care for our animals, it also helps us to better understand what that care truly entails.
In this episode, Dr. Peter Veinstein and I explore how veterinary teams can create meaningful relationships with their clients through effective communication and collaboration. We also discuss the benefits of a relationship-based approach, such as increased client satisfaction, improved pet health outcomes, and better job satisfaction for veterinary professionals.
More About Peter Weinstein, DVM, MBA
As the owner of PAW Consulting and president of Simple Solutions for Vets, Dr. Peter Weinstein provides business consulting services to veterinary practices nationwide. He speaks and writes extensively on practice management, team building, leadership, collegiality, marketing, and other topics focused on improving veterinary practices. Most recently, he co-authored with Michael E. Gerber “The E-Myth Veterinarian - Why Most Veterinary Practices Don’t Work and What to Do About It”.
Dr. Weinstein is executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), and a past president of both that association and the California Veterinary Medical Association. He also served as president of VetPartners, a nonprofit association for veterinary business specialists.
After receiving his DVM degree from the University of Illinois, Dr. Weinstein earned his MBA from the University of Redlands while managing his own practice and practicing veterinary medicine full time. As a result of his business acumen and financial success, he was able to expand and ultimately sell his practice to a corporate consolidator. Since then, and for more than 20 years, he has been providing small business and corporate consulting services to veterinary practice clients around the United States.
Connect with Dr. Weinstein
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pawdr/
https://simplesolutionsforvets.com/
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Thursday Dec 15, 2022
Integrative Veterinary Medicine and The Benefits of Real Mushrooms for Pet Health
Integrative Veterinary Medicine and The Benefits of Real Mushrooms for Pet Health
Have you heard of integrative medicine for pets? It's a holistic approach to pet healthcare that combines conventional veterinary medicine with complementary therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, supplements and nutrition.
One complementary modality that has been gaining popularity in recent years is the use of mushrooms for pets. Mushrooms have been found to have numerous health benefits for pets, including boosting their immune systems, reducing inflammation, and even potentially fighting cancer.
If you're interested in learning more about incorporating mushrooms into your pet's diet, listen to this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?".
Dr. Rob Silver, DVM, Joni Kamlet and I are talking about integrative veterinary medicine and the benefits of giving your pet real mushrooms to help support their health and well-being.
More About Dr. Silver:
Dr. Rob Silver was raised in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area. He attended Columbia University and earned a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science, a Master's Degree in Cardiopulmonary Physiology, and his DVM from Colorado State University. After graduation, he worked as a relief veterinarian in the Denver, Colorado area and taught in a veterinary technician program as well.
After relocating to Colorado Springs, Colorado to work in an Emergency Practice, he started a House Call practice that evolved into a brick and mortar practice. He started prescribing his patients home cooked diets and herbal medicines. He was certified by IVAS in 1993 and began teaching Chinese Herbal Medicine courses with Jake Fratkin and Dr. Shen Xie. That same year he also relocated to Boulder, Colorado, opening a new practice, Boulder's Natural Animal.
In 1994 Dr. Silver became the Chief Medical Officer for Rx Vitamins, where he formulated 40 products for the veterinary market. He sold his practice in 2013 and the next year launched the Well Pet Dispensary website, which is still in operation. He also served as Chief Veterinary Officer for Folium Biosciences, a vertically integrated Hemp Company.
In 2015 Dr. Silver published the ground-breaking text "Medical Marijuana and Your Pet," which has served as a guide to both veterinarians and animal caretakers alike since it was published.
Dr. Silver has served as a Board Member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and the President of both the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association and the American College of Veterinary Botanical Medicine. He is also an Adjunct Faculty member at both Lincoln Memorial and Chi University.
He is enjoying his new position as the Chief Veterinary Officer for Real Mushrooms.
Learn More About Real Mushrooms:
Website: https://RealMusrooms.com
Facebook Group and Monthly Live Q & A https://www.facebook.com/groups/1699109103787660
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/real_mushrooms/
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
Thursday Nov 24, 2022
As pet owners, we want the best care for our furry friends, and good communication with our veterinarian is essential to achieving that goal.
In this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" Dr. Deborah Thompson, DVM and I discuss the challenges faced by both veterinarians and pet owners in communicating effectively and offer some practical tips to help improve the dialogue between them.
We'll also explore the benefits of better communication, including improved pet health outcomes, increased client satisfaction, and stronger relationships between veterinarians and their clients.
So, whether you're a veterinarian or a pet owner, join us as we explore how to improve communication and promote the best possible care for our beloved pets.
More About Deborah Thompson, DVM
Dr. Deborah Thomson is a veterinarian and One Health expert who started teaching in 2001. Since then, she has served as a Science Policy Advisor in the United States Senate; has founded and led a global organization that inspires children and adults to value the interconnection between human health and the health of the environment, plants, and animals (called One Health Lessons); has practiced clinical veterinary medicine in emergency departments, animal shelters, and general practices; has taught thousands of children about One Health; has worked as a One Health Expert Consultant in multiple global nongovernmental organizations and universities including the One Health Institute at the University of California–Davis; has served as an external member of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s One Health Work Group; has created internationally-acclaimed science lessons that are being translated into over eighty languages; has been running a Science Communication Training program with over 800 global participants; and is currently the Chair of the World Veterinary Association’s One Health Education Subgroup and ad-hoc member of its One Health Subject Focus Group.
In addition, she has won multiple public speaking competitions, has spoken in over a dozen countries, and has most notably been an invited speaker at events associated with the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Global Health Security Agenda, the US Agency for International Development, the US Department of Agriculture, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the World Veterinary Association, and the One Health Action Collaborative, an ad hoc activity associated with the Forum on Microbial Threats at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Dr. Thomson has been recognized as a Global Goodwill Ambassador, a distinction reserved for humanitarians, as well as an Impact Leader and an Excellence in STEM Inspiration Honoree. Her articles have been printed in multiple publications, including The Lancet Planetary Health.
Aside from writing and working on these worthy projects, she enjoys playing music, traveling, learning languages, and being outdoors. She lives in the Washington, DC area.
Resources Mentioned During The Show:
Dr. Thompson's Book:
The Art of Science Communication: Sharing Knowledge with Students, the Public, and Policymakers