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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 Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Today we're speaking with Lynn White and Stacey Baum of the Feline Fix - a non-profit organization in Denver, CO. On June 28th, they are holding a free event -- The Friends of the Fix Breakfast -- at The Curtis Ballroom in Greenwood Village. The Feline Fix is an incredible group that works year-round to spay, neuter, and even rehome community cats that can be gentled and adopted.
The breakfast is a free, one-hour fundraising event with the goal of inspiring those who would like to get involved as a donor, foster, and/or volunteer.
There will be a full, sit-down breakfast, and the 'Kitten Therapy' team will be there to share those amazing babies with everyone. Seriously, who wouldn't want to start their day cuddling a sweet little kitten?
EVENT INFO:
June 28th Free Event
Friends of The Fix Breakfast
7:30-8:30am
The Curtis Ballroom
5345 Landmark Place
(nextdoor to Comedy Works South)
Greenwood Village
RSVP @ https://www.thefelinefix.org/
Can't attend, but want to Support The Feline Fix:
https://thefelinefix.networkforgood.com/projects/141855-support-our-work
The Feline Fix is a nonprofit entity that requires community support and partnership. They believe in education as a way to help end animal suffering.
The organization has made a significant, tangible impact on the feline and human lives in Denver and the greater surrounding areas -- approaching 50,000 feline spay/neuter surgeries over the last 20 years.
More About Lynn and Stacey:
Lynn White has a background in accounting and finance as well as experience in the veterinary industry and the nonprofit sector. She received her BS/MS in Accounting with a specialization in Audit, and held a variety of positions in public, private, and corporate accounting and finance.
A life-long animal lover, Lynn went back to school to obtain her Associate degree in Veterinary Technology and worked in a clinic capacity as a Certified Veterinary Technician for a number of years.
Wanting to find a position that would combine her passion for animals with her finance experience, she took a job as Director of Finance for a non-profit veterinary hospital.
The combination of non-profit animal welfare finance has been the perfect fit for her skills and her career goal to help make the world a better place.
Stacey Baum originally began working for The Feline Fix in 2017. At the time, she served as the Development, Marketing & Events Director in charge of fundraising, the Stray Cat Strut, and rebranding the organization.
Although she left in 2019 to spend more time with her family, she missed the organization and is very excited to be back!
Stacey has been in the animal welfare arena for over 20 years, working in Colorado, Arizona and California. She has been fundraising, handling marketing and communications, and executing events since 2000.
Connect With Lynn, Stacey and The Feline Fix:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-white-b75070130/
https://www.facebook.com/felinefix/
https://www.instagram.com/thefelinefix/
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
As a veterinarian and mentor, Dr. Dani Rabwin believes that pets matter not only for their companionship and unconditional love but also because they serve as a bridge between her and her clients. Through their pets, she can establish a deeper connection with pet owners, fostering trust and building relationships that enable her to provide excellent veterinary care. Furthermore, she offers guidance and support to pet owners, assisting them in navigating the challenges and joys of pet ownership.
By emphasizing the significance of this connection with pet owners, Dr. Rabwin teaches new veterinarians in her mentorship program how to excel in their work by cultivating relationships with both pets and their owners.
During our conversation, we discussed the importance of communication between veterinarians and their clients, particularly pet owners.
We also discuss the value of mentorship for recent veterinary graduates and the importance of being open to learning and receiving guidance as both a veterinarian and a client.
Additionally, we explore the support programs available to veterinarians, which aim to prevent burnout.
We also touch upon Dani's mentorship program, Ready Vet Go, and how it assists veterinarians in thriving and finding joy in their profession.
More About Dr. Rabwin:
Dr. Dani Rabwin is a veterinarian, communication coach, and the founder of Ready, Vet, Go, the first veterinary mentorship program of its kind. She graduated from UC Davis in 2004 and completed an internship at Michigan Veterinary Specialists. She feels extremely privileged to be able to help veterinarians thrive in this profession she loves so much.
Connect with Dani:
https://readyvetgo.co/
https://www.instagram.com/readyvetgo_/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-rabwin-18034b217/
Thursday May 04, 2023
Thursday May 04, 2023
During this dynamic conversation with the Honorable Douglas C. Mintz (Ret.) and Gabrielle Hartley, Esq., we'll look at a different perspective on deciding who gets the family pet during a divorce.
Doug is the ADR Partner at Carmody Torrance Sandak & Hennessey, based in Stamford, CT. He was a civil trial judge and also a legislator.
Gabrielle is an incredible TEDx speaker. She is also an author. Her new book, "The Secret To Getting Along," is coming out in May. She also wrote, "Better Apart."
She has created the "Better Apart Total Practice Makeover" to help attornies do better divorce work. And her "Private Divorce Solutions" helps people decide how to divorce better -- including those with pets.
Given all of the new legislation that's coming down in California, Alaska, Illinois, New Hampshire, and New York, requiring the judges to find for the best interests of the pet when doing divorce resolution, Judge Mintz and Gabrielle take on that topic during our conversation and handle it in a safe and special way.
More About the Hon. Douglas C. Mintz (Ret.)
Doug has acted as the mediator in numerous disputes ranging from complex business disputes to product liability. The disputes have included personal injury matters that resulted from motor vehicle accidents and slip and falls. One nine-hour mediation, conducted over Zoom, included 32 participants two of whom were self-represented. Due to all the participants’ patience and perseverance, the dispute came to a successful resolution.
Doug has developed and adapted his mediation practice in the age of COVID-19 and found that online dispute resolution is as effective, if not more effective, than in-person mediations.
Doug is a member of the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals and became a Panelist, as an Arbitrator and a Mediator, for the American Arbitration Association.
For most of his judicial career, Doug served as the Presiding Judge for Civil Matters in Stamford and Danbury, CT. He regularly encountered truly vexing conflicts in both the legal and emotional dimensions, and developed a unique approach to working those situations that he now brings to his clients.
Doug was appointed to the Superior Court in 1993 and served as the Civil Presiding Judge and the Assistant Administrative Judge for the Judicial District of Stamford/Norwalk, and as the Administrative Judge and the Civil Presiding Judge for the Judicial District of Danbury. Prior to his service on the bench, he was a State Representative from Norwalk (1987-1992) and served as the Vice-chair of the Judiciary Committee for most of that time.
As a Judge, in 2008, Doug worked collaboratively with the Legislature to craft legislation that created the Foreclosure Mediation Program (the first statewide mediation program in the nation). This Mediation Program was created in response to the mortgage foreclosure crisis of 2007-08 and helped thousands of families retain their homes.
From his many years on the Bench, Doug has learnt that deep dedication to the values of human dignity and creative thinking, combined with the rigorous and fair application of factual analysis, almost always clears the way for successful dispute resolution.
Doug speaks at legal community virtual events on various topics, including online dispute resolution.
Western New England College School of Law, J.D., 1978
The University of Michigan, B.G.S., 1974
More About Gabrielle Hartley:
Gabrielle Hartley is co-chair of the American Bar Association Mediation Committee, a nationally recognized divorce attorney, online mediator, TEDx Speaker, and author of "Better Apart: The Radically Positive Way to Separate."
Her new book “The Secret to Getting Along and Why It’s Easier Than You Think” will be released this May. She offers a weekly newsletter, The Conflict Code” and hosts The Better Apart Blog and is a frequently quoted media expert in the peaceful divorce realm (The New York Times, Vice, WNYC, Forbes, Psychology Today, etc.)
Gabrielle is a former court attorney to NYS Supreme Court Judge Jeffrey Sunshine and has resolved hundreds of high-conflict divorce cases.
About Her New Book: The Secret to Getting Along and Why It’s Easier Than You Think
Named as a Next Big Idea Club Must Read!
Is it possible to get along better? Yes, with 3 simple steps for conflict resolution!
Conflict is everywhere―in our homes, at work, on our social media feeds. But conflict isn't inherently bad… in fact, it's a normal and healthy part of human relationships, but many of us aren't good at managing conflict in our everyday lives.
In The Secret to Getting Along (And Why it's Easier Than You Think!), attorney Gabrielle Hartley brings more than two decades of divorce mediation experience to helping you learn how to resolve conflict in ways that strengthen your relationships, reflect your values, and lead to positive outcomes for everyone involved. This practical and accessible guide to everyday conflict resolution will help you:
- Reframe your approach to conflict
- Find your way to more harmony and less discord
- Create better outcomes even in your most difficult relationships
- Experience more peace even when relationships don't go well
- Strengthen your skills in resolving conflicts of all shapes and sizes
- Feel more connected to the important people in your life
Whether you're fighting with your partner about housework, struggling to set boundaries with a difficult family member, or dealing with a toxic coworker, The Secret to Getting Along (And Why It's Easier Than You Think!) is a necessary resource for navigating difficult conversations and situations―and finding the solutions that will help you create a peaceful, less stressful, and more fulfilling life.
More Info:
Gabrielle's Website:
https://gabriellehartley.com/thesecrettogettingalong/
On Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Getting-Along-Easier-Think/dp/172825891X
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Thursday Apr 20, 2023
Dr. Jessica May from the UK joins us on this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" to talk about Veterinary Telemedicine: the pros and cons of the new telemed guidelines set by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and the important opportunities telemedicine opens up for veterinarians to provide their clients with dynamic professional care wherever a patient might be.
We also talked about how technology can help create better veterinarian-client relationships.
More About Dr. Jessica May, MRCVS
Jessica has worked in mixed and equine practices, both in the United Kingdom and in Hong Kong.
Between 2019 and 2022, Jessica joined an independent telehealth company to launch their pioneering service in the UK before joining PetsApp in 2023.
Jessica has a strong interest in innovation and how digital health can benefit pets, veterinary professionals, and businesses.
Jessica qualified as a vet from the Royal Veterinary College in 2012.
Connect with Jessica:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicamay2/
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