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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 Mar 18, 2021
Thursday Mar 18, 2021
Today we're chatting with my long-time friend, Laura Reeves, about how breeders sustain their breeds and how they pick their owners.
She is a breeder, exhibitor, former handler, and seasoned podcaster -- hosting Pure Dog Talk and a contributing host to the Good Dog Pod.
Laura's motto is, "As man plans, God laughs!"
Learn more about Laura Reeves:
Laura is an AKC Breeder of Merit, AKC Judge, Good Dog Advisor, and a retired zone representative for the Professional Handler Association.
She is a second-generation breeder of German Wirehaired Pointers, under the Scotia Kennel banner. She is also one of the hosts of The Good Dog Pod.
In her professional handling career, spanning 25 years, Laura consistently maintained a high-quality, low-number client list.
She has finished hundreds of dogs, with group-winners from each of the seven variety groups. Specializing in rare breeds and challenging dogs, she has piloted dogs to Best in Show, Best in Specialty Show, Group wins, #1 rankings and more.
Scotia dogs have earned well over 100 titles — in the show ring, in hunt tests, field trials and NAVHDA (North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association), in agility, tracking, obedience and rally.
Her dedication to breeding dual-purpose dogs reflects a stated goal of preserving the all-weather, rugged, sound-minded versatile gun dog the breed’s founders envisioned.
Laura has served the GWPCA as AKC Gazette columnist, Judges Education Committee member and chair, Vice President, President, National Events Coordinator and more.
Her podcast, Pure Dog Talk, is The VOICE of purebred dogs. Laura talks to the legends of the sport and gives you tips and tools to create an awesome life with your purebred dog. From showing to preservation breeding, from competitive obedience to fieldwork, from agility to therapy dogs and all the fun in between; your passion is Pure Dog Talk's purpose.
Pure Dog Talk is a proud supporter of the American Kennel Club, our Parent, Specialty and All-Breed Clubs, Dog Sports, Therapy, Service and the Preservation of our Canine Companions.
The Good Dog Pod supports dog breeders and responsible dog ownership.
Good Dog is on a mission to build a better world for our dogs and the people who love them by educating the public and advocating for dog breeders.
The Good Dog Pod achieves its mission by providing dog breeders and the public with the latest updates in canine health and veterinary care, animal legislation and legal advocacy, canine training and behavior science, and dog breeding practices.
You can connect with Laura here:
https://www.scotiakennel.com/about/
https://www.PureDogTalk.com/
https://www.facebook.com/PureDogTalk
https://twitter.com/puredogtalk
https://www.gooddog.com/good-dog-pod
https://www.facebook.com/goodbreedercenter
https://twitter.com/officialgooddog
Thursday Mar 11, 2021
Thursday Mar 11, 2021
Today we're chatting with Mark Olcott, DVM, Co-founder & CEO VitusVet, a Veterinary Practice Management Solution that helps veterinarians use modern technology to improve patient care and grow their business.
Mark, a former partner at a multi-doctor small animal practice, co-founded VitusVet to solve the client-communication problems he saw each day. The company’s goal is very simple: to make it easier for veterinarians and pet owners to share information.
Mark (and his company) love pets and believe in advocating for them because they can't speak for themselves.
More About Mark Olcott, DVM
Mark, a native of upstate NY, obtained his bachelor’s degree in Biology from the State University of New York at Geneseo. He then earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University in 1995 and, in 2013, his MBA from the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland.
Mark was a partner for several years in a multi-doctor small animal practice before leaving to start his own mobile ultrasonography business. More recently, he worked as an Emergency Veterinarian at a major regional referral hospital, where he was named by his peers as one of the Top Veterinarians in Northern Virginia.
Mark also holds multiple patents, is a published author, and is the co-founder and CEO of a software company called VitusVet. VitusVet is a rapidly growing company with one simple goal: to improve the connection between veterinarians and pet owners.
Mark lives in Frederick, Maryland with his wife, three children, two cats, four dogs, four geckos, three snakes and a bunch of fish.
Click to learn more about VitusVet!
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
Thursday Mar 04, 2021
On today's "Why Do Pets Matter?" Podcast we're hearing from a new voice in the animal law community, Jessica Chapman, JD.
Currently, Jessica is pursuing her LLM at Lewis & Clark Law School -- the only University in the country offering an LLM in the field of animal law. (An LLM is a secondary degree for lawyers who have achieved their JD and passed the bar exam, and who are interested in a focused, specialized course of study in a specific topic of law.)
Jessica's work revolves around having a different conversation and approach to animal abuse...
1. Healing abusers of their victimization and trauma from their own abuse or learned violence experiences will protect non-human animals and humans from becoming future victims.
2. Exploitation of animals and the legal abuse that occurs in industries that exploit animals -- like traumatized industrial workers -- which can manifest itself as abuse to companion animals and domestic violence.
3 We as advocates should develop relationships with individuals who the courts have convicted of abuse and with individuals who self-identify as abusers to find out which therapy techniques will help them heal from their past trauma. Condemning the individual and excluding them from therapy discussions enable the abuse to perpetuate. Experts in multiple areas should collaborate on therapeutic and rehabilitative approaches.
More About Jessica:
Jessica Chapman is an Animal Law LLM Candidate at Lewis & Clark Law School. She is a recipient of the Brooks Institute for Animal Rights Law and Policy Domestic Scholarship.
She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, where she double majored with a Bachelor of Arts in Slavic Languages and Literature and Native American Studies.
She graduated with a Juris Doctor (cum laude) from Michigan State University College of Law.
She is part of the ALLC (Animal Law Litigation Clinic) and is dedicating her legal career to the protection and representation of animals.
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Thursday Feb 25, 2021
Today I'm speaking with Dr. Lindsay Evans about the important role our pets have played in helping us maintain good self-care and mental well-being practices and why compassionate, non-judgemental communication for both veterinarians and their clients -- especially when it comes to difficult diagnoses and financial matters -- is critical.
About Dr. Lindsay Evans
Lindsay is a Veterinarian and a Regional Clinical Director for Greencross Vets in Australia. In her role, she focuses on improving the standards of care we offer to our pets and has a passion for open communication, the human-animal bond, and evidence-based medicine. Outside of work she enjoys travelling and spending time with her senior Labrador Phoebe.
Greencross Vets Sandringham:
https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/vets/sandringham/
Thursday Feb 18, 2021
Thursday Feb 18, 2021
"What would happen to your pets if something happened to you?"
That's the question today's guest, Peggy Hoyt, a Trust and Estate attorney and I are exploring in this episode of "Why Do Pets Matter?" and why having a MAAP Plan in place for your pets is so important!
Peggy describes herself as “an attorney, animal advocate, and pet mom.” Her love for animals was developed as a child when her father, John A. Hoyt was the President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.
Now, her days start by taking care of 3 horses, 6 dogs, and 2 cats before she goes to her office!
She is a founding partner of Hoyt & Bryan, LLC. Peggy is dual-certified by the Florida Bar in Wills, Trusts, and Estates and in Elder Law.
She is the author of All My Children Wear Fur Coats – How to Leave a Legacy for Your Pet, a book for pet parents on the importance of including their pets as part of their estate plan. She also hosts a weekly “paw-cast” on Buzzsprout called All My Children Wear Fur Coats.
Peggy is the Founder and CEO of Animal Care Trust USA, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping pet parents keep loved pets in loving homes. The organization offers several Forever Loved Pet Trust solutions including Forever Home, Forever Family, and Forever Sanctuary. Animal Care Trust USA can act as a corporate Pet Trustee and is leading the animal estate planning world with the creation of the Forever Loved Pet Trust, a community Pet Trust.
Hoyt & Bryan, LLC
https://hoytbryan.com
Pawcast: All My Children Wear Fur Coats with Peggy Hoyt
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-my-children-wear-fur-coats-with-peggy-hoyt/id1460842551
Animal Care Trust USA
https://www.animalcaretrustusa.org/
Book: All My Children Wear Fur Coats
https://www.amazon.com/All-Children-Wear-Fur-Coats-ebook/dp/B009OJQWZ0/
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Thursday Feb 11, 2021
Scott Fine, founder of Joey's Legacy, returns to "Why Do Pets Matter?" and is chatting with us today about best-selling author JL Robb's new book "Joey's Legacy - Seeking Truth and Integrity In Veterinary Medicine which promises to expose the wrongdoing in the veterinary profession.
Scott also talks about veterinary accountability and responsibility, why it's important to know your rights, and how to resolve disagreements.
Joey's Legacy is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is advocacy for companion animals. They assist those whose loved ones have recently become victims of veterinary negligence.
Their nationwide network of veterinary experts and animal law attorneys intervene and seek justice for their members.
The majority of veterinarians -- those who provide ethical, exemplary care for their patients and are always truthful and transparent with their clients -- appreciate the work Joey's Legacy does to hold their unprincipled colleagues accountable for their unprincipled actions.
You can contact Scott:
Text: (833) 310-JOEY (5639)
Thursday Feb 04, 2021
Thursday Feb 04, 2021
Is it possible for veterinarians and their clients to improve how they communicate to help the animals they love and care for live their best lives?
This week's "Why Do Pets Matter?" special guest thinks so.
Dr. Stacee Santi is an extraordinary veterinarian who believes in honesty, integrity, and transparency. And, for her, it all starts with diligent communication between the veterinarian and pet owner.
She is the creator of Vet2Pet, a client engagement platform, designed to help practices connect at a deeper level with clients, bonding them to the practice and helping veterinarians provide the most exceptional care to their patients.
You can learn more about Stacee and the Vet2Pet App on her website:
https://vet2pet.com/
Or connect with her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vet2petapps/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Vet2PetApps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vet2petapps/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vet2pet
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6slgeFG6fokHQhI7D6j6g
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Thursday Jan 28, 2021
Today Mindy Dutka from Dogs I Meet is our special guest today! Mindy is a professional photographer based in Boston who helps people take pictures of their dogs for posterity. She also takes pictures of dogs at rescues and shelters so they are more adoptable.
Photography had always piqued her curiosity. The way a picture preserves memory and a single snapshot can tell a story. As a New Yorker, she'd become obsessed with Humans of New York, and had an idea that she could do something similar for dogs.
She decided to travel streets around the world with her camera. And, she made it her mission to capture dog tales, moment by moment, one photograph at a time.
Over the past couple of years, she's documented daily life inside animal shelters and clinics – from Boston to Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Mindy believes in giving back and spends time with rescue organizations all around the world photographing adoption and rescue shelters and veterinary clinics.
You can learn more about Mindy on her website:
https://dogsimeet.com/
Or connect with her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dogsimeet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dogsimeet
Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/dogsimeet
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mindy-dutka-316b09181/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyARV1QJ0JEI524fos0Mw1A/
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Thursday Jan 21, 2021
Dr. Randall Lockwood is an internationally recognized expert on the connection between animal cruelty and human violence.
He currently consults with the ASPCA about policy, response, and engagement regarding animal abuse since he retired from his position as Senior Vice-President with them.
During this incredibly educational conversation, Randall and I talk about how pets benefit people, public health surrounding pets, and why people harm animals.
We all know that while the pandemic has created a huge spike in pet adoptions -- a very good thing for both the people and pets, it has also been hard on a lot of people, both in terms of their resources and their mental health.
When people are stressed or angry and they're always at home, that anger can be taken out on an animal, or a spouse, or even a child. Family pets are often ‘part of the domestic abuse cycle’ and there has been an increase in that since COVID hit the scene.
Randall has done a lot of work with police agencies on issues related to dog shootings.
Police departments throughout the country need to develop better training so officers can more accurately assess which dogs are life-threatening and dangerous and which are not.
Most officers just aren't adequately trained to quickly and correctly assess the risks a dog poses and determine how to best handle the situation.
Frequently, shooting a dog is a knee-jerk reaction by an officer not familiar with dogs. And, as police officers receive better training, the number of shootings is declining.
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
Thursday Jan 14, 2021
Vivian's passion in life is helping people make real, compassionate connections with the animals in their lives so that both of you are living your best life with one another.
Today she's sharing lots of great tips about living happily and positively with your animal(s) and how to better understand and develop the relationship you and your pet have through observing, decoding, and guiding their behavior and yours.
She has been a dog behavior consultant for 18 years. In 2003 she earned her master's degree in conflict resolution from the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.
Since then she has worked in the field of animal welfare policy and research at the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington, D.C. and she has also volunteered with the rehabilitation of dogs with problem behaviors in the canine rescue community.
In 2010 she took on a full-time position to develop and manage the training department at Fur-Get Me Not in Arlington, VA, creating all the behavior specialty classes, she held this position for 8 years.
In 2018 she co-founded "Positive Dog Solutions" -- a company created to help build strong and healthy relationships between people, their dogs, and the community in which they live, using scientifically proven, practical, and humane methods.
Vivian also mediates custody cases at the Multi-Door dispute resolution division at DC Courts and is a volunteer mediator with Community Mediation DC.
You can learn more about the marvelous work Vivan does at:
https://www.positivedogsolutions.com/
And, you can connect with Vivian here:
https://www.facebook.com/positivedogsolutions
https://www.instagram.com/positivedogsolutions/