In our Historical Dogs Series, we remember Riley, a remarkable Golden Retriever whose courage and dedication brought comfort and hope during one of the darkest moments in American history.

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, search-and-rescue dogs became symbols of courage at Ground Zero. Riley was among the specially trained dogs who worked alongside first responders, searching through the devastation for people who might still be alive. His job was physically exhausting and emotionally demanding—but Riley kept going.

For these dogs, there was no understanding of politics, hatred, or tragedy. There was simply a job to do: find someone, help someone, save someone.

Riley's story is also a reminder of the extraordinary bond between working dogs and the people who depend on them. While firefighters, police officers, and rescue workers faced unimaginable conditions, these four-legged heroes worked beside them—often without asking for anything in return.

In this episode of A Dog’s Devotion, we honor Riley and all the search-and-rescue dogs of 9/11 whose bravery, loyalty, and unwavering determination became part of history.

They searched when others couldn't.
 They comforted when words weren't enough.
 And they showed us, once again, just how extraordinary a dog's devotion can be. ❤️🐾

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Executive Producer: Chris Henley

During the darkest days of the First World War, dogs played an extraordinary role alongside the men and women who served. They carried messages, comforted wounded soldiers, guarded camps, delivered supplies, and provided something perhaps even more powerful—their unwavering companionship and devotion.

One remarkable dog who captured the hearts of Canadians was Muggins, a little white Spitz who became a fundraising hero during the war. He gave so much to those who needed help, asking for so little in return.

In this special episode of A Dog’s Devotion, I’m joined by author and historian Grant Hayter-Menzies, whose fascinating book, Muggins: The Life and Afterlife of a Canadian Canine War Hero, brings this incredible story back to life.

Grant takes us back more than a century to discover how Muggins became a symbol of generosity, compassion and the remarkable contribution dogs made during wartime.

Their courage, loyalty and devotion helped people through some of the darkest moments in history—and their only reward was the love and trust they received in return.

This is a story about a dog, but it is also a story about humanity, sacrifice and the extraordinary things our dogs are capable of giving us.

🐾 Please listen, share this episode, and help us keep Muggins' remarkable story—and the stories of the many dogs who served alongside us—alive.

Because dogs have always given us so much… and asked for so little in return.

🎧 A Dog’s Devotion — wherever you listen to podcasts.

Follow A Dog's Devotion
📸 Instagram: @adogsdevotion1
🎵 TikTok: @adogsdevotion
📧 Email: [email protected]

Executive Producer: Chris Henley

When Someone We Love Dies… What Happens After?

How do we help a child understand death, grief, and the overwhelming emotions that come with losing someone they love?

In this deeply meaningful episode of A Dog’s Devotion, I’m joined by acclaimed author Diane Namm, who has written more than 70 books for children, young adults, and adults. Her beautiful picture book, What Happens After?, tackles one of the most difficult subjects we can ever face: loss.

Diane gently explores what grief can look like, why every person grieves differently, and how we can help children navigate the loss of someone they love—whether that loss is human or animal.

As Kirkus Reviews describes it, the book is “a simple, emotionally effective exploration of loss.”

This is an important conversation for parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers—and anyone who has ever had to help a child through heartbreak.

❤️ If you know a child who is grieving, this episode may be exactly what they need to hear.

Listen, share, and join us for a conversation about love, loss, grief, and finding a way forward.

🐾 A Dog’s Devotion — because sometimes our greatest lessons about love come from those we have lost.

Thank you for listening to our podcast, we appreciate your support. Like, share and comment on our episodes, it will help us continue to bring you these wonderful shows.

Follow A Dog's Devotion
📸 Instagram: @adogsdevotion1
🎵 TikTok: @adogsdevotion
📧 Email: [email protected]

Executive Producer: Chris Henley

🎙️ This week’s episode is especially personal.

Author and historian Grant Hayter-Menzies joins me to talk about his deeply moving memoir, Freddie: The Rescue Dog Who Rescued Me — a beautiful story of love, resilience, second chances and ultimately loss.

Freddie was a rescue dog who became so much more than a pet. He became Grant’s companion, comfort and, in many ways, his rescuer.

If you’ve ever had to say goodbye to a beloved dog — or you’re grieving one right now — this conversation may bring you comfort and remind you that the love we share with our dogs never really leaves us. 🐾❤️

If you LOVE dogs, rescue animals and the incredible stories they inspire, you’ve found your podcast.

If you enjoy this episode, please follow, like, share, subscribe, and leave us a 5-Star Rating. Your support helps A Dog's Devotion reach more dog lovers and keeps these meaningful conversations going.

Follow A Dog's Devotion
📸 Instagram: @adogsdevotion1
🎵 TikTok: @adogsdevotion
📧 Email: [email protected]

Executive Producer: Chris Henley

This week on A Dog's Devotion, bestselling author Jonathan Graziano joins me to discuss his newest children's book, Milton Makes a Move, and the remarkable dog who started it all—Noodle.

Jonathan shares how one lovable pup inspired a worldwide movement, bestselling books, and a mission to spread kindness, joy, and hope. Together, we explore how dogs shape our lives, inspire us to dream bigger, and remind us what unconditional love truly means.

Whether you're a lifelong dog lover, a pet parent, or simply enjoy uplifting stories, this heartfelt conversation is one you won't want to miss.

If you enjoy this episode, please follow, like, share, subscribe, and leave us a 5-Star Rating. Your support helps A Dog's Devotion reach more dog lovers and keeps these meaningful conversations going.

Follow A Dog's Devotion
📸 Instagram: @adogsdevotion1
🎵 TikTok: @adogsdevotion
📧 Email: [email protected]

Executive Producer: Chris Henley

This week on A Dog’s Devotion, we honor the extraordinary life of Pockets Warhol—a tiny soul who endured so much, yet gave the world beauty, connection, and meaning through his art.

Pockets wasn’t meant to be a “pet.” He was born into the harsh and heartbreaking reality of the exotic animal trade—an industry driven by profit, where wild animals are taken from their families, transported in cruel conditions, and too often die before they ever reach their destination. Those who survive are left to live a life far from what nature ever intended.

But Pockets’ story took a different turn.

Through the love and devotion of his muse, Charmaine Quinn, and the sanctuary that became his true home at Story Book Farm Primate Sanctuary, Pockets found safety, compassion, and a voice—expressed through his incredible paintings that touched hearts around the world. I had the privilege of knowing Pockets, of witnessing his spirit, and of volunteering at the sanctuary where animals like him are finally given the life they deserve.

This episode is deeply personal. It’s about loss. It’s about resilience. And it’s about the powerful bond between humans and animals—a bond built not on ownership, but on respect, protection, and love.

While this conversation may be difficult to hear at times, it is filled with compassion and purpose. It’s a reminder that wild animals belong in the wild—not in cages, not in homes, not as commodities for our entertainment.

At its core, this is what A Dog’s Devotion is all about—the profound love and impact animals have on our lives, and the responsibility we carry to protect them.

Please listen, share, like, and comment to help spread this important message.

Thank you for being here.

xoxo
Carla, Max & Smokey

This week on A Dog’s Devotion, we continue one of the most tender and difficult conversations a dog parent will ever face.

Following last week’s episode on knowing when it’s time to say goodbye, we gently explore what happens next — the deeply personal decision of at-home euthanasia. With compassion and honesty, we talk about how to navigate the fear and uncertainty, what the process truly looks like, and how to recognize when the time is right for your beloved companion.
I am joined by Dr. Becky Frank, from Lap of Love a place that provides in-home pet euthanasia, consultation, veterinary hospice, and pet loss support services. Here is their website: https://www.lapoflove.com/

We also open the door to the emotions that follow — the guilt, the heartbreak, and the overwhelming grief of losing your best friend. If you’re going through this now, or carrying the weight of this decision from the past, you are not alone.

This is a safe space for love, remembrance, and understanding.

Join me for this important and heartfelt conversation.

 Please subscribe, share with someone who may need it, and thank you for being part of this community.

I know this is so difficult to discuss, but it is something we have to prepare for. 

xoxo
Carla, Max & Smokey

How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to the one who never left your side?

In this deeply emotional and honest episode, I sit down with Amy Castro to talk about one of the most heart-wrenching decisions every dog parent will face — when to let your beloved pet go. This is a conversation for anyone navigating dog loss, anticipatory grief, or the overwhelming weight of pet euthanasia decisions.

We explore the signs, the guilt, the “what ifs,” and the quiet moments when love means letting go. If your dog is aging, suffering, or you’ve recently experienced dog grief, this episode will hold your hand through it. You are not alone in this.

This is about compassion. About dignity. About love that is so deep, it hurts.

If you’ve ever asked yourself:

 Am I doing this too soon… or too late?
Am I being selfish?
How do I say goodbye?

This episode is for you.

💔 Real talk about senior dog care
💔 Understanding quality of life for dogs
💔 Coping with pet loss grief
💔 Support for the dog-loving community

Please listen, share, and send this to someone who needs it. Because sometimes, the hardest decision… is also the kindest one.

There are many resources available for you if you are currently dealing with the loss of a pet, or dealing with "if it is time"... You can always email me at:  [email protected]
I will help you any way l can.

As always thank you for listening, this was a hard topic to cover as l have had to go thru it so many times, and let me tell you - it never gets easier. 

xoxoo
Carla, Max & Smokey

Welcome back to A Dog's Devotion, the only dog podcast that covers everything that dog owners need to know. Whether you are dealing with the loss of your beloved pet, the grief that follows, a senior dog, helping rescue dogs or wanting to learn more about the need for dog rescues in this country. There are so many interesting people that are doing great work: from photographers who travel the world taking photos of dogs, to men who travel the world with their rescue dog, to the people who work tirelessly helping abused dogs get the help they need.

In this episode we are talking about senior dog health, and alternatives that are out there.

Are you a dog parent searching for real solutions to support your aging pup? In this powerful episode of A Dog’s Devotion, we dive into Healing Paws and the growing world of holistic dog health and alternative medicine for senior dogs. From pain relief and mobility support to natural healing therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care, discover what’s trending in the dog community right now.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating senior dog care, chronic pain, or simply wanting to improve their dog’s quality of life. Join a passionate dog community that’s focused on wellness, longevity, and giving our beloved companions the comfort they deserve.

As always thank you for listening, please subscribe to our channel and the podcast, we appreciate it. 

Thank you,
xoxo
Carla, Max & Smokey

Welcome to A Dog's Devotion, a podcast for all dog lovers. This episode we once again cover the importance of dog rescue, with Underdog Rescue.
Some of the topics are horrible to hear about, so please keep that in mind. But it is the reality of our world, and some of the hatred in it. There are some very evil people on this planet and they always seem to pray on the most innocent. 

What does it really take to give an “underdog” a second chance?

In this heartfelt episode of A Dog’s Devotion, we shine a light on the incredible work of Underdog Rescue and the life-changing impact of rescue dogs. These are the dogs often overlooked—the seniors, the injured, the abandoned—yet they are the ones with the most powerful stories to tell.

We dive into the realities of dog rescue, the emotional journeys behind adopting a rescue dog, and the deep, unbreakable bond between humans and the dogs who need them most. From stories of resilience to second chances, this episode reminds us how dogs change lives, often when we need it the most.

If you’ve ever wondered how to help, how to adopt, or how a dog could transform your life, this episode is for you.

Because sometimes… the ones we save, end up saving us. 🐾

As always, thank you for listening.
xoxo
Carla, Max & Smokey