Today, we talk to Mary Peter, a Certified Master Dog Trainer, and also founder and Executive Director of Training Operations at K9 Partners for Patriots. Mary discusses how this amazing program not only helps our veterans who are dealing with PTSD and related disorders, but also, many times, saves the lives of shelter dogs, as well. Learn more, and join them for Virtual Open House on National PTSD Awareness Day, June 27, 2020, by visiting K9partnersforpatriots.com.

We talk to Louie Morehead and his good friend, JR, a wildlife animal care expert, about “Sweeties,” a blind, 6-year-old American Alligator who makes regular appearances at the Florida Key Lime Pie Company in Cocoa Beach, and a recent viral TikTok star.

Sarrah Bates joins us from the Central Florida Zoo to talk about the crowds that have returned after their Phase One reopening, and what plans they have for Phase Two. She also talked about their popular Summer Camps for kids being available again, and filling up fast, and the return of events just for adults. Learn more at www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Darryl Payne, of Pawfection Dog Training, Zooms in to give us an update on their group training sessions resuming, and how important it is to prepare our pets for hurricane season. Learn more at www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or give them a call at (407) 456-1066.

Kathy Burns, Director of Operations for the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando, talks about the need of pet parents in our area to secure pet food, and what the community can do to help. She also discusses the many services the Pet Alliance offers the community, from free shot clinics, to low-cost veterinary services, to a pet food pantry, and more. Learn more at www.petallianceorlando.org.

Dr. Jim Whitworth, PhD, LCSW, is a researcher at UCF who is very familiar with the K9 Partners for Patriots program. He’s an Associate Professor and Coordinator, Military Social Work Certificate Program. Because of his vast experience, Dr. Whitworth was able to share with listeners the uniqueness of the K9P4P program, and why it works so well for veterans with PTSD.

Sarrah Bates from the Central Florida Zoo joins us via Zoom video, along with Animal Care Technician Madison, and ‘Rhino,’ the Rhino Iguana, to talk about the Zoo reopening amidst the COVID-19 outbreak, and the new procedures in place for Zoo visitors. Learn more at www.centralfloridazoo.org.

Darryl Payne, with Pawfection Dog Training, checks in via Zoom to talk about all the training he’s been doing, thanks to an increase in fur-ever homes due to the coronavirus pandemic. He also answers listeners’ questions about their behavioral problems. Learn more at www.pawfectiondogtraining.com or give them a call at (407) 456-1066.

Deb Munini, the Volunteer Coordinator for The Animal League in Lake County, discusses how COVID-19 has impacted shelter operations, as well as the help they offer to pet parents impacted financially. Learn more at www.theanimalleague.org or give them a call at (352) 429-6334.

Savannah Boan, from Monsters in the Morning, along with her partner, Mike, from Gatorland, join us to talk about their resident alligators and crocodiles, including knowing all 70 names! She also talks about the success of ‘School of Croc,’ which is helping students, teachers and parents alike to keep science and biology interesting while we continue to socially distance.