Conversations For The Animals

Janis Bradley is a science writer, specializing in the role of bias, particularly related to breed, and in policy making regarding canine/human relationships. She maintains a research library for the National Canine Research Council for use by academics, dog professionals, media, and the public. From 2000 to 2009 she taught and certified more than 450 professional dog trainers at the San Francisco SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers which was at its inception, the only such science-based school for dog trainers in the country. She also maintained a private behavior modification and training practice for many years. Janis joins Tena and Tama to discuss breed identification and bias in this week's episode.

Trish McMillan is a certified professional dog trainer, certified dog behavior consultant and associate certified cat behavior consultant who holds a Master’s degree in Animal Behavior from the University of Exeter in England. Trish has a wide variety of experience in the animal behavior world, including seven years with the ASPCA where she helped assess and rehabilitate animals from cruelty, hoarding, and dogfighting cases, as well as pets rescued from natural disasters. Trish has a private behavior consulting company, and she presents seminars and webinars all over the world. Join Tena and Tama as they talk with Trish about the great "nature vs. nurture" conundrum and the difficult subject of behavioral euthanasia.

Sir Darius Brown has a heart of gold. He is a powerhouse teen social entrepreneur, speaker, shelter pet advocate, philanthropist, a recipient of the Global Child Prodigy Award, and the Founder & CEO of Beaux & Paws where he designs and creates handmade stylish bow ties. Sir Darius talks with Tena and Tama about what inspires him and how he hopes to help homeless pets.

Heather Crane is the owner of Sea Dog Animal Training in Houston. She has a Master's Degree in Wildlife Science, and before training domestic pets, she worked with wild animals including sea lions and seals. Heather discusses humane husbandry and how pet owners can ensure their pets are living enriched lives.

Dr. Jonathan Cooper, veterinarian and co-owner of Westbury Animal Hospital in Bellaire, speaks to Houston PetSet about the current state of the veterinary industry. With a shortage of veterinarians and an abundance of compassion fatigue, learn about what it will take to support veterinary professionals in their quest to care for our pets.

Tena and Tama sit down with Nicole Passmore Cohen on the finale of Season 1 of Conversations For The Animals!

Caroline is a cancer survivor who writes and speaks about her love of animals, her relationship with her dog Riley Rose, and the emotional roller coaster of being a mom, wife, mother, marathon runner and cancer survivor.

Pete Paxton is an undercover investigator for the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS). Over the years he has investigated hundreds of puppy mills and pet shops. Evidence from his investigations has been used by CAPS to shut down atrocious animal breeders and create new laws that protect animals. Listen to this week's episode of Conversations For The Animals to learn more about Pete's lifesaving work.

When Genevieve Frederick was walking in New York City and saw a homeless man with his dog, she began wondering how many people and pets were experiencing homelessness together. As a result, Genevieve founded Feeding Pets of the Homeless, the first and one of the few national nonprofits providing pet food and emergency veterinary care to pets that belong to homeless people.

Did you know that two animals and their offspring can produce more than 2 million animals in eight short years? In this episode of Conversations For The Animals, podcast hosts Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist speak with Lisa Wysocki, the Co-Founder and Director of Fido Fixers, a not-for-profit corporation that provides no- or low-cost spay and neuter services for dogs and cats in economically distressed areas. Since partnering with Fido Fixers at the beginning of 2020, Houston PetSet has spayed/neutered more than 2,900 animals at no cost to their owners.