In this episode, we'll talk with Kimberly Artley, author of "My Dog, My Buddha," and founder Packfit Dog Training.

Kimberly's background of nutrition, human psychology and behavior, and life coaching paired with canine psychology, behavior and training blends seamlessly together to offer the most effective approach and results for a wide spectrum of canine challenges.

A lifelong "animal lover", it was her trials, challenges and experiences with her own dogs and those in rescue efforts that initiated a shift in her mindset. "Loving" animals is one thing; but understanding, honoring and respecting them as members of an entirely different species is another.

Author:

My Dog, My Buddha: To Human. Love, Dog.

Reverend Kaleel Sakakeeny is an ordained Animal Chaplain, Credited Pet Loss and Grief Counselor, and an Interfaith Humane Minister at Pet Grief Help & Counseling in Boston, Massachusetts. He facilitates monthly support groups and helps individuals through the grief process after losing their beloved pet. He holds a certification in Animal Communication and an International Pet Loss & Bereavement Accreditation.

Reverend Kaleel joins us today to share how he became an ordained Animal Chaplain and the role they play in the Animal Rights Movement. He explains the difference between animal rights and animal wellness and how animal chaplains help pet owners through the grief process. He also explains why he believes the connection we feel with our pets are often more profound than those we have with other humans, how the public perception of pet grieving has evolved over the last several decades, and why it's important to grieve externally after losing your animal companion.

"The love relationship doesn't end with the death of the animal, but you do have to form a new relationship with the deceased." - Rev. Kaleel Sakakeeny

This week on Dogs in the News:

• How Rev. Kaleel became an ordained Animal Chaplain.
• The role that animal chaplains play in the Animal Rights Movement.
• The difference between Animal Rights and animal welfare.
• The difference between an animal chaplain, an ordained animal chaplain, and an interfaith humane minister.
• The profound impact that the death of an animal companion has on pet owners.
• How the public perception of pet grief has evolved over the years.
• How Rev. Kaleel helps grieving pet owners adjust to their "new normal."
• Why he believes the connection between pet owners and animal companions is often stronger than those with other human beings.
• Could cloning animal companions help pet owners through the grief process?
• The process of dealing with the loss of an animal companion.
• The difference between grief and mourning.
• The importance of showing your human emotions when grieving an animal companion.

Resources:

• Nature: Pet genomics medicine runs wild
• Boston Globe: What does an animal chaplain do?

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Canine Friendly Vented Vest Harness, Car Restraint

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

Dr. Susannah Sample completed her Small Animal Surgical Residency at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2014 and is now working at the Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (CORL) as a principal investigator. Her primary research revolves around the genomics and neuropathology of canine laryngeal paralysis but also deals with the CORL's other genetic research undertakings. In addition, she also shares her expertise with veterinary students, surgery residents, graduate students, and research fellows in the fields of small animal general surgery and surgical science. She has received recognition for her work, including the National Institute of Health's K01 career development award.

Dr. Sample joins us today to discuss her work at the Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (CORL). She shares why it's important to study genetics and diseases in dogs, particularly with regard to how this information can help us in treating human diseases. She discusses the different disease trends and patterns across different breeds and highlights the deeper issue of the lack of regulations and guidelines in dog genetics testing. She also discusses the problems that come with genetic tests, specifically tackling the misinterpretation of results and the knowledge gap between experts and the public as well as shares her insights on why we need specialization in veterinary medicine.

"Dogs - as models for treatments of human conditions - is a minimally tapped, massive resource that is beginning to gain more recognition."- Dr. Susannah Sample

This week on Dogs in the News:

• What Dr. Sample studies at the Comparative Orthopaedic Research Laboratory (CORL).
• The significance of studying dog diseases on enhancing knowledge about human diseases.
• The two dog diseases that Dr. Sample and her team have been focusing on.
• How her team has also been looking into fibrotic myopathy and osteosarcoma in specific dog breeds.
• The need for better regulation of pet genomics and genetic testing offered to the general public.
• The startling truth about how much of genetic testing for dogs is validated.
• A case study that illustrates the frightening reality behind the accuracy rates of unvalidated genetic tests.
• How known information and trends about the specific dog's breed should be taken into consideration when interpreting test results.
• The importance of continuing genomic and genetic education for veterinarians.
• The need for specialization in veterinary medicine.
• The types of information you can glean from these tests, and why they may not always be relevant to the dog owner.
• How misinterpretation of test results may create unnecessary stress for dog owners.
• How valuable genetic tests truly are for breeders.
• Sample's research on polygenic diseases, and why it's important to study them.
• "Low-hanging fruit" in dog genetics research, and where we're headed towards in that aspect.
• Other ways in which dogs can be good models for humans, from a medical perspective.
• The issue of not having appropriate guidelines.
• How Dr. Sample recently won a research grant revolving around long-read sequencing.

Resources:

• Nature: Pet genomics medicine runs wild

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Milo's Kitchen Simply Chicken Jerky Dog Treats

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

David Blank is the owner of Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours and a seasoned professional tour guide and dog trainer. As a well-traveled adventurer, he has visited nearly all of the United States, has hitchhiked from the USA to Guatemala, and he has visited 45 different countries. Additionally, he has spent an entire year riding 20,000 miles across the USA, Canada, and Mexico on his motorcycle, with his dog Max in tow.

David joins us today to discuss how he got started as a professional tour guide and the skills that the job typically entails. He shares how he got his dog to ride his motorcycle as well as when he realized that he was well-suited for this profession. He shares the unique and interesting experiences he has had while traveling with his dogs and the funniest shenanigans he's seen on his tours. He also shares necessary safety precautions you should consider when vacationing with your dog and discusses the details of the upcoming PEACEFUL PAWS tour as well as their affiliate program for dog-friendly businesses.

"Get them out there. Let them have this amazing adventure and amazing life. Just go for it." - David Blank

This week on Dogs in the News:

• How David trained his dog to be comfortable with riding on a motorcycle.
• His adventure of taking his dog to Sturgis.
• How he became a professional tour guide.
• What inspired him to allow dogs on vacation tour trips.
• His favorite trip with his dogs.
• Why it's important for pet owners doing their research on dog breeds before choosing their pets.
• How the tour activities are designed with your dog in mind.
• The most hilarious shenanigans he's seen on tour trips.
• The health & safety precautions he takes when traveling with dogs.
• His plans for progressing his business into the Northwest and Canada.
• Addressing issues regarding unhappy bystanders or people that are scared or uncomfortable around your dog.
• How traveling with a dog can change the entire travel experience in a positive way.
• More information on Happy Tails Tours and the upcoming PEACEFUL PAWS tour and their affiliate program for dog-friendly businesses.
• Why he focuses the tour experience on small, intimate tours instead of pet festivals like Woofstock.
• His dream vacation with his dog.
• Recommendations for people who want to take their dogs on vacation.

Resources:

• BarkPost: 51 Breathtaking Travel Destinations Your Dog Will Adore Visiting With You
• Nylabone: 10 Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations on the East Coast
• CertaPet: 51 Dog-Friendly Vacation Destinations or When You Just Can't Leave Fido at Home
• Travel and Leisure: Coolest Vacations for Dog Lovers
• 16th Annual Woofstock
• Animal Planet: Top 10 Dog Festivals Summer Happy Everything

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm for Dogs Protection

Connect with David Blank:

• Happy Tails Canine Adventure Tours
• Phone: (262) 622-6463

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

Lisa Mausbach is the owner of Mausbach Mobile Veterinary Care LLC, Full Potential Veterinary Services LLC, and the soon-to-be Visiting Veterinary Group - TM. She has over 19 years of experience as a general practice veterinarian in a variety of small animal clinics and hospitals. She obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University and her Master's degree in Organizational Leadership and Project Leadership Management from Regis University.

Lisa joins us today to discuss canine vaccinations and the 'anti-vaccination culture.' She explains why some pet owners avoid getting their pets vaccinated and the potential risks and costs associated with this decision. She explains the difference between 'core vaccines' and 'non-core vaccines' and why some non-core vaccines are still important for your furry friend. We discuss the common reactions to vaccinations that some dogs have and the reality behind the 'vaccine horror stories' shared on social media. We also discuss the true risk factors involved in vaccinating your pet yourself and why it's important for pet owners and vets to conduct a lifestyle assessment to help you determine which vaccines your fur-baby should get.

"Vaccines do a lot more good than harm." - Lisa Mausbach, DVM

This week on Dogs in the News:

• The 'anti-vaccination culture' and why it's critical to vaccinate your dog - especially when they're young.
• Why some pet owners avoid canine vaccines and why it's not always as cost-effective as they think.
• The difference between 'core vaccines' and 'non-core vaccines.'
• Why some vaccines may not work as well as others.
• The importance of starting vaccines for parvo and distemper at the appropriate time and age.
• Dog breeds that are more prone to getting parvo.
• Technology currently available for identifying the most appropriate time to vaccinate puppies for parvo and distemper.
• What are titer vaccines and when it's okay to consider them for your
• The difference between qualitative and quantitative titers.
• Common canine vaccine reactions and the reality behind the 'horror stories' shared on social media.
• How vaccinating your dog can help save other dogs that are unable to get certain vaccinations due to other health conditions.
• The requirements and effectiveness of the 3-year rabies vaccine and how to identify if your state allows it.
• Potential risk factors of vaccinating your dog yourself.
• What is the leptospirosis virus in canines?
• Why canine influenza can be a serious illness.
• The importance of flea and tick treatments.
• Protecting your beloved pet from parasites.
• How vets can help increase awareness of canine wellness care.
• How using lifestyle assessments can help vets and pet owners determine which vaccines a dog would need.

Resources:

• com article: What You Need to Know about Your Pet's Vaccines
• UC Davis Veterinary Medicine: Vaccination Guidelines for Dogs and Cats
• Newsmax Health: Get Your Dog a Flu Shot Too
• How Stuff Works Animals: Too Many Shots? Inside the Dog Vaccination Controversy
• Veterinary Practice News: Assessing claims of vaccine-induced ITP, IMHA
• Pure Dog Talk: Using Canine Nomographs to Better Time Puppy Vaccinations
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Vaccine Safety: Multiple Vaccines and the Immune System
• PetMD: Vaccinating Your Own Dog: What You Should Know
• PetMD
• RabiesAware
• DogFlu
• American Animal Hospital Association: Lifestyle-Based Vaccine Calculator
• American Animal Hospital Association: Canine Vaccination Guidelines
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA): Vaccination Guidelines
• American Veterinary Medical Association: Canine Influenza: Pet Owner's Guide
• Veterinary Partner: Vaccine Information for Dogs, Cats, Puppies & Kittens

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Natural Dog Company Paw Soother Balm for Dogs Protection

Connect with Lisa Mausbach, DVM:

• Mausbach Mobile Veterinary Care, LLC
• Full Potential Veterinary Services, LLC
• LinkedIn

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

Dr. O. Lynne Nelson is a professor of Cardiology at Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine as well as the Director of the hospital's Cardiology Services department. She has a Bachelor's degree in wildlife biology as well as a DVM, which she obtained both from Auburn University. In 2018, she received the WSVMA's Faculty of the Year Award for her excellence in serving clients and referring veterinarians of Washington State.

Dr. Nelson joins us today to discuss canine diet and its impact and connection with Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). We discuss the most common causes and symptoms of DCM as well as the breeds that are most likely to develop the disease. We also discuss the importance of researching your dog food manufacturer, how to identify if your dog food manufacturer has conducted feeding trials, and how changing your dog's diet can help reduce or reverse the symptoms of DCM.

"People love the idea that our dogs are basically just a generation away from wolves, but we have to remember that dogs have been domesticated for 20,000 years." - Dr. O. Lynne Nelson

This week on Dogs in the News:

• What Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) is, it's common causes, and the breeds that are prone to develop it.
• How your dog's diet impacts its risk of developing DCM.
• The potential long-term health effects of boutique diets for your dog.
• The importance of ensuring your dog is getting a well-balanced diet.
• How to identify if your dog food manufacturer has conducted feeding trials on their products.
• The signs and symptoms of DCM.
• How dietary changes for dogs with DCM can assist in reducing or reversing DCM symptoms.
• What is taurine-deficient DCM?
• What to ask your vet to check if your dog is on a grain-free or boutique diet.
• How to find healthier grain-free dog food options.
• Supplements to consider giving your dog on a grain-free diet.
• Ingredients your dog food should include for a well-balanced diet.

Resources:

• Washington State University: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Clinical Nutrition Service: It's Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy
• Emancipet: Food Fads & Fears: What's In Your Pet's Bowl?

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Grizzly Omega Health Omega-3 Dog & Cat Supplement

Connect with Dr. O. Lynne Nelson:

• Washington State University

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

MaRyka Smith is a dual-degree student at Kansas State University, obtaining her Ph.D. in veterinary studies and infectious diseases. She has a background in large animal training, specifically working with horses, and has a unique perspective on proper dog etiquette and etiquette training.

MaRyka joins us today to share her views on proper dog etiquette and dog ownership. She explains the relationship between 'horsemanship' and dog etiquette and the benefits of building community and a sense of culture for dog owners and their beloved pets. She shares advice for teaching puppies the proper way to interact with other dogs as well as people. She also explains why it's critical for dog owners to be acutely aware of their own anxiety levels in various situations and how it affects the way your dog responds.

"Everybody knows somebody that has 'that dog'." - MaRyka Smith

This week on Dogs in the News:

• How MaRyka's background in horse training shaped her unique perspective on dog etiquette.
• The relationship between 'horsemanship' and 'dogmanship'.
• Why the way you handle "behavioral outbursts" with your dog is critically important.
• Why dog owners need to be aware of how others feel about their dog - and its behavior.
• How the horse community maintains their culture and etiquette - for the horses and their owners.
• How MaRyka and her mom got started training search and rescue dogs.
• The importance of vaccinations and how dogs contract diseases like parvovirus.
• Why dog parks enforce age restrictions for your fur-baby.
• How to train puppies on dog etiquette and why you should start while they're young.
• How to properly introduce your dog to another dog.
• The importance of being self-aware of your anxiety level in different situations and how it affects the way your dog reacts.

Resources:

• McAlester News-Capital: Responsible dog ownership
• Whole Dog Journal: Training a Dog to Make Choices
• Animal Humane Society: Etiquette for dog owners
• com: The Do's and Don'ts of Dog Ownership Etiquette

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Nature's Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Remover Spray

Connect with Maryka Smith:

• LinkedIn

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].

Jennifer Fink is an author, professional portrait photographer, and host of the Fading Memories Podcast, a show designed to provide support to caregivers of Alzheimer's patients. As the daughter, grand-daughter, and great grand-daughter of three women with Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairment disorders, Jennifer is passionate about helping the caregiver community through her favorite media platform.

Jennifer joins us today to discuss how dogs can help Alzheimer's patients and caregivers and what inspired her to launch her podcast. We discuss the science behind Alzheimer's disease and it's connection with other diseases, such as gingivitis, herpes, and Parkinson's. We discuss the traits dogs need before beginning service dog training for Alzheimer's patients as well as the type of behaviors these service dogs could help mitigate. We also discuss how assisted living and nursing home facilities could benefit from having an Alzheimer's dog at their facility.

"For people taking care of their family members with Alzheimer's, I think, a dog could be a huge help." - Jennifer Fink

This week on Dogs in the News:

• The high rate of Alzheimer's diagnoses and it's emotional impact on families and communities.
• What inspired Jennifer to launch a support podcast on Alzheimer's disease.
• What prion diseases are and why Ben suspects there is a link between them and Alzheimer's disease.
• Why it's critical for Alzheimer's patients - and their family members - to replace sugar intake, maintain good oral health, and increase Omega-3 fatty acid intake.
• The traits dogs need to be considered for K9 caregiver training.
• How search and rescue dogs could help track lost family members with Alzheimer's.
• The difference between a trailing dog and a tracking dog.
• The relationship between Parkinson's disease and dementia.
• How service dogs can help early-onset Alzheimer's patients.
• How Alzheimer's dogs can detect and help mitigate combative behavior in Alzheimer's patients.
• The pros and cons of assisted living and nursing home facilities using service dogs to help Alzheimer's patients.
• What Sundowner's Syndrome is and how a service dog can help mitigate the confusion associated with it.
• The emotional challenge many families face when deciding to seek outside help to care for their loved one with Alzheimer's disease.

Resources Mentioned:

• Fading Memories Podcast: #YouGiveACare? - Millennials Caregiving Community
• Alzheimer's Association
• com: The New Breed of Service Dog: Canine Caregivers for Dementia and Alzheimer's Patients
• The "Canine Good Citizen" Test May Harm Dogs (and People) - Psychology Today
• Animal Health Foundation Blog: Dementia service dog improves life of Alzheimer's patient
• International Assistance Dog Week
• Assistance Dogs International

This Week's Product for Man's Best Friend:

• Nature's Miracle Dog Stain & Odor Remover Spray

Connect with Jennifer Fink:

• Fading Memories Podcast

Subscribe to Dogs in the News

Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of Dogs in the News, the show for dog lovers, by dog lovers dedicated to bringing you stories in the news about man's best friend. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Don't forget to visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for even more stories about man's best friend.

Have an idea for a topic you want to hear on the show? Email your suggestions to [email protected].