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In this episode, I sit down with Derek from Southern California as he opens his heart about Piper — his running partner, his first “child,” and the soul who shaped his family long before his two kids arrived. Piper passed away on Christmas Eve 2025, leaving behind a depth of grief Derek never expected.

He shares stories of their long runs together, the joyful sprint to the finish they always raced, and the beach days where Piper would tease him with her favorite game: catch me if you can. And in one of the most moving moments, Derek describes Piper’s final breath — resting on his chest, exactly the way he had imagined their goodbye after fifteen years of love, loyalty, and life lived side by side.

This conversation is a reminder that when a pet becomes family, their absence echoes in every corner of our lives — and their memory becomes a compass for how we keep moving forward.

To order a copy of the book -> https://pawpads.pet/pawprints

And if you'd like to share your story send me an email: [email protected]

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What happens when you interview someone who’s had dogs for 30+ years? You get belly laughs, tender moments, and at least one story that makes you say, “Only a dog could cause that.” Mic from Chicago brings all of it — the love, the loss, and the comedy — proving that our pets never really leave us. Their stories just get better with time. 

Purchase the book that inspired this podcast -> https://pawpads.pet/pawprints

Send me a comment, I would love to interview you and your family in telling your stories around the bond you have with your furkid(s).

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In this touching episode, Dan welcomes Jean from Jefferson, Georgia, who opens her heart to share the story of the pets who shaped her life and the grief that followed their loss. Jean reflects on the joy, the routines, and the quiet moments that became cherished memories — and how losing her beloved companion changed her in ways she didn’t expect.

What makes Jean’s story especially powerful is the way her former employer recognized her grief and responded with empathy. She describes the moment someone at work truly saw her pain, offered support, and made space for her healing — a rare and meaningful example of what compassionate workplaces can look like.

This conversation is a reminder that pet grief is real, it’s valid, and it deserves acknowledgment. Jean’s honesty and warmth invite listeners to reflect on their own stories, their own losses, and the people who helped them through.

If Jean’s story resonates with you, consider sharing this episode with someone who might need it — and reach out if you’d like to share your own story on the show. Every pawprint matters. Every story matters.

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In this heartfelt first episode, host Dan Popovic introduces Every Pawprint. Every Story. — a podcast dedicated to honoring the deep bonds we share with our pets and the grief that follows when they’re gone. 

Dan shares his personal journey through pet loss and how writing his book became a healing process. He offers a glimpse into the five insights from 2025 that are shaping how we approach pet grief in 2026, beginning with the powerful recognition of pet loss as a legitimate mental health issue.

Link to download book -> https://pawpads.pet/pawprints

You’ll hear reflections from recent conversations with families navigating aging pets, stories shared by radio personalities, and the growing wave of social media tributes that show just how universal — and underacknowledged — this grief truly is.

This episode sets the tone for what’s to come: real stories from families, emotional honesty, and a community built around remembrance and healing.

Subscribe, share, and reach out if you’d like to be interviewed. Your story matters.