What should you look for in a safe, trustworthy dog daycare? How can you spot red flags before it’s too late?

Join hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT with returning special guest Marti from Ruff House Pet Resort as they break down the must-have qualities of a top-tier daycare, how to prepare your pup for boarding, and the importance of transparency, structure, and safety protocols. This episode is perfect for pet lovers, responsible pet owners, and animal enthusiasts who want the best for their furry companions.

What you'll discover:

– Key questions to ask before choosing a dog daycare or boarding facility

– Why separating dogs by size, temperament, and play style matters for safety

– The role of live web cameras in building trust and transparency with pet owners

– How facilities handle medical issues, emergencies, and vaccination protocols

– When daycare isn’t the right fit and alternative care options to consider

– Tips for trial days, tours, and preparing your dog for their first stay

Who will love this episode:

– Pet owners passionate about animal care

– Veterinary professionals and students

– Dog owners considering daycare or boarding

– Animal lovers who value safety, structure, and enrichment

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Marti from Ruff House Pet Resort returns

01:46 – Red flags and must-haves when choosing a daycare

04:44 – Why size and temperament separation keeps dogs safe

06:58 – Live cameras: transparency and peace of mind for owners

10:52 – Medical protocols, emergency planning, and staff training

18:20 – Preparing your dog for daycare: trials, tours, and scheduling tips

33:53 – When daycare isn’t the best option and alternative care ideas

46:17 – Closing thoughts and how to connect with Ruff House Pet Resort

Resources Mentioned: Ruff House Pet Resort – www.ruffhousepetresort.com

Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you learned something new
• Drop your pet questions or stories in the comments below
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon for updates Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet's story matters

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 17

#IrreplaceableTails #DogDaycare #PetBoarding

What makes a doggy daycare truly safe, enriching, and fun? How do you know if it’s the right fit for your pup?

Join hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT with special guest Marti from Ruff House Pet Resort as they dive into the world of pet resorts, daycare structure, and unique amenities like dog swimming pools. Marti shares her 17 years of expertise on building a safe, engaging environment for dogs while balancing fun, structure, and individualized care. This episode is perfect for pet lovers, responsible pet owners, and animal enthusiasts looking to learn more about pet health and well-being.

What you'll discover:

– How structured play and rest keep dogs safe and happy in daycare

– Why meet-and-greets and trials are essential before boarding or daycare stays

– The benefits of small group socials, private play, and breed-specific considerations

– How dog swimming pools and enrichment activities can boost your pet’s well-being

– Tips for building your dog’s confidence and social skills

Who will love this episode:

– Pet owners passionate about animal care

– Veterinary professionals and students

– Dog owners considering daycare or boarding

– Animal lovers looking for enrichment ideas

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Meet Marti from Ruff House Pet Resort

01:09 – Marti's journey from corporate life to running a pet resort

04:55 – Inside a 43,000 sq ft doggy paradise

06:28 – Pool time: Swim lessons, safety, and enrichment for dogs

10:03 – Handwritten report cards and tracking your pet’s progress

14:46 – Why structured play and meet-and-greet trials matter

20:57 – Choosing between private play, small groups, or full playgroups

31:24 – Closing thoughts and invitation to visit Ruff House Pet Resort

Resources Mentioned: Ruff House Pet Resort – www.ruffhousepetresort.com

Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you learned something new
• Drop your pet questions or stories in the comments below
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon for updates Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet's story matters

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 16

#IrreplaceableTails #DogDaycare #PetBoarding

Do seizures mean your pet has a brain tumor? Can vaccines really trigger neurological disease? In this episode of Irreplaceable Tails, hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT welcome Dr. Rodger Pettigrew, board-certified veterinary neurologist, to bust myths about seizures, vaccines, aging, and what a “board-certified specialist” actually means. Bonus: His wildest case involved a pygmy hippo.

What you'll learn:

– What seizure control actually looks like (hint: not zero)

– The “kindling” effect and why seizure frequency matters

– How to tell if a limp is neurological, not orthopedic

– Why distemper still matters—and when it turns deadly

– Do vaccines cause seizures? What over-vaccination really means

– What you can do at home to protect your pet’s brain

– How to prep pets on seizure meds for bloodwork

– Dr. Pettigrew’s craziest patient? A privately owned pygmy hippo 🦛

– What’s coming next: intervertebral disc disease in Frenchies

Who should listen:

– Pet owners dealing with seizures, limping, or odd behavior

– Clients confused by Dr. Google and neurological diagnoses

– Vet professionals referring out neurology cases

– Frenchie and small breed dog owners

– Animal lovers who geek out on wild patient stories

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Meet Dr. Pettigrew

01:00 – Seizure frequency, goals & the “kindling” effect

03:30 – What seizures actually are (fireworks in the brain?)

05:00 – Can you prevent neurological issues at home?

06:00 – Vaccines, over-vaccination & immune system risks

09:00 – Distemper: when it’s deadly and why to vaccinate

11:00 – Neuro vs. orthopedic: how to tell the difference

13:00 – What board-certified neurologist really means

14:30 – Dr. Pettigrew’s most unusual case: a pygmy hippo

16:00 – Final thoughts & upcoming episode: disc disease deep dive

Stay Connected:

• Like if you’ve ever Googled your pet’s symptoms
• Drop your questions or stories about seizures or strange behaviors
• Subscribe so you never miss an expert conversation Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📸 Follow: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 15

#IrreplaceableTails #PetSeizures #NeurologyForPets

Would you spend $10,000 on your cat—and do it again? In this powerful episode of Irreplaceable Tails, hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT are joined once again by Dr. Jennifer Hawkins, Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA) and President of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). From real-life emergency evacuations to pet insurance realities and natural disaster drills, this episode offers a hard-hitting, honest take on being prepared for anything—and why proactive planning could save your pet’s life.

What you'll learn:

– The truth about pet insurance (from vets who actually use it)

– What to include in your pet’s emergency kit

– How to evacuate horses, cats, and hard-to-catch pets

– Why microchips fail—and what to do about it

– Why collars, tags, and AirTags all matter

– Tips for prepping pets who fear storms, fireworks, or travel

– What sedatives vets recommend for anxious cats and dogs

– The WatchDuty app and how to find pet-friendly shelters

– The incredible story of the Compton Cowboys

– Why small clinics and shelters step up when disaster strikes

– Lessons every pet owner should hear before the next emergency

Who should listen:

– Every pet owner in a disaster-prone area

– Anyone unsure about pet insurance or microchipping

– New adopters preparing for worst-case scenarios

– Rescue and shelter professionals

– Horse owners, ranchers, and animal care providers

Timestamps:

00:00 – Pet insurance: worth it or not?

02:30 – A real $10k vet bill (and how insurance helped)

05:00 – What to include in a pet emergency kit

07:00 – How to evacuate with horses or multiple animals

10:00 – The role of microchips, tags & AirTags

12:00 – Sedatives, carriers & storm anxiety

14:00 – How pets sense pressure changes before disasters

15:30 – Finding pet-friendly shelters in emergencies

17:00 – The WatchDuty app + social media tips

18:00 – Why small shelters & clinics are unsung heroes

18:50 – Final thoughts & listener call-to-action

Stay Connected:

• Like if you learned something new about emergency prep
• Drop your shelter story or disaster tip in the comments
• Subscribe for more expert episodes Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms

📸 Follow: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 14

#IrreplaceableTails #PetInsurance #VetCosts

Thinking about adopting a pet? You need to hear this first. In this insightful episode of Irreplaceable Tails, hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT sit down with Dr. Jennifer Hawkins (aka Dr. Hawk) — UC Davis grad, Executive Director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), and President of the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Together, they unpack the real work behind successful adoptions, from shelter surprises to medical must-knows.

What you'll learn:

– Why your new shelter pet might be faking good behavior (at first)

– The truth about kennel cough, Giardia, and upper respiratory illness

– What “quarantine” actually looks like post-adoption

– Why training isn’t optional—and why it trains you, not just your pet

– Myths about shelter pets, spay/neuter timing, and “kill vs no-kill”

– The truth about Huskies, Frenchies, Dalmatians & the influence of social media

– Pet insurance: smart investment or waste of money?

– Tips for introducing your new pet to resident pets and kids

– Dr. Hawk’s shelter story that changed her mind about Abyssinians forever

Who should listen:

– New or potential pet adopters

– Families with kids considering shelter animals

– Veterinary professionals and rescue advocates

– Anyone curious about what shelter medicine really involves

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + Meet Dr. Hawk

01:40 – Most common shelter illnesses

04:00 – What to know before you adopt

07:10 – Training expectations for shelter pets

10:00 – Dr. Hawk’s unexpected love for Abyssinians

12:00 – Why so many purebreds end up in shelters

15:30 – Bringing a new pet home: key dos and don’ts

17:00 – Quarantine guidelines + parasite risks

22:00 – Choosing the right pet for your lifestyle

24:00 – Spay/neuter timing and myths

29:00 – Pet insurance and the cost of waiting too long

Stay Connected:

• Like this if you’ve adopted a pet or plan to
• Comment with your shelter pet’s story
• Subscribe for more unfiltered truth from the front lines of vet med Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all major platforms.

📸 Follow: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 13

#IrreplaceableTails #ShelterPets #PetAdoptionTips

Is it a pulled muscle or a torn ACL? Can cats get luxating patellas? How early can you run with your Lab? In Part 2 of our expert conversation, Irreplaceable Tails hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT welcome back Dr. Justin Grecco, board-certified veterinary surgeon, for an unfiltered dive into the gray areas of orthopedic diagnosis, post-op misconceptions, and wild stories from the surgical front lines (yes, including a lion and a bomb-sniffing dog).

What you'll learn:

– Muscle strain vs. joint disease: how to actually tell the difference

– Why ACLs almost never need an MRI

– How to film your dog’s limp like a pro

– What’s visible (and not) on X-rays, CTs, and MRIs

– The hidden dangers of long-term patella issues

– When to operate on luxating patellas—and when to wait

– Why bulldogs breathe like they’re using a straw (and how to fix it)

– Surgical stories you’ll never forget (lion, bald eagle, bomb dog 🦁🦅🐾)

Who should listen:

– Pet owners dealing with lameness, breathing, or joint issues

– Bulldog and Frenchie lovers

– Veterinary professionals and vet tech students

– Anyone who loves a wild (but educational) surgery story

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + How to tell strain vs. joint issue

02:00 – MRI myths & ACL truths

05:00 – Limp videos: helpful or not?

08:00 – X-rays vs. CT vs. MRI explained

13:00 – Luxating patellas: When to treat, when to wait

20:00 – Bulldogs, soft palates & stealth mode recovery

29:00 – Most memorable surgeries: lions, bald eagles & bomb dogs 🦁

Stay Connected:

• Like if you’ve ever wondered if your dog’s limp was “just a sprain”
• Comment with your pet’s post-op recovery experience
• Subscribe so you don’t miss the next animal care deep dive Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 12

#IrreplaceableTails #VetSurgery #VeterinarySurgeon

Are mobile surgeries really safe? What about recovery complications? In this eye-opening episode of Irreplaceable Tails, hosts Dr. Gershon Alaluf and Mallory Dickinson, RVT sit down with Dr. Justin Grecco, a board-certified veterinary surgeon, to explore what pet owners really need to know before and after surgery. From the truth about pain meds to post-op pitfalls and surgical myths, this episode pulls back the curtain on vet med’s most misunderstood procedures.

What you'll discover: – Pros and cons of mobile veterinary surgery

– How to know when surgery should happen at a specialty center

– Why communication is key to recovery success

– What pet owners often misunderstand about post-op care

– Minimally invasive surgery options (and when they’re worth it)

– The truth about pain control, e-collars, and surgical outcomes

– How to tell if your pet’s surgery didn’t go well

– Why texting your vet might be smarter than leaving a voicemail

– Bonus: Why squirrels are the biggest threat to post-op dogs 🐿️

Who will love this episode: – Pet owners facing upcoming surgeries

– Anyone who’s ever worried about post-op complications

– Vet techs, vet students, and general practice teams

– Pet parents who want more transparency about surgical care

– Clients deciding between mobile or specialty surgical options

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro + What is mobile surgery?

03:00 – Cost savings vs. specialty hospital care

07:00 – Facilities, staff, and surgical risk

10:00 – Pain control, communication, and common complications

16:00 – Minimally invasive vs. traditional surgery

22:00 – Wound healing myths and infection prevention

26:00 – Signs your pet’s surgery didn’t go well

30:00 – Text vs. call: How to get answers

33:00 – Can broken bones heal without surgery?

Stay Connected:

• Like this if you’ve ever questioned a discharge sheet
• Drop your post-op tips or questions in the comments
• Subscribe & tap the bell so you don’t miss an episode Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 11

#IrreplaceableTails #PetSurgery #VeterinarySurgeon

Can you really train a butterfly—or an elephant? What about your cat? In this extraordinary episode of Irreplaceable Tails, host Mallory Dickinson, RVT sits down again with renowned behaviorist Dr. Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President & Chief Training Officer at Karen Pryor Clicker Training. From leash manners to international elephant conservation, this masterclass blends science, heart, and practical tools for building unshakable animal bonds.

What you'll discover:

– How to train your dog (and cat) using positive reinforcement

– Why “just a rub” isn’t always a reward

– How treat value changes behavior

– The right way to teach “leave it” and recall

– Why short training sessions make the biggest impact

– Tips for training around distractions like horses or other dogs

– Real stories: butterflies on cue & elephants avoiding poachers

Who will love this episode: – Pet owners struggling with obedience or leash behavior

– Trainers and veterinary staff seeking next-level insights

– Families curious about involving kids in training

– Animal lovers fascinated by wildlife & conservation

– Cat parents wondering if cats really can be trained

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome Ken Ramirez! + horse trail etiquette & dog manners

02:00 – Don’t just say “she’s a dog”—teach expectations early

04:00 – Are some treats better than others? (Yes!)

06:00 – Reinforcers vs. bribes: the paycheck dogs deserve

08:30 – Toys, tactile reward & tug play as motivators

11:00 – Short sessions, long impact: structuring training time

13:00 – Why Ken avoids shock collars + how he teaches behavior

15:30 – Should the whole family help train the dog?

17:00 – Teaching kids dog safety & boundaries

18:00 – Can you train a cat? Absolutely—here’s how

20:00 – Conservation training: butterflies, elephants & more

27:30 – Final thoughts: reinforcement builds real trust

Stay Connected:

• Like this episode if you learned something new!
• Drop your pet training questions in the comments.
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon for updates. Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 10

#IrreplaceableTails #KenRamirez #ClickerTraining

Does your dog pee when they’re happy—or pull like a sled team on walks? In this expert-led episode of Irreplaceable Tails, host Mallory Dickinson, RVT welcomes back Dr. Ken Ramirez, Executive Vice President & Chief Training Officer at Karen Pryor Clicker Training, to explore the behavioral science behind everyday pet struggles. From potty training without shame to replacing bad habits with better ones, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and positive reinforcement techniques that actually work.

🎧 What you'll discover:

• What to do when your dog pees from excitement
• The truth behind rubbing their nose in it (don’t)
• Crate training tips and why dogs “act guilty”
• How to master loose leash walking and leash reactivity
• Why sniff walks are a secret mental health tool
• The behavioral science behind “leave it” that actually works
• Why your dog is smarter than you think—and how to teach them anything

👥 Who will love this episode:

• New puppy owners navigating training challenges
• Dog parents dealing with leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity
• Pet owners who want a stronger bond with their dog
• Fans of positive reinforcement training
• Veterinary professionals recommending at-home strategies

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome Dr. Ken Ramirez + excited peeing 101

02:00 – Potty training without punishment

05:00 – Crate & confinement success during early puppyhood

08:00 – Leash pulling vs. leash reactivity: what’s the difference?

12:00 – The power of sniff walks + mental stimulation

17:00 – Smart dogs or smart training? Why cue-based learning works

22:00 – “Leave it” redefined: teaching dogs to check in instead

24:30 – Final thoughts on behavioral success for pet parents

🔔 Stay Connected:

• Like this video if you learned something new!
• Drop your pet questions or training stories in the comments below.
• Subscribe & hit the bell icon for updates. Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet's story matters.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 9

#IrreplaceableTails #KenRamirez #DogTrainingTips

What if punishment is breaking your bond—not fixing behavior? In this thought-provoking episode of Irreplaceable Tails, host Mallory Dickinson, RVT sits down with legendary trainer Dr. Ken Ramirez, Executive VP of Karen Pryor Clicker Training, to unpack decades of experience and research on dog behavior, training, and the human-animal bond. From the dangers of shock collars to how kids should interact with dogs, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to raise happy, well-behaved pets through connection—not control.

🎧 What you'll discover:

• The biggest training mistakes most dog owners make
• Why positive reinforcement outperforms punishment
• How expectations shifted as pets moved from yard to bed
• The risks of aversive tools like shock collars and leash pops
• Why knowing your dog’s breed matters (but breed bias doesn’t)
• How to pick the right first commands and training goals
• Why understanding body language is essential to preventing problems

👥 Who will love this episode:

• Pet owners navigating training challenges
• First-time adopters learning what to expect
• Rescue advocates and shelter professionals
• Veterinary staff looking to better educate clients
• Parents with young children around pets
• Anyone confused about conflicting training methods

🎬 Timestamps:

00:00 – Meet Dr. Ken Ramirez + common training mistakes

02:30 – Why punishment breaks trust

05:00 – How pets became family—and the training consequences

08:00 – Urban living: Why dogs “misbehave” inside

10:30 – The shelter system & behavior expectations

13:00 – Breed characteristics vs. breed bias

15:00 – First commands & lifestyle-based training

17:30 – Teaching body language & avoiding miscommunication

22:00 – Why Ken opposes shock collars

27:00 – Rattlesnake avoidance… with positive reinforcement?

🔔 Stay Connected:

• Like this episode if you learned something new
• Share your dog’s quirks in the comments
• Subscribe & tap the bell so you don’t miss a future episode Irreplaceable Tails: Because every pet’s story matters.

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

📸 Follow us: @Pacific.Lens.Studios

📥 Contact: [email protected]

Ep. 8

#IrreplaceableTails #KenRamirez #ClickerTraining