Episode 8: Love Doesn’t End — Getting Through Bella’s Heavenly Birthday

Birthdays are supposed to be happy—but when the dog you love is no longer here, that special week can bring the grief rushing back all over again. ❤️‍🩹🐾🌈

In Episode 8 of Long Live Dogs!, Josephine shares the story of her beloved Bella and what it feels like to face her birthday week six years after saying goodbye.

Bella was the happy, wiggly, ball-obsessed girl who never seemed sick—until an adrenal cancer diagnosis revealed a tumor that had infiltrated her heart. Losing her changed everything, but the love she left behind continues to shape Josephine’s life and her commitment to helping dogs in need.

This episode is about allowing yourself to grieve, finding meaningful ways to celebrate a heavenly birthday, and understanding that there is no expiration date on missing them.

Because six years later, you can still miss them like it was yesterday. You can still celebrate their birthday. And you can still say their name. ❤️

Love doesn’t end when they leave us. It just finds a different way to stay.

🎙️ Long Live Dogs! with hosts Craig Fields & Josephine Ciuzio. Benefiting New York Bully Crew 

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Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

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What if you could hear directly from one of the leading veterinary neurologists in the country about a breakthrough procedure that may help prevent paralysis in at-risk IVDD dogs? Welcome to episode 7. Today we’re joined by Dr. Gaemia Tracy, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)—a board-certified veterinary neurologist, founder of SpineShield PLDA, and one of the few veterinarians in the U.S. performing the innovative PLDA (Percutaneous Laser Disc Ablation) procedure. With extensive expertise in IVDD, spinal surgery, and neurological disease, Dr. Tracy is at the forefront of advancing preventative care for spinal health in dogs.

As a IVDD Frenchie mom, our co-host Josephine is especially excited to share Barney’s IVDD/PLDA journey with all of you, bringing a deeply personal perspective to this important conversation and helping other pet parents understand what options may exist before a crisis happens.

If you love Frenchies, you already know how common IVDD can be—but this episode goes beyond fear and into hope, education, and prevention. We explore which dogs are most at risk, how PLDA works, who may be a candidate, and what recovery and outcomes can look like.

If you know a Frenchie—or any at-risk breed like Dachshunds, Beagles, or Corgis—please share this episode and help spread awareness. You could help save a life or prevent a devastating spinal injury.

🎧 Listen, learn, and share with fellow dog lovers.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Gaemia Tracy & SpineShield PLDA:
 https://www.spineshieldplda.org
 https://www.epvmc.com/neurology-staff/

As always a Big Thank you to our Sponsors who make every episode possible Cassone Leasing and Bully Crew CBD 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]

This episode, we’re switching seats!

Instead of hosting, Craig and Josephine join Wally Bonilla and Jimmy McCune on the NuggTalk Podcast at Planet Nugg Studios for an honest conversation about the mission behind New York Bully Crew.

We dive into the realities of dog rescue, the misconceptions surrounding bully breeds, the power of second chances, and how an entire community can come together to save lives. We also discuss the role CBD can play in supporting a dog’s overall health, helping them stay calm, comfortable, and living their best life.

Whether you’re passionate about rescue, love bully breeds, or simply want to learn how you can make a difference, this episode is for you.

A special thank you to Wally, Jimmy, and the entire NuggTalk team for having us, and to our sponsor, Cassone Trailer & Container Company, Bully Crew CBD for helping us continue our mission of educating, advocating, and improving the lives and longevity of dogs everywhere.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow dog lover. Every listen helps us spread awareness and gives more dogs a chance at finding the loving homes they deserve. ❤️🐾

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]

In Episode 5 of Long Live Dogs! Pitbulls & Pet Grief, we tackle a painful reality many pet parents face after losing a beloved dog: feeling misunderstood in your grief.

Joining us is Rita Barretto, who shares her personal journey through pet loss and the challenges that came when others didn't fully understand the depth of her heartbreak. Together, we explore why the loss of a dog can be so profound, why society often minimizes pet grief, and how to navigate the loneliness that can come with mourning a beloved companion.

If you've ever been told, "It was just a dog," or felt pressured to move on before you were ready, this episode is for you.

Whether you're currently grieving, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the human-animal bond, this conversation offers compassion, validation, and hope.

Because our dogs are never "just dogs"—they are family.

Sponsored by Cassone Trailer & Container Company and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need through New York Bully Crew.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]

In one of the most emotional episodes yet of the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast, Craig opens up about the heartbreaking loss of his beloved dog Marshall after a more than two-year battle with canine cancer.

Craig shares what it was like fighting cancer in dogs, navigating difficult specialist appointments, and learning how to advocate for your dog at the vet when something doesn’t feel right. He speaks honestly about the emotional toll of anticipatory grief after a dog cancer diagnosis, the guilt many pet parents carry, and the desperate hope for just a little more time.

Together, Craig and Josephine discuss holistic dog care, quality of life for dogs with cancer, rescue dog advocacy, and the reality of coping with losing a dog when you’re simply not ready to let go.

This episode is for every dog parent who has ever loved deeply, fought hard for their dog, and experienced the heartbreak of pet grief and saying goodbye.

We dedicate this Episode to Marshall Mathers 

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Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]

What if something as simple as brushing your dog’s teeth could add years to their life?

In this episode of Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast, we’re joined by Dog Mom and dental hygienist Sherri Marchese—known by many as the face behind @nybulldogsisters. Sherri shares how her commitment to dental care helped extend the life of her beloved Bulldog, Phoebe, who was born with a congenital heart condition.

We dive into the powerful connection between oral health and overall longevity in dogs—and why dental disease is one of the most overlooked threats to their health.

Sherri breaks down:

• How poor dental health impacts the heart, organs, and lifespan
• The simple daily routine that can add years to your dog’s life
• Easy, stress-free ways to start brushing your dog’s teeth
• Her natural DIY toothpaste recipe
• Real-life lessons from Phoebe’s journey

This episode is both educational and deeply heartfelt—because loving our dogs means doing the small things that give us more time together.

🎧 Listen now and start building a routine your dog will love.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]

3 simple ways to help your dog live longer—plus an honest conversation about coping with pet loss.

In Episode 1 of Long Live Dogs, Pitbulls & Pet Grief Craig Fields shares practical, effective tips to improve your dog’s health and longevity, including daily habits, and natural wellness strategies that can make a real difference.

Then we open up about the part of loving a dog no one is ever fully prepared for—losing them. This raw and heartfelt conversation explores dog grief, healing, and how to honor the bond we share with our dogs long after they’re gone.

Whether you want to help your dog live a longer, healthier life or need support navigating pet loss, this episode is for you.

🐾 Dog longevity | Dog health | Pet wellness | Coping with pet loss | Dog grief support

❤️ 100% of profits support rescue dogs through nybullycrew.org 

Sponsored by Cassone Trailers & Bully Crew CBD

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]

Long Live Dogs is a podcast focused on pet grief, dog loss, and dog longevity. Hosted by NY Bully Crew founder Craig Fields, each episode explores real stories of loss, healing, and practical tips to help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Featuring expert insights, training advice, and rescue perspectives—this podcast is for every dog owner who wants to honor the past while doing better for the future.

Sponsored by Cassone Trailers Inc 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

Thank you for listening to the Long Live Dogs: Pitbulls & Pet Grief Podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please leave us a review and share it with another dog lover. Your support not only helps more people find the podcast, but also helps bring awareness to the dogs of New York Bully Crew who are still waiting for their forever homes.

Today’s episode is brought to you by  Cassone Leasing Inc. — a proud woman-owned business specializing in trailers, containers, and office solutions — and Bully Crew CBD, where every purchase helps support rescue dogs in need.

Show questions? Email us:

[email protected]