In this episode of Pet Health Junkies, we’re stepping back from protocols and products to look at something just as vital for our pets’ wellbeing: the way they change our hearts.
Jessica and Pam are joined by author and fellow podcast host Kim Lengling, whose new book, 15 Ways Pets Teach Us Kindness, explores how animals gently invite us to slow down, forgive more, love deeper, and extend grace to ourselves. Together, they talk about what it really means to be present with our animals, and how noticing the small, everyday moments with them can shift us out of fear and into gratitude.
Kim shares how her faith, love of nature, rescue work, and advocacy for veterans living with PTSD all weave into her message of hope and kindness. You’ll hear stories that challenge the idea that the world is mostly negative—and show how our pets quietly remind us, every day, that beauty and goodness are still everywhere if we’re willing to look.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the state of the world, this conversation is a gentle reset: a reminder that your pet isn’t just your companion, but also one of your greatest teachers.