In this powerful episode, PetAbility welcomes Theresa Strader, founder of National Mill Dog Rescue (NMDR), to explore the harsh realities of commercial puppy mills and the transformative work being done to save and rehabilitate the dogs trapped within them. Theresa shares the emotional beginnings of NMDR, the rescue process from start to finish, and the medical and behavioral challenges mill dogs face on their path to adoption. Listeners will gain practical tools to recognize and avoid supporting puppy mills and hear uplifting stories that prove the resilience of the canine spirit.

What We Cover:

• The moment that inspired the creation of NMDR
• What defines a puppy mill or commercial dog farm
• Common misconceptions
• Inside look at a rescue operation
• Medical and emotional trauma mill dogs endure
• Rehabilitation and preparing dogs for adoption

Key Takeaways:

• Puppy mills persist because of consumer demand and lack of awareness.
• NMDR gives breeders another option when their dogs are no longer useful.
• Mill dogs often require patience, specialized care, and time to heal.
• Transformative process from intake to adoption, from fear to joy.
• Every dog deserves compassion, dignity, and a loving home.
• Ultimately, dogs from commercial breeding facilities make wonderful pets.

 👉 National Mill Dog Rescue: https://nmdr.org/ for more information/resources/ and adoptable dogs.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
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We are revisiting this timely topic with a Rehab Rewind.  Since this episode aired in March of 2024 Cathy has proudly earned the title of Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Technician.  Join us as PetAbility hosts, Cathy and Chris, share their expertise around this topic that will undoubtedly touch all our lives in some way, shape, or form.

Our pet's are living longer, surviving illnesses and traumas that were unthinkable in the past. If you couple this with our ever-growing attitudes that pets are full-fledged members of our families, then the fields of palliative care and pet hospice become vital. Cathy Symons, CVT, CCRP, deftly explains the integral role that physical rehabilitation plays to 1) alleviate symptoms and stress from medical conditions (palliative care) and 2) compassionately support owners and their pets, physically and emotionally, during their end-of-life journey, while preparing pet parents to let go of their loved one with dignity and grace when the time comes (hospice). 

For more information, please click on the following links: 

• International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care
• Lap of Love: Veterinary Hospice & In-home Euthanasia 
• Pet Loss Support Hotline and other resources

Other related PetAbility Podcast episodes include:

• Pets Are Family - an Impactful Approach to Pet Loss with Erika Sinner, Dog Mom, Author, & CEO
• Pet Hospice with Dr. Becky Schoenberg
• Believing in Grieving with Laurie Levine, LMHC
• End-of-life Pet Photography I The Tilly Project with Lauren Kennedy

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Dogs are family — and these days, they’re welcome almost everywhere: cafés, breweries, stores, and even offices. But as our world becomes increasingly dog-friendly, some are wondering… have we taken it too far? In this episode, Chris chats with Lillian Ciardelli, ACAAB, and Amy Campbell, CPDT-KA, of Behave Atlanta, two canine behavior experts who help people and dogs navigate real-world settings with empathy, skill, and good manners.

Together, they unpack what happens when “dog-friendly” tips into “dog-frenzied,” how to balance freedom with respect, and why understanding natural dog behavior is the key to creating harmony in shared spaces. Whether you’re a dog lover, trainer, or business owner, this conversation will make you think about life with dogs in the modern world.

In This Episode We Explore:

• Why we’re seeing more dogs in public than ever before
• The difference between inclusion and entitlement
• Are we putting our own desires ahead of what’s best for our dogs?
• Natural dog behaviors vs. “bad” behaviors
• How to manage overstimulation and anxiety in public spaces
• Training tips for café- and brewery-ready pups
• Dog etiquette starts with human etiquette
• How to handle unwanted attention or off-leash encounters politely
• The growing concern over fake “service animal” claims
• The “social contract” of responsible dog ownership
• How trainers, vets, and business owners can model better behavior
• One simple mindset shift that benefits every dog and every person

Key Takeaway
Being truly “dog-friendly” isn’t about allowing dogs everywhere — it’s about creating spaces where dogs and people can coexist safely, respectfully, and happily.

Connect with Behave Atlanta
🌐 BehaveAtlanta.com

💬 Virtual behavioral consultations available

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Galen Myotherapy is a holistic, mindful approach that goes far beyond massage—helping dogs feel safe, understood, and pain-free while deepening the bond they share with their people. In this episode of PetAbility Podcast, Cathy and Chris explore this powerful form of canine bodywork with Lisa Buchanan, a certified Galen Myotherapist. Lisa explains how her gentle, evidence-informed, choice-led treatment protocols help dogs release tension, move more freely, and even improve behavior. Most importantly, listeners will discover why addressing a dog’s emotional and physical wellbeing together is the key to lasting comfort and mobility. 

Highlights include:

• What makes this therapy different from other canine bodywork approaches such as massage, chiropractic care, or physical therapy.
• Core principles of the Galen approach, including assessing posture, movement, and emotional cues.
• The types of dogs that benefit most — from puppies to seniors to dogs recovering from injury or surgery.
• How quickly guardians may see changes in their dog’s mobility, relaxation, and overall demeanor. 
• Insights to what a typical session involves - environmental changes, passive touching techniques, and movement/exercise.
• How practitioners identify tension or discomfort before starting treatment.
• Heartwarming success stories — dogs whose quality of life improved dramatically through this work.
• How pet owners and professionals can learn more or even pursue Galen Myotherapy training themselves.

For more information about Lisa, her business, and Galen Myotherapy, please visit these websites:

• Kinder K9 Mind & Motion
• Galen Myotherapy

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Learn from premier veterinary neurologist, Gena Silver, MS, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology,) all about intervertebral disk disease (IVDD,) a common neurological disease in all pets. What is it? Can it be prevented? How do you recognize it? What do you do when your pet gets it? Explained in a clear and understandable fashion for all pet lovers.

To learn more about Dr. Silver, click here.
For an IVDD Facebook education & support group, click here.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

PetAbility Podcast  welcomes Kim Smothermon, the director of the Guinea Pig Sanctuary, to the show to share insider insights from life at the Guinea Pig Sanctuary in Salisbury, MA. Together with Cathy and Chris, Kim dives into everything you need to know about guinea pigs—whether you’re a curious first-timer, a seasoned pet parent, or simply fascinated by these gentle companions.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• How the Guinea Pig Sanctuary began and the mission behind it
• What makes guinea pigs so appealing and why people are drawn to them
• How guinea pig ownership compares to caring for dogs, cats, rabbits, or rats
• Social nature of guinea pigs: why companionship matters and how bonding works
• Housing needs: how much space do they really require?
• Diet essentials and bathroom habits
• Ideas for enrichment to keep guinea pigs happy and stimulated
• Interactions with other household pets: what works and what doesn’t
• Personality traits: cuddly, quirky, and everything in between
• Common myths and misconceptions about guinea pigs
• Health care basics: lifespan, vet visits, and common medical issues
• Importance of exotic vet specialists for proper care
• How guinea pigs sense and interpret the world around them
• Communication: how they interact with each other and with humans
• The #1 thing Kim wants every guinea pig owner to know

Resources & Links:
Learn more and support the Guinea Pig Sanctuary: www.guineapigsanctuary.org
Facebook @guineapigsofnewengland and
Instagram @guineapigsanctuary

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Join us as we revisit our conversation with Dr. Bronwyn Riggs about Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.  

Why is my 13 y.o. dog seeming so confused by every day tasks? She doesn't seem to recognize me anymore and went to the window to be let outside. Then she seemed to get lost on our usual walk and became quite anxious. She is pacing all night long and then sleeps throughout the day. She's never had an accident, and now urinated on the dining room rug twice last week! Sound familiar? According to Bronwyn Riggs, VMD, DACVIM (Neurology), perhaps it's cognitive dysfunction that is responsible for changes in her behavior, disorientation, and confusion. The brain experiences age-related degenerative changes just like muscles. Impairment of memory and learning with age exists across all species. Factors such as genetics, diet, environment, lifestyle, and metabolic diseases contribute to susceptibility. Although there is no cure, cognitive decline can be managed with enrichment, behavior modification, targeted nutrition, medications, and certain supplements. To exercise their brain, you can teach your old dog new tricks!

Links:
Found out more about Thundershirts to decrease your pet's anxiety.
For some great puzzle toys and brain games, check this out!!
To learn more about Dr. Riggs and her place of employment, click here.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Can sound really help your dog heal? In this fascinating episode of PetAbility, we sit down with Dr. McCauley, a trailblazer in veterinary rehabilitation, to explore the emerging world of acoustic therapy for pets. Using tuning forks, this gentle, non-invasive technique can relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and restore mobility—helping dogs feel better naturally.

Dr. McCauley breaks down the science of how sound waves impact fascia, muscles, and nerves, and shares how tuning fork therapy compares to other common rehab modalities like laser, acupuncture, and massage. We also dive into her brand-new online course, where pet parents and professionals alike can learn safe, effective techniques—including “Slide & Glide” and trigger point release with the tuning fork —to improve their dog’s comfort and movement at home.

From success stories to safety tips, Dr. McCauley shows us how this simple tool can create deep relaxation, support healing, and even improve quality of life long-term. Whether you’re curious, skeptical, or eager to try it yourself, this episode will leave you with a whole new appreciation for the power of sound.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• What acoustic (tuning fork) therapy is and how it works
• The conditions most commonly helped by this approach
• Why relaxation is such an important part of the healing process
• A preview of Dr. McCauley’s online course and who it’s for
• Practical guidance on using tuning forks safely at home
• Inspiring stories of dogs whose mobility improved with sound therapy
• How tuning fork therapy fits into a broader rehab and wellness plan

Resources & Links:

• Learn more or enroll in Dr. McCauley’s acoustic therapy course
• Bonus: Enrollment includes a tuning fork (U.S. only)
• Connect with Dr. McCauley at Optimum Pet Vitality
• Explore other PetAbility Podcast episodes with Dr. McCauley: 
  • Fascinating Fascia
  • How to Improve your Geriatric Dog's Healthspan and Lifespan

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

Join us as we revisit our interview with Dr. Tonya Cooksey 

"You are what you eat!", says Tonya Cooksey, DVM, and Director of Veterinary Relations at AnimalBiome Veterinary. Did you know that 90% of dogs and cats experience at least one symptom of microbiome imbalance each year? From digestion to mood, the gut biome plays a huge role in your pet’s overall health. We dive deep into the fascinating world of animal microbiomes—how they affect physical and mental well-being, the gut-brain connection, and what pet owners can do to support a thriving biome. Whether you have a dog, cat, horse, or even a reptile, learn the signs of imbalance, the impact of diet and antibiotics, and cutting-edge research shaping the future of pet health. Tune in for expert insights and practical tips to keep your pet happy from the inside out!

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Shields, a true icon in veterinary medicine whose compassion, innovation, and work ethic continue to shine at age 88. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dr. Shields shares his remarkable journey from founding Bethayers Veterinary Hospital in 1964 to still practicing today, focusing on end-of-life care.

You’ll hear firsthand about his pioneering work with pacemakers in dogs (as early as 1974!), his travels to Switzerland to study innovative orthopedic techniques, and his contributions to the field through writing and mentorship. Whether caring for Bradley Cooper’s dog or co-authoring a piece on Myasthenia Gravis for Scientific American, Dr. Shields has always been ahead of the curve.

This episode highlights not only his clinical accomplishments but also his passion for feral cat welfare, along with his wife, Donna, his enduring athletic spirit (30+ RAGBRAI rides, skiing, tennis, and sailing!), and his belief that general practitioners were once the heart of a “golden era of veterinary medicine.”

What You’ll Learn:

• What veterinary medicine looked like in the 1960s and how it’s evolved
  
  
• The story behind two dogs with pacemakers - truly groundbreaking in the 1970-80s
  
  
• How human orthopedic techniques influenced animal surgery
  
  
• Why Dr. Shields still chooses to work at 88—and the cases he’s proudest of
  
  
• The joys and challenges of a life devoted to animals

Click here to learn about an organization called ReGen that collects and refurbishes donated human pacemakers for placement in animals.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% to help support our show (unless stated otherwise)!
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs.
Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.
Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show!
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a...