Join us as we welcome veterinary nutrition expert, Dr. Amy Farcas, DVM, MS, DACVN, for a deep dive into daily pet nutrition. While many focus on disease-specific diets, this episode is dedicated to the everyday questions pet owners have about feeding their healthy companions.

Dr. Farcas shares her journey—from her start as a kennel cleaner to becoming a board-certified veterinary nutritionist—and introduces her holistic approach: Full Circle Pet Nutrition. This philosophy emphasizes collaboration between the nutritionist, the pet owner, and the veterinarian to create a comprehensive and customized feeding plan for every pet.

In this episode, we discuss:

The "Misinformation Gap": Why pet owners feel lost navigating the overwhelming and often fear-based marketing in the pet food industry.

Defining Quality: Dr. Farcas’s focus on safety and nutrition as the true measures of a quality diet, not just price or trendy ingredients.

Personalized Pet Nutrition: Examples of tailoring diets to a pet’s needs, such as low-fat food for Miniature Schnauzers to help prevent pancreatitis.

Copper Storage Disease in Labradors: Breaking down the current research and understanding of this breed-specific liver concern.

The Practical Realities of Feeding: Why making changes to a pet's diet and feeding routine can be a major lifestyle upheaval for the entire household.

The Full Circle Pet Nutrition Course: Learn about Dr. Farcas’s new educational tool designed to empower owners with the knowledge to make confident, informed choices about their pet's food.

To learn more about Dr. Farcas's work and to sign up for her priority list, visit veterinarynutritioncare.com/sign-up. You can also follow Veterinary Nutrition Care on Instagram or Facebook.

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

We’re thrilled to welcome back one of our favorite guests, board-certified veterinary dentist Dr. Sharon Hoffman, for a deep dive into a topic pet owners frequently ask about: anesthesia safety during pet dental procedures.

For this special "Take Two" episode, Dr. Hoffman is joined by veterinary anesthesiologist Dr. Carolyn McKune, founder of Mythos Vet LLC. This dynamic duo brings their combined expertise to demystify the critical role of anesthesia in veterinary procedures, ensuring your pet receives the safest, most effective dental care possible.

In this enlightening conversation, they cover:

The essential need for anesthesia in comprehensive pet dental care and the risks of skipping it.

The importance of a thorough pre-operative evaluation and how pet anxiety can be managed.

Understanding the complete anesthesia period, from pre-op to post-op recovery.

Answers to pet owner FAQs, including the significance of IV catheters and how to best prepare your pet for surgery.

Debunking common myths, such as the idea that small pets are at higher risk.

The crucial role of pain management and customizing care for pets with pre-existing conditions.

Tune in to gain peace of mind and the knowledge you need to confidently manage your pet's oral health journey.

Dr. Hoffman is not only a board-certified veterinary dentist but also a diplomat of the American Veterinary Dental College. She earned her DVM from Louisiana State University and now runs her own veterinary dental consulting practice in Florida, while also teaching at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.

Dr. Carolyn McKune, a Michigan native and proud Spartan. Carolyn earned her veterinary degree from Michigan State University, completed an internship at Washington State University, and then did a residency in anesthesia and critical care at UC Davis. She became board-certified in 2009 and, after a stint on the faculty at the University of Florida, launched her own independent anesthesia consulting service, Mythos Vet LLC.

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

When it comes to your pet’s health, there is no word more terrifying than "cancer." The immediate reaction is often fear, followed by a difficult question: "I wouldn't put myself through chemo, so why would I put my dog through it?"

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Rance Gamblin, a veterinary oncologist formerly at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital and now professor at Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine with 24+ years of experience and a calming presence that could soothe even the most "OCD" pet parent (just ask Alice!). Dr. Gamblin helps us navigate the emotional and medical complexities of a cancer diagnosis, explaining why veterinary oncology is often far more compassionate and focused on quality of life than human medicine.

In this episode, we discuss:

- The "Quality of Life" Philosophy: Why the goals of pet oncology differ from human oncology—focusing on making pets feel better for longer, rather than "curing at any cost."

- Common Culprits: A look at the most frequent cancers Dr. Gamblin treats, including Lymphoma, Mast Cell Tumors, and Osteosarcoma.

- The Truth About Side Effects: Do dogs lose their hair? Dr. Gamblin shares the reality of how pets handle chemotherapy (hint: there’s a lot more tail-wagging involved than you’d think).

- Treatment Innovations: Insights into the Yale vaccine study and the fascinating science behind the Melanoma vaccine.

-Proactive Pet Parenting: Why Dr. Gamblin’s biggest pet peeve is the "let’s just watch it" approach, and why your pet’s breath or a quick rectal exam could be a lifesaver.

- Knowing When It’s Time: A heart-to-heart on the "Big Four" indicators of quality of life and how to navigate the toughest decision a pet owner can make.

Dr. Rance Gamblin earned his BS in Biology from Mississippi State and completed his residency in Oncology and Hematology at The Ohio State University. For over two decades, he has been a pillar of the veterinary community at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital, known for his expertise, his steady hand, and an accent you'll just have to hear for yourself to guess where he’s from! He is currently a professor at Mississippi State College of Veterinary Medicine.

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

---

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Speaking of Pets episode 94 - Dr. Linda Schoenberg - Take 2!

This week on Speaking of Pets, we're bringing back one of our most popular and informative episodes. Join Janet and Alice as they sit down with Dr. Linda Schoenberg, founder of Just Cats, a cat-only practice she ran in Cleveland for almost 30 years.

Alice and Janet tackle listener questions sparked by updates on Alice’s 21-year-old cat, Capri, who is managing early kidney failure. Dr. Schoenberg, a true "smart cookie" with a VMD from Penn and a Ph.D. in immunology, shares her vast expertise on feline health, preventative care, common ailments, and the importance of specialization in veterinary medicine.

Whether you're a seasoned cat owner or considering adopting your first feline friend, Dr. Schoenberg provides invaluable insights gleaned from decades of dedicated practice. Tune in to this essential re-release!

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

---

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

This episode is a re-release of a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Bob Bryant, co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue.

This organization is dedicated to saving, reuniting, rehoming, rehabilitating, and repairing military working dogs (MWDs), contract working dogs (CWDs), and police canines who have completed their service.

🎖️ What Happens to Our K9 Veterans?

We delve into the often-unspoken fate of these heroic dogs, who are frequently classified as "excess equipment" and left behind, especially in foreign countries, after giving their all for our safety.

- 1300+ Dogs Saved: Mission K9 Rescue has rescued over 1300 working dogs.

- 682 Reunions: Over 680 of those dogs have been reunited with their former handlers.

- $2 Million+ in Vet Care: The organization has spent millions on repairing the dogs who suffer from injuries and conditions sustained during their service.

Bob shares the incredible, sometimes difficult, journey of his non-profit—from its unexpected founding to the struggles of securing funding to keep their vital mission afloat.

The Logistics of Rescue & Rehabilitation

- The Afghanistan Dogs: Hear the story of the dogs tragically left behind in Kabul and the process of bringing them home, with transport costs reaching up to $6,000 per dog from that region.

- Contract vs. Military Working Dogs (CWDs vs. MWDs): Learn the crucial difference in ownership and the often inferior veterinary care and treatment received by CWDs, who are owned by private companies.

- Health and Retirement: The average working dog retires around nine years old due to loss of work drive or injury. They discuss the prevalence of orthopedic issues, cancers (due to hazardous compound exposure), and PTSD—and how Mission K9 addresses these intense medical and emotional needs.

Finding the Right Home

- Mission K9 is highly selective in its adoption process, matching the unique needs of these highly trained, high-drive dogs (like the Belgian Malinois, described as a "velociraptor from hell") with the right families.

- Criteria for Adopters: The necessary commitment to senior veterinary care, a home environment where the dog can be active and inside with the family, and no use of these dogs as protection animals in retirement.

- Training and Commands: Bob shares that most working dogs are trained using German or other languages.

How You Can Help:

Mission K9 Rescue relies on private donations and foundations to meet its weekly operating costs of approximately $30,000. Please consider supporting their efforts.

Find out more about Mission K9 Rescue and donate at: MissionK9Rescue.org

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

---

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Speaking of Pets episode 92 - Dr. Elizabeth Hugger from Lap of Love - Take 2!

Welcome to Take Two, our re-release series featuring the conversations you told us matter most—episodes worth hearing again, sharing again, and saving for the moment you (or a friend) might need them.

In this emotional and deeply compassionate episode, hosts Alice and Janet sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Hugger, co-founder of Lap of Love, to talk about what it truly means to support pets and their families through end-of-life care—while honoring the human-animal bond every step of the way.

Dr. Hugger shares the inspiring story behind Lap of Love’s beginnings in the Tampa area and how it has grown into a nationwide service dedicated to comfort, dignity, and peace. We explore how Lap of Love helps families navigate some of the hardest decisions with services including in-home hospice care, tele-hospice consultations, and peaceful in-home euthanasia, designed to reduce stress for both pets and the people who love them.

You’ll also learn what to expect during these tender moments, how veterinarians help create a calm, respectful experience, and why grief support and pet loss resources are an essential part of caring for families—before and after goodbye.

Whether you’re preparing for a pet’s final chapter, supporting a friend through loss, or simply want to understand the compassionate options available, this episode offers practical guidance, comfort, and heartfelt perspective.

Learn more:

https://www.lapoflove.com

https://info.lapoflove.com/dvm

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

What happens when you rush your pet to the emergency room, the doctor recommends life-saving treatment, and the cost is more than you can handle at the moment? For many families, this is one of the most heartbreaking situations in pet ownership. In this episode of Speaking of Pets, Dr. Alice and Janet sit down with Jonathan Wainberg from CareCredit to talk about practical, real-life financial solutions for unexpected and even chronic veterinary expenses.

Jonathan explains how CareCredit works behind the scenes—from fast approvals and deferred-interest payment plans to why it’s accepted at over 27,000 veterinary practices nationwide. We dive into the kinds of situations CareCredit is used for, including emergency surgeries, chronic conditions like Cushing’s disease and heart disease, dentals, diagnostics such as CT scans and MRIs, medications, and even some boarding and grooming services.

You’ll also meet Jonathan’s 15½-year-old dog, Maddie, whose ongoing health needs highlight why financial flexibility matters for senior pets. Together, we share stories from the exam room, discuss the rising cost of veterinary care, and explore how CareCredit helps pet owners avoid painful decisions like economic euthanasia.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or caring for multiple aging animals, this episode offers invaluable insight into being proactive, prepared, and empowered when it comes to your pet’s health.

https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

---

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

We’re back with Vanessa Petrosky, founder of Remy’s Pet Recovery, for a powerful Take 2 of one of our most loved episodes — all about what really happens when a dog goes missing and how one small nonprofit in Northeast Ohio is quietly saving lives.

Vanessa walks us through her current tough case, Cooper the border collie, and explains why well-meaning people chasing, calling, and “trying to help” actually make things worse. She breaks down what to do (and absolutely NOT do) the moment your dog goes missing, why lost dogs go into survival mode, and how she uses traps, cameras, maps, and community cooperation to safely bring terrified dogs home.

We also dig into:

- Why you should never post live sightings with exact locations on social media

- How to use flyers, mapping, and food stations the right way

- Why newly adopted dogs must decompress before walks, stores, and groomers

- Martingale collars, slip leads, microchips, GPS collars & keeping escape artists safe

- Working with (and sometimes around) well-intended police and neighbors

- The emotional story of Mira, a dog-fighting survivor who learned how to be loved

- Vanessa’s biggest pet peeve: “He always comes back… until he doesn’t.”

You’ll also hear how Remy’s is funded, how their annual fundraiser keeps them going, and why Vanessa’s car looks like a cross between a rescue truck and a survival kit.

If you love dogs, foster, adopt, or just want to be the person who actually helps instead of accidentally hurting, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Learn more or donate: Remy’s Pet Recovery (Northeast Ohio)

👉 Pro tip: Save their info before you ever need it.

https://remispetrecovery.org/

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

⚠️ Content note: brief discussion of human remains and a child fatality (marked in the chapter guide).

By listener request, we're re-releasing one of our most talked-about episodes. Veterinarian Dr. Kim Stewart, DVM joins us to share how she and her Labrador Retriever, Seamus, train and deploy as a human remains detection (HRD) K9 team—what it takes to certify, stay safe in the field, and work seamlessly with law enforcement from local sheriffs to the FBI and Texas Rangers.

You’ll hear how Seamus’ fitness plan (pool sprints, core “planks,” balance work, laser therapy) keeps him mission-ready; why chain of command matters in disasters; and how teams are vetted on orienteering, clue awareness, ICS, and the wilderness pack test. Dr. Stewart breaks down screening traits for great SAR dogs (toy drive, hunt drive, nerve strength, neutrality), what goes in a handler’s pack, and why overheating is the #1 risk for working dogs.

Dr. Stewart also recounts a difficult but pivotal case Seamus helped solve, and we discuss the ethics around emotional support animal misuse—not to punish pets, but to protect true service teams and public safety.

What you’ll learn

- How HRD dogs are trained to alert without disturbing crime scenes

- The realities of multi-agency searches, from wilderness to water hazards

- The fitness, recovery, and injury-prevention routines that keep K9s working longer

- Quick tests to spot potential SAR talent in young dogs

- Why documentation (GPS, records) matters—right up to the courtroom

- A vet’s take on ESA vs. service dog rules and real-world impacts

Chapter guide

0:00 Re-release intro & meet Seamus

2:10 Why SAR (vs. agility/dock diving) & joining a team

4:45 Certifications: NASAR, ICS, swift-water awareness

7:00 HRD training: pairing odor → active alert (bark & hold)

9:20 Mentorship, screening dogs, “toy drive” & hunt tests

20:40 Handler pack, K9 first aid, heat risk & water logistics

⚠️ 23:55 Field realities & processing tough scenes

24:58 Case study: Seamus’ courtroom-validated find

27:50 Fitness/fuel: Pro Plan Sport, produce snacks, conditioning

28:55 Pet peeve: ESA misuse & why it harms access for true service teams

31:20 Longevity, retirement, and what’s next for Seamus

Why we’re re-releasing: New listeners keep asking how SAR dogs really work—this conversation remains one of our clearest, most practical deep dives.

Subscribe, rate, and hug your dogs for us. 🐾

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Veterinary toxicologist Dr. Renee Schmid returns to co-host with Alice and breaks down the surprising ways everyday supplements, human medications, gummies, and topicals can put pets at risk—especially during the holidays when visitors (and their Ziploc pill bags!) roll in. From multivitamins and “grass saver” methionine to tryptophan chews, alpha-lipoic acid, minoxidil, diclofenac creams, estrogen gels, 5-FU topical creams, tea tree oil, and even chewable Apoquel around cats, Dr. Schmid explains what’s dangerous, why, and what to do before panic takes over. Plus: practical storage hacks, vet-approved brands vs. online counterfeits, and the one line you should say to every house guest.

Dr. Renee Schmid is the Veterinary Medical Director and Senior Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. She and her team field cases across North America and collaborate with human toxicologists and pharmacists to manage emerging exposures and new human drugs affecting pets.

Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7/365 and will be listed in the show notes (add the number to your phone!). They’ll triage, advise if your vet visit is needed, and support your veterinarian from start to finish.

You’ll Learn

- Why multivitamins can be risky (vitamin D3, iron) and how gummies can trigger dangerous sodium shifts—even when “actives” aren’t toxic.

- The real danger behind methionine “grass saver” products and alpha-lipoic acid (neurologic signs, tremors, seizures).

- How tryptophan/5-HTP can flip from “calming” to serotonin-type agitation—and why mixing with Prozac/fluoxetine is not a DIY plan.

- High-risk topicals: minoxidil (Rogaine)—especially for cats, diclofenac gels (GI/kidney injury), estrogen transfers, and 5-FU (often fatal to pets).

- The holiday shortlist: grapes/raisins, turkey fat/skin (pancreatitis), guests’ loose medications, and dropped pills (remember: “one pill can kill”—e.g., baclofen).

- Farm & yard pitfalls: ivermectin misuse (paste/injectable), phosphide rodenticides → phosphine gas, mixing cleaning products, and why manure isn’t a snack.

- Smart prevention: guest-med checks, lockboxes, keep meds behind closed doors when dosing, buy vet-recommended brands, and skip sketchy online “deals.”

Resources:

Pet Poison Helpline (24/7) — (855) 764-7661

Pet Poison Helpline website (what to expect, toxin library)

NASC Quality Seal & ConsumerLab.com for product quality checks (ask your veterinarian for trusted brands)

Important: This episode is educational and not medical advice. If you suspect an exposure, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately (see show notes).

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What started during the COVID-19 lockdown with one baby gorilla at the Cleveland Zoo has grown into a channel loved by animal fans around the world. I’m a one-person operation—filming, editing, narrating, and sharing the most heartfelt moments of baby gorillas, orangutans, elephants, and other zoo animals. Whether it’s Jameela's emotional journey or Clementine’s first steps, each video brings you closer to the animals and their stories. If you love watching real animal behavior, learning fun facts, and supporting conservation through storytelling—this is your place!

Subscribe to Larry's Animal Safari on YouTube

@larrysanimalsafari

---

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.