Tails and Tones

TL;DR

In this solo episode, Mariska breaks down the honest pros and cons of French Bulldog ownership using her own experience raising Piper. Frenchies have exploded in popularity thanks to celebrity culture and social media, but that same demand has fueled unethical breeding and a long list of serious health issues, including BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome), IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), overheating risk, and an inability to give birth naturally in most cases. Mariska's bottom line: French Bulldogs are goofy, affectionate, apartment-friendly companions, but only for people who can commit financially (often $15,000 a year or more) and emotionally to a breed with serious, well-documented medical needs.

• Why French Bulldogs have exploded in popularity, including celebrities like Lady Gaga, The Rock, and Tom Hardy, plus AKC chart-topping status
• The true history of the breed, from English lace workers' toy bulldogs to their refinement in France
• Why they became trendy: an apartment-friendly size, bat ears, and a baby-face expression
• Mariska's rule of thumb: don't get a Frenchie unless you can comfortably budget around $15,000 a year
• Fun (and slightly terrifying) fact: most Frenchies can't swim, including Piper's own ocean scare and why water safety matters
• The "wherever your gas be free" motto and other everyday Frenchie truths
• The AKC's 9 official Frenchie colors versus 30+ real-world combinations, including lilac, blue, and merle
• Why Frenchies are nicknamed "pocket rockets": Piper weighs around 12 kg (26 lb), denser than she looks, which is part of why they sink in water
• Average lifespan for a healthy, well-bred Frenchie: 10 to 12 years, with real variance
• The pros: clown-dog personalities, deep affection and loyalty, and a tendency to shadow their humans everywhere
• Grooming and care routine: shedding, ear and fold cleaning, and paw and nose balm
• Brachycephalic anatomy basics: how a short skull leads to real breathing challenges
• Piper's own BOAS surgery story: what the surgery involves, her results, the costs, and the ethics of prioritizing comfort
• Overheating: what to actually do (cool the feet and belly, use A/C) and what to avoid (never cover them in a cold towel)
• The price tag of breeding and C-sections, and why overbreeding happens
• The British Veterinary Association's "Breed to Breathe" campaign and the roughly 3,000% rise in UK French Bulldog numbers
• Walking and harness fit: why a harness over a collar matters, plus how to monitor tongue color and respiratory rate
• IVDD (intervertebral disc disease): the risks, warning signs, and prevention steps like avoiding jumps and using stairs or a ramp
• Allergies: common triggers like grass, pollen, and food, and how Mariska manages them with wipes and antihistamines
• Insurance, savings, and how the approach differs by region (Australia versus the UAE)
• Mariska's final thoughts: choose this breed with your eyes open, because commitment is everything
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: Freddie & Bruno's toy lineup tradition
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Griffin & Haru, including their Pixar Animation Studios adventure and a collaboration with Tiffani Thiessen

• French Bulldog popularity has a dark side. Celebrity culture and social media have driven demand, and that demand has fueled unethical breeding practices.
• Owning a Frenchie is a major financial commitment. Mariska recommends budgeting around $15,000 a year on average, given how often health issues arise.
• Most Frenchies cannot swim. Their dense, compact build means they can sink quickly, so always supervise them closely around water, as Mariska learned with Piper's own ocean scare.
• BOAS surgery can be life-changing. Widening the nostrils and removing excess tissue significantly improves breathing, reduces snoring, and boosts comfort, as Piper's own results show.
• Overheating is a real emergency risk. Frenchies can go from fine to dangerously overheated within minutes, and the fix is cooling their feet and belly, not covering them in a cold towel.
• IVDD is a serious, breed-common risk. Avoiding jumps on and off furniture and using ramps or stairs can help reduce the risk of spinal injury.
• Allergies are extremely common in Frenchies, ranging from food to grass and pollen, and often require trial and error to manage.
• Ethical breeding matters enormously. A nearly 3,000% rise in UK French Bulldog numbers over the last decade has driven a rise in puppy mills and illegal imports.
• Despite the challenges, Frenchies are deeply loving companions: goofy, affectionate, and content with short walks and lots of couch time.

Breed-to-Breathe Campaign — British Veterinary Association

Where Tails meet hearts: Freddie & Bruno (Freddie line up toys, Bruno Freddie's #1 fan)

Paw-lebrity of the Week Griffin & Haru (Pixar Animation Studios adventures, Tiffani Thiessen Colab, )

Cooling Tips with Dr Sarah — Episode 15

[00:00] - Intro

[02:15] - Popularity + rescues trend:

[03:10] – The $15k rule (cost reality)

[04:05] – Origins: Toy bulldogs → France: Lace workers, toy bulldogs, refined in France.

[05:15] – Why they became trendy: Apartment-friendly size, bat ears, baby-face expression.

[06:05] – Celebs & AKC popularity: Lady Gaga, The Rock, Tom Hardy; AKC chart topper.

[06:44] – Fun fact: Most Frenchies can’t swim: Piper’s ocean scare + water safety.

[07:35] – Gas & other “truths”: The “wherever your gas be free” motto.

[08:05] – AKC colors vs. rare colors: 9 official colors vs. ~30+ combos (lilac, blue, merle).

[08:58] – “Pocket rockets” weight & density: Piper at ~12 kg / 26 lb; why they sink.

[09:40] – Lifespan (healthy, well-bred): 10–12 years with big variance.

[10:10] – PROS: Personality & daily life: Clown dogs; affection, loyalty, shadow tendencies.

[11:30] – PROS: Grooming & care routine: Shedding, ear/fold cleaning, paw/nose balm.

[12:35] – CONS: Brachycephalic basics: Short skull anatomy → breathing challenges.

[13:40] – BOAS surgery (Piper’s story): What it is, results, costs, ethics of comfort.

[15:05] – Overheating: what to do/avoid: Cool feet/belly, A/C; don’t cover with cold towel.

[16:10] – Price tag, breeding, C-sections: Why overbreeding happens; risks and costs.

[17:05] – BVA “Breed to Breathe” + overbreeding: Awareness, ~3,000% rise in the UK.

[18:05] – Walking/harness fit & monitoring: Harness over collar; tongue/resp rate checks.

[18:50] – IVDD: risks, signs, prevention: No jumping; stairs/ramp; signs, treatment paths.

[20:15] – Allergies: triggers & management: Grass/pollen/food; wipes, antihistamines.

[21:20] – Insurance/savings & regional notes: Australia vs. UAE approach.

[22:05] – Final thoughts: love + responsibility: Choose with eyes open; commitment matters.

[23:10] – Where Tails meet hearts: Freddie & Bruno (Freddie line up toys, Bruno Freddie's #1 fan)

[24:10] – Paw-lebrity of the Week Griffin & Haru (Pixar Animation Studios adventures, Tiffani Thiessen Colab, )

FAQ

Should I get a French Bulldog?

French Bulldogs make wonderful, affectionate companions for people who can commit to significant ongoing veterinary costs (often $15,000+ per year) and are prepared to manage serious breed-specific health risks like BOAS and IVDD.

Why are French Bulldogs so unhealthy?

French Bulldogs are brachycephalic, meaning their skulls are compressed, which squeezes their airway, soft palate, and nostrils, causing breathing difficulties, and their body shape also predisposes them to spinal issues like IVDD and difficulty giving birth naturally.

What is BOAS surgery and does every Frenchie need it?

BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome) surgery widens the nostrils, shortens the soft palate, and sometimes removes excess tissue or tonsils to improve breathing; not every Frenchie needs it, but many benefit significantly from the procedure.

Can French Bulldogs swim?

Most French Bulldogs cannot swim well and can sink due to their dense, heavy build and short snouts, so they should always be closely supervised around water, including pools and the ocean.

What is IVDD and why are French Bulldogs prone to it?

IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) occurs when the discs between a dog's vertebrae harden or rupture, causing pain, paralysis, or loss of bladder control; French Bulldogs are especially prone to it due to their compact spine structure, so avoiding jumps and using ramps or stairs can help reduce the risk.

How do I cool down an overheating French Bulldog?

Cool an overheating Frenchie by focusing on their feet and belly and moving them to a cool environment quickly. Avoid covering them in a cold towel, since this can trap heat rather than release it.

Why have French Bulldogs become so popular?

Celebrity ownership, heavy use in advertising and social media, and their apartment-friendly size and affectionate personalities have driven French Bulldogs to become one of the world's most popular breeds in the last decade.

What should I look for in an ethical French Bulldog breeder?

An ethical breeder will let you meet both parent dogs, be transparent about health testing and BOAS scoring, and never rush you into a purchase without proper documentation of vaccinations and health history.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell and Tori Mistick of Wear Wag Repeat explore how daily enrichment transforms your dog's emotional health and confidence. Tori, a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician and founder of Wear Wag Repeat, reframes what enrichment actually means: not keeping a dog busy, but understanding their emotions and building genuine connection. Learn simple, practical ways to enrich your dog's day, strengthen your bond, and bring more joy to both of your lives.

Tori Mistick is a dog mom, blogger, podcast host, and the founder of Wear Wag Repeat. With over a decade of experience creating content for pet lovers, Tori helps pet parents enrich their dogs’ lives and supports “petpreneurs” in growing their businesses online. She’s also a Certified Canine Enrichment Technician and recently launched her limited-series podcast Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick, which dives deep into the science and joy of helping dogs live their best lives.

• Meet Tori Mistick and her canine journey into content creation and enrichment
• Redefining enrichment beyond puzzles and toys
• Building your dog's confidence through small choices, not big gestures
• Trick training as a confidence booster at any age
• How enrichment needs differ for puppies, adults, and seniors
• Burt's story: from anxiety to confidence through enrichment
• Enrichment as a form of therapy for anxious dogs
• Using music and calm environments to support recovery
• Meeting your dog's emotional needs while avoiding overstimulation
• Practical enrichment ideas for busy pet parents
• Three low-cost DIY enrichment ideas anyone can try
• The one toy Tori thinks is actually worth splurging on
• Tori's biggest piece of enrichment advice for pet parents
• One small action that can help your dog feel truly seen
• The Mental Enrichment Activity Pack and what's inside it
• Where to find Tori and her work

• Enrichment is connection, not distraction. It's about understanding your dog's emotions, not just keeping them busy.
• Small choices build confidence. Let your dog pick between treats, directions on a walk, or how they'd like to spend time with you.
• Balance is key. Mix active enrichment, like sniff walks and games, with calm bonding, like gentle petting and sound baths.
• DIY can be powerful. Muffin tins, towel burritos, and busy boxes make enrichment easy and low-cost.
• Presence matters most. True enrichment starts when we slow down and meet our dogs where they are.

Tori's Website Wear Wag Repeat, Wear Wag Repeat Podcast

Dog Enrichment with Tori Mistick Podcast

Mental Enrichment Activity Pack ($19)

Instagram: @wearwagrepeat @tmistick

[00:00]-Intro: What true enrichment means

[01:44] - Meet Tori Mistick & her canine journey

[05:03] - Redefining enrichment beyond puzzles

[08:13] - Building your dog’s confidence through small choices

[10:30] - Trick training as a confidence booster

[13:59] - Enrichment for puppies, adults & seniors

[17:15] - Burt’s story: From anxiety to confidence

[21:14] - Enrichment as therapy for anxious dogs

[23:44] - Using music and calm environments for recovery

[25:06] - Meeting emotional needs & avoiding overstimulation

[27:47] - Enrichment for busy pet parents

[31:37] - 3 Low-cost DIY enrichment ideas

[34:01] - The one toy worth splurging on

[35:07] - Tori’s biggest enrichment advice for pet parents

[36:29] - One small action to help your dog feel seen

[37:23] - The Mental Enrichment Activity Pack

[38:22] - Where to find Tori?

[39:23] - Outro: Turning love into enrichment

FAQ

What is dog enrichment and why does it matter?

Dog enrichment is about understanding and meeting your dog's emotional needs, not just keeping them occupied, and it works best when it strengthens connection rather than simply filling time.

How can I give my dog enrichment if I only have a few minutes a day?

Small, low-cost activities like a DIY busy box, a muffin tin game, or a towel burrito with hidden treats can turn just a few minutes into meaningful enrichment.

Can enrichment help an anxious or fearful dog?

Yes, as Burt's story in this episode shows, enrichment can help an anxious dog build confidence over time, especially when paired with calm environments and consistent, low-pressure routines.

Is it possible to over-enrich a dog?

Yes, meeting emotional needs is about balance. Too much stimulation without calm bonding time can overwhelm a dog rather than support them, so mixing active and calm enrichment matters.

What are some low-cost enrichment ideas that don't require buying toys?

Muffin tins, towel burritos, and homemade busy boxes are all inexpensive, easy ways to bring enrichment into your dog's day without needing to buy anything new.

Is there a toy worth actually spending money on?

Tori shares her one splurge-worthy toy recommendation in the episode, though the bigger message is that connection and presence matter more than any single product.

What's the single best piece of enrichment advice for a busy pet parent?

Tori's core advice is to slow down and be present, since true enrichment often comes from small, consistent moments of connection rather than elaborate activities.

Where can I learn more about structured enrichment programs?

Tori's Mental Enrichment Activity Pack, available for $19 through Wear Wag Repeat, offers a structured way to bring more enrichment into your dog's daily routine.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell unpacks what you should really be looking for when choosing a dog, beyond just the cutest breed on Instagram. From energy levels and lifestyle fit to financial readiness and long-term commitment, Mariska shares practical tips (and personal lessons from life with her Frenchie, Piper) to help you find your perfect canine match. She also explores dog breed tendencies using insights from Kim Brophey's book Meet Your Dog, breaking down 10 canine categories to understand how instincts and personalities shape compatibility. Whether you're adopting, shopping, or still dreaming about your future pup, this episode will help you choose with both your head and heart.

• Welcome back, and a quick revisit of adopt versus shop from Episode 11
• Rescue versus reputable breeder: what good matching can actually look like
• When the match is right: the joy, ease, and fewer issues that follow
• When it's wrong: unmet needs, guilt, burnout, and rehoming risk
• Piper's story: making a non-obvious fit work, stroller runs included
• The money talk: planning realistically for the cost of care
• Thinking long-term: lifespan and life changes to plan around
• Breed tendencies 101, and an overview of Kim Brophey's 10 canine categories
• Community segments: Where Tails Meet Hearts and Paw-lebrity of the week
• Final message: partnership over perfection

• Match first, breed second. A great fit reduces frustration, behavior issues, and rehoming risk.
• Know your energy and time. High-drive dogs need work, purpose, and movement. Low-key households should choose accordingly.
• Budget honestly. Some breeds can be costly, so plan for vet care, training, nutrition, and insurance.
• Life changes matter. Think travel, kids, moves, and retirement, and pick a dog you can support through every season.
• Tendencies are not destiny. Even within a breed, personalities vary, so respect the individual dog in front of you.
• Use categories as a compass. Brophey's groupings, like sighthounds, guardians, toys, herders, bulldogs, terriers, gundogs, scent hounds, "natural," and "world dogs," help you predict instincts and needs.
• A "wrong" match on paper can still work with adaptation. Piper isn't marathon material, but stroller runs let her join Mariska's routine on her own terms.
• Choosing a dog is a long-term commitment. The goal is partnership, not perfection.

Meet your Dog Book by Kim Brophey

Episode 11: Adopt or Shop

Where Tails Meet Heart Stories

• What About Bunny
• 3 Snouts and their abouts
• Doug The Pug
• Crusoe The Dachshund
• Dino and Ruby
• Jason Heigl Foundation
• Father João
• Kelbie and Nixie
• Magie and Gus
• Meemaw - 1510 Foundation
• Elko The Travel Dog
• Litter Logie

Paw-Lebrities

• Haya_London
• Eroc Dog
• Cricket the gremlin
• Koa The Doodle
• Gnocchi The Frenchie
• LouLou the Pug
• Dolly Pawton
• Tuna Melts Hearts
• Some Frenchie Named Apollo
• The Kevin and Kayla Show
• Leo
• Billy The Kid
• Payt & The Doods

[00:00]- Intro

[01:11]- Welcome + adopt vs. shop (see Ep 11)

[03:10]- Rescue vs reputable breeder: what matching can look like

[04:40]- When the match is right: joy, ease, fewer issues

[05:20]- When it’s wrong: unmet needs, guilt, burnout, rehoming risk

[06:50]- Piper’s story: making a non-obvious fit work (stroller runs!)

[09:46]- The money talk: planning realistically for care

[10:50]- Thinking long-term: lifespan and life changes

[14:08]- Breed tendencies 101 + Kim Brophey’s categories overview

[27:45]- Community segments: Where Tails Meet Hearts & Paw-lebrity

[32:52]- Final message: partnership over perfection

FAQ

How do I choose the right dog breed for my lifestyle?

Start by honestly assessing your energy level, available time, living space, and future life plans, then match those factors against a breed's typical tendencies, using resources like Kim Brophey's 10 breed categories from Meet Your Dog as a guide rather than a guarantee.

What happens if I choose the wrong dog breed for my lifestyle?

A lifestyle mismatch can lead to unmet needs, behavior issues, frustration for both dog and owner, and a higher risk of the dog eventually being rehomed.

What are Kim Brophey's dog breed categories?

Her book Meet Your Dog groups dogs into categories like sighthounds, guardians, toy dogs, herders, bulldogs and entertainers, terriers, gundogs, scent hounds, "natural" dogs, and "world dogs," each reflecting shared instincts and historical purpose.

Can a high-energy dog still work for someone with limited time or a smaller home?

Yes, with adaptation. Piper's stroller runs are a good example of finding a workaround that respects both the dog's limits and the owner's routine, though it's still important to be honest about whether you can meet a breed's core needs.

Is a dog's breed a guarantee of its personality?

No, breed categories describe general tendencies, but individual personality varies significantly even within the same breed, so tendencies are not destiny, and it's worth respecting the specific dog in front of you.

Should I consider a dog's lifespan when choosing a breed?

Yes, thinking long-term, in terms of the years and life changes ahead, helps you plan for how a dog's needs will fit with things like having kids, moving, traveling, or retiring during the years you'll share together.

How much should I budget for a dog financially?

Budget honestly for the specific breed you're considering, including ongoing costs like vet care, training, nutrition, and insurance, rather than just the upfront cost of adoption or purchase.

Where can I find more community stories and inspiration featured on the podcast?

This episode recaps some of the podcast's favorite Where Tails Meet Hearts stories and Paw-lebrities of the week, all linked above, so you can follow along with the dogs and stories the community has loved so far.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell discusses the importance of choosing the right dog walker for your furry friend. She emphasizes understanding your dog's unique needs, the qualities to look for in a dog walker, and the importance of building a relationship with them. The episode also includes a product review of a dog bed and heartwarming stories about dogs making a difference in their communities.

• Why choosing the right dog walker is crucial for your dog's well-being
• Understanding your dog's specific needs before selecting a walker
• The qualities to look for in a good dog walker
• How to vet potential dog walkers
• Why trial walks matter, and the red flags to watch for
• Building an ongoing relationship with your dog walker
• Fetch or Forget: a review of the Snooza Cotton Canvas Futon dog bed
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: Litter Logie
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Winston and Cooper, "the Doods"
• Final thoughts on choosing your dog's care team wisely

• Choosing the right dog walker is crucial for your dog's well-being. It affects their fitness, socialization, and daily happiness, not just their exercise.
• Understand your dog's needs before selecting a walker. Energy level, medical conditions, anxiety, and reactivity should all shape who you hire.
• Look for reliability, experience, and communication in a dog walker. These three qualities separate a good walker from a risky one.
• Trial walks can help determine if a walker is a good fit. Watching the interaction firsthand tells you far more than a resume or reviews alone.
• Trust your dog's instincts when meeting a new walker. Dogs are honest, and if they're relaxed and happy, that's a strong sign of a good match.
• Communication with your dog walker is essential for your dog's happiness. Updates, photos, and notes on behavior changes keep you in the loop.
• Be aware of red flags when vetting potential walkers. Hesitancy about references or insurance, inconsistent communication, and walking too many dogs at once are all warning signs.
• Your dog is part of your family, so choose wisely. Don't settle for convenience over genuine trust and compatibility.
• Building a relationship with your dog walker is important. Setting expectations, sharing routines, and keeping communication open strengthens the partnership over time.
• A good dog walker can provide peace of mind for pet parents, becoming a genuine teammate in your dog's care, not just a service provider.

Fetch or Forget: Snooza Cotton Canvas Futon

Where Tails meet hearts - Litter Logie

Paw-lebrity of the Week -Winston and Cooper aka the Doods, Dood Winston

[00:00]-Intro

[02:14]- Choosing the Right Dog Walker

[04:57]- Qualities of a Good Dog Walker

[07:54]- Vetting Potential Dog Walkers

[10:29]- Trial Walks and Red Flags

[13:50]- Building a Relationship with Your Dog Walker

[16:40]- Fetch or Forget: Snooza Cotton Canvas Futon

[19:31]- Where Tails meet hearts - Litter Logie

[20:37]- Paw-lebrity of the Week -Winston and Cooper aka the Doods, Dood Winston

[22:36]- Final Thoughts

FAQ

How do I choose the right dog walker for my dog?

Start by understanding your dog's specific needs, such as energy level, medical conditions, or reactivity to other dogs, then look for a walker who shows reliability, relevant experience, clear communication, and professionalism.

What questions should I ask a potential dog walker?

Ask how they handle emergencies, whether they walk one dog at a time or multiple dogs together, and whether they can provide references or proof of insurance.

Should I do a trial walk before hiring a dog walker?

Yes, a trial walk lets you observe how the walker interacts with your dog and how comfortable your dog seems with them, which is one of the most reliable ways to judge whether it's a good match before committing.

What are red flags when choosing a dog walker?

Red flags include hesitancy to provide references or proof of insurance, inconsistent or spotty communication, walking too many dogs at once, and body language that shows impatience toward your dog.

How do I know if my dog likes their new dog walker?

Trust your dog's instincts. A relaxed, happy dog around a new walker is a good sign, while signs of stress or discomfort suggest the match may not be right, even if it takes a little time to build trust.

How can I build a good long-term relationship with my dog walker?

Set clear expectations early, keep communication open, and encourage your walker to flag any changes they notice in your dog's behavior, energy, or mood.

Why does it matter who walks my dog?

Your dog is part of your family, and the person walking them plays a real role in their daily happiness and wellbeing, so it's worth choosing that person with the same care you'd bring to any other part of their care team.

What's a good dog bed to pair with a solid daily walking routine?

This episode's Fetch or Forget segment reviews the Snooza Cotton Canvas Futon, a dog bed worth considering as part of a comfortable at-home routine after a good walk.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this conversation, Mariska Nell interviews Jennifer Muldowney, known as the Glam Reaper, who specializes in funeral planning and pet loss grief. Jennifer shares her journey into the funeral space, the importance of advocating for pet loss, and the emotional complexities surrounding grief. They discuss the societal hierarchy of grief, the need for safe spaces for grieving individuals, and how to involve pets in memorials. Jennifer also addresses the difficult decisions surrounding euthanasia and offers insights on memorializing pets. The conversation concludes with thoughts on when to consider getting another pet and the importance of honoring the memory of lost companions.

Jennifer Muldowney, better known as The Glam Reaper. Is an Irish award-winning memorial planner, celebrant, and TEDx speaker who’s redefining how we talk about loss. After experiencing personal grief herself, Jennifer combined her background in event planning with a deep passion for supporting others, creating ceremonies that are as unique as the lives they honor. She’s the author of Say Farewell Your Way, the voice behind The Glam Reaper Podcast, and an advocate for mental health within the funeral profession. Alongside her work with Muldowney Memorials and Funeral Professionals Peer Support, Jennifer helps families and pet parents alike find comfort, healing, and even moments of lightness during life’s hardest goodbyes.

• Jennifer's journey into funeral planning, and how it led her to advocate for pet loss specifically
• Why pet loss deserves recognition as a significant grief experience
• Understanding the societal hierarchy of grief, and how it can invalidate pet loss
• Creating safe spaces for grieving individuals, whether communities, panels, or one-on-one support
• Involving pets in the grieving process, including how other pets in the home sense and process loss
• Incorporating pets in farewells and memorial moments
• Navigating the difficult decisions around euthanasia with care and compassion
• Creative memorials for pets, from ceremonies to keepsakes
• Honoring pets and moving through the grieving process without judgment
• The journey of love and loss, including when to consider getting another pet

• Jennifer Muldowney is known as the Glam Reaper, specializing in funeral planning. Her work spans human memorials and pet loss support alike.
• She advocates for recognizing pet loss as a significant grief experience, not a lesser form of loss.
• Grief is often judged by a hierarchy, which can invalidate pet loss. Comparing losses only adds pain rather than helping anyone heal.
• Creating safe spaces for grieving individuals is essential. Communities, panels, and simply being surrounded by people who understand can ease the isolation of grief.
• Involving pets in memorials can help in the grieving process, both for the humans involved and for other pets in the household who sense the loss too.
• Euthanasia decisions are complex and should be approached with care. There's no universal formula, only reading your individual pet's comfort and quality of life.
• Memorializing pets can take many forms, including ceremonies and keepsakes. Shadow boxes, paw print keepsakes, cremation jewellery, and personal rituals are all valid ways to honor a pet.
• There is no right or wrong way to grieve or memorialize a pet, as long as it feels true to your relationship with them.
• The love for a pet does not replace but expands with new companions. Getting another dog later doesn't mean replacing the one you lost.
• It's important to check local laws regarding pet burials and memorials, since regulations vary significantly by location.

Jennifer's website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

The Glam Reaper podcast

TedX Talk

Jon Steward's video

[00:00]- Intro

[03:03]- The Journey into Funeral Planning

[05:52]- Advocating for Pet Loss Grief

[09:10]- Understanding Grief Hierarchies

[11:48]- Creating Safe Spaces for Grief

[14:43]- Involving Pets in the Grieving Process

[19:55]- Incorporating Pets in Farewells

[22:45]- Navigating Difficult Decisions

[25:42]- Creative Memorials for Pets

[29:27]- Honoring Pets and the Grieving Process

[34:39]- The Journey of Love and Loss

FAQ

Why does losing a dog feel like losing a family member?

Losing a dog often triggers grief comparable to losing a human loved one, since it also means losing a daily routine, unconditional companionship, and a bond built on years of shared life, which is why pet loss deserves genuine recognition rather than dismissal.

Is it normal to grieve a pet as much as a person?

Yes, pet loss is a legitimate and often profound form of grief that is frequently unacknowledged or minimized by society's unspoken hierarchy of grief, despite being just as real.

How do I know when it's time to euthanize my dog?

There's no single formula for this deeply personal decision. It comes down to closely reading your individual dog's quality of life and comfort, ideally in conversation with a trusted veterinarian, and recognizing that feeling uncertain afterward doesn't mean you made the wrong choice.

How can I help my other pets grieve after losing a companion animal?

Other pets often sense and grieve a loss too, so involving them in the process, whether through scent, presence, or a moment near the departed pet's belongings, can help them process the change rather than being left confused by an unexplained absence.

What are meaningful ways to memorialize a dog?

Popular options include shadow boxes with a collar or leash, paw print keepsakes, cremation jewellery, memorial paintings, and personalized rituals, since there is no right or wrong way to memorialize a pet as long as it honors your relationship with them.

Is it okay to get a new dog after losing one?

Yes, getting a new dog doesn't mean replacing the one you lost. Your heart grows to hold new love alongside the grief and memories of your previous companion, rather than one substituting for the other.

Can I bury my pet in my backyard?

It depends entirely on your local laws, as pet burial regulations vary significantly by location, so it's important to check local rules before planning a backyard burial or any other memorial arrangement.

How do I create a safe space for someone grieving a pet?

Simply showing up, listening without judgment, and avoiding comparisons to other types of loss go a long way, since safe spaces, whether in person or online, help people feel less alone in pet grief.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Ramsey shares her extensive experience in veterinary medicine, discussing the importance of specialized care for pets, emergency preparedness, and essential first aid skills for pet owners. She emphasizes the need for proper veterinary care, including routine check-ups and vaccinations, while also providing practical advice on creating emergency kits and knowing when to seek professional help. Dr. Ramsey's insights aim to empower pet owners to take proactive steps in ensuring their pets' health and safety.

Dr. Sarah Ramsey, originally from West Sussex in the UK, graduated from The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh in 2006 and also holds a degree in Parasitology from Glasgow University. She has practiced acupuncture since 2007, is a member of the ABVA, and earned her Certificate in Small Animal Medicine from the University of Liverpool in 2016, later achieving Advanced Veterinary Practitioner status in 2022. With a special interest in feline medicine, oncology, pain management, and end-of-life care, Dr. Sarah has held senior roles including Clinical Director of a two-site practice in the UK and Head of Medicine at a London small animal hospital. She relocated to the UAE in 2021 with her husband, two children, and a growing rescue family of cats, alongside her Bedlington Whippet, Snowy, and a tortoise named Taco. Beyond veterinary medicine, she is a passionate runner, ultramarathon finisher, yoga practitioner, and stand-up paddleboarder, with recent adventures in aerial gymnastics and a goal of completing a triathlon within the next year.

• Understanding veterinary specializations and what they mean for choosing the right care for your pet
• Emergency preparedness for pets, and why having a plan matters before you ever need it
• Essential items for pet emergency kits, both at home and on the go
• First aid skills every pet parent should know, including checking breathing and pulse
• Essential first aid techniques for pets, covering wounds, bleeding, and immediate response steps
• Handling toxic ingestions and heat stroke safely
• Real-life emergency scenarios and how preparedness makes a difference
• Understanding snake bites and prevention
• Customizing first aid kits for different pets and chronic conditions
• When to seek veterinary help, even when a wound doesn't look serious
• Routine veterinary care and vaccination schedules

• Dr. Sarah Ramsey has nearly 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine. Her background spans general practice, advanced small animal medicine, and clinic leadership in the UK and UAE.
• Understanding veterinary specializations helps in choosing the right care for pets. Knowing the difference between a general practitioner, advanced practitioner, and specialist matters when a pet needs more complex treatment.
• Emergency kits for pets should include saline, gauze, and vet wrap. These three alone can handle most cuts, wounds, and sting situations before you reach the vet.
• Basic first aid skills can save a pet's life in emergencies. Knowing how to check breathing, gum color, and pulse, and how to perform rescue breaths if needed, makes a real difference.
• Knowing when to seek veterinary care is crucial for pet health, even for wounds that don't look serious at first glance, since bite wounds especially can hide deep tissue damage.
• Routine veterinary check-ups are essential for early detection of health issues. A full exam covers every body system, not just vaccinations.
• Vaccination schedules may vary by region and should be discussed with a vet. UAE law requires annual vaccination, which differs from titer-based schedules common elsewhere.
• Pet owners should be aware of their pets' specific health needs and risks. Brachycephalic breeds, for example, overheat faster and show fewer obvious signs of heat stroke.
• Regular blood work can help monitor chronic conditions in pets and gives your vet a healthy baseline to compare against if something changes.
• Creating a customized emergency kit for pets is important for preparedness. Chronic conditions, known allergies, and breed-specific risks should shape what you carry.

At-Home Emergency Kit

• Gloves (latex or nitrile) – to keep your hands clean and safe.
• Saline pods/pipettes – safe for cleaning wounds and eyes.
• Sterile gauze – apply pressure and stop bleeding.
• Vet wrap (self-adhering bandage) – to secure gauze/dressings (sticks to itself, not fur).
• Muzzle or strong tape for a makeshift muzzle – for safety if your pet is in pain.
• Tick hook – safe removal of ticks without leaving parts behind.
• Tweezers – for removing thorns, splinters, or foreign bodies.
• Cotton buds – useful for cleaning small areas, like removing grass seeds.
• Styptic powder - to stop bleeding from nails, ears, or tails.
• Elizabethan collar (cone) – to prevent licking/ingesting toxins or cleaning wounds.

On-the-Go / Walk & Travel Kit (Mini Version)

• Saline pod – for quick wound or eye cleaning.
• Sterile gauze – for immediate coverage of cuts or stings.
• Vet wrap – to hold gauze in place.
• Muzzle tape – lightweight safety option.
• Antihistamines (chlorphenamine / “Piriton”) – especially if your dog has known allergies (4mg tablet for medium/large dogs, ½ tablet for small dogs/cats; expect drowsiness as a side effect).
• Water bottle – for flushing wounds, burns, or helping with heat stroke.
• (Optional for hikes/desert walks: extra antihistamines, spare bandage, tick hook.)

Special Additions / Situational Items

• Chronic condition meds – e.g., seizure medication for epileptic dogs.
• Burn care – clean water only (never dressings).
• Heatstroke care – water, shade, portable fan, cooling jacket/towel (used correctly).
• Allergy-prone pets – antihistamines carried at all times.
• Snake bite care – saline for flushing, never tourniquets.

Dr Well Website, Instagram

[00:00]-Intro

[02:04]- Understanding Veterinary Specializations

[03:57]- Emergency Preparedness for Pets

[10:03]- Essential Items for Pet Emergency Kits

[15:59]- First Aid Skills Every Pet Parent Should Know

[23:40]- Essential First Aid Techniques for Pets

[25:31]- Handling Toxic Ingestions and Heat Stroke

[29:47]- Real-Life Emergency Scenarios and Preparedness

[31:31]- Understanding Snake Bites and Prevention

[33:34]- Customizing First Aid Kits for Different Pets

[36:39]- When to Seek Veterinary Help

[40:01]- Routine Veterinary Care and Vaccination Schedules

FAQ

What should be in a pet's emergency first aid kit?

A basic at-home kit should include gloves, saline pods for cleaning wounds and eyes, sterile gauze, self-adhering vet wrap, a muzzle or muzzle tape, a tick hook, tweezers, cotton buds, styptic powder for nail bleeds, and an Elizabethan collar to prevent licking.

What should I carry in a smaller kit for walks and hikes?

For walks, carry a saline pod, sterile gauze, vet wrap, muzzle tape, and a water bottle. For hikes or if your dog has known allergies, also carry antihistamines like chlorphenamine (Piriton) in case of insect stings.

Can I use human antiseptics like iodine or Dettol on my dog's wound?

No. Products like iodine and TCP can be toxic if a pet licks the wound afterward and may cause stinging, so saline is a safer choice for cleaning cuts and wounds at home.

How do I stop my dog's nail from bleeding after a bad trim?

Apply styptic powder directly to the nail and hold pressure, since nail, ear, and tail wounds tend to bleed heavily and steadily despite looking dramatic.

What is the correct way to treat heat stroke in a dog?

Move your dog to shade, wet them down with cool water, use a fan to increase airflow over the wet coat, and offer small amounts of water to drink. Never cover them in dry towels, which trap heat rather than releasing it, and always seek veterinary attention afterward.

Why are French Bulldogs and other flat-faced breeds more at risk during heat stroke?

Brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs have narrower airways that make it harder for them to cool themselves through panting, so they can overheat faster and show fewer obvious warning signs before a serious heat stroke occurs.

What should I do if my dog gets bitten by a snake?

Flush the bite area thoroughly with saline, never apply a tourniquet, and get your dog to a vet as quickly as possible, while trying to avoid walking dogs off-leash near vegetation at dusk when snakes are most active.

How often should my dog see the vet for check-ups?

A healthy, low-risk adult dog typically needs an annual check-up, but dogs aged six or seven and older, or those with chronic conditions, should generally see the vet twice a year with more frequent blood work as needed.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska discusses the importance of planning for your dog's future, particularly in selecting a godparent who can care for your pet if something happens to you. She emphasizes the need for responsible planning, including financial considerations and ensuring the chosen godparent shares your values and love for dogs. The episode also features heartwarming stories from the pet community and encourages listeners to celebrate their pets and the bonds they share.

• Have you ever wondered who would care for your pup if something happened to you?
• Why choosing a godparent for your dog is a genuinely responsible thing to do
• Life happens: accidents happen, illness happens, and it's worth planning for
• How you can still be there for your dog, even if you're not the one physically caring for them
• Assessing whether a candidate has the time, energy, and finances to truly step in
• Why you should look for someone who truly loves dogs, not just someone convenient
• Making the godparent conversation a joyful moment, not a heavy one
• Reassurance that this isn't about being morbid
• Framing it as giving your dog the gift of security
• Fetch or Forget: a review of the FURminator de-shedding tool
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: Elko's journey with Away on Earth
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Billy the Kid

• Have you ever wondered who would care for your pup? It's a question most dog parents avoid, but one worth sitting with.
• Choosing a godparent for your pup is responsible. It's planning for your dog's wellbeing no matter what happens to you.
• Life happens, accidents happen, illness happens. Preparing in advance means your dog never has to end up without a plan.
• We can still be there for them, even through the plans and people we put in place ahead of time.
• Does this person have the time, energy, and finances? Capacity matters just as much as love when choosing a godparent.
• Look for someone who truly loves dogs, not someone who simply seems convenient or available.
• Make it a joyful moment. Celebrating the role, rather than treating it as a burden, changes how it feels for everyone involved.
• This is not about being morbid. It's a practical, loving act of planning, not a dark or uncomfortable topic.
• You're giving your pup the gift of security, which is one of the most meaningful things you can plan for in advance.

Fetch or Forget - FURminator

Where Tails meet hearts - Elko's journey on Away on Earth

Paw-lebrity of the Week - Billy the Kid

[00:00]-Intro

[13:19]- Choosing the Right Godparent

[14:12]- Fetch or Forget - FURminator

[20:45]- Where Tails meet hearts - Elko's journey on Away on Earth

[23:07]- Paw-lebrity of the Week - Billy the Kid

FAQ

What is a dog godparent?

A dog godparent is a trusted person who agrees in advance to care for your dog if you're no longer able to, so your dog has a planned, loving home rather than an uncertain future.

How do I choose the right godparent for my dog?

Look for someone who truly loves dogs, has the time, energy, and financial capacity to care for them, and shares your values, rather than defaulting to whoever seems most convenient.

Isn't planning for this too morbid?

No. This isn't about being morbid, it's about giving your pup the gift of security, and it can even be made into a joyful moment rather than a heavy one.

What should I consider financially when choosing a godparent?

Consider whether the person you're choosing has the finances to support your dog's ongoing needs, and think about whether setting aside funds or making a plan in advance would ease that responsibility for them.

What if life circumstances change after I've chosen a godparent?

Life happens, and accidents or illness can happen too, so it's worth revisiting your choice periodically to make sure the person you've chosen still has the capacity and willingness to step in.

How can I make choosing a godparent a positive experience rather than a stressful one?

Make it a joyful moment. Frame the conversation as an honor rather than a burden, and celebrate the decision once it's made.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell speaks with Yvonne Sendin, the founder of Doggie Adventures, about her journey in creating a dog-friendly community in the UAE. They discuss the challenges of dog ownership in the region, the importance of public etiquette, and the exciting initiatives like Leash Explorer and WoofStock that promote responsible pet ownership and community engagement. Yvonne shares her insights on how to make the UAE more dog-friendly and the responsibilities that come with being a dog owner.

Yvonne Sendin is a Dutch expat and the founder of Doggie Adventures, the leading dog-friendly directory and community platform in the UAE, established in 2018. After relocating to Dubai with her rescue dog Boefje, Yvonne turned a personal list of dog-friendly cafes into a UAE-wide resource for pet parents. She is also a co-founder of Leash Explorer, an annual UAE-wide dog adventure challenge, and the creator of Woof Stock, a sensory-conscious dog festival designed with dogs' comfort in mind.

• Introducing Yvonne Sendin, founder of Doggie Adventures, and her 10+ years living in Dubai
• How Boefje, Yvonne's rescue dog from the Netherlands, inspired the whole Doggie Adventures journey
• The contrast between dog-friendly Europe and navigating pet life in the UAE
• How Dubai used to be far more dog-friendly (unrestricted beach access) before rules tightened
• Cold-calling cafes and hotels to build the original dog-friendly places list
• Turning that list into a full UAE-wide dog-friendly directory
• Why irresponsible pet owners (off-leash dogs, uncleaned poop, dogs on tables) are closing dog-friendly venues
• Real examples: dogs running over restaurant furniture off-leash, and a mall poop incident Mariska witnessed firsthand
• The fines and municipality warnings pushing venues to drop dog-friendly status
• Advice for confronting bad pet etiquette in public: Yvonne's direct-but-kind approach
• Doggie Adventures' free consultations helping cafes, restaurants, and hotels train staff to be dog-friendly with confidence
• The origin and growth of Leash Explorer (co-founded with HK9 and Ginger's Way): the annual UAE-wide challenge and seasonal group hikes
• Inclusivity in Leash Explorer: color-coded leash sleeves so reactive or shy dogs can join safely
• The Wadi Dafta hike recommendation for smaller or less active dogs like Piper
• The creation of Woof Stock, a UAE dog festival designed for dogs first (not just entertainment for humans)
• Sensory-conscious festival design: no flashing lights, calm background music, sociability-based leash sleeve assessments
• Advice for making an apartment building, compound, or neighborhood more dog-friendly
• A hint at Doggie Adventures' next community-focused initiative in development

• Doggie Adventures was founded to create a better life for dogs in the UAE. It started as a simple personal list of dog-friendly cafes for Yvonne's rescue dog, Boefje.
• Public etiquette is crucial for responsible dog ownership. Irresponsible behavior, like off-leash dogs and uncleaned messes, is directly responsible for venues losing their dog-friendly status.
• Leash Explorer offers structured adventures for dogs and their owners. The annual UAE-wide challenge and seasonal group hikes give the community a shared calendar of dog-friendly experiences.
• Woof Stock is a festival designed around dogs' comfort, not just entertainment for people. Calm music, no flashing lights, and sociability-based assessments keep the event genuinely dog-friendly.
• Community engagement is key to making the UAE more dog-friendly overall. Change happens when responsible pet parents set the example for venues considering going dog-friendly.
• Dog owners must respect public spaces and other people's comfort. Not everyone grew up around dogs, and some people are genuinely afraid, so owners need to be considerate of that.
• Education about dog behavior benefits both owners and the wider community. Doggie Adventures offers free consultations to help venue staff feel confident interacting with dogs.
• A directory of dog-friendly places helps pet owners navigate the UAE with confidence. It saves time and reduces the guesswork of where dogs are actually welcome.
• Responsible pet ownership is the foundation everything else builds on. Cleaning up after your dog and keeping them leashed protects access for the whole community.
• New community-focused initiatives are coming from Doggie Adventures. Yvonne teased an upcoming project focused on making dog-friendly discovery easier and more community-driven.

Doggie Adventures (Website, Instagram, Youtube)

Leash Explorer (Website, Instagram)

WoofStock (Website, Instagram)

[00:00]- Introduction to Yvonne and Doggie Adventures

[03:23]- The Journey of Doggie Adventures

[06:04]- Challenges of Dog Ownership in the UAE

[08:50]- Public Etiquette and Responsibility of Dog Owners

[11:26]- Community Engagement and Advocacy for Dog-Friendly Spaces

[14:19]- Navigating Dog Etiquette in Public Spaces

[19:36]- Consultations and Community Engagement

[20:22]- Introducing Leash Explorer

[21:51]- The Annual Challenge and Activities

[23:17]- Inclusivity in Dog Activities

[25:29]- Planning Hikes for All Dogs

[27:27]- Creating Wolf Stock: A Dog Festival

[31:48]- Making Communities Dog-Friendly

[35:46]- Future Plans and Community Feedback

[38:16]- The Power of One: Inspiring Change Through Love

[39:07]- Creating Welcoming Spaces for Dogs and Humans

FAQ

Is the UAE dog-friendly?

The UAE has a growing number of dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, hotels, and hiking trails, largely thanks to community efforts like Doggie Adventures, but dog-friendly status can vary by venue and has become more restricted in recent years due to irresponsible pet owner behavior.

Why are dog-friendly places closing in Dubai and the UAE?

Many venues have lost their dog-friendly status because owners let dogs off-leash indoors, failed to clean up after their pets, or allowed dogs on furniture and tables, leading to municipality warnings and fines that push businesses to stop allowing dogs altogether.

What is Leash Explorer?

Leash Explorer is a UAE-wide dog adventure challenge co-founded by Doggie Adventures, HK9, and Ginger's Way, featuring an annual multi-Emirate activation in February and March plus a season of monthly group hikes designed for dogs of all sociability levels.

What is Woof Stock?

Woof Stock is a dog-focused festival created by Doggie Adventures that prioritizes dogs' sensory comfort with calm music, no flashing lights, and color-coded sociability assessments, alongside activities, workshops, adoption opportunities, and vendors for their humans.

How can I find dog-friendly places in the UAE?

The Doggie Adventures directory lists dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, hotels, and hiking trails across the UAE, and can be saved as a Google Maps list for quick access wherever you are.

How do I make my building or neighborhood more dog-friendly?

Start by checking whether your building management allows dogs at all, then ask individual venues directly if they'll accommodate your dog (outdoor seating is more likely to be approved than indoor), and always model responsible pet etiquette to build trust with venues considering going dog-friendly.

What should I do if I see a dog owner behaving irresponsibly in public?

Politely and calmly addressing the behavior directly, or speaking to venue staff or management about training their team to be more assertive, can help. Doggie Adventures also offers free consultations to businesses that want support becoming genuinely dog-friendly.

Are reactive dogs welcome at Leash Explorer events?

Yes. Leash Explorer uses color-coded leash sleeves based on sociability behavior so other dog owners know whether a dog wants to be approached, making the events inclusive for reactive and shy dogs as well as social ones.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell discusses the essential steps in choosing the right veterinarian for your dog. She shares her personal experiences and insights on what to consider, including the dog's specific needs, location, vet costs, emergency preparedness, and the importance of effective communication with your vet. The episode emphasizes the significance of trust and partnership in ensuring your pet's health and happiness.

• Choosing the right vet for your dog, and why it's worth researching carefully
• Understanding vet costs and insurance options
• Emergency preparedness and knowing when you need specialist care
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: the 1510 Foundation and Meemaw's story
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: Leo, with dad Charles Leclerc and mom Alexandra Saint Mleux
• A recap of the key takeaways from the episode

• Choosing the right vet is crucial for your dog's health. It's a decision worth researching carefully, not rushing into.
• Research and recommendations are key in finding a vet. Friends, neighbors, and online reviews all help narrow the field.
• Consider your dog's specific needs when selecting a vet. Breed-related risks and existing conditions should guide your search.
• Location and accessibility can impact your choice of vet. Being able to get there quickly matters, especially in an emergency.
• Vet care can be expensive, so know the costs upfront. Ask for pricing on common services before you commit to a clinic.
• Emergency preparedness is vital for pet owners. Know your vet's after-hours policy and identify a 24/7 emergency clinic near you before you need one.
• A good vet should communicate clearly and listen to concerns. You shouldn't leave an appointment more confused or anxious than when you arrived.
• Trust and partnership with your vet are essential. A good vet treats both your dog and you with respect and kindness.
• Always ask for estimates on veterinary services. Comparing costs across clinics can prevent unexpected, oversized bills during a crisis.
• Your dog relies on you to be their voice. Since they can't describe their symptoms, it's your job to advocate clearly for their care.

How to choose your vet - checklist

Where Tails meet hearts - 1510 Foundation (Meemaw's story)

Paw-lebrity of the Week - Leo (Dad Charles Leclerc, Mom Alexandra Malena Saint Mleux)

[00:00]- Choosing the Right Vet for Your Dog

[10:23]- Understanding Vet Costs and Insurance

[13:49]- Emergency Preparedness and Specialist Care

[17:44]- Where Tails meet hearts - 1510 Foundation (Meemaw's story)

[19:12]- Paw-lebrity of the Week - Leo (Dad Charles Leclerc, Mom Alexandra Malena Saint Mleux)

[23:16]- Recap and Key Takeaways

FAQ

How do I choose the right veterinarian for my dog?

Start by identifying your dog's specific health needs and any breed-related risks, then gather recommendations from friends and neighbors, and consider location and accessibility alongside cost and communication style before committing to a clinic.

What questions should I ask a vet before choosing them?

Ask about pricing for common services, whether they offer 24/7 emergency access or after-hours protocols, and whether they have experience with your dog's specific breed or health conditions.

How much does veterinary care typically cost for a dog?

Costs vary widely by clinic and location, and by your dog's specific health needs, so it's worth asking for estimates on vaccinations, bloodwork, and common procedures upfront rather than being surprised later.

What should I look for when I first visit a vet?

Watch how the clinic staff and vet interact with your dog, whether they take the time to build comfort and trust, and whether they explain things clearly rather than using confusing jargon.

What should my dog's emergency vet plan include?

Every pet parent should know their regular vet's after-hours policy and have a nearby 24/7 emergency clinic identified in advance, so you're not scrambling to find one during an actual crisis.

Why is communication with my vet so important?

Since your dog can't describe their own symptoms, you are their voice, and a good vet needs to listen to your concerns and explain diagnoses and treatment options in plain language.

Should I get pet insurance?

Weighing insurance or a membership plan against your dog's actual healthcare needs and history is worth doing early, since costs can add up quickly, especially for breeds prone to health issues.

How do I know if my vet is the right long-term fit?

Trust and partnership are essential, so if you consistently feel heard, respected, and well-informed after appointments, that's a strong sign you've found the right vet for the long term.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.

TL;DR

In this episode of Tails and Tones, host Mariska Nell explores the important decision of whether to adopt or shop for a dog. She emphasizes the value of adoption, sharing personal stories and statistics about the current state of dog shelters. The conversation delves into the challenges of adopting dogs, including potential trauma and the thorough application process. Mariska also discusses the pros and cons of purchasing from reputable breeders versus puppy mills, highlighting the ethical considerations involved. Ultimately, she encourages listeners to approach dog ownership with intention and commitment, regardless of their choice.

• Introduction to dog adoption versus shopping, and why it's a question of honesty rather than morality
• The case for adoption: saving a life, cost considerations, and the range of ages and temperaments available
• The real challenges of adoption: application processes, home checks, and potential trauma
• Understanding dog shopping and what it involves
• The dark side of breeding: puppy mills, backyard breeding, and the health issues that follow
• Finding the right dog for you, regardless of which path you choose
• Where Tails Meet Hearts: Rolls and Underbites
• Paw-lebrity of the Week: The Kevin and Kayla Show

• Adoption is a personal journey and should be approached with empathy. There's no single right answer for every family, the goal is honesty about what you can offer a dog.
• Dogs are a long-term commitment, not a temporary decision. A dog should never be treated like a gift or an impulse purchase.
• Shelters often face overcrowding, leading to difficult choices for animals. This creates real pressure on rescues and fosters, especially during peak relocation seasons.
• Adopting a dog can save a life and provide a second chance. Many shelters face capacity limits when dogs aren't adopted in time.
• Adoption fees can vary, and sometimes adopting can be more cost-effective. Fees often cover vaccinations, spay or neuter, and microchipping.
• Some adopted dogs may come with trauma and require patience. Structure, patience, and space help rescue dogs settle and thrive in their new home.
• Reputable breeders prioritize health and ethics over profit. They run genetic health panels, screen for hereditary conditions, and are transparent about any issues.
• Puppy mills often operate under cruel conditions, treating dogs poorly. Dogs are frequently bred relentlessly with no regard for genetic health or welfare.
• Choosing the right dog involves matching energy levels and lifestyle needs. A high-energy working breed won't thrive in a quiet apartment, and vice versa.
• Regardless of the choice, responsible pet ownership is crucial. What counts most is the care, training, and commitment you provide afterward.

How dogs are assisting with scientific research with Kayla Fratt

How to Make Your Pet Adoption Application Stand Out

Rolls and Underbites

The Kevin and Kayla Show

Kevin's Video (the two classic Frenchie moods)

Kevin's Video (how much can happen in just a blink)

[00:00]- Introduction to Dog Adoption vs. Shopping

[02:55]- The Case for Adoption

[05:42]- Challenges of Adoption

[08:46]- Understanding Dog Shopping

[11:33]- The Dark Side of Breeding

[14:47]- Finding the Right Dog for You

[16:40]- Where Tails meet hearts - Rolls and Underbites.

[18:40]- Paw-lebrity of the Week - The Kevin and Kayla Show

FAQ

Should I adopt or buy a dog from a breeder?

Adoption is generally the more responsible choice because it saves a life and helps address shelter overcrowding, but buying from a reputable, health-screening, and transparent breeder can also be an ethical option depending on your circumstances.

What is dog "decompression time" after adoption?

Decompression time is the period a newly adopted dog needs to adjust to a new home, requiring structure, patience, and space, since many rescue dogs carry some level of past trauma that takes time and consistency to work through.

How do I know if a dog breeder is reputable?

A reputable breeder is transparent about health issues, runs genetic health panels and screens for hereditary conditions, and raises puppies in a safe, enriching environment rather than mass-producing litters.

What are puppy mills and why are they harmful?

Puppy mills prioritize profit over welfare, often breeding dogs relentlessly under poor conditions with no regard for genetic health, which is why researching a breeder thoroughly matters so much if you choose to buy rather than adopt.

Is adopting a dog cheaper than buying one?

It depends. Adoption fees are often lower than a breeder's price and typically include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping, though costs can rise if a dog needs extensive veterinary care.

What should I consider before getting a dog, adopted or purchased?

Honestly assess whether you can meet a dog's emotional and physical needs, whether you're prepared for training and bonding, and whether your lifestyle and energy level match the dog's, regardless of how you bring them home.

Can a rescue dog with a difficult past still become a great companion?

Yes. With consistent training, patience, and love, even rescue dogs with challenging pasts can transform significantly over time into loving, well-adjusted companions.

Does it matter more how I got my dog, or how I care for them afterward?

How you care for your dog afterward matters most. Regardless of whether you adopt or buy, responsible pet ownership, meaning consistent care, training, and commitment, is what truly determines a dog's quality of life.

Mariska is the founder of Tails and Tones, a design-led, sustainable dog product brand. She's also the host of the Tails and Tones podcast, where she explores dog health, product design, and intentional pet parenting with experts, veterinarians, and fellow dog parents.

Background: Mariska holds a Master's degree in Sustainable Design, a Bachelor's in Interior Design, and a Postgraduate qualification in Environmental Science. She's spent over 10 years working as a sustainability designer and strategist across the UAE, Australia, South Africa, the UK, and India. Her previous work includes collaborations with brands like Nespresso, Costa Coffee, and Dubai Airport, and she founded Design By Mariska, known for trash-to-treasure art exhibited at Dubai International Airport. She's also the host and founder of Mama Earth Talk, a sustainability podcast with 200+ episodes on zero waste and climate action, featuring guests including Dr. Sylvia Earle and the late Dr. Jane Goodall. She created the free Living Lighter course for practical sustainable living.

Piper: Mariska shares her life and work with Piper, her French Bulldog rescue dog. Piper joined the family in 2021 at 5 months old and has been the Chief Paw-duct Tester for everything Tails and Tones creates. Piper's journey, including cleft palate repair, luxating patella, arthritis risk, and recent mobility challenges, directly shaped the founding mission of Elevé (Tails and Tones' first product: a modular, height-adaptive feeding system).

Mission: We are on a mission to help modern dog parents simplify everyday care and elevate life with their pets, without sacrificing style or sustainability. Tails and Tones exists to build products that show up for dog parents, beautiful, sustainable, and robust enough to support you on the worst days. Not just the easy ones.

You can find Mariska at @tailsandtones on Instagram, or visit tailsandtones.com to learn more about Elevé and the Tails and Tones mission.