The Long Leash with James Jacobson

Jess Rona is a celebrity dog groomer in every way. She styles the dogs of celebrities. She styles the coats of dogs who are (in their own right) Instagram celebrities. And as an executive producer and a reality TV star, Jess Rona is a celebrity.

But the life she lives now is far from her humble beginnings. This one-woman dynamo started grooming dogs in her garage. Things took off when she started making slow-motion music videos of the dogs for their owners – ears and fluff flapping in the wind. Those videos went viral--and so did Jess.

Jess Rona now lists Katy Perry and Zooey Deschanel’s dogs among her celeb clients, she has written a book, appeared on a range of TV shows and is a star judge on the hilarious HBOMax dog grooming series ‘Haute Dog’.

In this Long Leash, dog stylist, actress, comedian, Instagram sensation and filmmaker/producer Jess Rona gives an honest account on how she reached the highest of highs, by going down a very unconventional path.

About Jess Rona

Jess Rona is the most influential groomer today, having built a cult-like following on social media with her signature musical slow-mo blowout videos and impressive celebrity pet clientele. As a skilled groomer, content creator, and comedian, she’s created a multi-dimensional grooming empire. In 2018, Rona released her first book Groomed that features over 100 touchingly real and hilarious moments of her canine clients.

Several brands have partnered with Jess to create and direct original content, including Bissell, Standard Hotels, Apple, Ouai, Outdoor Voices, The Hoxton Hotels, Valentino, Casper – and even a music video for the popular cult band Tegan & Sara. In front of the camera, she’s been a part of television shows New Girl (Fox) and One Mississippi (FX).

When she's not creating poodle content, you can find Jess at her new grooming shop that opened Summer of 2020 in Larchmont Village in Los Angeles. She is also executive producer and star of the Critic’s Choice Nominated HBOMax series Haute Dog, inspired by Jess's life and brand.

https://www.instagram.com/jessronagrooming/?hl=en, https://www.youtube.com/c/JessRonaGrooming/featured

https://www.facebook.com/JessRonaGrooming

https://jessronagrooming.com/

About The Long Leash

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!  

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. 

Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When The New Yorker reporter Nick Paumgarten was tasked with writing a piece on pandemic pets, he never imagined it would take him on a journey through the curious relationship between people and dogs in the time of Covid.

In the past 18 months, adopting pets, especially dogs, has been a global pastime. It has solved many people’s need for companionship and comfort in a time of stress and isolation.

There have been dozens of stories on how the rate of adoption has exploded. There have been dozens more on what will become of the many pandemic pets that now exist in the world.

But has there actually been a pet boom at all? Or has there been a boom of a different kind? One which says far more about humankind and pet culture. We also explore how writing this article changed Nick’s relationship with his own dog?

Nick Paumgarten has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 2005. His most recent piece in the magazine is about the curious relationship between people and dogs in the time of Covid. He lives with his family in Manhattan. Their dog, Kiekko, is an eight-year-old rescue mutt from Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

Twitter @NickPaumgarten

Twitter @NewYorker

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/06/28/what-will-become-of-the-pandemic-pets

About The Long Leash 

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE to The Long Leash so you’ll never miss out!  

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. 

Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By day Chris Roy is an IT professional and by night and weekends, he’s an avid animal rescuer, pilot and superhero who loves to dream up new ways that technology can help people help animals.

Chris Roy started flying animal rescues, transporting shelter dogs from high-kill locations to places where they were more likely to be adopted. But realizing that coordinating the ground and aviation legs was not as simple as it could be, he created a system to coordinate the trips . And he named it after his cat: Doobert.

Doobert is a volunteer based Uber-like service with tens of thousands of volunteers across the US, that any rescue or shelter can use. It is kind of like match.com where rescues and shelters connect with each other and with volunteers who transport the animals wherever they need to go.

The online platform has become a household name in the world of pet rescue, and it all started with a 17-year-old, 15-pound cat called Doobert.

About Chris Roy and Doobert

Chris Roy is the father of several cats and dogs and the creator of Doobert.com, an online software platform for animal welfare volunteers and organizations. As a multi-engine pilot from Milwaukee, Chris has flown hundreds of animal rescue missions and has helped relocate animals from high-kill shelters to no-kill shelters, rescues, and sanctuaries. With his experience and expertise in IT, he continues to look for ways to make it easier for everyone to help animals. Chris is a transformative, global leader in Information Technology and innovative technology disruptor in Animal Welfare.

https://www.facebook.com/Doobertrescue

https://twitter.com/Doobert

https://www.instagram.com/doobert/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/doobert

https://www.youtube.com/c/Doobert

https://www.tiktok.com/#pipsrescue/

About The Long Leash 

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE to The Long Leash so you’ll never miss out!  

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. 

Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Kincaid has been rescuing dogs for over 10 years, but her journey with special needs pups started with two German Shepherds – Keena and her amputated leg and Mr Magoo who was blind.

There was an instant connection and one that propelled Nicole down the path of establishing Perfectly Imperfect Pups rescue, or PIP for short, which specializes in dogs with special needs.

Whether a dog is missing a leg, deaf, blind, is in a wheelchair or just needs some extra support, Nicole and her team give it the love and care it needs, and then finds the perfect fosters or adopters who are ready to embrace a dog with special needs.

Her story is genuine and heart-warming, from starting the rescue to the many amazing ‘tails’ of the Pip-Abled and all the ups and downs that go along with it.

About Nicole Kincaid & PIPs

Perfectly Imperfect Pups (PIPs) founder and director Nicole Kincaid’s mission is to build a community of like-minded, dog rescue ninjas that strives to save the lives of at-risk dogs. PIPs primary focus are medical and special needs dogs that are often overlooked. We call these dogs “PIP-abled” which means perfectly imperfect. A dog that may need a wheelchair, is missing limbs, deaf, blind or in need of some extra love and care is their niche. While they love and focus on PIP-abled dogs; puppies, healthy adult dogs, and seniors they are inclusive of all dogs in need. All foster pups are kept in foster homes, and while they do not have a permanent location currently, that’s the long-term plan. PIP does not receive funding and runs solely on donations and adoption fees.

https://pipsrescue.org//

https://www.facebook.com/pipsrescue/

https://www.instagram.com/pipsrescue/

https://www.tiktok.com/#pipsrescue/

Links to The Dodo videos mentioned in this episode

The Dodo: Tony does zoomies for the first time

The Dodo: The charmed sisters

About The Long Leash 

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE to The Long Leash so you’ll never miss out!  

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. 

Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jennifer Anniston, John Legend and Ariana Grande all have something in common beyond being celebrities. They’ve all been connected to their new furry best friends by celebrity pet matchmaker Melissa Bacelar.

Based in Hollywood, Melissa has a starring role in the pet matchmaking business. She has a driving ambition to build a career focused on rescuing, rehabilitating and finding forever homes for dogs experiencing homelessness. And she’s a blockbuster success: since March, 2020, Wagmor Pets has rescued and rehomed more than 2,500 dogs ... some of them with A-list animal lovers.

Her client list may be packed with stars, but the secret to her success is knowing that even the most prestigious careers don't erase humanity. Her clients are people, like you and I … they’re just looking for a pooch to love and care for and to become a part of the family.

Of course, being a celebrity and adopting a dog is not as straightforward as it sounds. Here Melissa shares her behind the scenes stories of bringing some big stars together with their rescue dogs. She also explains how a chance meeting with a talk show host has changed her life forever.

About Melissa Bacelar 

Wagmor Pets is a non-profit international dog rescue devoted to helping solve the issue of dogs experiencing homelessness. It is committed to preventing cruelty and promoting kindness to animals with an overall aim is to reduce animal suffering and increase animal wellbeing. The work to rehome dogs to responsible and caring homes where they can thrive and live happy lives, was founded by Melissa Bacelar, celebrity pet matchmaker and dog expert. During the pandemic, from March 2020 to today, Wagmor Pets has rescued more than 2,800 dogs. 

https://www.wagmorpets.org/ 

https://www.instagram.com/wagmorpets/?hl=en 

https://www.facebook.com/Wagmorpets/ 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WARNING: May cause excessive cuddling, so have tissues handy.

International bestselling author Dean Koontz joins us for a long and gratifying chat. The subject? Dogs, of course.

Dogs who have strangled him, inspired him, comforted him, and loved him.

Dogs who have strengthened his marriage and kept his family safe.

Dogs whose kisses felt like kismet.

Dogs who laughed, and played, and watched movies.

Dogs who serve Koontz, his wife Gerda, and his many friends with noble service.

Dogs who co-authored several of his books.

Dogs have entwined themselves in, featured in, and shaped Dean Koontz's writing career.

And now, in his seventies, he has a lot of heartfelt, inspiring, and hilarious tails to spin.

Your dog wants you to listen to this chat with one of our most kind, prolific, successful, talented writers.

100% Dog Satisfaction Guarantee:

Dogs, get ready for tasty treats, because this episode will prime your human to dispense them.

About Dean Koontz

International bestselling author Dean Koontz has written more than 105 novels, a number of novellas and short stories, and has sold over 500 million copies to date. Fourteen of his novels have risen to number one on the New York Times hardcover bestseller list, making him one of only a dozen writers ever to have achieved that milestone. After graduating from Shippensburg State College Dean Koontz wrote nights and weekends around other jobs to launch his career as an author. With the support of his wife Gerda, Dean eventually made his mark and she eventually quit her job to run the business end of her husband’s writing career. The couple live in Southern California with their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirit of their goldens now passed, Trixie and Anna. 

https://www.facebook.com/deankoontzofficial/ 

https://twitter.com/deankoontz 

https://www.instagram.com/deankoontzofficial/ 

https://canine.org/ 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Partners in life, as well as art, documentary makers Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker travelled the world, looking at the simple and extraordinary ways that dogs influence our daily lives.

“We Don’t Deserve Dogs” is described by the pair as a contemplative odyssey across the planet, from former child soldiers in Uganda to the local pub in a Scottish town to a dog walker on the streets of Istanbul, this film is a kaleidoscope of unconventional portraits from fascinating locations.

This is their second feature length documentary following “Barbecue” – about the ritual of cooking meat over an open flame. At the core, their films seek to tell global stories about the power of community, the role of tradition, and how unique cultural experiences shape the human condition.

Those themes are absolutely captured in “We Don’t Deserve Dogs” and this conversation reveals not just the inner workings of the film, but the filmmaking process they used and the impact the Coronavirus pandemic had on its release.

About Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker

Matthew Salleh and Rose Tucker are an Australian born, Brooklyn based documentary filmmaking duo. Their debut feature Barbecue world premiered at SXSW in 2017, was picked up for a three year global release by Netflix, and won the 2018 James Beard Award for Best Documentary.

Their second feature documentary, We Don't Deserve Dogs, was selected to premiere in competition at SXSW 2020, which was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The film recommenced its festival run later in 2020, with selections at major festivals including Warsaw Film Festival, Miami Film Festival GEMS, and the Brisbane International Film Festival.

Matt and Rosie's films are consistent festival favorites, screening at over 40 film festivals. Their short documentary Pablo’s Villa was the recipient of the 2014 ATOM Award for Best Australian Short Documentary, and Central Texas Barbecue was awarded Best Short Film at the 2015 New York Food Film Festival.

https://www.wedontdeservedogs.com/

About The Long Leash 

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!  

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. 

Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kristin Morrison is not only a seasoned veteran when it comes to the pet business world, but an inspiration on how to be successful.

Kristin has written numerous books on how to do that, including 30 Days to Start and Grow Your Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Business, and How to Recover From Pet Business Burnout. She also coaches others on how to build a successful pet business through her ‘Six-Figure Pet Business Academy’.

But it’s not been a walk in the ‘dog’ park. When Kristin started her pet sitting business in the 1990’s she was working up to 100 hours a week. She realized there had to be a better way to do the thing she loved, while making money and with a better work-life balance.

That light bulb moment was the catalyst for the incredible success she has had since. There have of course been ups and downs, lots of learning and relearning and a soul-searching recovery from burnout. But as Kristin is about sharing her experiences to help others and she has been generous in sharing her journey with The Long Leash. 

About Kristin Morrison 

Kristin Morrison has been featured on Yahoo Finance, ABC, NBC, CBS, Good Morning Arizona, and in Marketwatch, New York Post, Yahoo, Dogster Magazine, etc. 

Kristin is the founder of Six-Figure Pet Business Academy™ where she offers business coaching, online courses and webinars. 

She is the host of the "Prosperous Pet Business" podcast and the author of six books. 

https://www.sixfigurepetbusinessacademy.com/ 

The Long Leash 

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out!  

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Long Leash conversation,, we’ll find out what Fear Free is and why it’s been a game changer for veterinarians AND dogs, gain insights into how dogs grieve loss, and explore the impact on our furry friends as we emerge from the pandemic.

Steve has been a trusted voice in the world of pet health for over 20 years. You have likely heard him on the radio, seen him on TV, read him in print and online, and watched him speaking at events around the world. His contributions to advancing pet wellness have earned him many awards and recognition around the globe.

https://stevedalepetworld.com/

https://www.avma.org/events/national-dog-bite-prevention-week

https://twitter.com/stevedalepets?s=20

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a talent executive for the likes of late show host Conan O’Brien, Lori Levine knows better than most ‘the show must go on’. But how do you do that when you lose three four-legged friends in one year?

That was Lori’s family’s reality in 2020, when amid the Coronavirus pandemic and the many associated stresses, they said goodbye to their dogs Suki, Casey and Kipper one after another.

How she coped and the insights she gained came as a result of some hard-won wisdom from her past, a special Warren Zevon song and a tight knit ‘Brady Bunch’ family unit, who carried each other through a difficult time.

Lori is sharing her story in the hope it will help you face your dog’s death when the time comes. It is probably a good idea to have a tissue on hand … but brace yourself for some belly laughs too, as this dynamo is one waggish storyteller.

About Lori Levine

Lori Levine, founder of Flying Television, is a pioneer in the world of strategic entertainment marketing and events. The driving force behind some of the most recognizable entertainment promotions and parties of the past decade, Lori harnesses the power of celebrity to elevate brands above the clutter of the modern media landscape. As a talent executive for NBC’s “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” Lori earned widespread acclaim for her ability to keep the show at the cutting edge of pop culture and ensure a constant flow of A-list guests. The list of celebrities who look to her for insight and counsel – among them Kate Hudson, Usher, Will Smith, Robert Downey Jr., Jimmy Fallon, and Kim Kardashian – is a testament to her ability to make and keep friends close.   

Social Media Instagram: @FlyingTV, @LoriLevineFTV 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-levine-721b9b4/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlyingTelevision/

About The Long Leash

Thank you for joining us. If you have enjoyed listening, please SUBSCRIBE so you’ll never miss out! 

Check out Dog Podcast Network for other dog-adjacent shows.

Follow us in Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices