The Wag Pod

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Dave Zimmerman, founder of Project Kena, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to giving senior and special needs dogs a second chance.

While many incredible rescues rely on foster networks, Project Kena takes a different approach — raising funds to cover transport and medical costs for dogs who are often just days or hours from being euthanized. Through teamwork, heart, and community generosity, Dave and his group make sure those dogs reach safety and find the homes they deserve.

In this episode, Dave talks about how Project Kena runs behind the scenes, the challenges of rescue work, and the moments that make it all worth it. His care for these dogs is real, and his approach shows what rescue can look like when it’s powered by love and purpose.

A reminder that compassion doesn’t always mean taking a dog home—it can also mean making sure they get there.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Marisa McGovern, a California native, fellow Tar Heel, and proud dog mom to Rigatoni the Fluffy Corgi. Marisa is currently earning her master’s in Nutrition, Healthspan, and Longevity at USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, building on her background in Nutrition, Health, and Society from UNC.

What began as Marisa running out of storage on her camera roll turned into @rigipastapup — a digital diary that evolved into a creative outlet full of memes, voiceovers, and everyday dog moments. Her mix of humor, spontaneity, and positive energy has built a loyal following that celebrates the fun side of pet ownership.

In this episode, Richmond and Marisa talk about how Rigatoni’s account grew from casual posts to a genuine community, how to keep believing in your content even when you worry what others might think, and the importance of creating for joy instead of validation. They also revisit college life during the COVID years, touch on mental health, and talk about keeping a balanced mindset while building something online.

Rigatoni’s story really took off when Marisa brought her to the Winter Corgi Nationals with her brother. Known for her speed, Rigatoni sprinted straight for her brother’s stinky sock and somehow ended up taking third place overall. Since then, she’s become an active member of the SoCal Corgi Nation, showing up to community events like the Corgi Nation Beach Vacation and making friends wherever she goes.

A fun, grounded conversation about dogs, creativity, and staying true to what you love. Check out the full conversation in Episode 30 of The Wag Pod 🎙️

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jennifer Michalak of Jennuine Pet Services, a Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist (CPCN) through the Feed Real Institute, an organization recognized for advancing science-based nutrition education in the pet industry.

With nearly a decade of hands-on experience in veterinary assistance, pet nutrition, grooming, and natural pet food retail, Jennifer now focuses on holistic wellness coaching for pets and their people. She shares how her approach blends species-appropriate nutrition, herbal support, and toxin-free living to help pet parents make informed, balanced choices for their animals.

Jennifer also discusses her new product, Bloom & Balance — a daily food topper made from organic freeze-dried microgreens and supportive herbs that promotes digestive health and overall vitality.

Throughout the episode, Jennifer makes clear that she is not a veterinarian and does not diagnose or treat medical conditions. Her work is focused on education and complementary wellness designed to support, not replace, traditional veterinary care.

This episode explores what it means to take a thoughtful, holistic approach to your pet’s health — one rooted in education, balance, and genuine care.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Michael Schneider, founder and executive director of Pilots To The Rescue, an organization that combines a love for aviation with a mission to save animals’ lives. Michael’s journey into aviation began at 35 with a spontaneous skydive that sparked a passion for flying. Just a few years later, he launched Pilots To The Rescue in 2015, blending his skills as a commercial pilot with his dedication to animal welfare.

Over the past decade, Pilots To The Rescue has grown into a national network of volunteer pilots and ground transport teams, moving at-risk animals from overcrowded shelters to rescues and adoption centers where they can thrive. With more than 1,200 flight hours and the recent addition of their Kodiak 100 plane, affectionately named Big Paw, Michael and his team now transport not only cats and dogs, but also endangered wildlife like red wolves and cold-stunned sea turtles. Their work fills a critical gap in the rescue process, ensuring that animals are spared from euthanasia and given a second chance at life.

Beyond the cockpit, Michael has built a community-driven nonprofit that partners with shelters, foundations, and national organizations to respond to disasters, evacuate animals in crisis, and inspire hope for both pets and people. Celebrating 10 years in 2025, Pilots To The Rescue is expanding its fleet and impact, proving that passion, creativity, and compassion can quite literally lift lives into the sky.

In this episode, Michael shares how a late-in-life career pivot led him to create lasting change, why air transport is vital for rescue operations, and what fuels his commitment to saving animals—and the humans who love them. His story is one of reinvention, resilience, and proving that sometimes the shortest flight path leads to the biggest difference.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Joanne Wetzel, founder of Five Freedoms Photography, whose path to pet photography was anything but ordinary. A serial entrepreneur, Joanne first built a career freelancing in hair and makeup, photographing weddings, headshots, and events. In 2017, she began volunteering at her local animal shelter walking adoptable dogs — an experience that inspired her to pick up a camera and ultimately launch Five Freedoms.

Since 2021, Joanne has photographed more than 850 rescue dogs and helped raise nearly $80,000 for local animal rescue efforts. Through Five Freedoms Photography, she creates vibrant, artwork-focused portraits that celebrate both pets and their people, while giving back through her Pup-to-Pup program. Her sessions are rooted in her background with dog rescue and her force-free training certification, making the experience joyful, stress-free, and deeply personal for both dogs and their families.

Behind the lens, Joanne continues to bring the same creativity and drive that fueled her earlier businesses. She has transformed Five Freedoms into a brand that blends artistry with advocacy — from working with private clients to supporting rescues through fundraising and awareness campaigns. Along the way, she’s built a reputation not only for stunning images, but also for championing community, compassion, and connection.

In this episode, Joanne shares the lessons learned across her entrepreneurial journey, how she balances artistry with impact, and why capturing the bond between people and their dogs has become her life’s work. At its core, her story is about reinvention, community, and using creativity to make a difference.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Anouk Lodder and Ingmar Donker, the Dutch couple behind Dyce de Rottweiler, a social media sensation who has captured hearts across the world. In just one year, Dyce grew to over 370,000 TikTok followers and built thriving communities on Facebook and YouTube — all by simply being his goofy, sock-stealing, tail-wagging self.

Anouk and Ingmar share what it’s like raising Dyce, a four-year-old (soon-to-be five) Rottweiler, splitting his time between their home and Anouk’s parents. From stealing iPads to charming neighbors who once crossed the street to avoid him, Dyce has flipped the script on the “scary Rottweiler” stereotype — showing instead a playful, loving companion who lives to make people smile.

Behind the scenes, Anouk leads on content creation — spotting trends and putting her own twist on them — while Ingmar manages the business side, from emails to collaborations with companies and artists looking to feature Dyce. Together, they balance creativity and strategy, building a brand that’s both joyful and sustainable.

We dive into their journey of viral growth, the ups and downs of internet fame, and their hopes for the future — from TikTok shop opportunities to inspiring other Rottweiler parents. At its heart, their story is about joy, community, and breaking the stigma around big dogs.

Tune in to hear how Dyce became a global ambassador for fun, laughter, and the softer side of Rottweilers. 🐾

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Shelby Grillo, owner of Posh Paws Pet Spa & Boutique in Wantagh, NY.

During college, Shelby worked at the zoo — an experience that highlighted her lifelong love for animals and gave her valuable hands-on perspective. But it was her dog, Capone, who inspired her to dive deeper into the grooming world. What began as a way to care for him became a passion that grew into Posh Paws Pet Spa & Boutique. Today, Posh Paws is known for offering stress-free, personalized grooming experiences through an appointment-based model that keeps the salon calm and welcoming for every pet. The boutique side adds to the experience, featuring quality accessories, treats, and products for every occasion.

In this episode, Shelby talks about her journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of continuing education in grooming, and what it’s like to lead her team while running a growing business. She also shares some of the creative touches she enjoys bringing into her work, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

✨ Whether you’re a pet parent, a groomer, or someone curious about turning passion into a business, Shelby’s story is one of love, dedication, and building something truly meaningful.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Jessica Fisher, a Certified Holistic Pet Health Coach, Certified Professional Canine Nutritionist, and host of The Pet Parenting Reset. Jessica works with “2.0 pet parents” — those who want to go beyond the basics and invest in their pets’ long-term health and happiness.

In this episode, Jessica shares how raw nutrition, food therapy, and holistic health practices can support pets at every stage of life. We talk about the science behind certain food choices, the real-world challenges of balancing time and money, and how preventive care can reduce the risks of chronic illness.

Jessica’s mission is to bridge the gap between veterinarians and pet parents, offering practical tools and knowledge that help pets thrive. This conversation will encourage you to rethink what it means to be a pet parent today and inspire you to take simple, effective steps toward better health for your pets.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Carter Easler, Director of Education at MycoDog and its sister company, CBD Dog Health, two leaders in natural wellness for pets. With professionalism, passion, and deep knowledge of the products, Carter explains how MycoDog crafts mushroom tinctures that are locally sourced, dual-extracted, and uncompromising in quality—providing dogs with powerful support for cognition, immunity, and overall vitality. Backed by years of expertise as a cannabis educator and holistic practitioner, Carter shares how MycoDog is more than just supplements—it’s a promise to give our pets the very best that nature has to offer. Whether you’re a pet parent seeking alternatives to conventional treatments or simply curious about the science of mushrooms, this episode offers insight into a movement that’s changing how we care for our animals.

Richmond Griner of Wag Works chats with Mollie Doll, co-founder of Freedom Ride Rescue, a foster-based nonprofit that has saved over 3,600 dogs in just six years. Based in the Raleigh/Clayton area, Freedom Ride Rescue has built a tight-knit network of fosters, volunteers, and donors who work around the clock to provide medical care, training, and—most importantly—love. Their mission is especially urgent in North Carolina, a state with one of the highest euthanasia rates for dogs in the country. Whether you’re a pet lover, a potential foster, or simply someone inspired by grassroots change, Mollie’s story will remind you of the power we all have to save lives.