Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian sits down with Glen Patten, founder of Pawprints Cremation, for a gentle and genuinely important conversation about a topic that does not get nearly enough attention.

Glen shares how a combination of personal loss, a gap in the market and a deep love for animals led him to establish Ireland's first individual pet cremation service in 2011. He walks through the full process - from collection and traceability to the return of ashes - and explains the rigorous licensing and inspection requirements that govern the service. The conversation also covers the wide range of keepsakes available, from paw prints and nose prints to jewellery containing ashes, and why even planning ahead while a pet is still alive can make an enormous difference when the time comes.

Glen shares some remarkable stories from over a decade of supporting families - including rushing to complete a cremation for a family visiting from the UK who could not leave Ireland without their pet - and offers practical advice on what to look for when choosing a cremation provider.

A quietly powerful listen for any dog owner.

Websites & Social Media

Pawprints Cremation
Website: pawprintscremation.ie
Instagram: @pawprintscremation

Ruby Reese
Website: ruby-reese.ie
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Sorcha Delargy, lead vet and practice partner at Village Vets Raheny, for a practical and reassuring conversation about fear free veterinary care.

Sorcha explains what the fear free approach actually means - caring for animals in the least stressful way possible while still delivering excellent medicine - and why it is a win for pets, owners and vets alike. She walks through the signs of stress and anxiety to look out for in dogs and cats, what owners can do at home and on the day to help, and how her team approaches consultations differently to build trust and keep animals calm.

The conversation also covers the importance of starting positive vet experiences from puppyhood, how fear free becomes even more important as dogs age, and why a fear free approach never means avoiding necessary treatment - just delivering it in a more thoughtful and planned way.

A genuinely helpful episode for anyone who has ever felt anxious about bringing their pet to the vet.

This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie.

Websites & Social Media

Village VetsWebsite: villagevets.ie
Instagram: @villagevets.ireland @villagevetsraheny

Ruby Reese
Website: ruby-reese.ie
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is rejoined by Suzi Walsh, animal behaviourist and founder of dogbehaviour.ie, for a wide-ranging and genuinely enjoyable conversation about the importance of play for dogs.

Suzi unpacks what play actually means - and why it looks different for every dog depending on breed, age, history and personality. She explains how play supports brain development, emotional regulation and bonding, and what the science tells us about what happens in the brain during play. The conversation covers solo play, interspecies play, and the often underestimated value of playing directly with your own dog.

Suzi also addresses some of the biggest misconceptions around play - including the myth that dogs should want to play with every dog they meet, the problems with over-relying on fetch, and why a tired dog is not always a happy one. She shares how play features in her behaviour modification work and why mixing up activities - particularly those that involve sniffing and problem-solving - is so important for mental wellbeing.

A warm, practical and thought-provoking listen for every dog owner.

Websites & Social Media

Suzi Walsh - dogbehaviour.ie Website: dogbehaviour.ie Instagram: @dogbehaviour.ie

Ruby Reese Website: ruby-reese.ie Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie Website: dognutrition.ie Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

References:

Affenzeller, N., Palme, R. & Zulch, H. (2017). Playful activity post-learning improves training performance in Labrador Retriever dogs. Physiology & Behavior.

Beerda, B. et al. (1997). Manifestations of chronic and acute stress in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Beerda, B. et al. (1998). Behavioural, saliva cortisol and heart rate responses to different types of stimuli in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Horváth, Z. et al. (2008). Affiliative and disciplinary behaviour of human handlers during play with their dog affects cortisol concentrations in opposite directions. Hormones and Behavior.

Miller, S. L. et al. (2022). The importance of evaluating positive welfare characteristics and temperament in working therapy dogs. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

Rooney, N. J. & Bradshaw, J. W. S. (2003). Links between play and dominance and attachment dimensions of dog–human relationships. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science.

Rossi, A. et al. (2018). Hormonal correlates of exploratory and play-soliciting behavior in domestic dogs. Frontiers in Psychology.

Shiverdecker, M. D., Schiml, P. A. & Hennessy, M. B. (2013). Human interaction moderates plasma cortisol and behavioral responses of dogs to shelter housing. Physiology & Behavior.

Sipple, N. et al. (2021). Intraspecific and interspecific attachment between cohabitant dogs and human caregivers. Integrative and Comparative Biology.

Chmelíková, E. et al. (2020). Salivary cortisol as a marker of acute stress in dogs: a review. Domestic Animal Endocrinology. 

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Neil O'Sullivan, Veterinary Surgeon at Village Vets Cloyne, for an eye-opening conversation about soft tissue surgery and orthopaedics in dogs.

Neil explains the key differences between the two disciplines, what recovery looks like for each, and why post-operative care at home plays such a crucial role in the success of any procedure. He shares practical advice on spotting the early signs of pain or reduced mobility, when to call the vet, and how to tell the difference between a minor issue and something that needs prompt attention.

The conversation also covers cruciate ligament injuries, developmental conditions such as hip dysplasia and OCD, breed predispositions to joint problems, and how weight management and age-appropriate exercise can make a real difference - particularly in large and giant breed puppies. Neil also addresses some common myths around surgery and offers a thoughtful takeaway for every dog owner.

This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie. And if you are interested in their Pet Health Plan you can find out more at https://www.villagevets.ie/pet-health-plan

Websites & Social Media

Village Vets 

Website: villagevets.ie 

Instagram: @villagevets.ireland

Ruby Reese 

Website: ruby-reese.ie 

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie 

Website: dognutrition.ie 

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Pete Wedderburn - widely known as Pete the Vet - veterinary surgeon at Village Vets in Bray and one of Ireland's most recognisable voices in animal welfare and pet care.

Pete shares his remarkable journey from vet school in Edinburgh to working in Africa, travelling the world, and eventually settling in Ireland - where he has been practising for over 35 years. He reflects on how the human-pet relationship has changed dramatically over that time, and what that means for veterinary care today.

The conversation covers common misconceptions around pet behaviour, exotic animals and vet costs, the importance of pet insurance, and why animals are such powerful models of mindfulness. Pete also shares what drew him to media work, the philosophy behind always saying yes to opportunities, and introduces his own wonderful cast of dogs, cats and hens.

This episode is sponsored by Village Vets, caring for pets across Ireland since 1980. Find out more at villagevets.ie. And if you are interested in their Pet Health Plan you can find out more at https://www.villagevets.ie/pet-health-plan

Websites & Social Media

Pete the Vet
Website: petethevet.com Instagram: @pete.wedderburn

Village Vets

Website: villagevets.ie Instagram: @villagevets.ireland

Ruby Reese

Website: ruby-reese.ie Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined in the studio by Chris O'Keeffe, dog nutritionist and co-founder of dognutrition.ie, for a practical guide to decoding dog food labels.

Chris explains why the front of a packet is largely marketing, and why the ingredients list on the back is where the real information lies. He walks through how ingredients are ordered by weight in their pre-dried state - and why this can be misleading - before breaking down the difference between terms like chicken, poultry and meat derivatives, and what ingredient splitting really means.

The conversation also covers regulated terms such as organic, complete, complementary and life stage claims, contrasted with unregulated buzzwords like natural, holistic, premium and grain free. Chris shares the red flags he looks out for as a nutritionist, the most common mistakes dog owners make when reading labels, and what he would like to see changed in pet food regulation.

An essential listen for anyone who wants to make more confident choices at the pet food aisle.

Want to learn more? Use the discount code Podcast30 to save 30 on our canine nutrition course at ruby-reese.ie.

Websites & Social Media

Ruby Reese
Website: ruby-reese.ie
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapter List

00:16 Introduction and episode overview

01:26 Welcome to Chris O'Keeffe, dog nutritionist and co-founder of dognutrition.ie

01:40 Why the front of the packet is just marketing

03:03 The ingredients list - the most important part of any label

03:37 How ingredients are ordered by weight

04:16 How ingredients lists can be misleading

05:39 The mixing bowl stage and water weight explained

07:16 Why fresh and natural do not always mean what we think

07:50 The case for dry matter labelling

09:56 When percentages have to be declared

10:24 Dog nutrition course mention and discount code

11:37 Chicken, poultry and meat derivatives - what is the difference?

13:20 Vague ingredient terms and food intolerances

14:15 Does a longer or shorter ingredients list mean better quality?

15:44 Ingredient splitting explained

17:32 FEDIAF, AAFCO and what certifications actually mean

18:38 Complete and balanced - what it really means

20:28 Complete versus complementary for raw feeders

21:13 Regulated versus unregulated buzzwords

23:57 Grain free - what it does and does not tell you

25:40 Fillers, byproducts and other unregulated terms

28:16 The biggest label reading mistakes dog owners make

29:44 Red flags to look out for on pet food packaging

32:21 What Chris would change about pet food labelling

33:07 Closing thoughts

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian is joined by Claire O'Donnell, veterinary physiotherapist and owner of the Canine Clinic in Cork, for a deep dive into clinical hydrotherapy for dogs.

Claire explains how hydrotherapy differs from ordinary swimming, breaking down the properties of water - buoyancy, resistance, hydrostatic pressure and warmth - that make it such a powerful rehabilitation environment. She covers the most common conditions she treats, from cruciate repairs and hip dysplasia to spinal conditions, soft tissue injuries, weight management and age-related mobility issues, and walks through what a typical session looks like from start to finish.

The conversation also explores the growing case for preventative care, the parallels between human and canine rehabilitation, and how hydrotherapy can sometimes help dogs avoid surgery altogether - as it did for Killian's own dog, Ruby.

A practical and eye-opening episode for any dog guardian curious about what hydrotherapy really involves.

Websites & Social Media

The Canine Clinic

Website: thecanineclinic.com

Instagram: @thecanineclinicandspa

Ruby Reese

Website: ruby-reese.ie

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapter List

00:00 Introduction and summer update 

03:55 Welcome back to Claire O'Donnell of the Canine Clinic 

04:11 Guest introduction - physiotherapy, hydrotherapy and the therapeutic dog spa 

05:03 What is clinical hydrotherapy and how does it differ from swimming? 

08:14 The properties of water that make it an effective rehabilitation environment 

11:02 Growing awareness of canine physiotherapy and hydrotherapy 

12:14 The parallels between human and canine rehabilitation 

14:24 The most common conditions treated with hydrotherapy 

18:12 Hydrotherapy for senior dogs and weight management cases 

18:50 The value of pre-operative hydrotherapy 

19:45 Ruby's story - avoiding knee surgery through hydrotherapy 

23:07 What a typical hydrotherapy session looks like from start to finish 

30:21 Electrotherapies - laser and pulsed electromagnetic therapy 

32:34 Common misconceptions about hydrotherapy 

34:50 Hydrotherapy as strength and conditioning, not just rehabilitation 

35:20 Closing thoughts and thank you

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian sits down with Claire O'Donnell of the Canine Clinic in Cork and Alex Daly, co-founders of supplement company Truffle Hound, to explore the world of functional mushrooms for dogs.

Claire and Alex explain how their backgrounds in veterinary physiotherapy and human naturopathy led them to spot a gap in the canine supplement market, and how that inspired Truffle Hound. They break down what makes functional mushrooms different from culinary varieties, the bioactive compounds involved, and the specific benefits of mushrooms like reishi (liver support), lion's mane (cognitive and gut health) and turkey tail (immune support).

The conversation also touches on the wider shift towards preventative, holistic care in the dog world, the parallels between human and canine wellness, and why it's so important for dog guardians to look beyond flashy packaging and check what's actually in their supplements.

A thoughtful, practical discussion for anyone interested in natural approaches to canine wellbeing.

The Truffle Hound products are also available in our online shop: https://ruby-reese.ie/search?q=truffelhound 

Websites & Social Media

Truffle Hound

Website: trufflehound.ie

Instagram: @trufflehoundco

Ruby Reese

Website: ruby-reese.ie

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapter

00:00 Introduction and podcast update

03:00 Welcome to Claire and Alex from Truffle Hound

03:13 Guest introductions: veterinary physiotherapy and human naturopathy backgrounds

04:14 The gap in the market and the idea behind Truffle Hound

08:00 The story behind the Truffle Hound name

09:47 What are functional mushrooms and how do they differ from culinary mushrooms?

12:17 Common misconceptions about mushrooms

14:00 Mushrooms in pharmaceutical history

14:39 Truffle Hound's product range and key mushrooms (reishi, lion's mane, turkey tail)

18:42 Canine nutrition course - special listener offer

19:25 The shift towards proactive, preventative dog care

22:21 Parallels between human and canine wellness

24:03 Joint health and early intervention in younger dogs

25:43 Frustration with poor-quality supplements on the market

26:42 Reading ingredient labels and avoiding marketing fillers

30:27 Working with veterinary nutritionists to develop the range

31:18 Closing thoughts and where to find Truffle Hound

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by Lea Chevalier from Calm That Snout to discuss the complex and emotional topic of pain in dogs.

Lea shares both professional insights and personal experiences of living with dogs affected by chronic pain. Together, Killian and Lea explore how pain can change a dog’s behaviour, from increased sensitivity and lower tolerance to restlessness, bite behaviour, reactivity, or changes in mobility. They also discuss why signs of pain are often mistaken for quirks, habits, or training issues.

A key part of the conversation focuses on the guilt many dog guardians feel when they realise their dog may have been in pain. Lea highlights that this guilt is understandable, but that owners can only act on what they know. The episode also covers gastrointestinal issues, musculoskeletal pain, exercise changes, professional collaboration, and the importance of finding a good vet, behaviour consultant, physiotherapist, nutritionist, or wider care team to create a clear plan forward.

Find out more about Lea and Calm That Snout:

Instagram: @calm_that_snout

Website: https://dog-training.ie/https://dog-training.ie/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Lea Chevalier and her work

01:01 - Why dog pain is such an emotional topic

02:46 - How chronic pain can change a dog’s behaviour

06:23 - Pain, quirks, habits, and missed signs

07:36 - Pain as a stressor and lowered tolerance

08:42 - Why guardians often feel guilt around dog pain

12:57 - Good intentions, guilt, and doing the best with what we know

14:34 - The human emotional impact of living with a dog in pain

16:07 - Why having a plan can bring relief

17:20 - When pain explains challenging puppy behaviour

21:57 - How pain can affect the human-dog relationship

23:59 - Simple changes that can make a big difference

24:54 - Gastrointestinal issues, giardia, and behaviour changes

26:43 - Musculoskeletal pain and exercise adjustments

28:09 - Working with vets, physios, nutritionists, and other professionals

31:13 - How to advocate for your dog when pain is suspected

32:34 - Pain trials and what they can help identify

38:22 - Low-impact exercise and enrichment ideas

41:14 - Grieving the dog you thought you would have

43:29 - Advice for guardians who suspect their dog is in pain

46:27 - Why professional collaboration matters

47:55 - Turning knowledge into action

50:48 - Final thoughts and where to get support

In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, host Killian is joined by returning guest Darina Strong from Polaris Dog Training to talk about management as a dog training tool.

Darina explains that management means controlling the environment as much as possible to prevent unwanted behaviours from being practised. This might include using a long line while recall is still being trained, putting frosted film on windows to reduce barking, keeping food off counters, using baby gates, tidying away shoes, or offering appropriate chewing outlets.

Killian and Darina explore why management is often undervalued, even though many training plans are unlikely to succeed without it. They also discuss safety, especially around children, resource guarding, bolting out doors, or dangerous household behaviours. The conversation highlights how management can work alongside training, enrichment, scent work, routines, and realistic expectations to help dogs succeed in a human-centred world.

Course: The Basics of Dog Food and Nutrition - for Dog Professionals

Exclusive Discount: For your loyal podcast listeners we created a special €30 off discount code to save on the course. Use Podcast30 at checkout or click on the link above and the discount will be added automatically at checkout.

Find out more about Darina and Polaris Dog Training:

Instagram: @polarisdogtraining

Website: https://polarisdog.training/

Find out more about Ruby Reese:

Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial

Website: www.ruby-reese.com

Find out more about dognutrition.ie:

Instagram: @dognutrition.ie

Website: dognutrition.ie

Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

01:40 Introducing Darina and her dog training background

02:37 Defining management in dog training

03:46 Using management alongside training for effective results

05:03 Managing counter-surfing and resource guarding behaviours

06:44 Why management is often undervalued by dog owners

08:57 The importance of environment management for long-term success

11:08 Can management alone resolve behavioural issues?

13:03 Management in dangerous or high-risk situations

15:28 Practical management tools: baby gates, leashes, and environment control

20:31 Managing natural behaviours like digging and chewing

26:38 Management in public settings and social environments

34:34 Overcoming resistance to management strategies

37:19 Handling opinions and societal judgments about dog management

43:20 Preemptive management and planning for safety

44:26 Closing remarks and thanks