Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.

On this episode of Why Do Pets Matter?, I had the honor of speaking with Jeremy Cohen, founder of Boston Dog Lawyers, and his client Brett Lyman, who together made legal history in Massachusetts with the landmark case Lyman v. Lancer.

Jeremy and Brett share their journey navigating the complexities of a groundbreaking case that ultimately led to Massachusetts recognizing shared custody agreements for pets. We discussed the thoughtful and patient approach they took, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the pet's best interests over the human desire to "win."

Join us as we explore the intersection of compassion, law, and the transformative power of pets in our lives. This conversation beautifully illustrates why pets truly matter.

Watch: https://youtu.be/9f5z3ka6es8

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-cohen-68b037a/

https://www.bostondoglawyers.com/jeremy-cohen

Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Kate Boatright on this week’s episode of Why Do Pets Matter — and let me tell you, what a powerful conversation! 💙

Kate is an incredible advocate for mentorship and the importance of spectrum of care in veterinary medicine. She shares so beautifully about the lessons she’s learned (the wins and the wobbles!), and how she’s created a much-needed space to support both new grads and the mentors guiding them.

We also talked about the deep, emotional ways pets have shaped our lives — including the dog that helped her mom through breast cancer and my own story about a pup who carried a family through a scary diagnosis. These are the reasons pets matter. 💫

If you're in vet med, this episode will speak to your heart. And if you’re a pet parent, it’ll give you a whole new appreciation for the people who care for your animals.

🎧 Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts

📺 Or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rv7BQ6xVck

Let me know what part of Kate’s story resonated most with you!

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateboatrightvmd/

https://writetheboat.com/

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation 

In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the absolute pleasure of welcoming back my dear friend, Maribeth Decker of Sacred Grove. Maribeth is an incredible animal communicator, and we dove into a topic that’s so important yet often overlooked—how our life changes affect our pets.

Whether you’re going through an illness, a job loss, a big move, or even just dealing with the everyday stress of the world—we talk about how those shifts in your energy can deeply impact the animals we love. Maribeth shares beautiful, practical advice on how to support your pet emotionally through life’s curveballs, how to recognize behavior changes that might be tied to your own stress, and why loving, intentional connection is everything.

Video: https://youtu.be/pXad2SB4-y8

Guest Links:

https://sacredgrove.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maribethdecker/

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

In todays episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I spoke with my good friend, Natalie Armstrong-Motin, Founder of Will Work For Food who also does Social Media Marketing Creation and Management for Mediators and Arbitrators Around the World.

From the emotional benefits of having a furry companion while working alone to comparing pet care infrastructure across countries like the Netherlands, France, and the United States, our conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections. We also challenge common assumptions about American exceptionalism, discuss the concerning parallels between media control in different countries, and share a surprisingly effective librarian's response to book-banning efforts.

Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that weaves together the personal and the political, reminding us all of our responsibility to engage respectfully with different perspectives while staying true to our values.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEXuHPP_Xkk

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingresolution/

https://www.willworkforfood.news/

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals,"

https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the honor of speaking with Christina Warner, a family barrister in the UK and the incredible force behind Ruby’s Law.

Christina is working hard to change the law in the UK to make sure pets are protected in cases of domestic abuse. As someone who’s spent years helping people navigate conflicts over animals, I know just how important this is. Too often, pets are caught in the middle—or worse, used as tools of control. Christina shares real stories from her work, the heartbreaking reality for many pets and their people, and how Ruby’s Law could change that.

We also talked about how the human-animal bond plays such a big role in people's lives, especially in moments of crisis. This conversation really opened my heart, and I think it will for you too.

Listen now and help us spread the word—because pets are family, and they deserve protection too.

🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcE7xJsQH7Q

Guest Links: 

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

✨ New Episode Alert! ✨

I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my dear friend Carolyn Shadle on this episode of Why Do Pets Matter? 🎙️🐾 Carolyn is an incredible communicator, educator, and author who has dedicated her career to helping people really listen and connect—something that’s so important in veterinary medicine and beyond.

In this episode, we dive into the power of empathetic communication in veterinary practices and how active listening can transform client interactions. We explore the significance of the human-animal bond and its profound impact on both pet owners and veterinary teams. Carolyn shares valuable insights on how veterinary professionals can better connect with clients, offering them agency in the process, which ultimately leads to better care for our pets.

Carolyn also discusses her latest book, From Religion to Reason: My Journey, where she reflects on her transition from church work to communication, giving readers an honest and personal look at her path. We also touch on her other impactful books like Building Communication Skills and Communication Case Studies, which offer great advice for both professionals and pet owners looking to improve communication and resolve conflicts more effectively.

Listen Now: 

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolynshadle/

Her Books- https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00929AUYQ/allbooks?ingress=0&visitId=05eb1cc7-ed79-4f4e-82fe-880011ffa812&ref_=ap_rdr

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

This conversation with my dear friend Fiona Farrell is one you don’t want to miss! As fellow attorneys deeply involved in animal law, we dive into the profound ways pets and horses shape our lives—not just as companions, but as independent beings with their own agency. 🐶🐴

From our shared love of horses to the incredible impact of animal advocacy, this episode is full of heart, wisdom, and a few laughs along the way. 💙 We even discuss the importance of end-of-life decisions for our beloved animals and how we, as pet owners and animal advocates, can ensure their well-being throughout their entire journey.

💬 Why do pets matter to YOU? Drop a comment and let me know!

🎧 Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/A6hPs94k_Rc

🔄 Like, Share, & Subscribe to help spread the message of why pets matter!

#WhyDoPetsMatter #AnimalLaw #PetAdvocacy #HorsesOfInstagram #AnimalLovers #PetLife

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

I’m beyond excited to share this powerful conversation with Dr. Emily Talkington! 🎙️ We dive deep into the incredible ways pets and wildlife shape our lives, from the spiritual connection they bring to the courage it takes to be open, learn, and sometimes—be wrong. 

Dr. Emily’s experience with international rescue, chimpanzee rehabilitation, and wildlife advocacy is truly inspiring. Her passion for communication and understanding between humans and animals is something we can all learn from.

Tune in now and let’s explore why pets—and ALL animals—matter more than ever! 🐾💙 Drop a comment and let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode!

If you would like, you can watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/k9yio4_BcmI

Guest Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-talkington-4b25a2300/

Articles: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/project-chimps-sanctuary-dispute-chimpanzee-welfare

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

This episode is a little different—I’m flipping the script and interviewing myself! After 10,000 downloads (thank you all so much!), I realized I’ve never shared my own story on Why Do Pets Matter. So today, I’m taking a step back to talk about why pets matter to me, how I got started in this work, and why I shifted from litigation to mediation to better serve pets and their people.

From my first childhood dog to my lifelong passion for Irish Setters, breeding, and showing, my love for animals has always shaped my path. As an attorney, I saw firsthand how traditional legal battles weren’t always in the best interest of the pets caught in the middle. That’s why I built Hamilton Law and Mediation—to help people resolve conflicts over animals in a way that prioritizes what truly matters: the well-being of the pet.

In this episode, I’ll share stories from my journey, insights into how conflict resolution can make a difference in pet-related disputes, and why mediation is such a powerful tool in everything from divorce and custody battles to contracts and neighborhood disputes. Plus, I’ll break down my Stop, Drop, and Roll method for managing conflict, the importance of transparency, and how looping can help people truly feel heard.

This podcast has been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for all of you who listen, share, and support Why Do Pets Matter. If you love the show, please take a moment to rate and review—it really helps others find these important conversations. And as always, give your pets a kiss from me! 🐾💕

If you would like to watch the video version, you can do so here: https://youtu.be/a41kx2p4j_o

Show Links:

https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation

Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1

SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation