Can fostering rescue dogs help you process grief—or will it just break your heart all over again?
In this deeply emotional and beautifully honest episode of Straight Up Dog Talk, Em is joined by Joel, whose story of grief, rescue, and love will stick with you long after the episode ends. What started as a plan to foster turned into a life-changing journey with two dogs who taught him everything about patience, healing, and the power of enrichment and structure in a multi-dog home.

In this episode:

• Learn how Joel supported two rescue dogs with behavior needs like separation anxiety

• Hear how structure, enrichment, and emotional presence helped rebuild trust—for both dogs and humans

• Get inspired by the way love can grow in unexpected places—even in the middle of loss

Press play to hear Joel’s story of how rescue dogs helped him grieve, grow, and find lasting connection—one behavior breakthrough at a time.

Sponsored by Fat Sam’s for Pets

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Straight Up Dog Talk Extras:

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This podcast explores real-life dog behavior and training, diving into reactivity, barking, dog anxiety, aggression, picky eating, gut health, and dog food—while unpacking enrichment, mental stimulation, supplements, calming aids, and holistic pet wellness. Whether you’re raising a rescue dog, supporting a senior dog, managing a velcro dog, or just navigating life with a dog who’s asking for more, you’ll find practical tools to build trust, strengthen communication, and create a safe, thriving life together.