Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast A Walk in the Park....with Animal Friends

Trying to figure out the right weight for your pet can be a total minefield, but there’s no time like the present to learn about the correct diet and exercise routine for your beloved companion.  

Should I be able to see my dog’s spine, is my cats’ low hanging belly normal, how do you get an indoor cat to lose weight through exercise, and what are the quick fixes for animal weight loss?  

Well, Tamika is joined by regular guest Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to answer all your burning questions about your pet’s weight, their diet and exercise. So, snuggle up with your furry friend, pop this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ on loudspeaker and learn about how something as simple as play, can help your pet shed some pounds. 

We often hear people referring to their dogs as their ‘best friend’, but are we giving them the correct care they need and deserve?  

Canine lovers will not want to miss this episode as we find out whether it’s important to consistently groom your dog, how to correctly care for their skin, and learn about doggy dandruff! 

Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care returns to the studio with Tamika to talk all things dogs. So, cuddle up to your canine companion, and get ready for this super episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ where you’ll get to know your dog a little bit better. 

Our feline friends are often described as aloof, but how can we ensure we’re communicating with them correctly and giving them the care they need?  

If you’re a cat purrson, then don’t miss this quick episode as we find out whether it’s important to brush their teeth, how to ensure we’re caring for their health correctly, and if we actually need to clip their nails?  

Tamika welcomes regular guest Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care to talk all things cats! So, curl up with your furry friend, pop on this helpful episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ and get to know your cat a little bit better.  

From one extreme to the other, the cold weather can be just as dangerous for our pets as the heat. But how cold is too cold and what are the tips to ensure they’re keeping warm but not overheating?  

For this snapshot episode, Tamika welcomes regular guest Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to discuss cold weather advice for our cats and dogs. Like, how they both find antifreeze dangerously delicious, how we can spot the first signs of hypothermia, what breeds might need a coat, and how to ensure they aren’t carrying anything dangerous back home on their paws.  

So, if you find yourself thinking, ‘is it too cold for my pet?’, then it’s time to grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Tamika and Dr Sam give us all the cool winter tips. 

The heat can be a struggle for the best of us, but more specifically, it can be hard on our pets. But what can we do to help keep them cool and what signs do we need to look out for when they’re too hot?  

For this episode, Tamika welcomes regular guest Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to discuss warm weather advice for our furry friends. Like, do cats and dogs show similar symptoms of heat stroke, how do we protect outdoor roaming cats from extreme heats, and should our pets have ice cubes to cool them down?  

Grab your furry friend (feline, canine or both), open your favourite summer snack and press play on this quickfire episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, as Tamika and Dr Sam give us the low down on all the essentials when it comes to keeping our pets cool. 

Did you know you could potentially spot a turtle on our UK beaches? But that’s unfortunately not a good sign.  

This episode sees us make a splash with all things sea turtle, with Wildlife Vets International (WVI). Tamika is joined in our studio by Matthew Rendle, Registered Veterinary Nurse and Olivia Walter, Executive Director at WVI. They discuss how climate change can affect the gender of baby turtles, how plastic pollution in deprived countries needs urgent solutions, and how turtles eat jellyfish like spaghetti…  

Prepare to get hooked on this fascinating and emotional episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Tamika, Matthew and Olivia discuss what’s needed to help vet professionals across the globe care for and rehabilitate these magnificent animals.  

Did you know that horses constantly live in the moment? In a world constantly on the move, could rescue equines be the key in helping us to heal and connect... 

Join host Tamika at the Mare and Foal Sanctury in Devon, to meet some gorgeous horses and ponies and learn about the exceptional Equine Assisted Services the sanctuary provides.  

For this super special episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Tamika spoke with Amy Dearlove, Equine Support Lead, and Dawn Vincent, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the Mare and Foal Sanctuary.  They talk about the important role the sanctuary plays in rescuing and caring for equines, especially during a cost-of-living crisis, while also showcasing the educational Equine Support Services provided by their horses and ponies to those who need it most. So, get ready to be led on an adventure through this episode of a ‘Walk in the Park’. Spoiler alert, keep your eyes peeled for Geronimo the one-eyed pony and Sir Didymus the cheeky Shetland…  

50% of the UK’s biodiversity has been lost since the 1970s, yes you read that right, FIFTY PER CENT… 

So how can we all help repair the damage done? In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Tamika sits down with Phil Paulo, Head of Major Tree Planting Projects and Annie Heslop, Project Manager at The Tree Council, to talk about the importance of growing to love and care for our nation’s trees and hedgerows.  

If you want to learn more about how you can plant trees in the wrong place, how trees and hedgerows can help boost wildlife populations, why Tamika’s partner puts conkers in their freezer, and how Holly can keep witches out of your garden, then this is a must-listen for you!  

It’s time to make like a leaf and head on out into nature for this tree-mendously informative episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Tamika, Phil and Annie talk about the wonderful benefits of the UKs trees and hedgerows.  

If the Hedgehog is one of the UK’s most loved animals, how did they become endangered?  

For this spine-tingling episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Tamika sits down with Hugh Warwick, spokesperson for the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, to talk all things Hedgehog. They discuss how we truly need to love nature to be able to save it and just how quickly the Hedgehog population of the UK is dropping. But that doesn’t mean that things don’t get fun… 

You’ll hear how Hedgehogs are surprising climbers, how they inspired a national law change for cattle grids, and even how you can come nose to nose with one, literally! So, head over to the place you enjoy your podcasts - the sofa, the car, or the great outdoors - and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Tamika and Hugh get up close and personal with one of the UK’s most loved, yet critically vulnerable, animals! 

Would you know what to do if your dog got injured or started to choke? You’re not alone... This pulse raising episode delves into the all-important subject of first aid for our canine companions as Tamika is joined by the CEO of Dog First Aid, Dani Hickman, for ‘A Walk in the Park’. 

Discussing everything from cuts to CPR, Dani shares her extensive knowledge and expertise on just how vital and lifechanging canine first aid can be. In this educational and intriguing episode, Tamika and Dani talk through the important steps on doggy CPR, what to do when your furry friend is choking, and the pressing need for pooch first aid kits. So, grab your furry best friend, and learn how you can work together to learn some lifesaving skills by listening to ‘A Walk in the Park’.  

Are Beavers making a comeback stronger than 90s fashion? Having been extinct for around 400 years, Beavers are being reintroduced back into the UK, red teeth and all.  

Join our new host, Tamika, on location with Lauren Jasper, Beaver Officer at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, to discuss why it’s cool to give a ‘dam’ about Beavers.   

We’re all part of a wider ecosystem within which Beavers help play a vital role. Did you know that their presence can help prevent flooding, plus help attract more wildlife to that location? In this episode, Lauren talks passionately about the many benefits of the unique creatures, how they became extinct, the challenges we face with trying to legally reintroduce them, and how having wild Beavers can help our environment. So, make yourself a drink, and get ready to deep dive into all things Beavers on a ‘Walk in the Park’ with these furry swimmers.  

Santa (Skye) Paws is coming to town! It may be the most wonderful time of year for some, but amongst all the excitement, food, fun and lights there may be fiendish festive fate lurking for our fabulous fur family. Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care and Dr Natalie Light, Director of Behaviour at Joii Pet Care, are back on the couch for our tinsel-trimmed season finale.   

They join Patricia and Skye for the conclusion of ‘A Walk in the Park’ to chat through top tips and things to watch out for so your Christmas can be meow-y and bright!  

 

But wait—there’s myrrh, they cover tree-mendous topics on what to do if your cat loves to climb your Christmas tree. And helpful hints for dogs that have a tendency to bin raid looking for scraps. They also help set the scene for new pet parents experiencing Christmas for the first time with their new furry bundle of joy and all the trials and tribulations that may bring into their once peaceful ‘safe space.’  

 

Your presents is requested, yule not be sorry! Get yourself a cozy blanket, some fuzzy socks and your favourite festive tipple for the Season Two finale of ‘A Walk in the Park’, as Patricia, Sam and Nat help you and your favourite family have paw-sitively the best Christmas ever! We woof you a merry Christmas.  

 

Don’t forget, if you enjoyed listening to Patricia and Skye catch up with their special guests, please follow us, and feel free to leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.   

We’re diving back into the ocean this week to explore the importance of whales and dolphins to our planet. Patricia and Skye have a ‘whale of a time’ with Beans, a beautiful rescue dog, and her human Ed Goodall, the head of intergovernmental engagement at Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC).   

They breach many topics this week including the fantastic and vital role that whales and dolphins play in our ecosystem and how they benefit the environment - they are as important as our bees and trees.  

Although this ‘pod’cast is just a drop in the ocean on this fascinating topic, Ed and Patricia discuss the incredible ways in which WDC is working towards saving these magnificent creatures through innovative means such as space technology (who would have thought space and whales would be used in the same sentence!), as well as how whale poo helps improve our environment! They also tackle the emotive topic of whale hunting, and how we as humans can play a crucial role in helping to end it.  

So grab yourself a cuppa and head to the place you enjoy your ‘pod’casts the most for this week’s fascinating tail of ‘A Walk in the Park’, as Patricia and Ed enlighten us on these amazing water warriors.   

Bee-frightened elephants, lions sending voicemails, and what it feels like to look into the eyes of a gorilla.  

This roar-some episode ventures into the heart of African Wildlife Conservation as Patricia and Skye are joined by the CEO of TUSK, Sir Charles Mayhew OBE, for ‘A Walk in the Park’. 

Discussing the journey of protecting Africa’s wildlife over the past 30 years, Charlie shares his extensive experience and understanding of the animal-human conflict and the devastating impact it’s had on some of the world’s most iconic and vulnerable creatures.  

But all is not lost. In this fascinating and emotional episode, Patricia and Charlie talk through the importance of each and every species and the crucial role they play on our beautiful planet, and how communities and technology are coming together to help safeguard the likes of lions, elephants, pangolins, rhinos and gorillas.  

So, get yourself ready to delve into African conservation, and discover how you can help save these wonderful animals by listening to ‘A Walk in the Park’, as Patricia and Charlie share their passion for protecting all creatures, great and small, from extinction. 

Did you know, while they can’t “talk” to us, dogs are great communicators? So why is it some need the colour yellow? In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ Patricia is joined by Sarah Jones, Founder of My Anxious Dog, and Natalie Light, Director of Behaviour at Joii Pet Care, to understand dog anxiety. 

Patricia talks with Sarah about her dog Bella, and how yellow has given Bella a voice by making others aware of her struggles. Sarah now dedicates her time to educating dog owners and the public about the needs of an anxious dog, and the do’s and don’ts when encountering one. 

Natalie shares her expertise on the signs of anxious behaviour, how it can develop, and how we as humans can help ease the fear felt by our beloved furry friends.  

So, don’t be nervous, make yourself a cuppa, curl up with your dog and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia, Sarah and Dr Nat discuss the real impact of anxiety.  

Questions about our pet’s health can be a minefield – well now’s the time to get some answers! We all know that sound … we’ve just got comfortable, slowly drifting off to sleep when suddenly, our pet starts frantically scratching! But what amount of scratching is normal and when, as owners, should we be concerned? And while the odd pet sneeze can be cute, and sometimes funny, when is it time to be thinking about allergies? 

For this episode, Patricia and the ever-loveable Skye are welcoming back Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care, to discuss the dos and don’ts of helping our beloved pets stay happy and healthy. 

Like, when should we be worried about our pets’ moulting habits, how common are allergies in pets and do we need to clip our cat’s nails? 

Grab your furry friend, open your favourite snack and press play on this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, as Patricia and Dr Sam give us the low down on all the essentials when it comes to keeping our pets in tip-top condition.  

Are you ready for a change of scenery? Take a beak at this week’s episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, direct from the Hawk Conservancy Trust, as we talk all things birds of prey with Tom Morath, Deputy Head of Living Collection & Education Co-ordinator.  

Patricia is not only joined by Tom for this episode, but also gets the opportunity to meet Sundance, a beautiful Hooded Vulture who resides at this spectacular haven.   

We dive into just how vital vultures are to the eco-system, the struggles these magnificent birds face in the wild, along with all the incredible initiatives undertaken at the Trust to help prevent vulture extinction - which is sadly not that far away if we don’t all help to change this deadly path.  

In this episode, we learn more about a day in the life of the birds, vets and carers at the Hawk Conservancy Trust and how they’re making a real difference to the birds of prey both in the UK and around the world.  

Don’t just wing it, grab yourself a cuppa, get comfy, and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia, Tom and Sundance give us all the latest facts, stats and interesting insights on birds of prey. 

Take a ‘meowment’ as our canines step aside for our feline friends to shine. Have you ever wanted to get the inside scoop on everything cat related?   

If you’re a total cat purrson don’t miss this episode as you find out whether cats really hate water, love lead walks and learn some cool facts about how a cat's purr has medical superpowers!   

Much to Skye’s disapproval, Patricia will be discussing all things cats with Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care and Dr Natalie Light, Director of Behaviour at Joii Pet Care.   

So, if you often find yourself thinking, ‘why on earth is my cat doing that?’, now's the time to grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia, Sam and Nat give us all the juicy feline facts.   

Ever wondered if your pet could also suffer from the winter blues? 

We humans know all too well how miserable some of those cold, wet and windy days can make us feel, but is it true that our pets can also be affected by the dark cold nights? In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Patricia and Skye are joined by Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Joii Pet Care and Dr Natalie Light, Director of Behaviour at Joii Pet Care, to talk ‘all things pet care’ in autumn and winter. 

Want to learn more about our pets catching seasonal bugs, the dangers of Alabama Rot, if your dog should be wearing a coat, or how you can help your pets when it’s time for fireworks? 

Then head over to the place you enjoy your podcasts - the sofa, the kitchen table, or the great outdoors - and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia, Sam and Natalie take on the challenges of the colder seasons! 

400-year-old living vertebrates, sharks the size of a bus, great whites in the UK, and teeth that can be controlled!

We’re back for a second season of ‘A Walk in the Park’, kicking things off in the deep blue sea with Paul Cox, Managing Director of Shark Trust. Paul joins host Patricia, her daughter Megan and their faithful furry best friend, Skye, to talk all things shark.

We’re all part of a wider eco-system that keeps our world functioning, and sharks play a vital role. Did you know they are the second most threatened vertebrate in the world? In this episode, Paul talks passionately about the many different species of shark, what is putting them at risk of extinction and how we, as humans, can help our finned friends. So, boil the kettle, sit back, and get hooked on your first ‘Walk in the Park’ this season with these amazing apex predators.

The insider scoop episode is upon us!  What is it really like to be a vet? What’s the expert advice on all the hot topics of the moment? Plus, you’ll never believe some of the things they’ve seen... 

What should you do if your pet has an ‘accident’ in the waiting room? Could you find true love whilst waiting for your appointment? Is a washing basket appropriate as a cat carrier?  

From waiting room etiquette to questions you’re too embarrassed to ask your vet, this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’ is all about our pet care saviors!  

Patricia and the ever-talkative Skye are joined by Dr Sam Webster, Clinical Operations at Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care, discussing all the juicy details about a day in the life of a vet.  

Now’s your chance to grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia and Dr Sam give us ‘a vet’s perspective.’ 

The tragic aftermath of the pandemic on the many lockdown pets continues to make headlines, with no sign of the pet abandonment rate slowing down.

The COVID pet purchase boom, followed by a sharp rise in the cost of living has created the “perfect storm”; a heart-breaking crisis of pet abandonment as families choose between food on the table or food for their pet.

Shelters across the country are filling up fast as the cost-of-living crisis drives struggling owners to give up pets, but what does this mean for charities like Birmingham Dogs Home?

In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Patricia and Skye are joined by Fi Harrison, Head of Fundraising & Communications, and her beautiful rescues, Hope and Joy to talk about the charity, how they’ve evolved over the years and the struggles they’re facing today.

In this episode we learn more about a day in the life of a Canine Carer at Birmingham Dogs Home and how they’re making a real difference to the dogs that, without them, would have nothing…

Grab a cuppa, snuggle up with your pet and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia and Fi give us the latest on all things rescue and how more needs to be done to empower rescue centres to provide the best care for pets while the influx continues.

During the first year of the COVID-19, households across the UK jumped at the opportunity to finally welcome a pet to their home. This resulted in 3.2 million new pet being introduced across the country and the cost of new puppies and kittens skyrocketing.

While many people are still enjoying their new furry family member, the toll that this “pet boom” is now having on the veterinary and rescue sectors cannot be underestimated. And now with the cost of living crisis following close on the tail of the pandemic… what does this mean for families struggling to make ends meet, the pets some people weren’t quite prepared for, our busy vets, and stretched rescue shelters?

In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Patricia and Skye are joined by Dr Sam Webster, Clinical Operations at Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care, to talk about how an increase in pet ownership during lockdown and the current cost-of-living crisis has sadly created the perfect storm.

Patricia and Sam also talk about the support available for you and your pet if you are struggling financially or unsure how to access the right care to keep your cat or dog happy and healthy. For more information and resources, please visit our Pet Affordability Hub | Animal Friends

 

We’ve all seen the movies where Artificial Intelligence (AI) ends up taking over the world, destroying the human race as we know it, but it doesn’t always mean robots and black screens with green code. AI is everywhere, being used in some incredible ways, and it can actually help us provide better care for our pets.

In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Patricia and Skye are joined by Dr Sam Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care, and her dog Arthur to talk about how our pets can benefit from these new types of technology and how they can be designed to improve the quality of life for companion animals everywhere.

Want to learn more about AI in veterinary care, the real positives of these advancements and how they can make your life easier as a pet owner now and in the future?

Well, grab a cuppa and get comfy or head outside for a walk and listen to ‘A Walk in the Park’ as Patricia and Sam give us the latest on all things Artificial Intelligence, including identifying pain in cats, lameness in pets, if Chat GPT will ever replace vets and more!

Get comfy…. we’re starting 400 million years ago, in the Himalayas! But don't worry this episode won't take that long!  We're 'buzzing' to chat all things bumblebees with the phenomenal Gill Perkins, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, who is incredibly passionate about saving our bumblebees, and raising awareness of how crucial they are to our environment.

 

Did you know that there are 24 species of bumblebee in the UK? That a foraging bumblebee is only ever about 40 minutes from starvation? That they can fly up to 6km a day to forage on flowers - this is the equivalent of a person walking around the globe 10 times! It's no wonder our furry friends get exhausted.

 

But the sobering fact is that without Bees our world would be in real danger. Bumblebees are in trouble; in the past century, two species have already become extinct. If all bumblebees were to disappear, it's safe to say that Earth would certainly bee a very different place...so get ready to bumble because this episode is jam packed full of bee advice, fun facts and pet-related content to help you better understand our winged heroes. This is one episode you will not want to miss.

Have you ever seen someone out running with their dog and wondered how on earth they make that look so easy? Not to mention all the other questions that follow, like... 

Do you need to be fit to start? Do you have to get all the gear upfront?  Can all breeds partake in running?  Is there a local club nearby?  Is it a social sport? 

In this episode of ‘A Walk in the Park’, Patricia and Skye are joined by Ginetta George and Gail Walker, Founders of DogFit International, to uncover all the mysteries behind this wonderful sport of Canicross and provide plenty of hints and tips on how to get out there and have fun, meet new people, and build a really special bond with your dog in the great outdoors. 

In a world where we are all constantly on the go, being able to learn from trusted experts about the animals we’ve made part of our family and life isn’t always easy.   So grab a dog lead, make a cuppa, or just relax to a ‘Walk in the Park’ as Ginetta and Gail take us on a fascinating Canicross journey that’s accessible to all. 

There are plenty of mysterious myths and misconceptions out there about our pets!    Neutering, does it calm pets down? Do people assume a muzzled dog is a dangerous dog? Why do some dogs eat logs (poo)! Is it possible to actually take a cat for a walk and do cats want to be worshipped?   Kickstarting our first ever episode, Dr Samantha Webster, Director of Clinical Operations at Vet-AI and Joii Pet Care joins host Patricia and her faithful furry best friend, Skye, on 'A walk in the Park.....with Animal Friends',   In a world where we are all constantly on the go, being able to learn from trusted experts about the animals we’ve made part of our family and life isn’t always easy. So grab a dog lead, make a cuppa, or just relax to a ‘Walk in the Park’ as Sam sets us straight on common pet misconceptions, and shares her expert advice and guidance with others who may not know where to start.