Speaking of Pets – Details, episodes & analysis

Tired of feeling like there's no hope left for your aging or ailing pet? In this episode of Speaking of Pets, we dive deep into the world of Integrative Veterinary Medicine with expert Dr. Neal Sivula. From the basics of pet acupuncture (and why cats might prefer laser!) to the truth about herbal medicine sourcing, Dr. Sivula shares science-backed insights and heartwarming stories of turning "last resort" patients around. Discover why integrative care isn't just a trend, but a multifaceted approach to giving your beloved pet the best quality of life—even when the diagnosis feels final. If you've ever wondered about dry needling vs. acupuncture, the power of therapeutic touch, or how a simple laser can make a difference at home, tune in for essential advice from a Veterinary Chiropractic Hall of Famer.

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Froggy’s Golf Ball Retrieval offers the best programs helping you achieve the most from your water hazards. Not only will we treat your course with the utmost professionalism, our experience in removing balls from water hazards has taught us how to operate in an efficient, safe and productive manner since 1995. As we move into our next chapter, Froggy’s provides insured services, uses proven techniques and the most updated equipment to take care of the golf community.

We handle even the toughest water hazards that make our competitors walk away. Froggy’s is the Midwest’s premier ball collection company. Froggy’s offers several options to make your water hazards a profit center!

Please call us today to arrange to have Froggy’s harvest the balls from your water hazards.

Contact Owner Emily Newland at 574-544-9890 or email Froggysretrieval@gmail.com

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Speaking of Pets episode 102 - Back to the Wild LIVE Take 2!

In this fascinating revisit, we check back on our visit to Back to the Wild, a remarkable wildlife rehabilitation center dedicated to rescuing, healing, and releasing native Ohio wildlife. Our hosts experience the magic up close as the team introduces us to several of their beautiful owl ambassadors—each with a story of survival and hope.

And just when you think nature can’t get any more amazing, we witness a live butterfly chrysalis emerging in real time — a breathtaking moment that reminds us of the wonder and resilience of the natural world.

Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, education, and the reminder that every creature deserves a second chance to soar.

BACK TO THE WILD’S primary mission is to rehabilitate and ultimately release into their natural habitat, injured, orphaned and displaced wildlife. Through this work, BACK TO THE WILD’S overall mission is to educate and foster in children and adults an awareness, appreciation and respect of our natural world. Children especially, are encouraged to become involved in conservation activities to preserve and protect wild areas and to understand our own interconnection with all living things.

https://www.backtothewild.org/

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Froggy’s Golf Ball Retrieval offers the best programs helping you achieve the most from your water hazards. Not only will we treat your course with the utmost professionalism, our experience in removing balls from water hazards has taught us how to operate in an efficient, safe and productive manner since 1995. As we move into our next chapter, Froggy’s provides insured services, uses proven techniques and the most updated equipment to take care of the golf community.

We handle even the toughest water hazards that make our competitors walk away. Froggy’s is the Midwest’s premier ball collection company. Froggy’s offers several options to make your water hazards a profit center!

Please call us today to arrange to have Froggy’s harvest the balls from your water hazards.

Contact Owner Emily Newland at 574-544-9890 or email Froggysretrieval@gmail.com

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

This episode is a re-release of a powerful and eye-opening conversation with Bob Bryant, co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue.

This organization is dedicated to saving, reuniting, rehoming, rehabilitating, and repairing military working dogs (MWDs), contract working dogs (CWDs), and police canines who have completed their service.

🎖️ What Happens to Our K9 Veterans?

We delve into the often-unspoken fate of these heroic dogs, who are frequently classified as "excess equipment" and left behind, especially in foreign countries, after giving their all for our safety.

- 1300+ Dogs Saved: Mission K9 Rescue has rescued over 1300 working dogs.

- 682 Reunions: Over 680 of those dogs have been reunited with their former handlers.

- $2 Million+ in Vet Care: The organization has spent millions on repairing the dogs who suffer from injuries and conditions sustained during their service.

Bob shares the incredible, sometimes difficult, journey of his non-profit—from its unexpected founding to the struggles of securing funding to keep their vital mission afloat.

The Logistics of Rescue & Rehabilitation

- The Afghanistan Dogs: Hear the story of the dogs tragically left behind in Kabul and the process of bringing them home, with transport costs reaching up to $6,000 per dog from that region.

- Contract vs. Military Working Dogs (CWDs vs. MWDs): Learn the crucial difference in ownership and the often inferior veterinary care and treatment received by CWDs, who are owned by private companies.

- Health and Retirement: The average working dog retires around nine years old due to loss of work drive or injury. They discuss the prevalence of orthopedic issues, cancers (due to hazardous compound exposure), and PTSD—and how Mission K9 addresses these intense medical and emotional needs.

Finding the Right Home

- Mission K9 is highly selective in its adoption process, matching the unique needs of these highly trained, high-drive dogs (like the Belgian Malinois, described as a "velociraptor from hell") with the right families.

- Criteria for Adopters: The necessary commitment to senior veterinary care, a home environment where the dog can be active and inside with the family, and no use of these dogs as protection animals in retirement.

- Training and Commands: Bob shares that most working dogs are trained using German or other languages.

How You Can Help:

Mission K9 Rescue relies on private donations and foundations to meet its weekly operating costs of approximately $30,000. Please consider supporting their efforts.

Find out more about Mission K9 Rescue and donate at: MissionK9Rescue.org

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Our guest this week is Sandy Strebler, founder of Golden Treasures Rescue

Join us and guest Sandy Strebler, for heartwarming tales of rescue dogs finding their forever homes with Golden Treasures Rescue. In this episode, Sandy shares the incredible journey of caring for a surprise litter of puppies and the challenges they faced. From tube feeding to finding the perfect adoptive families, every step was filled with love and dedication. Learn about the adoption process, including vet checks and home visits, as well as the importance of matching dogs with the right families. Plus, hear about the unique challenges faced when rescuing dogs with special needs, like separation anxiety or senior dogs needing extra care. Tune in for touching stories and insights into the world of dog rescue.

https://goldentreasuresrescue.org/cmsgtr/index.php

About Golden Treasures Rescue

In 2004, after many years in rescue, two dedicated golden lovers founded Golden Treasures Golden Retriever Rescue. Sandy and April knew that, due to the popularity of the breed, there were more than enough needy golden's and golden mixes who could benefit from their expertise in the rescue world. Thus, this new charitable, nonprofit became a reality.

Since its formation, Golden Treasures has been the result of the efforts of many volunteers, most of whom are still helping today. There are no paid employees. All of Golden Treasures’ volunteers are working around jobs and families, helping find new homes for displaced or unwanted golden's.

Golden Treasures enjoys a great reputation as a caring, professionally run, reputable breed-specific rescue. Shelters and vets are quick to call on us to help with dogs that need help or to recommend us to their clients. The dogs are our No. 1 priority. Since 2004, Golden Treasures has provided services to more than 500 golden's.

Our operations today are the result of refined and more efficient policies and procedures that were in place from its inception. Based on experience, we’ve been able to make changes that we feel help to find that perfect home for every one of our dogs.

Challenges continue, but the reward of knowing that we’ve helped dogs and families alike come together, makes it all worthwhile.

Mission Statement

GOLDEN TREASURES GOLDEN RETRIEVER RESCUE, INC. has been organized for the purpose of removing Golden retrievers from unwanted and inappropriate homes and also from shelters; educating the public about responsible dog ownership, providing a resource for canine owners regarding the proper care and treatment of their dogs; educating the public about the breed and the need for obedience lessons for all dogs; encouraging, assisting and providing guidelines to other purebred fanciers to form rescue programs; and to provide an alternative to euthanization.

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

Our guest this week is Karen Labarre, Veterinary Sales Director at Blue Buffalo Co., Ltd

In this episode, we delve into the world of prescription diets for pets with a focus on their formulation, benefits, and importance in addressing specific health conditions. Join us as we explore the extensive research and expertise behind these specialized diets, featuring insights from Karen Labarre, a nutrition expert with firsthand experience in pet food manufacturing.

From tackling food allergies to supporting kidney health and managing bladder stones, prescription diets play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of our furry friends. We uncover the rigorous quality control measures and scientific principles involved in creating these diets, ensuring optimal nutrition and safety for pets.

Discover the truth about pet food labeling, sourcing of ingredients, and the distinction between voluntary and mandatory recalls. Learn valuable tips for transitioning pets to new diets, addressing picky eaters, and optimizing feeding practices for different life stages and health conditions.

Join us as we navigate the complex world of pet nutrition and uncover the secrets behind prescription diets that can transform the lives of our beloved companions.

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

In this episode, our hosts engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Linda Schoenberg, a distinguished veterinarian with a VMD from the University of Pennsylvania and a PhD in Immunology. Delve into the world of feline care as Dr. Schoenberg shares insights on various topics, including handling common challenges like cats urinating outside the box, choosing the right litter, and administering medication. The discussion extends to broader subjects such as owning multiple cats, dealing with obesity, and understanding food allergies. Gain valuable knowledge about feline health, from subcutaneous injections to FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) and its transmission. Explore the debate on whether cats should be outdoors, coping with the grief of losing a pet, and get an insider's perspective on the evolving field of animal medicine. Tune in for a comprehensive exploration of all things feline and the unique experiences of being a veterinarian. For more engaging content, visit https://www.youtube.com/@slavideopro/videos. 

Following graduation, Linda worked in a variety of human medical settings, including Jefferson Medical College, Metropolitan General Hospital, and Veterans Administrations Hospital in Wade Park.  In 1980 she began working in veterinary hospitals in Rochester, NY. She became a diplomat for the ABVP in Feline practice in 1997.

Schoenberg opened Just Cats Hospital in South Euclid in 1988 after having spent 8 years in companion animal practice in University Heights. She retired in 2016 and sold her practice to Dr. Jessi Pizzuli. She served as president of the Cleveland Academy from 1983 to 1984 and from 2008 to 2009.

https://www.justcatscleveland.com/staff/linda-schoenberg-vmd/

https://www.clevelandvets.org/staff-group/officers/

https://www.clevelandjewishnews.com/news/local_news/schoenberg-to-receive-na-amat-award/article_56b97628-f981-11ed-8bf6-df8494a6b397.html

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

Our guest today, Dr. Jeff Powers discusses CBD use in pets.

The main areas that CBD has scientifically been shown to be beneficial for is reducing, pain and, increasing movement in dogs with osteoarthritis. Much like in people, CBD has been shown in studies to reduce frequency of seizures in dogs.

There's increasing work now in the area of anxiety and the results have been mixed. But what they have found, in a recent study, is as long as you get a significant amount of CBD, into the pet, it can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety as well. 

And so some vets may be up to speed on where it can be used and when it can be used, and a lot of other ones may not be, or may be fearful to even recommend it because of potential legal implications because it's not a pharmaceutically approved medicine at this point, except for there's one approved.

Guest Expert on CBD

Jeffrey Powers, DVM, Practice Owner of Beaver Island Hemp Co.

Dr. Power is currently the owner of Jordan Valley and Beaver Island Veterinary Clinic  https://www.veterinaryclinicsnorth.com/, two offices in Northern Michigan. Dr. Powers was president of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association in 1997 and has served on numerous MVMA and AVMA Committees and Councils. Jeff recently Chaired the AVMA’s Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents, and  helped form the AVMA's Veterinary Cannabis Working Group.  He also serves as a board member of the Veterinary Cannabis Society https://veterinarycannabissociety.org/about-us/committees/, consults for Green Gruff, Inc https://greengruff.com/ and owns Beaver Island Hemp Company (www.beaverislandhemp.com ) where he grows and produces CBD Hemp Products for human and animal use.  Dr Powers and his human and animal families live in Northern Michigan.

Jeffrey Powers, DVM, Practice Owner

Caring for animals has been always been a way of life for Dr. Powers. Ever since he was a child he has always had a deep love for all animals. That is why, it wasn’t a surprise when he decided that he wanted to become a veterinarian.

Dr. Powers decided to follow in his oldest sister’s footsteps who is in the health professions field as well. Dr. Powers graduated from Michigan State University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science with High Honors, and in 1980 from Michigan State University with a DVM degree with Honors. At the age of 23, he worked under the guidance of Dr. Robert Johnson in Yale, Michigan. He soon established his own practice in 1980, where he would work out of a one room office and would drive the country roads of the thumb of Michigan from farm to farm.

Dr. Powers is the founder and owner of Beaver Island Veterinary Services and the owner of  Jordan Valley Animal Clinic, providing mixed animal veterinary services to the community of Beaver Island in Lake Michigan and East Jordan Michigan. He is also the founder and former owner of South Sanilac Veterinary Hospital in Peck, Michigan. He continues to care for all animals large or small which explains why his customers often describe him as very caring, sensitive and compassionate in the care of their animals.

Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.

Speaking of Pets episode 92 - Dr. Elizabeth Hugger from Lap of Love - Take 2!

Welcome to Take Two, our re-release series featuring the conversations you told us matter most—episodes worth hearing again, sharing again, and saving for the moment you (or a friend) might need them.

In this emotional and deeply compassionate episode, hosts Alice and Janet sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Hugger, co-founder of Lap of Love, to talk about what it truly means to support pets and their families through end-of-life care—while honoring the human-animal bond every step of the way.

Dr. Hugger shares the inspiring story behind Lap of Love’s beginnings in the Tampa area and how it has grown into a nationwide service dedicated to comfort, dignity, and peace. We explore how Lap of Love helps families navigate some of the hardest decisions with services including in-home hospice care, tele-hospice consultations, and peaceful in-home euthanasia, designed to reduce stress for both pets and the people who love them.

You’ll also learn what to expect during these tender moments, how veterinarians help create a calm, respectful experience, and why grief support and pet loss resources are an essential part of caring for families—before and after goodbye.

Whether you’re preparing for a pet’s final chapter, supporting a friend through loss, or simply want to understand the compassionate options available, this episode offers practical guidance, comfort, and heartfelt perspective.

Learn more:

https://www.lapoflove.com

https://info.lapoflove.com/dvm

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

What happens when you rush your pet to the emergency room, the doctor recommends life-saving treatment, and the cost is more than you can handle at the moment? For many families, this is one of the most heartbreaking situations in pet ownership. In this episode of Speaking of Pets, Dr. Alice and Janet sit down with Jonathan Wainberg from CareCredit to talk about practical, real-life financial solutions for unexpected and even chronic veterinary expenses.

Jonathan explains how CareCredit works behind the scenes—from fast approvals and deferred-interest payment plans to why it’s accepted at over 27,000 veterinary practices nationwide. We dive into the kinds of situations CareCredit is used for, including emergency surgeries, chronic conditions like Cushing’s disease and heart disease, dentals, diagnostics such as CT scans and MRIs, medications, and even some boarding and grooming services.

You’ll also meet Jonathan’s 15½-year-old dog, Maddie, whose ongoing health needs highlight why financial flexibility matters for senior pets. Together, we share stories from the exam room, discuss the rising cost of veterinary care, and explore how CareCredit helps pet owners avoid painful decisions like economic euthanasia.

Whether you’re a new pet parent or caring for multiple aging animals, this episode offers invaluable insight into being proactive, prepared, and empowered when it comes to your pet’s health.

https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed/

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.

We’re back with Vanessa Petrosky, founder of Remy’s Pet Recovery, for a powerful Take 2 of one of our most loved episodes — all about what really happens when a dog goes missing and how one small nonprofit in Northeast Ohio is quietly saving lives.

Vanessa walks us through her current tough case, Cooper the border collie, and explains why well-meaning people chasing, calling, and “trying to help” actually make things worse. She breaks down what to do (and absolutely NOT do) the moment your dog goes missing, why lost dogs go into survival mode, and how she uses traps, cameras, maps, and community cooperation to safely bring terrified dogs home.

We also dig into:

- Why you should never post live sightings with exact locations on social media

- How to use flyers, mapping, and food stations the right way

- Why newly adopted dogs must decompress before walks, stores, and groomers

- Martingale collars, slip leads, microchips, GPS collars & keeping escape artists safe

- Working with (and sometimes around) well-intended police and neighbors

- The emotional story of Mira, a dog-fighting survivor who learned how to be loved

- Vanessa’s biggest pet peeve: “He always comes back… until he doesn’t.”

You’ll also hear how Remy’s is funded, how their annual fundraiser keeps them going, and why Vanessa’s car looks like a cross between a rescue truck and a survival kit.

If you love dogs, foster, adopt, or just want to be the person who actually helps instead of accidentally hurting, this episode is a must-listen.

👉 Learn more or donate: Remy’s Pet Recovery (Northeast Ohio)

👉 Pro tip: Save their info before you ever need it.

https://remispetrecovery.org/

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All footage is owned by SLA Video Productions.