The Companions Collective – Details, episodes & analysis

Do you end up with a wooly ball of anxiety every time you have to go to the vet? I do. In fact, we've been having to go to a lot of appointments lately as arthritis has set in with the knee Bella had TPLO surgery on last year. Now … we adore our general practice vet here in Spokane Valley but if Latah Creek Animal Hospital was a little bit closer, I would be seriously considering a switch. Based right here in my town, Spokane, Washington, Latah Creek is a fear-free clinic. I've been following their Instagram account for a while and I just love the energy that comes out in their posts: informative, educational, kind … I reached out for a chance to interview the top dogs there and clinic owners Jessica Osborne and Dr. Megan Bauer couldn't wait to share the good word of fear-free veterinary practices. We talk about this innovative approach to reduce stress and anxiety for pets during vet visits and how Jessica and Dr. Megan create a calm environment for both stressed-out animal and stressed-out human guardian.

Where to find Latah Creek Animal Hospital

LatahCreekAH.com

Instagram

Facebook

I get so fired up when I connect with someone who wants to talk about the deeper meaning for dogs in our lives.

Like when I chat with a fellow believer that dogs teach us who we are and who we need to be.

It didn't take long before I was mesmerized with Saro Boghozian's words.

After becoming a certified dog trainer through The College of Canine Behavioral Science, Saro quickly recognized he also needed learn about human psychology so that he could help his two-legged clients understand the root causes of their dogs' behavior.

Together, we explore the profound impact dogs have on our personal growth and well-being.

Where to find Saro

Saro Dog Training

YouTube

Instagram

Her first spoken word was "cat."

Even before she said "mama" and "dada."

And the cat didn't even like her.

Today's guest is Tracy Munson, my good friend from lower shebobia New Brunswick. Lower shebobia … ha … it's technically Hillsborough, New Brunswick, a small community about a half hour south of Moncton and right on the Petitcodiac River.

About a three-hour drive from the little town in Nova Scotia where I grew up.

But she's not from there. She's a Toronto girl, from the Big Smoke, where she plied her trade as a veterinary technician.

The work got to her, though.

Being in veterinary medicine is hard. It may be the only industry we know where it is a responsibility to end life.

Tracy recognized she was in burnout mode and started planning her escape … to becoming a pet photographer. She's now a recognized leader in Canadian pet photography and an award winner in both pet photography and landscape photography.

Today, we have a discussion about careers in vet medicine and the trials and tribulations that lie within.

What to listen for

5:23 Vicarious trauma and its impact on animal shelter workers

11:53 The emotional toll of euthanizing sick and injured animals

17:53 How support in the field is improving for animal shelter workers

28:28 Compounding trauma with the grief from her own loss

40:00 How the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll

41:50 Why prioritizing your exit plan can make all the difference

Resources mentioned

Dr. Faith Banks on TikTok

Compassion Fatigue in Animal Shelter/Rescue Workers

Practice Compassionate Badassery with Jessica Dolce

The Art of Being Kind to Your Vet

Spray-dried plasma is the new kid on the scene of pet health supplements.

What is it?

It's a powder formed by exposing the liquid part of blood to high heat. The process preserves the bioactive components of plasma that offering numerous benefits for our companion animals, from joint health to immune function.

And it's the key active ingredient in WinProPet products.

Tim Mitchum, president and CEO of WinProPet, joins us this week to break it all down for us.

When his own chihuahua stopped jumping onto the couch for cuddles, he tried WinProPet's hip and joint chews and became inspired by Roxy's transformation. That's when he joined the company, bringing his business acumen and deep love of dogs to the table.

Tim shares his expertise on the benefits of supplements for our pets and the testimonials that undergird his belief in the product.

And if you're a cat person, fear not! WinProPet just launched its line of feline-dedicated products.

If you'd like to give WinProPet supplements a try with your pet, go to WinProPet.com and type ONE20 in the discount code box on the checkout page for 20% off a one-time purchase or your first order of a subscription.

What to listen for

5:46 How plasma is the "natural enemy" of inflammation

9:02 Scientists discover its spray-dried form reduced mortality rate from 20% to 1% in piglets

17:21 Spray-dried plasma can improve a cat's oral health

21:27 How to look for pet supplements that can help your cat or dog

Where to find WinProPet

WinProPet.com

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Other questions you might have

Are WinProPet supplements suitable for all dog breeds?

While WinProPet supplements are generally well-tolerated by most dogs, individual preferences and health conditions may vary. It's recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your pet's diet.

How long does it take to see results with WinProPet supplements?

Results may vary depending on factors such as the pet's age, health status, and the specific supplement being used. Some pet owners report seeing improvements within a few weeks, while others may require longer-term supplementation for noticeable benefits.

Are WinProPet supplements safe for long-term use?

Yes, WinProPet supplements are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients and are designed for long-term use to support ongoing pet health and wellness. However, it's advisable to follow recommended dosage guidelines and monitor your pet's response over time.

Can WinProPet supplements be used alongside other medications or treatments?

WinProPet supplements are generally safe to use alongside other medications or treatments, but it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure compatibility and avoid potential interactions.

Do WinProPet supplements require refrigeration?

WinProPet supplements are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. However, it's recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal freshness and efficacy.

Things are going to change around here.

Said not in the tone my father used to say those words ...

The topics of grief, loss and pet loss grief are heavy, and I understand that not every episode is easy to listen to, especially if you're in grief.

It's taken its toll on me too.

To care better care of myself, we're rebranding from One Last Network to The Companions Collective and diversifying the content we're going to offer.

Look forward to discussions on a broader range of pet-related topics, including the profound connection between human and companion animal and the incredible projects my professional pet photographer friends are using to change the world.

Let's emBARK on this next stage of the journey!

Lynn Sehnert of Lance and Lili Photography covering the Washington, D.C., area takes the mic today and interviews Jessey Scheip, a licensed veterinary technician with a specialty in behavior.

Jessey also has training certification from the Karen Pryor Academy and has worked with Dr. Amy Pike of the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia.

That's where Lynn met Jessey, looking for help with her sweet boy Lance.

Jessey enjoys teaching pet guardians how to understand their pets and how to use behavior principles to ensure they grow together and live their best lives together.

Today, Lynn and Jessey have an in-depth discussion about canine cognitive disorder.

What to listen for

• How Jessey fills a void between veterinary behaviorists and standard trainers
• What symptoms should pet guardians watch for to notice CCD
• Why pet guardians should track their pets' health changes
• Treatment options for canine cognitive dysfunction
• When to decide it's time to say goodbye

Where to find Jessey

Mindful Mentor Behavior Consulting

Facebook

Other episodes you may find interesting

The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 1, with Dr. Kyle Bohland

The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 2, with Dr. Kyle Bohland

The Art of Aging Gracefully with Dr. Dennis Wormald

You may have heard of animal chaplains.

They are spiritual caregivers who provide support and comfort to individuals who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal or who are facing difficult decisions related to their pets' health and wellbeing.

And then there's Scott Campbell, veterinary chaplain.

Veterinary chaplains are rare in the United States. Scott is one of just a handful of these trained professionals who provide emotional and spiritual support to veterinary staff, in addition to pet guardians and the animals in veterinary settings.

There are even fewer of them affiliated with a university, and Scott practices his craft at Washington State University, just down the road from me in Pullman, Washington.

A veterinary chaplain's role may seem similar to that of a chaplain in human healthcare but individuals like Scott focus specifically on the unique challenges and emotional experiences within the veterinary medicine realm.

Scott joins me on the podcast today to share his journey into veterinary chaplaincy and his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of pets, pet guardians and the world-class team at WSU, affectionately known in these parts as WAZZU.

We talk about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession, including its high suicide rates, and how his own experiences are motivating him to establish the American Association for Veterinary Chaplains.

Have a listen as Scott shares how he aims to alleviate the emotional burdens of the veterinary community and foster healing for those of us who suffer as our companion animals need care.

What to listen for

• How Scott ensures WSU clients feel comfortable and heard
• Why a veterinary chaplain must be prepared to address a variety of belief structures
• The evolution of companion animals as family members in society
• What Scott finds more rewarding about veterinary chaplaincy

Scott hosts a series of events called Celebration of Life and Remembrance for our Animal Companions for pet guardians to grieve and honor the lives of their precious babes. The event will feature a Remembrance Garland Ceremony, during which participants write messages on ribbons and attach them to a garland that's hung outside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU in Pullman.

The next one is set for Saturday, April 13, at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It starts at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m. and Scott suggests it's a good idea to arrive early to prepare a ribbon for the garland.

A social hour follows from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Are we doing better? And can we do better yet?

These are the questions I had for Dr. Dani McVety, the cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia with Dr. Mary Gardner. Lap of Love is a national network of veterinary doctors who offer hospice care and peaceful euthanasia in the comfort of a pet's home.

When Dani was prepping a family for a euthanasia one night at the emergency clinic where she was working shortly after graduating from veterinary school, her client said, "Please, can you leave her on my lap? I don't want her on that cold sterile table. I want her right here with me."

That wasn't clinic policy, though.

Dani said yes. And it was at that moment, she knew that's what every pet deserves, to be in the place where they are most comfortable … their guardian's lap.

Lap of Love was born, and now 15 years later, Dani and her cofounder are advocates for ways the veterinary world can improve the euthanasia process for pets and their families.

After all, the word "euthanasia" is Greek for "eu," or easy, and "thanatos," or death.

Easy death.

Let's find out what that really means.

What to listen for

• How end of life care has evolved for veterinarians
• The importance of honoring a pet's journey
• Why pet guardians need a comfortable, supportive space
• How a better experience can shift the end of life process
• Normalizing hospice care in veterinary medicine

Where to find Dr. Dani McVety

Lap of Love

Dr. Dani McVety (for speaking engagements)

Lap of Love Facebook

Lap of Love Instagram

Lap of Love YouTube

I've struggled a while with addressing this topic.

I don't have human children, never wanted one. So who was I to host a podcast on how to talk to kids about the family pet dying?

But I remembered that all I had to do was put on my old journalist hat and ask the right questions.

First question: who can answer those questions?

Of course, my good friend Coleen Ellis of Two Hearts Pet Loss Center can. Coleen is also my mentor in pet loss grief companioning.

With Dr. Mary Gardner, cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice, Coleen has written two books to guide children through their grief. Both are called "My Forever Friend."

One is for saying goodbye to a special dog and the other for saying goodbye to a special cat. Each one contains activities for parents and children to work through together.

Coleen, who also doesn't have skin children, a term I learned from Coleen, is quite easily the kind of person you can trust to accompany your kids on this grief journey.

She's dynamic and engaging and most importantly empathetic and compassionate.

What to listen for

• How Coleen guides children through their grief with a collaborative, empathetic approach
• The importance of letting children grieve and process their emotions their own way
• Why we should use clear language when discussing death with children
• Involving children in the planning for and day of euthanasia

Where to find Coleen

Coleen Rocks

Two Hearts Pet Loss Center

Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special dog (Amazon)

Forever Friend: A children's guide and activity book for saying goodbye to a special cat

Losing a pet is a profound experience that often leaves us grappling with overwhelming emotions. Today, I'm giving you permission to cry on your journey of pet loss grief and standing up for the need to normalize grieving for a pet.

In a world that often tells us to toughen up and hide our emotions, it's time to challenge the stigma surrounding tears, especially when it comes to grieving the loss of a beloved pet.

Let's dive into the significance of allowing ourselves to cry and the importance of normalizing the grief experienced over the death of a furry companion.

What to listen for

• Your permission to cry
• What I learned as a child about crying
• Tears as natural detox
• How society suppresses our grief over losing a pet
• A path to healing the world