Guest Tanya McCready shares the fascinating story of life with her family and their sled dogs in scenic and beautiful Canada. She smiles as she recounts how getting a pet Husky decades ago led to an amazing journey of ups and downs. She provides vivid descriptions for Hosts Heidi and Tommy of life on the ranch, riding on the sleds, feeding time with a huge pack, raising children, and more! In addition to their own sled dog business, husband Hank has also competed in the Last Great Race – The...

Nancy Tetzlaff, AKA Safari Jane reminisces on life with her family and their animals. Jungle Larry, her husband and partner, built a legacy with their animals and their sons that continues today. Nancy fondly recalls stories with the animals, and also talks conservation, and being a forerunner in the ‘edutainment’ world. Listen in to enjoy some heartwarming animal stories. Episode Links Book – There’s A Jaguar in My Kitchen Jungle Larry/Safari Jane Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens If you...

Hank Wong, former police officer turned dog trainer provides a peek into the training of these amazing working dogs. From scent work, to apprehending criminals, these dogs and their human partners providing invaluable assistance to our communities! Also, the Biden’s German shepherd is in the news again. His incident numbers are now in the double digits! Tune in for a very informative chat, and doggone good information! We would sincerely appreciate it if you would please subscribe, rate and...

Cindy Schonholtz, pro rodeo consultant, chats with Heidi about animal welfare, public perception, and where things stand today with attempts to ban rodeos in certain states and municipalities. You will hear often on the podcast, this outcry for outright bans does NOT overwhelmingly come from those who attend and/or participate in rodeos or other animal events, but rather from groups who philosophically and emotionally do not believe we should interact with or utilize animals. These people who...

While you don’t hear this perspective in the media or popular narrative, there are still plenty of people who prefer the choice to buy a puppy at a reputable breeder or pet store. Dan Cohn, is the Owner and President of Sunshine Puppies with several stores in the Tampa Bay area. He chats with hosts Tommy and Heidi about the method for selecting his puppies, visits to the breeders, and some challenges inherent in owning pet stores. Tune in for this important and informative discussion to hear...

Host Heidi chats with race horse owner and author Miles Henry. They take a peek behind the barn doors to talk about the horses and people involved in racing, and horse care in general. Where the horses are sourced, how they are trained, and how and when they are retired. Step in the starting gate to listen in on this interesting and informative conversation. Episode Links Horse Racing Sense Books By Miles Henry If you sincerely care about the welfare of animals, and/or are concerned about...

Chris Fleming, the CEO of Pinnacle Pet talks with hosts Heidi and Tommy about how his company, Pinnacle Pet provides strict protocols for breeders who raise puppies, and the Canine Care Breeder Certification program from Purdue University. Their lively and informative conversation also turns to shelters, imported puppies, and the problem with the ‘adopt don’t shop’ movement. Episode Links: Pinnacle Pet Canine Care Certification The problem with Adopt Don’t Shop A Dog Shortage? We would...

Ben Cooper the Beekeeper provides an informative, fun, and fascinating peek into the hive; the world of bees and beekeeping. Host Heidi is joined by guest host Tommy Fahey (also the cohost of the Doggone Good Information Podcast). Episode Links Find a Beekeeper Email Ben Cooper We Need Bees! If you sincerely care about the welfare of animals, and/or are concerned about your right to enjoy animals in sport, entertainment, agriculture, and even own pets, and truly want to know more about...

The hosts, Heidi and Tommy open the conversation by discussing the recent seizure of zoo animals in Virginia. They also discuss the ongoing bullying of a local animal welfare group that is trying to seek solutions to pet adoptions; pairing people and families with the right animals. No good deed goes unpunished! All of this and a lot more on this interesting and informative episode. Episode Links: Natural Bridge Zoo Animal Seizure SPCA Tampa Bay Partnership We would sincerely appreciate...

Mindy Patterson, President of The Calvary Group engages in an emotional and robust conversation about what appears to be the illegal seizure of animals including killing some of them from a small zoo. Don’t miss the video in show notes that provides more detail from the owner of the zoo about animal abuse at the hands of the officials confiscating animals. Mindy also discusses legislation called the “Working animal protection act” which is an offensive move to protect law abiding animal...

Hosts Heidi and Tommy discuss an issue that recently took place in Florida where the head of an SPCA created a partnership with breeders and pet stores. At face value, it might seem to fly in the face of the mission of the SPCA, but as always, #thereismoretothestory! Hear the hosts break it down, and provide more detail. They also discuss aging pets and when to know if it is time to let them go, and how much guilting there is around this topic. The hosts discuss how to truly know what is in...

Tom Albert is a Government Affairs Consultant who is currently working with the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), one of the nation’s largest zoological associations. Heidi and Tom discuss the role zoos play in keeping animals prevalent in people’s lives, as well as important research and conservation. They also question why many people have mixed or even negative views of privately owned smaller zoo facilities, as well as the emotional, ideologic climate that zoos operate in. With...

Hosts Heidi and Tommy delve into a difficult topic with their guest Colleen Lynn who operates the website, dogsbite.org. She maintains statistics on dangerous dogs, dog bites, maulings and even deaths as a result of dangerous dogs. Their discussion is a deep dive into breed specific legislation including pitbull and bully breeds. In Florida, Governor DeSantis just rescinded a ban on size and breed, while in the UK, they broadened the ban adding more breeds and types of dogs. Regardless of...

Scott Dorenkamp, Livestock Program & Government Relations Manager for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and Heidi talk Rodeo. Everything from how rodeo began, self-imposed regulations, animal care, and the way of life for the people and animals. There are attempts across the country to ban rodeos, yet many have not even attended an event. Their information is coming from the vocal animal rights/protection groups. Hear the other side of the story from a generational expert...

Hosts Heidi and Tommy are joined by world-class dog groomer Donna Skura. A fun and informative conversation providing insight as to how to choose a groomer, what to expect, how to train your dog to get ready, and have the best overall experience for both you and your dog. Also, what to consider if you are grooming at home, or in between grooming visits. Also covered in this episode: * Challenges when evacuating in a Florida hurricane with pets * Why it is SO important to choose the right...

Missy Dassinger tells the story of her family’s animals at their ranch in ND, and attempts by local officials, a veterinarian, and animal rights groups to confiscate their animals, or at least the ones with value. The Humane Society of the United States, an animal rights group, had offered $5000 to anyone who turned in animal owners that resulted in conviction. Was the monetary incentive a driving force? Why was the call accusing Missy’s father of not caring for his animals from an anonymous...

President Biden’s German shepherds are making news again. Listen in to hear what is getting the dogs, Major and Commander in hot water. Hosts Heidi and Tommy also welcome a guest – professional dog trainer Amy Pishner of Valor K9. Amy provides some wonderful insight into her experience training dogs from puppies to service dogs. She drills down on what it looks like to train and care for a well-behaved dog, and even how to choose the right one. Other topics include how fake service dogs are...

JJ Jones, Executive Director of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture, believes it is healthier to have a conversation, not a confrontation regarding animal agriculture. Emotions run high as the now primarily urban population of the USA questions and even vilifies those who farm and ranch, and provide our food. Heidi and JJ engage in a robust discussion and cover a wide variety of topics including legislation, sustainability, animal vaccines, Ag leadership and more. Tune in to learn...

Hosts Heidi and Tommy embark on a fun and enlightening recap of the first 15 episodes. Everything from training, positive reinforcement, operant conditioning to breed specific issues, dangerous dogs and more. Shelters, rescues, pet stores and breeders for sourcing dogs. Legislative issues affecting pets, and so much more! They highlight their favorite episodes and information. Listen in for a robust discussion about how we live with, train, and manage our dogs. Episode Links: Positive...

Americans love animals, and enjoy visiting zoos and animal facilities. But have you ever considered what happens when there is some type of disaster or emergency that requires all hands on deck at an animal facility, or even evacuations of various species of animals. Executive Director of ZDR3, Julia Wagner walks us through what their organization provides in the way of assistance, whether physical help, animal expertise, and/or just brainstorming with folks working towards a solution. True...

The most loving and responsible thing you can do for your dog is ensure they have a great foundation! One of the primary components of this is being able to successfully walk your dog. Hosts Heidi and Tommy feel so strongly about this topic that they have devoted an entire episode to how to achieve a successful walk. They break it down into the steps to get started, and also what to do if you are having issues. A not-to-be-missed segment! Also, learn about a story of successful puppy...

The Borges family have been providing sleigh and carriage rides for five decades. Just like in NYC and other areas around the country, there is now an outcry to ban them, and a petition circulating in Lake Tahoe. This is a philosophical, ideologic, emotional outcry. Time and again, animal professionals and experts indicate the horses are fine and have parameters to work within. Listen in as Heidi talks with Dwight and Diana Borgess about life in the carriage/sleigh business, and living with a...

Are raw diets a fad, or a great choice for pet owners? Hosts Heidi and Tommy break down the information on commercial dog foods since they were introduced in the US. They follow and discuss the evolution of dog foods including the popular raw diets. How many options do you/should you offer your dog? How do you deal with a picky eater, and how not to encourage it! How to know if you are feeding your pet correctly? They also highlight a story about dogs in a small town in France who need a...

Heidi hosts a great and informative conversation with Jack Hubbard, Executive Director for the Center for Environment and Welfare. Jack is working hard to expose the multimillion-dollar accounts of animal rights groups who say they raise money to care for animals. But where does the money actually go? Which groups? Tune in to learn why not only is their fundraising a fraud, but it is not going to save animals! Episode Links Center for Environment and Welfare www.charitypirates.com Animal...