A devastating incident with a pet care company change Dan Rubenstein's life forever. The CEO and Founder of Pup Pet Club knew he had to build a better business focused on listening to customers. His journey started in NYC and moved to Chicago and with over 25 years in the pet care business, he is proud of what he has built in memory of Sydney. More…

It can be a dark place when you think about abused and neglected animals. There are also dogs stuck in the judicial system hanging on by a thread in a cage 24/7 waiting for a court date, but with the help of Safe Humane Chicago, those animals have a future instead of a death sentence. Cynthia Bathurst, the Founder of Safe Human Chicago, joins me to…

Often we are going about our daily life and we do not recognize something in front of us that could be a big problem. In big cities, thousands of birds die each migration season (and beyond) when they run into buildings. Those buildings are not just the 50 story offices, but also smaller buildings. There are many ways to help and Annette from Chica…

I decided to turn a Live Like Roo story into a podcast because it is just so special. Sometimes fate steps in when you need it the most. Imagine losing your house, your owner and the only semblance of life that you know in a span of a few weeks. That happened to a dog named Tiki. 2 Heroes stepped in named Tom and Cary and as luck would have it, our…

Imagine starting a business plan at age 8 and seeing it flourish at age 16. Ava decided to make homemade dog treats at age 6 and NOW her product is in Target. She also gives back to community by donating treats to non-profits and dog shelters. She is a great guest! For more: www.avaspetpalace.comPor Sarah A. Lauch

I have so much respect for vet techs. They do SO MUCh and I always say they do not get paid enough for all the work they do not just medically, but also emotionally. I met Dani a few years ago and because of the vets that Live Like Roo uses, she was often the tech for our difficult cases. She was watching the pawdcast a few weeks ago with Dr. Josie…

Natalie from Great Lake Pigeon Rescue joins me to chat about these incredible animals and what the rescue does to help them! What you may see as a disposable annoyance on a city street, some people see as a family pet. My jaw was on the floor for a lot of this interview. Natalie and her colleagues at Great Lakes Pigeon Rescue do so much great work …

Dr. Horchak was my go-to for all things cancer-related and old hot mess chihuahua related when she was with a local Chicago vet. She uprooted and opened her OWN practice in Nashville and though I was sad, I was so proud of her. I always feel lucky when we get someone like her on the podcast because she not only started a biz from the ground up, but…

"We cannot save them all." Elli Frank adopted Mr. Bones from an open admission shelter and because of his reactivity in situations that caused him stress and angst, she had to say goodbye to him with a behavior euthanasia. Elli was talking about this long before many were brave enough to tell the truth about what happened to some animals. Elli also…

Imagine you become incapacitated in some way or even worse you pass away. Think about the instructions you leave a pet sitter when you go on vacation. (SAME!) What if there was no plan for your dog? What if your cat had to go to a friend and they did not know the cat was an escape artist. So much to think about if your pets were left to someone who…

Save the Manatee Club was created in 1981 by Jimmy Buffet and former Florida Governor Bob Graham. TJ, a manatee biologist, joins me to chat about all the incredible work the Club does to keep manatees safe as they face many obstacles in their habitats. TJ is a great guest! To learn more: www.savethemanateeclub.org…

Horses have a magical healing power and once you get to know one, it is hard to walk away. For Valorie at North Winds Rescue and Healing, it all started with a horse named Sarge in a kill pen and on a list that no horse wants to be on. She saved him and he inspired her to do even more. She created North Winds Rescue & Healing that not only saves ho…

Berkley Cameron attended a wedding in Aruba and noticed all of the stray dogs. That lit a fire that would change the lives of both humans and animals..not by taking them away from their home, but by helping owners with spay and neuter and assistance with food and bills. Now, here in the states she is doing similar work by helping families to keep t…

"I needed to learn to say 'no' but say 'no' and provide resources." In the past 10 years, Winston's Wishes has saved hundreds of dogs in the Milwaukee area and beyond. Jake Schneider, the Founder, joins me to chat about how it all started as well as the biggest lessons that he has learned. It is a candid conversation that I really enjoyed! You will…

Meet Ashley and Jaime from Mutts of the Midway, a Chicagoland rescue focused on providing homeless animals a life of health, happiness and a loving home! They will share their favorite stories, as well as the current challenges in animal welfare. More here: www.muttsofthemidway.orgPor Sarah Lauch

Dr. Sarah Baker made her dreams come true when opening Lane Veterinary in Hinsdale. Dr. Baker, the heart and soul of Lane Veterinary is not just your neighborhood vet; she's a dedicated advocate for the well-being of your pets and also assists rescue animals. In this episode, we'll dive into the world of veterinary care, exploring the latest advanc…

Animal mobility and rehabilitation is so important as a dog ages or has surgery. Francisco, the owner of The K9PT joins me for a chat about the importance of what they do, especially as an animal ages. So much great knowledge. Also, special thanks for The K9PT for being my sponsor! For more: https://www.thek9pt.com/home/ Also a little Midwest FurFe…

Pets are family and they deserve the best. The Bark Day Planner has elevated the Dog Party game. While throwing a party may seem simple, there is SO MUCH that goes on behind the scenes. Amanda Shaw has combined her passion for planning and pets and made pet-owners dreams come true one balloon arch at a time! We cannot wait to partner with her for a…

I have such a passion for senior dogs as many of you know, so this guest is going to be perfect for this podcast! Dr. Monica Tarantino founded Senior Dog Revolution to help pet owners deal with aging in their pets. Much of what can be done is not crazy expensive and it really is up to you to help them age gracefully! Dr. Tarantino has so much knowl…

"SEED advocates for a shift away from these modern legal frameworks and towards a recognition that nature and animals have an inherent right to exist and flourish for their own sake. " That is just a BIT of what Cailen and Pete do. They could really use help and you can do that in your daily life with simple changes! Join us for a very candid, very…

"The volunteers, the vets, the organizations...they are doing the hard work ultimately. We get the glory because no one hates an airplane and a puppy and it is a great story, but the truth is, we have the easiest job. We are bus drivers for these animals." You may know Fred from The Fred Show as a popular Chicagoland (and beyond) Radio Host, but wh…

Photographs tell a story and for The Tilly Project, they often provide comfort during a really difficult time through photography. One of my biggest regrets is that I do not have more photos of my dogs. Lauren has created an inspiring community of people that assist with end-of-life photo sessions and help for people who are going through one of th…

Dr. Lisa Lippman joins me to chat about an incredible resource for pet owners. Pet Loss Community has built a much-needed community for grieving pet parents, as well as those that are facing anticipatory grief. It is such a difficult thing. I feel honored to know these humans, who are changing lives by offering an incredible program that truly chan…

Roo Yori, the K9 Ninja, joins me to chat American Ninja Warrior, Wallace, Hector, the state of rescue and shelters and so much more! Roo has used his incredible platform to promote homeless animals. He rescued one of Michael Vick's dogs, who became a therapy dog. His famous dog Wallace, who was to be euthanized at the shelter, won a freestyle disc …

She runs a booming business in Chicago and offers far more than day care and boarding. Catherine Crews from Canine Crews joins me for a candid conversation about running a business in Chicago since 2009! She has seen a ton and in the booming industry that is pet care, she has advice for others who have the same aspirations.…