Dog Stories

This week, Surane shares some fun facts he learned reading the article Man's Best Friend: 7 Interesting Facts About Dogs, as written by Ben Stern in Greenwich Time's Lifestyle blog. 

Today Maria is chatting with Adam Vosding.  Adam, aka 'The Traveling Food Dude' is on a journey to eat his way around the world with his best friend Holland by his side. Adam's websites:  www.linktr.ee/HollandThePup www.linktr.ee/TravelingFoodDude  

This week, Surane's best friend Jesse O'Neill dials into Dog Stories from Atlanta. Growing up on the East Coast, Jesse's ride or die was Smokey, a pup known round the neighborhood for being a homie, and even scaring off a bear - seriously. Jesse and Smokey were twin flames in pretty much every way, and their wild stories prove it. We also take a moment to pay tribute to The Dog himself, rapper DMX, who passed away this past week. Rest in peace, X. Jesse's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone recommendation: Watch Turner and Hooch!  

Today we're just joking around - Maria tells a few dog stories to make you smile

This week, since it's Easter, Surane digs up the dirt on dogs...and chocolate. If ya wanna know how bad chocolate really is for your pup, and what to do in case of a chocolate emergency (!!) this episode's for you. Warning: If your dog gets into those chocolate eggs, call your nearest pet hospital immediately!

This week, Surane and Maria run down the list of Maria's faaaavourite canine literature. Maria has a bit of a dog book addiction (she can't see one without picking em up!) so if you need some reading recommendations, here they are... Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz, Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean, 1010 Reasons to Love Dogs by Miele & Tiegreen, The Dogist by Elias Wiess Friedman, Merle’s Door by Ted Karasote, Flawed Dogs by Berkeley Breathed, and The New York Dog by Rachel Hale McKenna.

This week, Surane's best friend Evelyn drops in on the paw'dcast. Evelyn is a long, long-time dog lover and also happens to be Marly's Godmom! Besides telling the beautiful stories of how she fell in love with all the dogs she's ever loved, as a special treat, Surane and Evelyn finally find out Marly's ancestry results! You'll never guess what he's made of.  Evelyn's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone references: - Watch Benji! - Use Embark to discover your dog's ancestry

Maria chats with Vasileios Barlos.  Vasileios is a celebrity dog groomer based in Notting Hill & Chelsea in London. He has been a best friend to animals and especially dogs all his life. He was a contestant on BBC One's Pooch Perfect Season 1 - a grooming competition reality show searching for England's top groomer Vasileios' Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone references: Logic Toothpaste Julie Harris Coat Management Spray Artero Slicker Brush  

This week, Surane and Maria turn the mic on each other and talk about their own pups, and tell the story of how Dog Stories was born.    Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone: Read Merle’s Door Watch Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey 

On the one-year anniversary of Kobe & Gigi Bryant's memorial (2/24), Surane hosts his friend Sam Liverman, and Sam's 6-month-old French bulldog puppy "Kobe" (named after the late L.A. Laker great). Sam shares his observations on dog park etiquette, and his high standards of pet care. Surane and Sam discuss the recent spike in "pup-ularity" for naming dogs Kobe. Sam's Leave-a-Dog-a-Bone references: - Visit the West Hollywood Dog Park - Use Healthy Mouth Dental Care Additive to keep your pup's mouth so fresh and so clean!

Alise is a TV talent agent based in London, England.  She has always had dogs in her life but never one to call her very own.  Her dog's a beautiful white German Shepherd named Toby Toby's Instagram  @tobywhitegermanshepherddogAlise's handmade paracord leads. Loud Leads Alise's Leave -A-Dog-A -Bone reference:On Talking Terms with Dogs by Turid Rugaas

This week, Surane sits down with one of his closest pals, Lena Strothe, to talk about the fun - and realities - of fostering a dog. Shortly after LA went into lockdown last year, Lena picked up a pup she fondly nicknamed “Q” (for Quarantina!) Their time together was short, and letting go was harder than Lena could've expected, but the experience of caring for this little wonder really helped Lena get through the early stages of life in quarantine.Lena’s Leave-A-Dog-A’Bone references: Donate and foster pups from Ace of Hearts Dog Rescue in West Hollywood. Follow them on IG @aceofheartsdogrescue to help foster or adopt the pup that's right for you!

Maria chats with Mackenzie Drinkwater. Mackenzie is based in Kitchener, Waterloo and works in Sales Operations at a medical device company. She has two lovely Italian Greyhound sisters aged 3 and 4 who take fashion very seriously. Their names are Willa and Alydar Mackenzie's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone References: Best in Show Willa and Alydar's Instagram   @littledears Dog Friendly KW Podcast 

This week, Surane extends a warm welcome to the "First" Dogs, especially Major, America's first shelter pup to take office in the White House! Dog Stories also bids a heartfelt goodbye to our lovely little friend and a very-special guest, CyCy the adventure dog.

Today Maria chats with Andrew Laske.  Andrew is based in Venice Beach, California. He's passionate about life, sports and experiencing new adventures with his best buddy, a 75lb Bernedoodle named Benji  Andrew's Leave -A-Dog-A-Bone reference:LilManLife on Instagram @lilmanlife

Surane's new friend Samantha Larsen-Hernandez stops by with her adorable four-legged kiddo, Peter. Sammy and Peter have been attached at the hip since the day she rescued him. Despite Peter having a few serious medical issues, Sammy's dedicated her days to caring for his special needs, which includes cooking tasty meals and treats for him :)  Sammy's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone References: - Try out Bailey's CBD for your dogs- Follow @chowtimewithsammylarsen for her awesome dog recipes- Follow @special_needspete to catch the adventures of Peter Pan 

Maria chats with Karah Hayes. Based in Oakville, Karah works in pharmaceutical marketing during the day and as a SUPERHERO for dogs all the rest of the time. She volunteers with several rescue organizations in various capacities devoting lots of love and time to this passion - rescuing and caring for dogs.  She and her husband Brian are devoted to their rescue work and their two dogs Duke and Dixie.Karah's Give the Dog a Bone references:The Oakville & Milton Humane SocietyThe Dog Rescuers IncMegan McDonald's Northern ConnectionGood Will Good Karma 

The year that was has come to a clos. And as a new one begins, Surane reflects on some dog wisdom he's gathered along the path, and does a reading of some of his favorite poems...about dogs. 

On today's episode of Dog Stories Maria chats with Diane Newton. Diane is a social media influencer or rather her dog Sterling is - hmmmmm - you  know.   She's the creative genius behind Sterling's vast collection of videos on his social media platforms.  Sterling aged 2, has amassed a large following of 1.5 million across all platforms. One of those followers is Celine Dion.   People the world over tune in daily to his Instagram stories to watch him stealing clothes and giving Doris (aka Diane)  lots of sass.. even though "he's the sweetest boy ever".   Sterling has also been called a visual therapy dog bringing smiles and comfort to all his adoring fans Sterling's Instagram -@lifeofsterlingnewtonStayPineapple  Hotel Diane's Give the Dog a Bone references:Instagram @sundaythegoldenretrieverInstagram @boopmynose

This week marks the 1-year anniversary of Dog Stories! To celebrate in style, we have the privilege of speaking with Dustin Schaefer, dog-dad to Parker, the recently appointed Mayor of Georgetown, Colorado. When he's not tending to his campaign promises of "Hugs, Love and Cookies," you'll catch Parker at all Denver Broncos home games, widely recognized as the team's unofficial mascot. Dustin's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone references: Follow Parker's adventures on Instagram @OfficialSnowDog, and also follow the amazing work done by dogs at the Colorado Avalanche Rescue @cradavalancherescue

Today on Dog Stories I am thrilled to chat with with Kioni Russell Gallahue.  If you've had the pleasure of watching Amazon Prime's The Pack you'll know him as Kentucky.  He and his dog Derby travelled the world in an amazing competition with 11 other dogs and their owners.  Kentucky shares some exciting stories from the show and from his life with Derby in San Diego Derby California's Matching Dog Hoodies - Kentucky and Derby on InstagramHelen Woodward Animal CenterThe Pack on Amazon Prime

Surane sits down with his dear friend Kira Murdock, a cameraperson who works in film and TV in Hollywood. An avid roadtripper, Kira's journey has taken on new levels of fun since adopting her little fur-boy, Rayo. Wandering the streets of Ensenada, Rayo was picked up by Kira's friend Eric, who for whatever reason felt Rayo belonged in Kira's truck, riding shotgun. Their adventures around the world ever since have confirmed...this pair was meant to be.  Kira's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone references: - Follow @soidogfoundation & @slaughterhouse_survivors to help rescue dogs in Asia from the dog meat trade- Follow Rayo's rescuer and Godfather Eric @adventureswithdog2 to help the street dogs he picks up find a good home.    

Today Maria chats with her dear friend Russell Gonsalves.  Russell is a mega-talented photographer, illustrator and author. His love for animals in general is highlighted in his photographs, musings and illustrations. His dog's name is Moby.  Moby is the gorgeous dog that graces our podcast cover - the photo was taken by Russell Russell's website - russty.caRussell's Give a Dog a Bone reference - International Anti-Poaching Society

Surane shares an epic Dog Story reported this week, about dog mom Kate Olson and her young golden retriever, Walter. Last Thanksgiving, Walter ran away. Kate searched and searched for months, but Walter could not be found. But miracles do happen, and after an entire year, Walter and Kate were reunited. To find out how, smash that play button! This week's dog story, as told by Surane, was written and reported by Good Morning America's Zoe Moore.Leave a Dog a Bone references: Follow Lost Paws Trapping on Facebook for more pet reunions, and please donate if you can!

Maria chats with Michael Greves a super talented fashion photographer and studio owner based in Brisbane, Australia.   Michael has just become a first-time pet owner and he couldn't be more thrilled.  His puppy's name is Cuba Michael GrevesDogs 101 - click on the pic for more infoMichael's Give the Dog a Bone reference:Troy Fitzgerald     K9 All Training

Surane sits down for a fun conversation with his new friend Justin Fogle, a West Coast local and longtime advocate for pit bulls. Justin's two pups, Dutchez and Chopper, are the apples of his eye. After rescuing each of them from sad situations, he's become dedicated to helping others put their fears about pit bulls to bed. Justin's "Leave-a-dog-a-bone" references: - Read "The Digging-Est Dog" by Al Perkins 

Maria chats with her dear friend Adam Crossley.   Adam is a singer songwriter who writes for TV and Film and for other artists. His original song “Beautiful World” We’re all here, reached top three on the AC billboard charts in both the US and Canada.  Josh Groban recorded “So She Dances” on his Awake album which Adam penned with his great friend and collaborator Asher Lenz.Not only does Adam fancy himself a writer he also happens to be a journeyman in the Drywall Taping and Finishing World. He is and has been a dog lover his whole life and has even written songs about those four legged beasts we all adore so much!  His dog's name is MacyAdam Crossley Adam's Give the Dog a Bone referenceThundershirt

Surane sits down with his dear friend, the incredibly talented Sarah Margaret Huff, also fondly known as "Smaggs." New dog mom to her little gem Sooze, Smaggs talks about guiding a rescue pup with trauma, while laying to rest her sweet pup Napolean, who recently passed away. A member of indie-folk band JEMS, Sarah Margaret also composed our fun new paw'dcast theme song – which debuts in this episode! Sarah Margaret's Leave A Dog A Bone references: - Adopt from Wags & Walks Adoption Center- Get pet insurance!- Check out The Magenta Rainbow's new music video, Gotta Best Friend

Maria chats with Amanda Magda. Amanda is a life-long dog lover, a litigation lawyer and a Mom.  She lives in Oakville with her 2 children and husband. Her dog's name is Gingersnap

Surane sits down with a friend of the neighbourhood, a true steward of Hollywood, Mr. Scott James. Scott digs deep into his soul to dust off the tale of his long lost dog, Peanut. Over the course of sharing Peanut's story, Scott manages to find a morsel of peace in her memory.

Maria chats with Jasmine Hourahine.  Jasmine is in her first year at university studying music.  She is and always has been a friend to all animals, especially dogs. Her dog's name is Houston. Jasmine's Leave-A-Dog-A-Bone reference:Houston's Instagram page @goodboyhouston  

Surane continues last week's Dog Stories convo with his dear friend, Lynn Lieu. After adopting her young, one-eyed border collie, Cy, she found out her little boy has a severe kidney disease. Now, she's taking on the challenge of fitting a decade of experiences (100 new things!) into 6 months. Through spreading awareness about Cy's condition, they also teach us that living a beautiful life with your best friend isn't about how much time you have together, but what you do with it.Follow Cy's adventures on Instagram @cycytheadventuredog and on his website, cycytheadventuredog.com.

Surane sits down with his dear friend, Lynn Lieu, who tells the tale of her young one-eyed border collie, Cy (short for Cyclops). Cy's story is an important one -- SO important that it called for an extended conversation. This is Part I of Cy's dog story.

Maria chats with Mackenzie Leavitt. Mackenzie works as an executive assistant and part time at a pet store. She has grown up around dogs and some would say her house is a zoo. Mackenzie’s passion for animals and experience in the pet industry has inspired her to begin a YouTube channel called Furry Friends Zone with her Mom on all things cat and dog.  Furry Friends ZonePaws Here Biscuits Instagram- @Pawsherebiscuits Freds instagram- @frolicwithfred

Surane sits down with his dear friend Candice Shaw. Candice spends her life hoppin' all over the globe with her son, Karl the heeler pup. She offers great tips on how to travel with your dog, and tells a boatload of stories about Karl's wacky adventures.  Candice's Leave a Dog a Bone recs: - Try CBD oil for hyperactive dogs!- Get an Easy Walk harnesses for those puller pups out there  

Maria chats with Oakville based graphic designer Karley Gitten. Karley is owner of Gitten Creative and co-founder of SwissRidge Dogs for Kids. She adores her 2 dogs Blizzard a 7 year old Bernedoodle and Zolo an 8 year old GoldendoodleShe's crazy obsessed with dogs and is changing the lives of children in need of service dogs.  She loves combining her artistic talent with her dog passion and recently started an Etsy shop called DoodleWrites to maintain Blizzards popularity and character in the internet world.   Give a Dog a Bone reference:SwissRidge Dogs for KidsBlizzards InstagramDoodleWrites Etsy shopPixsy - Find and Fight Image TheftCowboy MagicGitten Creative  

Surane sits down with new friend and filmmaker Keren Hantman in Hollywood's historic Bronson Canyon park, chatting about what else...dogs. Hailing from Israel, Keren's been in LA for 7 years. Now a mother of two navigating a Covid world, she and her husband recently decided to add a rambunctious pup into the mix. They named her Blueberry, a sweet girl born with two different colored eyes - one brown, and one blue. Blueberry was also born with an umbilical hernia, an opening in the muscle wall where her belly button is.Keren's "Leave a dog a bone" references: Follow @loveleorescue, an LA-based non-profit that helps less fortunate dogs get a second chance in life. Strongly consider adopting your new best friend from there!    

Today Maria is chatting with a long-time friend and fellow dog lover Carolynne Masters. Carolynne is an animal massage therapist with 15 years of experience. She is based in Guelph, Ontario.  Her dogs names are Penny and JinxMasters Animal Massage - carolynnemasters@gmail.comCarolynne's Give the Dog a Bone reference:Pick of the Litter on Netflix 

Today, Surane welcomes his new neighbours Eva & Nico, along with their lovable English bulldog, Paco. Their little ruff rider was born in Colombia, and flown to New York for a wild life with Nico.  Paco's been everywhere from France, to Denmark, and all across America - this pup's got plenty of stamps on his "paws-port!" Though Eva came into Paco's life a few years later, he was pretty quick to adopt her as "Mommy." Now, as they em-bark on their new adventures in Hollywood, it's Paco who's helping them connect with lots of people, and of course, plenty of dogs. Eva & Nico's Leave A Dog A Bone References: - Get rubber bones for to keep your pup's teeth & gums healthy- Feed your bulldogs butternut squash for healthy coat and digestion- Get Douxo brand shampoo to prevent rashes and dry skin- Get Good2Go dog flotation vest for your pup's to swim safely- Watch Lassie!  

Today Maria chats with Sandra Dumais.  She is a Montreal based writer and illustrator of comics and children’s books. She fell in love with dogs when her family adopted their first rescue. She was 10.  These days her best friend is also a rescue - her name is Indy Sandra's website - Moon and Sparrow Sandra's Give the Dog a Bone referencesDharamsala Dog RescueBaltoHachi  

Surane interviews Hollywood's own Sylvia Walker, Dog Behaviorist Extraordinaire. Sylvia tells the epic story of delivering her sweet little mama's boy, Valentino, and shares her knowledge on pit bulls. She also offers a few tips on how to read dogs. Sylvia's Leave a Dog a Bone references: - Foster Dogs through Wags & Walks Adoption Center (in West LA)- Please consider donating to: Angel City Pit Bulls (LA) or The New York Bully Crew (NY)- Watch Hachi: A Dog's Tale (2009) starring Richard Gere

Maria talks with Francisco Moreno.  Francisco is a family man living in Oakville.   He does R&D for the food industry, will turn 50 this year and spends the mornings of his weekends on a bicycle and running on the trails while looking to kiss as many dogs as he can. He is the proud father of 2 Saint Bernards, Emilio and Gabriel  Francisco's Give the Dog a Bone reference:Family Pet Services 

Surane interviews award-winning photojournalist Jo-Anne McArthur, who shares her life in Toronto with her rescue dog, Banjo. The author of two books, We Animals (2014), and Captive (2017), Jo-Anne is well known for her heroic efforts in documenting the plight of animals around the world. Jo-Anne's work and her often challenging lifestyle were the focus of the documentary The Ghosts in Our Machine (2013).Jo-Anne's "Leave a Dog a Bone" references:Read Dog Boy written by Australian novelist Eva Hornung.Visit Jo-Anne's own weanimalsmedia.org, which tells the stories and documents the lives of animals in the human environment – those used for food, fashion, entertainment, work, religion, and experimentation.Take a second to appreciate and (if feasible) donate to your local animal shelters for their efforts to offer a second shot at life to so many innocent souls in need. Consider adopting black dogs if you're looking for a new best friend!

Today my guest is my dear friend Jenny Hutain.  She is a development worker recently returned to the US from Sierra Leone with her dog, Wally.  She inherited her love of pets from her family, who all have more pets than people in their homes.Jenny's Give the Dog a Bone referencesGo Pet FriendlyBringFidoReddit

Surane interviews Evan Schick, a man truly worthy of the title, Dog's Best Friend. A proud resident of LA, he hails from Warrensburg, Missouri, a city fondly known for the origin of the phrase "Man's Best Friend." Warrensburg is also home to his 16-year-old best bud Oscar, who's now enjoying his twilight years with Evan's lovely parents. Evan's "Leave a Dog a Bone" references:Check out FURminator grooming tools!Visit Warrensburg, Missouri to experience the Old Drum Dog Fest, held annually on the second Thursday in April. 

This week my guest is Nina DeVries. Nina is a former journalist who has worked in Canada and overseas, most recently in Sierra Leone where she was based off and on for several years. It was here that she found her two rescue dogs, Paddy and Freedom. Nina's "Leave the Dog a Bone" references:Sierra Leone Animal Welfare SocietyWorld Animal Protection A Dog's PurposeThe 400lb Sea Turtle 

Surane interviews Rahsul, born and raised in Warren, Ohio and now a proud LA resident. A former news producer and current creative producer, he considers himself a reformed advocate for dogs, and all animals, after the passing of his dear 4-legged friend, Bookie last year.Rahsul's "Leave a Dog a Bone" references:Watch the (original!) 1974 classic, Benji

This week I'm chatting with Lianne Gravitis.  Lianne is a dear friend, a super talented singer with her band Whiskey Epiphany and a loving dog walker/sitter with 20 years of experience. Her company's name is The Doodle Dog Sitter and her dog's name was Maddy.Lianne's "Leave a Dog a Bone" references:On Instagram:OwenthegriffErniesjourneyJuniperfoxxBook:A Dog's PurposeThe Dogs of OakvilleMovie:Lady & the TrampMisc:Trusted HousesittersThe Dodo   

Surane interviews Caitlin Benti, an LA native who currently works in the film industry as an onset medic. She is a lifelong animal rescuer who believes all life has value. Her dog Tekíla was found on the streets in Mexico, and now lives a life full of adventure and love..."or whatever."Caitlin's "Leave a Dog a Bone" references:Check out Castaic Lake Animal Shelter for pet adoptions and on the job volunteer experience!

Today I'm chatting with Christina Stevens. Christina is a former senior investigative reporter for Global News in Toronto.  She now lives in Victoria BC with her dogs Mensch and Maggie Cupid  

Today we’re talking with Justine Reilly. Justine’s a long time animal lover, and a proud Dog Mom to her fabulous Iranian pup Stashi. After Stashi came into her life, Justine has since become an animal rights advocate who maintains a plant-based lifestyle. She also happens to be one of the most talented makeup artists in Hollywood.Justine’s “Leave A Dog A Bone” references:Follow @adoptaniraniandog to learn more about dogs like Stashi on InstagramCheck out BringFido.com to discover all the places your pup can come along for the ride!