Podcasts about irish setters

In this episode we jump into all things bird doggin' with Kelli Aitken of Quantonas Irish Setters. It's a 2 parter so come back for part 2 in a couple weeks! Kelli gets into her story, her love of the Irish Setter, training, learning, field trialing, and even a a bit of judging! Kelli is a very accomplish trainier/handler in the field trial world, with some of the nicest Irish Setters around!!

Hana finds a place in Cáel's Amazon Life.Book 3 in 18 parts, By FinalStand. Listen to the ► Podcast at Explicit Novels.You never really know what you can't do until you've tried to do it and failedI saw Iskender at least once a week, so I didn't know this was a bad sign. My superiors were wary to meet Iskender because intelligence types like their routines. When assets start acting strange, strange things happen. I knew this to be true. When your normally suspicious girlfriend suddenly acts all lovey-dovey,, she knows ~ she knows.Iskender's face showed that he didn't much like this change to our meeting schedule either. Introductions went around. Odette was the only one to say 'Glad to finally meet you' and mean it."Cáel Nyilas," he finally turned to me, "I bear a request from the Great Khan himself." No beating around the bush with this crowd."What do you need?" I replied. Irrationally, I found myself hoping 'please say you need a second for 'beer-pong''."Here is a flash drive with the particulars, but the basics are that we need the United States and the United Kingdom to lend diplomatic support to our efforts to obtain war material and other equipment from other aligned nations," he said."Things like?" Addison asked."Ships from the United States, tanks from Germany, helicopters from France and computer components for Japan and South Korea," he replied. "This is a list of roughly five thousand items we are attempting to procure.""Sure, we'll help," I volunteered."Cáel, before someone has an aneurism, why don't you find out what your team can do," Pamela burst my bubble."Sir, what exactly does your faction think we at JIKIT can do? We are a covert interim unit with limited authority and oversight," Addison stated."Wouldn't this be something you could accomplish through your own extra-ordinary resources?" Yum-Yum asked."We can only get so much through back channels and shell companies," he replied. "With the quantities the Khanate needs," he trailed off."You can't make that many purchases," I nodded. Even I knew an eighteen year old could buy a six-pack with little effort and a so-so fake ID. Buying five kegs was a totally different matter.There was a silence."Iskender, give the team 48 hours to go over this data. We will either return it as if we never received it, or act upon the information on your behalf," Yum-Yum spoke with finality."I understand," he bowed his head. "I will await your response.""I'll see you out," I told Iskender. "I get the feeling you knew this would be our reply.""I didn't, but the Great Khan did," he gave a weak smile. "Honestly, I don't know what to make of the request.""We do and I think we can get it done," I assured him. I escorted him to the elevator then returned to the room.I didn't have to be told what was wrong with this. If your girl finds out you ate fast food with another chick, you can explain it away. If you got take-out, or breakfast at some nice nook, then you had trouble by association. By giving us their Christmas list, Temujin had told us more than what he needed. He was telling us what he didn't need as well.This gave us incredible insight into Khanate economic and military policy over the next three years. See, you could go to Best Buy and purchase a 72" widescreen TV. It was what Best Buy did. You couldn't show up expecting to buy 500,000 TV's though. To get them you had to tell the manufactures they needed to build them because there was a market for that many systems.In turn, they need to buy the various components they didn't build themselves. That meant you would need to smelt more copper, produce more plastics and mine more cadmium, because they would be needed. Therefore, what the Khanate was ordering was stuff they expected to get three to thirty-six months down the line. This went beyond the war with China.As an example, the Khanate was ordering 265 Leopard 2A7 tanks from Germany to be delivered within two years. Germany didn't have those tanks lying around. They needed to build them. They had to expand the factories to build them and therefore produce all the components you needed for a brand new cutting edge tank at a faster rate than ever before.This also told us the Khanate didn't expect to build enough tanks for their own use, much less export to allies such as Vietnam. Maybe they didn't have the construction capacity, or maybe they were busy building something else. We could figure that out by seeing what else they were purchasing abroad, things like cars, trucks, tractors and locomotives.This was an excellent and powerful gift. It was also,"This is poison," Addison began the next phase of the meeting."I disagree," Mehmet Ali Sharif (our State department analyst) countered. "This will provide JIKIT with exceptional insight into what the Khanate's medium term goals are.""It is both," Yum-Yum nodded."The question is 'who are we going to share this with?'" I sighed. That was the critical juncture. After all, the UK and US had team of analysts whose sole job was to make forecasts like this."We decide that in 47   hours," Yum-Yum stated. "Mehmet, lets farm out 15% of this packet to different agencies and see what they come up with. Keep things compartmentalized.""Will do. Addison, let's burrow through this data to see what we can send to who," he got to work."Cáel, what is your insight into the Great Khan's thinking," Addison turned to me. "Are we being suborned?" I had to think that over."Yeah," I nodded. "He's got six months to figure out who is friends and enemies are and he might as well decide where we stand right now. If we share this data, he gets hurt, but it will mean the end of our taskforce and the end of real hard information about what the Khanate is up to as well.""Serving three masters never turns out well," Yum-Yum smirked. "Still, our regular intelligence agencies are months away from piecing together the inner workings of the Khanate and we have jack-off HUMINT on the ground. Our respective countries have 'back-burner-ed' Central Asia and now that's biting us in the ass. Barring an excessive NBC (Nuclear, Biological, or Chemical weapons) platform, I think we buy in."That meant becoming a true intermediator between our respective governments and the Khanate. That also meant continuing to work with the Amazons and 9 Clans, because if we betrayed the Khanate at this juncture, how much could the others really trust us? No, to keep JIKIT going, we were going to hide this information, thus becoming complicit in what the Khanate planned.We had already wandered past the point of intelligence-gathering and analysis to actual policy-making some time ago. This was the point of no return though. This wasn't plausible deniability. This was actively helping the Khanate achieve their national goals and meant moving beyond the realm of covert activities and into one of co-conspirators. I honestly thought we'd all buy in."So, what's next on the agenda?" I posed the question."Someone is late for their knife-fighting training," Pamela gave me a shark's smile. I smiled too. Finally I had something to do that I didn't understand, but didn't mind being ignorant about. If I fucked up, it would all be on me.{9:45 pm, Thursday, August 28th ~ 11 Days to go}Brooke Lee was many things, but being a cook wasn't one of them. What inspired her to cook dinner was almost beyond me. It had to do with that checklist women go through when seeing what a guy doesn't see in them. Brooke was gorgeous, fun to be around (if a bit snobby) and good in the sack. So, what made me closer to Libra and Hana than her? She wasn't trying to compete with the Amazons, thank God.She was better looking than Libra (true) and just as much fun, and if Libra was a better lay she would have hung herself, so it had to come down to womanly stuff ~ things like housecleaning, buying stuff and cooking. House-cleaning was a continuous menial effort and she had a maid service for that. Buying stuff? She had that down pat.Cooking? How hard could that be? very, but she hadn't accepted that, so here I was eating charred prime rib, rubbery asparagus tips, lumpy mash potatoes (made from real potatoes, I'd seen the peals in the trashcan) and some sort of Tomato salad. When she informed me she was cooking, I began looking for a reason not to come over for a late night rendezvous. Then she dropped the E-bomb."If you don't come over, it will be just me and Casper (Winslow) again.""Casper's still in town?" I asked. Since that horrible weekend where I first met Hana (good for my life), her father (hates my guts) and her cruel brother Brennan (now dead by my indirect intervention), Casper's life had been one of healing from the worst kind of treatment (by Brennan's now deceased posse) possible. I couldn't treat her like a pariah."I'm coming over to see you, but it will be great to see Casper again as well," I elaborated/exaggerated."Great," she gushed. "I'll see you at nine.""Make in nine thirty," I said. "I need to see a girl about a bed.""You are horrible," she chided me playfully, clearly not believing me."No I'm not. I'm tucking Aya into bed. She has an early start tomorrow and she's going to be gone all weekend, so this will be the last time I'll see her until Monday night. I'll be at your place as soon as possible after that," I told her. Aya was going to Doebridge and I was making a habit of steering clear of that Amazon municipality. Their security and I had a disagreement last time I was there."It is sweet of you to keep up with that little girl you were kidnapped with," she cooed. "You are a cool, great guy.""She's a special kid. We share a bond," I said. That was true and then some."I'll see you at nine-thirty. You won't be disappointed."And so I was at Brooke's at nine-thirty, getting ready to eat a largely indigestible dinner. Casper had stammered a greeting while looking at me happily. The smoke from the kitchen was warning enough of what was to come. I made light of the charred disaster. I didn't point out that two hours at 350 didn't equate to an hour and a half at 450. It just didn't.Brooke made up for her culinary inadequacies by looking good enough to eat off the plate, off the floor, or between the covers. She had on an Aqua tank top, black bra and khaki shorts with open-toed sandals on her feet. Casper was in the same general get up, except her tank top was white as was her bra.I carved up the beast while those two stood around drinking wine. The roast beast (original species uncertain) was as dry as leather, but the knife was sharp. We discussed Brooke's job hunting lack of success. The jobs she was qualified for didn't pay enough, required her to ignore too much leering and were generally an insult to her intelligence. Basic 'intern' stuff really.I mentioned Libra's job with Hana. She created some excuses about making her own way in the world then followed that up by asking if I could use my newfound influence to send some job offers her way. 'Surely not everyone at Havenstone was that way'. No. She had seem them being polite. They could be much, much worse."Why don't you become a consultant?" I suggested."That would be nice," Casper said. Brooke had become her closest friend."What would I consult in?" Brooke inquired."Employment," I mused. "You know networking and you know people who are looking for specific kinds of jobs. Start your own business.""I like that idea," Brooke grinned. "I could create a web page and get business cards, raise the start-up capital and start getting listings and finding clients.""I know some people who could help out," I offered, "as long as Central Asia is an acceptable location.""What kind of work do you think you can find?""Well, they need to build a government," I worked on my idea quickly because Brooke was literally dripping with sex. I was thinking 'tapping that booty all night long' sex.Women love sex, romance and sensuality. They also want to love their lives, feel successful and have just as much independence as they fantasize to be a good thing. I was coming through for Brooke yet again. I'd bolstered her when her former fiance's life imploded, casting her aside. I'd later given her the strength to make a moral stand for Casper and now I was helping her out of her career doldrums. God, she was going to let me fuck her silly. She was going to be freaking animal.But first we had to pretend to eat before we somehow shuffled Casper off to bed. The tomato salad was edible. It turned out to be Casper's contribution to tonight's festivities. I made sure to compliment her on it, while not mentioning the rest of this disaster. Brooke didn't mind. Midway through the meal, she stood up and paced about while calling her parents. Her Mom answered, so she gave that woman the good news first.My name came up, to her father, and not in a bad way, which was rather rare.'Yes, I was engaged to Hana Sulkanen. I was also her friend as well as Libra's.''I had friends in the Khanate, where business opportunities were aplenty.''Security concerns? No. She knew some people (my Amazons) who did that kind of work. Besides, it wasn't like she was going there.'"You might want to consider going there and meeting some of their people on the ground before sending your friends to that part of the world," I whispered.'Oh, I'll probably go to,'"Astana."'Astana, their capital. Father, there are extraordinary opportunities there. I'll be fine.'"I'll hire you some private security," I suggested. I wouldn't use the Ghost Tigers I had guarding Hana. That would be inappropriate. I couldn't use Amazons for that kind of work either.I was thinking about using Captain Delilah Faircloth of Her Majesty's MI-6. They had all kinds of contractors they'd used in China who would be looking for work now that the shooting had temporarily stopped. For all I knew, Lady Yum-Yum could use Brooke's new business as a cover to insert British operatives into the former capital of Kazakhstan.Now that I thought about it, that was a good idea. Brooke would have her hand in an espionage operation and not even suspect it at first. Later on, she'd probably love the peripheral risks and experience was experience.'Cáel can hire some private security using his government contracts.''I know you know people in the government Papa, but Cáel's people actually kill people.' Which went over like a bamboo hut in a tidal wave, but Brooke was irrepressible. Her parents wished her luck, Brooke did a happy dance and Casper snuggled close to me."Hey Casper," I put an arm around her. I was relieved she didn't flinch. I remained a good guy in her estimations of such things. I'd also hack my own hand off if it tried anything overtly sexual. "How are you coming along?""Better, day by day and my therapy group is good, very caring.""Glad to hear it. If there is anything personal that I can do, don't hesitate to ask. It is not a matter of debts to one another. You are worth it.""I'm glad you still think so," she stared up at me. I could easily dismiss her being needy. She was truly a damsel in need of a shoulder, a warm hand and a kind word. I didn't owe her because of Brennan and Anima. I owed her as a fellow human being."Isn't he the best guy in the world?" Brooke beamed. "We need to find ourselves one just like him." I couldn't see how that was going to happen. I was born in the wrong neighborhood, went to the wrong school and hung out with a different brand of friends. The convergence of me with Trent, which then led to Libra and Brooke, had been beyond bizarre.Felix was such an idiot for not buying into Brooke instead of stupidly trying to use her against me. Even that had backfired when I sucker-punched him in front of nearly a hundred Amazons. I'd knocked him out cold because he had shown more balls than brains in that one encounter. I wouldn't get that lucky again. I'd have to figure a way a new way to kick his Alpha-male ass."I'd argue with you, but I'm a hell of a guy. I'm a prince among men," I joked. "I mean that literally, I'm a Prince of Hungary and Transylvania.""Does that come with one of those cool sashes and lots of medals and ribbons?" Brooke teased."I'm sure the Hungarians are working on that right now," I chortled."Magyarorszag es Erdely Hercege" Casper murmured. "I read it in USA Today. They said it was something the Romanians gave you, but I wasn't sure what it was.""In Romanian it is "Prinţul Ungariei şi Transilvaniei", I clarified. "Prinţul is,""Is what?" Brooke said after a moment's lapse."When I went into battle with the Romanians, that is what they called me. It was a jest of sorts, not real," I sighed, recalling that dark day. Casper patted my hand."Is Magyarorszag the name for 'prince'?" Brooke requested." Magyarorszag is the name the Hungarians call their homeland," I clarified. "Hercege is their word for prince, but let's not buy into the hype. I'm just a guy with a job that entails greater risk than a pizza delivery driver.""A Jewish pizza delivery driver in downtown Gaza, Cáel. Every time I see you, you are sporting a new scar, or scratch. What do you have for me this time?" she gave me a sultry 'come-hither' look. I caught it and liked what I saw. Casper caught it and sighed slightly."I'm sleepy," she yawned. "I should be going to bed.""Oh no," Brooke protested. I almost believed her. "Are you sure?""Yes. I'll take an Ambien then be out like a light," Casper said before giving my hand another squeeze."You don't have to do this," I whispered into Casper's ear. "I'll brave another one of Brooke's home-cooked meals to spend time with her." Casper giggled."Hey now! What was that about?" Brooke pouted. She was definitely going to be wrapping those scrumptious lips around my sceptre in the next three hours, of that I was certain."He, ah, was wondering if we could do this again real soon," Casper babbled, caught between fright and comedy."Soon," Brooke shot me more of the 'sexy'. "He hasn't even made it out of the door yet.""I like the way you think," I winked to Brooke."What do you think is on my mind," she was provoking me. I didn't say a word. I chose to undress her with my eyes instead. She knew what I was doing too."Bedtime," Casper put both hands on the table then stood. "Thanks for coming over tonight." I stood as well, hugged her then briefly watched her walk away. Just because she was 'handle with care' didn't mean she wasn't a handful. My miniscule number of rules included not doing it with girls not in their right minds. I wanted them to be free to hate me when the time came.Brooke saw Casper off to the bathroom for her meds and the whole pre-bedtime ritual stuff while I cleaned up the dinner table. Five minutes of work now meant not waking up to the smell of ruined food later. The only thing in need of saving was the salad. I Saran Wrapped the rest of it. I was going to claim I was taking it into work for breakfast then dispose of it at our HQ ~ One MiMA Tower.Once I was finished, I puttered around noisily until Brooke came looking. I could have gone to her bed and stripped naked, eagerly waiting for sex. Since Brooke was trying to play in the same league as Hana, she might have misconstrued that as me taking advantage of her. If not tonight then in the morning when she replayed the encounter. Brooke liked to be 'in charge', so I fed that instinct.I had come here for sex. We both knew that, but we could pretend we didn't. Brooke could then want to have me and got to make sure I wanted her with or without sex, so we could have guilt-free sex together. Brooke was not overly complicated, for a girl, and she was hot enough to be worth having to go through these sorts of games."Whatchya thinking about?" Brooke said as she sashayed into the kitchenette."You," I met her gaze. She licked her upper lip."I've been thinking about you too," she moved within my comfort zone. I obliged her aggression by placing my hands first on her hips then, as I pulled her close, to the small of her back. We were groin to 'growing' and I was very aroused by her presence and her scent."Are you going to toy with me some more so that I go home tonight stiff and moaning with lust?" I groaned."I like toying with you," she snickered. "You are fun.""You are fun and sexy. We need to try another beach weekend with less drama before the season ends," I played to her amusement."I don't think I can wait for the weekend," she protested by shimmying her hips against me. "While you were out saving the world, I've been all alone.""Oh hell no!" I hissed. "What brought that on?""You are a hard act to follow," she teased. "I've missed you.""I've missed you too," wasn't a total lie. I hadn't been celibate by a long shot. That didn't mean I didn't miss her."How about we do a little bit less 'missing'?" she suggested."I'd like to have you on the sofa," I pressed into her."I'd like to have you in the bedroom ~ my bed is bigger," she grinned. My eyes shown with anticipation, which was what she was looking for. Brooke took my hand and led me through the living room and around the corner to her bedroom.She cat-crawled onto the bed while I hurriedly stripped down. She languidly lay back on the pillows, hair billowed around her in a dark halo while she hungrily watched my physique being revealed to her. Brooke's left hand traced a line down around her breast to her pubic mound where she started playing with herself. Her eyes fluttered, her lust blossomed into womanhood and I was beside her in a flash.Instead of falling in beside her (she was close to her side of the bed), or to her far side, I came at her from the foot of her bed. I spent only a few seconds kissing her toes, shins and kneecaps. While my kisses made moist lip-prints up her thighs, I unbuttoned her short shorts and undid the zipper. Brooke raised her hips so I could pull her clothing down ~ no panties.To change things up slightly, I finished the removal by turning her over onto her stomach, then pulling on her hips until she was in the doggy-style position. She looked back at me, her eyes framed by dark lashes and darker eyebrows on her tanned flesh. I pressed her shoulder blades down until her breasts were squeezed against the bed.After that, I slid down until I was on my belly. Using my shoulders and neck, I began licking her labia from the hood to the anus. That got her going and before long, I was drinking from her nectar and loosening up her asshole with some quality rimming. Brooke had prepped for me carefully and cleanly and this made me attack her nether regions with renewed gusto. Butt sex was in the offing.Not yet though. I got her all nice and gushing, but I wanted to try something more. I kept my tongue action going on while I coiled my body behind her. With a quick, graceful repositioning, I rose up on my knees, her thighs resting on my shoulders while I made furious suction actions onto her."Yep, Yeah!" Brooke exhaled. "This is, aha, new."True to my predations, while I worried and nibbled her accoutrements, Brooke took one hand (the other she was using to pull her hair aside) and began stroking me. Her tongue touched my spongy head several times before she stopped the outright teasing and placed her lips upon me. She didn't suck it in. On no. She sucked on my angry red helmet, running her lips right to the edge then back again, as if I was a Popsicle.I was leaning back on my haunches because of the awkward hold on hips with the weight I had to support. Not that Brooke was at all heavy."Crawl forward," I mumbled from between her legs. It took her a few seconds to figure out I wanted to return us to our starting position. She made a great display of slithering forward. My tongue stayed in her cunt until both her knees hit the comforter.At that stage she was ready to go and my forcefulness lifted her knees temporarily off the sheets.With my third lunge, Brooke reached back and stopped my rocking motion. I stilled which allowed her to reach over to the side table, open the drawer and pull out a designer bottle of lubricant."I know this is what you like," she panted in anticipation. I knew this was what we both wanted by the way she ran her fingers along my palm before making the hand-off.This was one of those bottles with the glass stopper, so it make a slight grinding sound as I opened it. Brooke want down onto all fours, her palms resting on the comforter. Her head was down and her waist-long black hair masked her features, but not her sounds of pleasure."Arch your back Brooke," I said as I inhaled her intoxicating aroma. She did so willingly. I let the oil pour down in a thin stream and rubbed it in with my thumb.I had to carefully aim my phallus because Brooke hadn't been lying about her lack of sexual attention. She was tight and hadn't been plundered by anyone in my long (for me) absence. Hell, this long and I was normally back to 'make-up' sex. I certainly wasn't going to be ramming my rod home with any great passion for a few minutes.I didn't want to cause her (too much) pain nor have her anal muscles constrict the skin off my love missile."Oh," she moaned. "I love it when you are gentle, Cáel. It reminds me how much you care for how I feel." She punctuated that statement by rolling her hips, driving in my entire length in her lubricated alternate option. Her body tensed up then bucked. I popped out."Put it back in," she gasped. There was so much to love about Brooke and her enthusiasm. Once back in, I rested my left hand on the small of her back to keep her back arched while I reached around with my right and began twisting and palming her right breast through her shirt and bra. As I was slowly twisting and thrusting, Brooke's arms gave out and she went face first into her pillow. Her breast pressed my hand down on the comforter and her repositioning drove a full inch of me suddenly into her.Brooke gave out a strangled sob followed by a whimpering sound. My left hand took my weight. My right came around and pulled her hair away from her face so she could breathe easier and I could judge her pain through her facial expressions."Oh God," she spat a strand of hair out of her mouth, "It feels like you are going to split me in half.""Too late to back out now," I teased her."I can, hiss, take anything you can give me, Cáel Nyilas," she taunted me through clenched teeth. I gave her another inch for her impertinence. She tried to crawl forward before she surprised me by thrusting up and back."God damn!" she howled. "You're huge!"I imagined that I would feel like a fucking Sequoyah shoved up my ass if I pulled off a stunt like that too. Brooke was game for more. I had enough in that now I could start a rhythm  without fear of popping out. Her hands bunched up the comforter around her head as she hung on for dear life. This felt so good that squeezing my last bit in felt rather inconsequential after all the physical and erotic ground we had covered up until then.Brooke's stomach clenched up as her spontaneous ecstasy jumped her and me. Every muscle in her body spasmed, including her rectal ones. I was shooting off into her bowels inside a second. My heat only made her climax come that much harder. I kept humping away like a chimp on crack while Brooke began to squeal out between baited breathe."Damn, that was intense," I remarked as I fell to her side. Brooke was still face down/ass up with her eyes squeezed shut, still riding through her own aftershocks of her sensual seismic waves."Oh, oh, oh," she panted hoarsely. "I want to, (pant), do that again, real soon."I spanked her ass loudly and prepared on shaky legs to remount her."No," she moaned. "Give my ass a minute's rest. Can't we do something else for a while?""How about I get cleaned up and get you a hot wash cloth?" I suggested as my nostrils flared."I'll just lie here and feel sated," she murmured. Her knees slid down until her stomach was down on the bed. I gave her abused backside another tender spank then slid off the bed. I quick-stepped it out of Brooke's room, and nearly tripped over Casper who had been out in the hall watching us."I," she stammered. I shut the door then crossed the hallway from her."No problems, Casper. I was hoping that we wouldn't wake you up," I coaxed her down the hallway to her door, and away from Brooke's room. I noticed her eyes constantly flicking down to my crotch. "Hang on," I held up my hand. When she nodded, I quietly sprinted down to the living room, grabbed up a throw pillow then sprinted back. Now I could be covered up."Why didn't you get a towel out of the bathroom?" Casper whispered."I'm an idiot," I shrugged. She sniffled then giggled."You make Brooke very happy, but,""But?""But you are engaged to Hana Sulkanen.""I'm a Love Monkey," I shrugged. "I find it difficult to be with just one woman. It is never that a woman isn't enough for me. It is that there is something wrong with me that is never truly satisfied so I keep roaming.""Don't you, worry about the women you are with?""I'm not a wonderful human being, Casper. That is all I can think to say.""You aren't like Brennan, not like that, hold on." Casper retreated to her room then came back with a folded up piece of news print. By the size it was one of those articles you found on page 17. "Here," she handed it over. "It was delivered here in an envelope with my name on it."I looked it over. A 'Jane Doe' had been found in Charleston harbor, SC, dead from an overdose."Three days before I got that, I got a call from Anima," she told me. "She told me," Casper gulped. "She told me that she was very sorry about all that had happened. She was sorry. That was it.""Oh.""Anima is dead now, isn't she?""Yeah, I think so," I noted sadly. "Does that change anything with you?""I don't know. I mean, Brooke told me that you would make sure none of those people would ever be around to bother me again, but, was this you?""No and yes. I told someone with the power to make a difference what happened to you and who was responsible. After that, I never heard about the matter again. Anima did stop by once, crazy with fear but unrepentant. I honestly feel that how she ended up feeling wouldn't have made a difference on whether she lived, or died. I don't know what to make of her call.""She, it doesn't help. I still have to take a sleeping pill to keep the nightmares away. I haven't told my therapist about the death, or how everyone else is either dead or disappeared. I don't know what to think. I was hoping you would.""I'm not normally the person people go for answers. I'll make up an answer, if that's what you want."She reached up and touched my forearm."I prefer honesty," she smiled. "I guess I was hoping for you to be more, perfect than you are. That was unfair of me.""You wouldn't be the first person to mistake me for a decent human being," I joked. "Usually that misconception only lasts a week or so. I promise you... I'll be living down to your expectations in no time.""Brooke thinks highly of you, and so do I. We've known you more than a couple of weeks," Casper feebly jibed."I've been behaving myself," I teased her.'"Brooke sounded," she trailed off. I waited. "You two sound like you enjoyed one another.""That's how it is supposed to be. You'll feel that one day too. You'll meet someone who thinks of your pleasure first. And, if he doesn't, you will have to train him to do it right.""You make it sound so easy," Casper sighed."Do you really think I'm that unique?""A prince, avenger, soldier-of-fortune, titan of the bedroom?" she lightened up. We'd crossed a barrier. I was 'joke-able'."We have union meetings every third Wednesday," I grinned. "We kick back, drink a few beers and figure out what hot spots and hotties we need to concentrate on for the next month.""I, thank you, Cáel," she smiled."For what?""For not disappointing me. You are a nicer guy than you give yourself credit for.""Thank you, Casper," I reached over and hugged her. She didn't flinch. "For treating me like I can make a difference.""I need to go to bed now," she yawned. I hugged her again then stepped back. She walked to her door and began to shut it. I swore I heard her whisper 'you do', but I wasn't sure. I had to hurry to the bathroom, heat up a wash cloth while cleaning up, before finally getting back to Brooke. I found her reclining on the bed, totally naked."Sorry I took so long," I told her."I know. It is okay. I heard most of it," she glowed happily. "Casper needs someone, someone who isn't me. I'm not the most patient friend in the world. I sort of feel responsible for her and she needs someone to talk to about normal stuff, but I miss going to clubs and hanging out with friends who talk back." I sat on the bed and began to run the warm cloth up her thighs."What was it like, that fight in Romania?" she asked as we switched off with the washcloth. She tenderly worked over her abused anal region."The battle? A skirmish really,""Yes," she paused. "Between that and being kidnapped, you've had a mentally draining time since we last spent some time together. You act like you haven't changed much, but,""It's okay. I know it sounds clich , but it is hard to explain those things unless you've lived thru them.""If you don't want to talk about it," Brooke gave me an out. I could tell this was a part of my life she wanted to be a part of; my manliness on display."I'm okay. I can't really say I was scared for myself either time. During the kidnapping I was concerned for Aya. All of the normal human stuff came later, after the crisis was over. During the kidnapping, there isn't much to talk about. As for the fight, at the time I had a plan and was waiting for the opportunity to implement it. Bullets were flying. Men around me were getting wounded. I can't recall seeing any of the men on my side getting killed.""Did you get shot?" she stroked my abdomen."Bruised, though my flak jacket had to do its job once or twice," I sighed. I could almost hear the sounds of the bullets whizzing around me once more. Wounded men hadn't screamed out when they were hit. They'd grunted. The cries would come later when the enormity of their pain sunk in."I made sure the main bad guy ~ the Boss ~ didn't get away. I think I wounded one guy. That was it; my contribution to the battle.""It was your plan that won the fight though, right?""Yes. I did what leaders are supposed to do, but that didn't mean I could save all my guys and gals.""You are very courageous," Brooke cuddled in. "You don't back down often, but you are not an ass about it. You are the least 'macho-asshole' macho-man I've ever met, and I'd like to see more of you," she purred."I'm already naked," I played naive. Brooke pushed me down and straddled my lap."I guess I'll just have to appreciate the naked you some more then," she chortled. Brooke took charge long enough for me enter her then we combined our efforts, her moving with her thighs and me with my hands on her hips, to engage in some serious love-making.This is not a political commentary, public personalities have been butchered in order to make the story light-hearted{4:45 am Friday, August 29th ~ 10 Days to go}"Hey," Brooke asked softly, "can I join?"I was halfway thru my clean up when she'd opened the shower stall door, but I had some time. "Sure. I'll wash your back if you wash mine," I offered.She gave me a sly grin as she stepped in and closed the door behind her. I signaled her to turn with her back to me (never a safe position), poured some liquid soap in my hands and began lathering her up."Did you think you could leave me with only a kiss," she said as she backed up against me."I thought you were asleep when I kissed you," I whispered into her ear."I was. You are such a romantic, I assumed you kissed me because that's what you always do. You have a light touch.""We were up late," I teased."You are up early," she let her left hand travel down between us until she could wrap her fingers around my cock."Being with you, it is hardly a surprise," I chuckled."Are you implying you like me?" she serpentined her body against mine."Me likey, me likey a whole bunch," I told her as I nibbled her ear. Brooke responded by pulling my phallus around like a clock arm until it was fixed between her thighs and rubbing up against her. We left it there a while, she rocking her hips back and forward while I soaped up her front the way I had lathered her back. After all, this was foreplay.This was kisses planted along her shoulders, neck, ears and, as I turned her head around, on her lips. Brooke was whining with need after our last French kiss, so I pushed my hips back and pressed her down with a hand on her mid-back. At the perfect angle, I let her slip me in."Ah, this is never going to get old," Brooke moaned. She punctuated her statement by rolling her hips back and forth. In the interlude, I cut off the water so it would cease to be a distraction. Then my hands went to her hips and the rhythm began. It was a slow steady wave-like motion.Brooke had one hand against the tiled wall while the other reached under to play, as I went in. This was an excellent symmetry we had developed.I pulled out suddenly."No," Brooke protested. She turned around to see me pull a condom from behind the shampoo and quickly apply it. Brooke giggled. "Thank you for that, but don't you think it is a little late in our night together?""Would you rather I went without?" I smiled."No," she sighed happily. "It is so you." I took that as a sign to slip back in. I felt her fingernails run over the condom as I pressed forward. This time around, I let Brooke do all the work. I placed my torso onto her back so I could worry her shoulders and neck (yes, I gave her a hickey) and fondled her breasts."No fair," she whimpered. "No fair, I wanted you to, cum first.""I'm working as fast as I can," I huffed. Her fingers were strumming furiously, I was picking up my pace, pounding her with growing ferocity, and her breath was coming in labored gasps."No!" she howled as her climax gripped her. She bucked up once, twice, then a third time, holding herself tightly against me."I'm cumming," I growled and I did. Brooke's groans became longer and lower. She wiggled her cute ass against me, urging out every spurt of my semen into the condom. As I was pulling out of Brooke, she stopped me."Wait, I want to try something," she told me. She turned around and went to her knees.Brooke rolled off the condom and made deep, meaningful eye contact before tilting her head back and draining the contents of my condom down her throat. Oh, that was so sexy."Yummy," she gulped down my seed."Wow, that was so, unforgettable," I stroked her cheek."I've been reading some porn and wanted to try, oh, it has an aftertaste of spermicide. At least I think that is what it is," she snickered."I wouldn't know," I shrugged."Let me find out," she gave me more of that sultry eye-contact. She put her hand around my turgid phallus, stuck out her tongue then slipped it past her lips."No," it was my turn to moan. She was getting me hard again and I had a date I couldn't be late for. Maybe. The moment her gag reflex kicked in, I pulled her up into a kiss. My hands cupped each ass cheek, I raised her over and impaled her in one rapid motion. Face to face, I began bouncing her hard and deep.{8:00 am}I wasn't late, but it was a close thing. I had arrived with three minutes to spare, only to find Hana and Libra waiting for me at Amy's Bread on 9th Avenue. Over some coffee and scones we soaked up the city's morning ambience. I was in my biker clothes with my bike locked up within sight of the counter."So," Libra started off after the initial hugs and kisses (Hana on the lips, Libra on the cheek, no titty snuggle for me at the moment), "how was dinner with Brooke last night?"I didn't believe Brooke had given anyone any details in the period between since we'd had our last round of high octane love-making at one a.m. and before I grabbed my shower, or the two quickies in the shower, or feeling her up at the door. I had kissed her before leaving and she had been out like a light, naked and curled up with my pillow while resting her weary head on the other one. I had whispered a farewell to Casper, but not looked in. After that, I had biked over to Havenstone for my six o'clock firearm's practice.There, I had picked up my current minder, Juanita Leya Antonio Garza. She was a mocha-skinned Dominican, twenty-nine years old and a brand-spanking new member of the Isharan House Guard. She came to me by way of Havenstone's Buenos Aires' Acquisitions department. Juanita had earned her spot as my guardian by qualifying for that office's Rapid Response Team. (She had been good enough to qualify for that team's lead. Since there were not enough Security Detail (SD's) to staff all the satellite offices, the offices made do with teams trained by the SD as part of their normal career training.)She had spent the past week as part of an ad-hoc training program addressing how to bodyguard from on top a bicycle. (The SD had actually been planning this since I had been kidnapped.) Juanita had been identified by Buffy and Halen as a Runner to be brought into House Ishara and she had a seal of approval from both Buffy and Rachel as a bodyguard, so I was more than willing to put up with an aggressive road buddy."Entertaining," I grinned. "Definitely something we are going to have to work on together next time.""Next time?" Hana regarded me studiously. "Was last night that good?""We are not going to go there, Hana. I'm doing my best within my limited Code of Sexual Misconduct. I'm trying to be discreet.""Hana," Libra added her voice, "when you first met Cáel, he was simultaneously dating me and Brooke. At the same time he was also seeing that police officer,""Nikita," I clarified, "and we are keeping it at the 'strictly friends' level right now.""I was hoping to have something more than just a part-time husband," Hana stated softly. Hana wasn't whining. She was testing our boundaries, for the long term control of my being. After all, wasn't that what marriage was all about?"At this point in my life, I'm not that guy," I pushed back. Most of the women I'd been with hadn't been happy about sharing my attentions, often violently so. Those who did found ways to emotionally blackmail me into spending more time with them. Up until now, that had never worked."When I saw you with  Annela, I realized that you are much more than some sort of playboy," Hana countered."I'm learning to like kids," I shrugged happily. "I never thought I would, quite frankly. I wasn't called 'Captain Condom' for nothing.""I'm not on birth control," Hana enlightened me. Oh shit!"Good thing we are getting married," I joked feebly. "So, does  Annela want a baby brother, or sister?""Would there be a problem with a boy?" Libra asked."Not anymore," I guaranteed them both. "I couldn't,""Couldn't?" Hana requested what I had let slip."What used to happen to Amazon boys?" Libra pressed."Not something that I feel at liberty to discuss," I hedged."That doesn't sound good," Libra mused."Would our child be at risk if something happened to you?" Hana worried."No," I reached over and squeezed her hand. "There are plenty of people that know how I feel and wouldn't let anything happen to my children," I didn't quite lie. Honestly I had never talked over such things, even with Buffy. Would my sons be okay? Would my daughters?I needed to reexamine my future plans, which is to say I needed a plan."So how would we deal with your grandfather?" Hana redirected my thoughts."Oh," I had been worried about my Amazons, not my family."I will find a way to deal with Alal," I promised her. What a bold-faced lie. I hadn't a clue how to counter the man yet. I was still playing catch up with several thousand years of what he had already accomplished, much less plumbed the depths of his future conspiracies."You big liar," Hana smiled warmly. "That man has your number, even though you don't see it yet. We will have to work on something together.""I'll help," Libra offered. "That guy weirded me out.""He did?" I looked her way. I'd been good at avoiding ogling her cleavage for Hana's sake. "I wish I could clarify how I feel about him.""That man is evil," Hana insisted. "Don't you see that?""It isn't that simple for me," I shook my head. "It is, I can get inside his head and figure out what motivates him, and sometimes it is scary. In a way, he's lost faith in humanity. His friends have all long since died and he has carried on alone. I get the bizarre sense he is even looking forward to having something he's never had before, a family.""What about your, umm, aunts?" Libra challenged me."They don't count because he," I couldn't say 'made them in a lab'. "He never knew them as children, only after the fact and they have always lived in his shadow and under his control. This time, with me, us, things can be different.""He doesn't deserve a family in my book," Hana shook her head. "Not my family."I had to think about Katrina and Aya. How different was Katrina, who purposely sacrificed Aya to achieve her long term goals of screwing over the Seven Pillars of Heaven? Aya would bear a permanent scar of that betrayal, and Katrina had an ironclad faith I would save us both, a faith I didn't have in myself. I liked Katrina and even trusted her somewhat. Could I afford to feel the same way about Grandpa Cáel?"Hana, I'm not looking to give you a sane reason for dumping me, but my family is more than a little fucked up," I began. "I have to face the fact that right now, I really can't stop Alal from doing what he wants. That doesn't mean I accept the situation, yet it is what it is. When I have a chance at putting him away, I'll take it and that decision goes beyond my family. He needs to be stopped. As you said 'he's evil'.""Will you let us help you?" Libra inquired. 'Yeah right, what can you do versus a 5000 year old criminal mastermind' wasn't the appropriate thing to say. The truth rarely is."What would you suggest?" I did say. "Considering the resource gulf between what we can bring to bear versus his legions of followers and unspeakable power, what chances do the three of us have?""Is that a concession, insult, or genuine inquiry?" Hana questioned."Genuine inquiry," I answered. "I hardly feel I know it all. And the more insight I can gather, the better my long-term chances are.""We can start by finding a way to get rid of my Irish 'minders'," Hana gave me a quirky grin. "They are very good at fitting seamlessly into the background, but I can spot them.""Keep them around for a while, because all we can accomplish right now is getting a few more we can't identify," I pointed out. "The Ghost Tigers?""Oh, they are out and about," Libra snorted."They stop by long enough in the morning to get my itinerary, then, I guess they are out there somewhere," Hana told me. "A few times they have acted on my behalf, so I know they are close by, and that people really are trying to kill me. But they work their way, and that includes not being seen with me, it seems.""They are assassins, so I guess I should have expected that," I shrugged. "Still, while they are on the job, you are safer than you realize. None of the others ~ groups ~ will bother you while they know those two are close by. It is two, right?""I've seen two. A young woman and an older man," she elaborated."They both come across as diligent sociopaths," Libra added. "I've never seen them emit a single emotion, and they don't like my sense of humor.""I'd rather have you two alive than have them chucking at your innate comedic talents, Libra," I smirked. "Besides, the things they find funny you might not appreciate.""Good point," Hana nodded. "Some of the Great Khan's people certainly have an odd sense of humor, things that don't translate over well."I had an alternative to telling what I knew about the Earth & Sky and why they were so grim: that they saw their father's lifetimes, their own and that of their children filled with warfare and struggle. They were geographically trapped between two of the world's greate

No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here Author Dawn Secord joins host Laura Reeves to discuss the release of her new book “No Ghoulish Green Monsters Here.” Secord describes a lifetime in dogs, her time with Irish Setters and her childhood starting with Milk Bone snacks. “Combining my love of art and writing and looking back on being a child with so many kids not acclimated with dogs and not realizing what a wonderful opportunity it is to find companionship,” Secord said. “Find security and to use words to make the kids feel safe. And so in 1984 it was laid on my heart when I got my first Irish Setter that I was going to do a book about an Irish setter for children and share my love of my dogs. “I want to give parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and nieces, whomever, a book to sit down and talk about dogs and talk about their fears. This first book has messages about facing fears because everybody's afraid of something. And I wanted kids to know it's OK to be afraid and talk about it. Don't be afraid by yourself. “The book comes with a free download that's on my website. So if they want to make it into an educational tool, it's got a glossary and it talks about Irish Setters. I even made maps for kids to learn how to read a map and some pictures and coloring book pages for the little ones, some things to research for the older ones. So I really wanted parents or adults, whoever they are, they have an opportunity to turn the book into an educational opportunity if they desired. “I really want to promote that having a purebred dog is cool. So that's one thing. For the writing, I feel that it's timeless and I want to make an impact.”

How Breeds Have Managed Population-wide Health Crises Host Laura Reeves is joined again by Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, Project Director, IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs at the International Partnership for Dogs. The wide-ranging conversation covers how different breeds have managed population-wide health crises. Llewellyn-Zaidi discusses specific issues with Irish Setters in the UK and Pointers in the US, as well as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and French Bulldogs in Finland. She also uses knowledge of the inbreeding in dairy cattle to address some of our questions about the potential of "inbreeding depression" in dogs. "Education is us making the best decisions we have with the information we have in that moment," Llewellyn-Zaidi said. "And then where those unintended consequences can go wrong. Bear with me, I'm going to pivot from dogs for just a minute and talk about the dairy cattle industry because I think that is a great warning to the dog breeding world about what we want to keep in mind when we're making our breeding decisions. (This gives insight into) how we might want to work collectively to solve some of these problems that we're all facing and also collectively how we might want to achieve the goals and the positive traits and positive characteristics we have in our breeding stock. "The dairy industry historically had a philosophy of not particularly using a wide number of stud bulls. Their goals when they're breeding dairy cows are not our goals when we're breeding dogs. They're wanting to produce animals that have a very specific trait characteristic, but also are not required for longevity. Generally speaking longevity is kind of a priority for dog breeding. So they had two challenges with that and that if you don't include longevity or if you are removing those cows at a certain age before their natural lifespan would end then you don't really know what may be coming into middle or older age. "There's a study in 2015, so 10 years ago, where they looked at where the genesis of modern American dairy cattle came from. They realized that all of the American dairy cattle at the moment descended from two bulls from the 1880s. Those were the bulls' lineages that have survived various breeding strategies over the years. "If you are a livestock nerd or if you're interested at all in dairy cattle, you probably have heard of Toy Story, who sired over half a million offspring and he's within living memory. What's interesting and, harkening back to our previous conversations again about genetic diversity, funnily enough, in dairy cattle, they started noticing that infertility issues were coming into dairy cows. "What they didn't think about or they didn't really maybe appreciate how inbred those female cows were as well. Because essentially Toy Story was breeding over and over and over and over and over again with his daughters and granddaughters and nieces. So the inbreeding was compounding and they were already inbred to begin with." Listen in to hear Llewellyn-Zaidi's conversation about how different breeds and clubs have solved health issues and genetic diversity questions in positive and constructive ways. And don't forget to tap in next week for part two.

Mark Laurie has been doing boudoir/nudes for 45 years, 5200 women, donated $514,000 to charity, or Inner Spirit has as part of her mandate—lots of awards, Canadian Photographer of the Year, four international photog of Year awards. Most awarded photographer in North America, hold two degrees, Master of Photography and Photographic Craftsman, 45 accreditations, Photog Reality show winner followed by two seasons judge, had my own TV series, have images on the Voyager 3 space mission, Only photographer to have a fellowship on both sides of the Atlantic. I had the General Hospital Physiatrist department do a medical white paper on my photo approach because it changed women's lives. Mark has five books out, two of which are in the Canadian National Archives. He has spoken on several main stages, mentored, and taught. Mark has also published and edited his own photography magazine and a series of Loan Collection Photography books. Watching the change in women from his photo sessions has driven him in the boudoir art field. Mark also loves creating art with a full line of wall décor images. He loves travel and has photographed and taught in 16 countries. Mark's wife Jan is also his business partner. He enjoy pets, having had 5 Irish Setters, a bunny, and our second cat. Enjoy creating art on the computer. Contact Mark Laurie: People to see and buy my wall art; it is a very eclectic collection. http://MarkLaurieArt.com To visit my podcast http://fascinatingwomen.com And, of course, to hire me to photograph them, wherever they may be, for empowering boudoir/nude photos. http://innerspiritphoto.com There is a newsletter they can sign up for, too. Dr. Kimberley Linert Speaker, Author, Broadcaster, Mentor, Trainer, Behavioral Optometrist Event Planners- I am available to speak at your event. Here is my media kit: https://brucemerrinscelebrityspeakers.com/portfolio/dr-kimberley-linert/ To book Dr. Linert on your podcast, television show, conference, corporate training or as an expert guest please email her at incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com or Contact Bruce Merrin at Bruce Merrin's Celebrity Speakers at merrinpr@gmail.com 702.256.9199 Host of the Podcast Series: Incredible Life Creator Podcast Available on... Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/incredible-life-creator-with-dr-kimberley-linert/id1472641267 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6DZE3EoHfhgcmSkxY1CvKf?si=ebe71549e7474663 and on 9 other podcast platforms Author of Book: "Visualizing Happiness in Every Area of Your Life" Get on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3srh6tZ Website: https://www.DrKimberleyLinert.com Please subscribe, share & LISTEN! Thanks. incrediblelifepodcast@gmail.com Social Media Links LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kimberley-linert-incredible-life-creator/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kimberley.linert/ The Great Discovery eLearning Platform: https://thegreatdiscovery.com/kimberley l

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Traci Odom, an audiobook narrator and voice-artist who is going to chat with us about audiobook production – where to find a narrator, how to pick the right one for your project, the timeline for production, and her experiences when creating audio for authors. Traci, an American-born actor and voice artist, has built a successful career that spans decades. As a stage, film, and television actor, she has played everything from a tree to an Irish Setter to a lawyer, but it is as a veteran narrator of more than 350 audiobooks that she has truly found her voice, inviting her listeners into the worlds of romance, witchcraft, devilry, and vampirism. Working in close collaboration with her authors, she brings their creations to life with dynamic energy and commitment. Subscribe to Online for Authors to learn about more great books! https://www.youtube.com/@onlineforauthors?sub_confirmation=1 Join the Novels N Latte Book Club community to discuss this and other books with like-minded readers: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3576519880426290  You can follow Audiobook Narrator Traci Odom: Website: www.traciodom.com FB: @ traci.odom.12  IG: @ traciodomvoiceartist  Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1 #traciodom #tieranwilder #audiobook #audiobooknarrator #narrator #voiceartist #terimbrownauthor #authorpodcast #onlineforauthors #characterdriven #researchjunkie #awardwinningauthor #podcasthost #podcast #readerpodcast #bookpodcast #writerpodcast #author #books #goodreads #bookclub #fiction #writer #bookreview

Join Snoop and Sniffy as they leave Plugerville every Thursday to go INTERNATIONAL! Snoop & Sniffy travel to Dublin, Ireland to help an Irish Setter named Ríona recover the stolen Emerald Dog Bone from Dublin Castle.

(Intro) My vs. Our Mom (5TYNTK) Great Falls Balloon Festival, Jetport Parking, Irish Setters, Northern Lights, Welch's Cocktails (Dirty) Richard Dreyfuss rant.  T-Pain dances to "Not Like Us." Eminem continues to tease new music.  Lily Allen says her husband controls her phone apps.  Pink Pantheress claims songs don't need to be longer than 2 mins 30 secs. (Topic) What fictional home would you buy if you could? (Outro) Flip Flops

FEEL GOOD STORY - IRISH SETTERS by 101.9POR

Ruby is an Irish Setter. Setters are tall dogs with long legs. At five months of age, some days, Ruby's long legs cause her a great deal of trouble. She careens around corners, ending up on her side with four lanky legs flying out in … Read more

We're joined by Actor, Author and Animal lover, Paul Drayton, talking about his love of dogs that was inspired by a Westie as a child. Drawn to animals he has owned horses, cows and even peacocks on his farm. We chat about his passion for Irish Setters and why they will always be apart of his heart. We talk about rescuing as being morally mandatory, and why Paul is a firm believer of spaying and neutering to minimise the dog population. We chat about the responsibility dogs really are, and the sad fact that rescues are now brimful down to the pandemic boom. Paul chats about his farm animals too and why he's passionate about his pygmy goats.  We touch on why dogs impact on our lives and the devastation in knowing that dogs just don't live long enough. Happily divorced Paul stresses how life is about chapters and moving forwards, which with his pack of dogs by his side he's in a good place to write his book which will explain about how a sweet boy from Sunderland turned into a former alcoholic.Follow on Instagram If you love A Dog's Life and would like to help support the show why not become a Patreon backer where you can also have access to some exclusive content. If you want to move your dog to a raw diet or even switch brands we wholly recommend Paleo RidgeFor more about Anna go to annawebb.co.ukMusic and production by Mike Hanson for Pod People ProductionsCover art by JaijoCover photo by Rhian Ap Gruffydd at Gruff PawtraitsAdvertising and sponsorship opportunities info@theloniouspunkproductions.com

Liver shunts (technically called portosystemic shunts) are not that common in dogs, but if you are an aficionado of certain breeds or if your dog develops liver disease, you may find yourself in desperate need of information. Read on to learn all about liver shunts in dogs. What Is a Liver Shunt? First, we need to review some canine anatomy and physiology. A network of veins (called the portal system) drains blood away from the digestive tract. This blood carries nutrients, hormones, and waste material and is supposed to enter the liver before it travels to the rest of the body. The liver takes what it needs to function properly and also detoxifies the blood before sending it onward. A shunt is defined as a passage “that allows the flow of materials between two structures that are not usually connected.” A portosystemic shunt is, specifically, an abnormal blood vessel (or vessels) that connects the “portal” system draining the digestive tract to the “systemic” circulatory system feeding the rest of the body, thereby bypassing the liver. Causes of Liver Shunts in Dogs Liver shunts can be divided into two categories: those that are present at birth (congenital shunts) and those that develop later in life (acquired shunts). Congenital shunts are most common, being responsible for approximately 80 percent of cases. Dogs are usually quite young (less than 3 years old) when they start experiencing symptoms. A genetic cause is known for some breeds and suspected in others. Breeds at higher than average risk for congenital liver shunts include the Yorkshire Terrier, Dachshund, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise, Shih Tzu, Havanese, Toy and Miniature Poodle, Pekingese, Dandie Dinmont Terrier, Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepherd, Irish Wolfhound, Old English Sheepdog, Samoyed, Irish Setter, Labrador Retriever, Doberman Pinscher, Golden Retriever, and German Shepherd. Acquired shunts typically develop when blood pressure within the veins connecting the digestive tract to the liver becomes elevated—most often because of diseases that cause liver scarring (cirrhosis). Dogs with acquired liver shunts tend to experience symptoms when they are older in comparison to those diagnosed with congenital shunts. Symptoms of Liver Shunts in Dogs Dogs with liver shunts generally have some combination of the following symptoms: Poor growth (congenital shunts) Poor appetite and/or eating unusual things Weight loss Increased thirst and urination Difficulty urinating or blood in the urine due to the formation of bladder stones Vomiting, which may contain blood Diarrhea, which may contain blood Behavioral changes like mental dullness, staring vacantly, poor vision, unsteadiness, circling, and head pressing   Diagnosing Liver Shunts in Dogs These symptoms are obviously not unique to liver shunts. A veterinarian will start the diagnostic process by taking a complete health history, performing a physical examination, and running some basic tests such as blood work and a urinalysis. If he or she thinks that a liver shunt is likely, additional testing will be necessary to reach a definitive diagnosis. Possibilities include bile acid tests, blood ammonia levels, abdominal X-rays, abdominal ultrasound, and advanced imaging studies. Your veterinarian can discuss the pros and cons of each test with you based on the specifics of your dog's case. Treatment for Liver Shunts in Dogs The type of liver shunt that a dog has and their age and overall condition determines what type of treatment is best. Most small breed dogs who have congenital shunts have just one abnormal blood vessel that is located outside of the liver. These are the most amenable to surgical correction. A single shunt that is located within the liver itself is more common in large breed dogs. These are still usually best treated with surgery, but the procedure is a little more difficult. Dogs with acquired shunts tend to have multiple, abnormal vessels and may be poorer candidates for surgery due to their underlying illness. Surgery for liver shunts centers on blocking the flow of blood through the abnormal vessels so that more of it travels through the liver. This can involve the application of devices specifically designed to do this (e.g., ameroid constrictors or cellophane bands) or tying off the vessels with suture material. Oftentimes, the abnormal vessels cannot be completely blocked off all at once without the dog developing serious side effects like intestinal damage. Ameroid constrictors and cellophane bands are designed to get around this problem since they cause the vessel to narrow over time, which gives the body a chance to adjust. Medical management for liver shunts can be used to improve a dog's condition prior to surgery, when surgery is not in a dog's best interests, or when surgery is unable to entirely correct the problem. Veterinarians typically prescribe a diet that has just enough protein for the dog but no “extra,” which reduces the byproducts of protein digestion (e.g., ammonia) that can make a dog's symptoms worse. Research indicates that soy protein may be a better option in comparison to meat-based sources of protein. Feeding several smaller meals throughout the day is also beneficial. Medications also play an important role in the medical management of liver shunts. Antibiotics are prescribed to reduce the number of bacteria in the gut, and enemas can be given to physically remove feces and bacteria from the colon. Oral lactulose, a type of indigestible sugar, is used to encourage rapid transit of stool through the intestinal tract and to lower the pH within the gut, which reduces the absorption of ammonia. Prognosis for Liver Shunts in Dogs Approximately one-third of dogs with liver shunts can be successfully managed with dietary changes and medications, according to Dr. Karen Tobias, professor of small animal soft tissue surgery and a board-certified surgeon at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Dogs who have liver shunts that are located outside of the liver and that are surgically corrected using ameroid constrictors or cellophane bands have the best prognosis, with around 85 percent being clinically normal several months after surgery, according to Tobias. In comparison, dogs with shunts that are located within the liver have a greater risk of complications although many still do very well after surgery.

Patreon exclusive number 9: Originally aired March 16, 2022 Let's learn about the only place in Ireland where citizens could get a pint on St. Patrick's Day ----the Royal National Dog Show! And, an Irishman steps up to help injured wildlife by converting his pub to Ireland's FIRST wildlife hospital during the 2020 pandemic."There's no bad press except an Obituary" - Brendan Behan, Irish PoetResources: https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/all-pubs-ireland-closed-st-patricks-dayhttps://www.irishcentral.com/opinion/niallodowd/irish-pubs-will-finally-have-beer-on-good-fridayhttps://www.irishcentral.com/roots/desperate-for-a-drink-on-dry-good-friday-in-ireland-146406725-237584801https://www.history.com/news/st-patricks-day-origins-americahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Kavanaghhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Behanhttps://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210221-locked-down-pub-becomes-ireland-s-first-wildlife-hospitalhttps://www.wbur.org/news/2010/03/12/evacuation-day-holidayhttps://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2013/03/17/the-irish-american-population-is-seven-times-larger-than-ireland/http://traleetoday.ie/greyhound-stadium-to-receive-boost-with-good-friday-drinking/https://news.sky.com/video/irelands-wildlife-hospital-under-threat-12503946https://www.independent.ie/life/the-curious-history-of-our-disappearing-dogs-35519917.htmlAnd for fans of Ted Lasso - Trent Crimm, the Independent would support this:https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/alcohol-on-good-fridaywhat-you-need-to-know-from-off-licences-and-supermarkets-to-takeaway-pints-40266929.html#:~:text=While%20buying%20alcohol%20on%20Good,the%20first%20time%20since%201927. Support the showIntro/Outtro music: Tiptoe Out The Back - Dan LiebowiczInterstitial Music: MK2Additional music: Freesound.com, Pixabay.org Instagram: @EggAndNugget (chicken stan account) or @MelissaMcCueMcGrathWebsite: BewilderBeastsPod.comSupport the Show and get stuff! Patreon.com/BewilderbeastsPodYour host, Melissa McCue-McGrath is an author, dog trainer, and behavior consultant in Southern Maine. She'll talk about dogs all day if you let her. You've been warned :)

Mon. 26th Good News! Cofax the Irish Setter, SAVED!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The long-awaited Pointing Dogs Volume Two: The English and Irish Breeds by Craig Koshyk has finally hit shelves. Inside, readers can explore in-depth information about Pointers, setters, and the overall development of bird dogs across the pond. Koshyk features an entire chapter about Irish Red Setters alone; let's take a peek inside. It's believed that Irish Setters are perhaps the oldest breed of setting dogs. “The spaniels that became setting dogs were in Ireland since at least the 16th century,” said Koshyk. It's easy to imagine this gorgeous dog breed loping across vibrantly green hillsides in search of game, regardless of whether it's in the 16th century or the 21st. 

Patrick writes in about his Irish Setter puppy's bladder cancer. Could it be something he did that caused such a young dog – in a line of relatively cancer-free dogs – to get cancer? Dr. Lauren Barrow explains what could have caused his dog's cancer and reassures him that it's not his fault. Plus, what he can do next for his dog with transitional cell carcinoma. Join our Facebook support group at https://facebook.com/groups/dogcancersupport Call +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question on our Listener Line for a future show! Related Videos:            Dr. Charlotte Hacker on the genetic component of cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqR2Yd2DiHo Nancy Reese, DVM, PhD on whether bladder cancer is a death sentence for dogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhUcJyme52Y Dr. Brooke Britton explains when surgery may be possible for bladder cancer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCGJc_UvEXE Dr. Demian Dressler tells you what you need to know about transitional cell carcinoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5prSL7yn82E Related Links: Read our comprehensive article on bladder cancer, including transitional cell carcinoma: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/types-of-dog-cancer/bladder-cancer-in-dogs-including-transitional-cell-carcinoma/ Veterinary Information Network (VIN) is a members only site veterinarians use to connect and discuss: https://www.vin.com/vin/ Chapters: 00:00 START 00:21 Intro 00:46 Patrick's Question 02:12 We Never Know the Exact Cause of Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) or Any Other Cancer 03:08 Factors that Can Contribute to TCC 04:25 Cancer Does Not Care How Old Your Dog Is 05:30 Cancer in Genetics 08:23 Is It TCC? 09:04 70% of Bladder Masses in Dogs Are TCC 09:28 Odds of Long-Term Survival with TCC 11:30 Odds of Good Life Quality with TCC 12:30 There's Always Hope 14:06 Outro -- Get to know Dr. Lauren Barrow https://www.dogcancer.com/people/lauren-harper-barrow-dvm-cna/ For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education, go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Junior Handler Wins NOHS Finals in Orlando [caption id="attachment_12679" align="alignleft" width="439"] Adam showing his dog to Best of Breed.[/caption] The 2023 AKC National Owner Handled Series Finals was won by 14-year-old Adam Kucera and his two year old Irish Setter, Stryker. Adam and Stryker's breeder, Patty Fanelli, join host Laura Reeves to share their story. “At (Adam's) first show, he beat me for Winner's Dog,” Fanelli said. “It was one point with the brother. The next show was the Potomac Specialty. He went best in sweeps and he took a five point major and went best of Winners and best puppy. “And I said to him, "You just took a five-point specialty major." And he said, ‘I don't even know what that is.' He sure knows now." Stryker is Adam's first Irish Setter that his grandmother arranged to purchase from Fanelli. He showed a Boston Terrier first, but really wanted to show a bigger dog. Adam says he does all of Stryker's grooming “except the clipper work because I am so afraid he's going to just move and it's just going to go, it's all gone.” The most challenging part of training Stryker, Adam said, was teaching him to freestack “Because he always just wants to jump, he always just wants to jump on my shoulders and thinks it's time to play as soon as I hold a treat and not hold him.” A 4.0 home-schooled student, Adam says he practices with Stryker every morning before completing his school work. Competing in NOHS gives Adam and is family more time to spend at the shows. “My first show, we went to the show and I didn't win the breed,” Adam said. “We went to go watch the groups and we saw that there were two groups going and we were like ‘why are there two, there should only be one?' So then we found out what owner handler was. It's kind of hard to show an Irish Setter. There's not that many owner handlers out where I live, so if we want to stay a little bit longer at the show, we can do owner-handled and that gives us stuff to do and it's a really fun competition.” Adam has set lofty goals for himself and his dog. His remaining goals for Stryker include winning best of breed at the National Specialty and winning the breed at Westminster Kennel Club. He dreams of becoming a professional handler and breeding Irish Setters in his future. Take a listen to the entire episode for more from this outstanding young man.

Welcome to episode 415 of The Outdoor Biz Podcast, brought to you this week by Toyota. From the RAV 4 to the mighty Tacoma, Toyota has a model built for everyone's Outdoor adventures. Today I'm talking with Photographer Matt Addington about his career and recent film A Bird Dog Named Kaiya. How the love for a bird dog inspired a young man to fully embrace bird hunting, an important part of his Laotian culture. Brought to you this week by Toyota Facebook​ ​Twitter​ ​Instagram​ Love the show? Subscribe, ​rate, review, and share!​ Sign up for my Newsletter ​HERE​ I'd love to hear your feedback about the show! You can contact me here: ​rick@theoutdoorbizpodcast.com Show Notes Show Notes First Overnight Adventure: Matt doesn't recall the exact first experience but he grew up in Northern Minnesota, where outdoor life was part of his lifestyle. He spent a lot of time in places like the Boundary Waters and Voyager's National Park. When Did You Pick Up a Camera? Matt was enamored with cameras from a young age. He remembers having a Kodak disc camera when it came out and taking numerous pictures, even as a child. However, his more serious introduction to photography started in seventh grade when their art teacher gave him a Pentax K 1000 and taught him darkroom techniques. Start in Video: Although Matt didn't start shooting video when he first picked up a camera, he began experimenting with tape-to-tape edits in junior high and early high school. He says he officially entered the digital video side of things in the late '90s due to seeing the potential in digital video and having support from leadership at the school where he taught. Inspiration to Go Pro: There wasn't a specific moment Matt decided to go professional. It was a gradual transition as he was already doing photography and videography as part of his teaching job. Over time, he started getting paid for projects outside of teaching, leading to a shift into the professional world. First Significant Photo or Video Shoot: While there might not be one defining shoot, Matt recalled a moment at the Shot Show where he unexpectedly saw one of his images displayed prominently for a major brand, marking a standout moment in realizing the impact of his work. First Outdoor Commercial Shoot: Some of his initial commercial shoots were with Carbon TV (formerly Carbon Media Group) and Federal Ammunition. These shoots involved hunting trips to places like Quebec and working with local companies from Minnesota, where Matt is based. Preference in Outdoor Activities: Matt is fond of paddling but also emphasizes the uniqueness and enjoyment in each activity he's been fortunate to experience, be it climbing peaks, guiding through mountains, or quietly sitting in tree stands. He highlighted the beauty of different experiences and how each holds its own significance. Favorite Place: Despite the numerous epic places visited globally, Matt finds a new appreciation for home when returning from these adventures. He says the joy of watching the sunset from his front porch with family, indicating a deep appreciation for the familiarity and beauty of home. Catalyst for the film "A Bird Dog Named Kaiya": The catalyst for the film was meeting Ken Yang, a young man who had transitioned from being a staunch anti-hunter to a prominent voice in the hunting and fishing space due to personal life events. How they met Ken Yang: They met at a Professional Outdoor Media Association conference in Nashville, where Ken Yang received a media scholarship. Development of the storyline: Initially, there was a concept of telling the story of a former anti-hunter turned hunter due to his unique ethnic background. However, the storyline evolved as they delved deeper into Ken's story, focusing more on the impact of a dog in changing his life and reconciling relationships. Capturing the content for the film: It took multiple hunts, approximately four days, to capture the content, ranging from golden fall days to extremely cold weather (10 below zero). Current projects: Matt is working on various projects, including a documentary about a unique turkey hunter, a personal piece highlighting the legacy of a deceased friend in the outdoor space, a documentary about a prestigious hockey school, and a project about dispelling myths of trophy hunting in Africa. Advice for aspiring photographers: Matt encourages new photographers to experiment with photography, use resources like YouTube for learning, and find inspiration from others' work that resonates with them. Daily routines: There's no fixed routine, but Matt enjoys walking, hiking, and spending time in nature. Coffee in the morning seems to be a consistent ritual. Favorite books: Books like the Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn, and Matt also finds inspiration in reading the Bible. Favorite outdoor gear under $100: Matt mentioned his Irish Setter boots (although they might be slightly above $100) and a pair of gloves by Striker that provide dexterity and warmth. Follow up with Matt Matt Addington Creative Instagram Facebook You Tube X (Twitter)

Tony sits down with Aaron Hebeisen, Chapter Coordinator of IA, IL, MN, MO, and WI for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. They discuss growing up in Mora, Minnesota, the awesomeness of Irish Setter boots, deer camp traditions, canoe hunting, elk hunting, finding God inside and outside of church, assortments of ball caps, vegetarians vs. veterinarians, hitting the pipe, and a big announcement about BHA Rendezvous coming to Minnesota!Learn more about Aaron and BHA at https://www.backcountryhunters.org/chapter_coordinator_il_ia_mn_mo_and_wi and find him on Instagram at @hey_bisonhttps://reverendhunter.com/Brought to you by Grain Belt Premium Beer (https://www.grainbelt.com/)

Tony sits down with Aaron Hebeisen, Chapter Coordinator of IA, IL, MN, MO, and WI for Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. They discuss growing up in Mora, Minnesota, the awesomeness of Irish Setter boots, deer camp traditions, canoe hunting, elk hunting, finding God inside and outside of church, assortments of ball caps, vegetarians vs. veterinarians, hitting the pipe, and a big announcement about BHA Rendezvous coming to Minnesota!Learn more about Aaron and BHA at https://www.backcountryhunters.org/chapter_coordinator_il_ia_mn_mo_and_wi and find him on Instagram at @hey_bisonhttps://reverendhunter.com/Brought to you by Grain Belt Premium Beer (https://www.grainbelt.com/)

In this special episode of the Phoenix Rising Podcast, we're diving into the topic of women's health as I share parts of my past conversations with Madeline MacKinnon (ep: 86), Dr. Bradley Campbell (ep: 80), Dr. Jenny Schmidt (ep: 84), and Georgie Collinson (ep: 92).  Menopause and hormonal health. Supporting your hormones with food. The importance of bone health and adrenal health. The roles of estrogen and progesterone in a woman's body. Key minerals and supplements to support women's health. The dangers of veganism for women and their hormones. Supporting our mental health through perimenopause and menopause. Natural ways of birth control. Understanding your cycle as a woman. Natural ways to bring progesterone back after menopause. Regulating your nervous system for better health. Natural ways to support your adrenals. Why breakfast and protein is key for women's health. The power of natural sunlight exposure. When cold plunges are helpful for women. Avoiding endocrine disruptors. Guest Bio: Madeline Mackinnon is a passionate nutritionist with ten years of experience helping women to recover from debilitating hormone imbalances. To pursue her mission, Madeline founded Natural Hormone Healing because she believes women need a holistic, day-to-day strategy to balance their hormone health and fertility without synthetic hormones or medications. She is known for her popular hormone-balancing cooking classes she teaches live across Canada. In addition, she has supported women worldwide through her premier one-on-one online Hormone Healing coaching program and her Hormone Nutrition School. Madeline's Hormone Cookbook Instagram Full episode Dr. Bradley Campbell is a holistic physician based out of Chicago, IL, USA. He is Robin-Hooding healthcare back to the masses. He stands for truth, justice, love, and free speech. Dr. Campbell believes that we all deserve a life of vitality.  His goal is to build a compassionate, lifelong relationship with each patient.  Rather than specializing in one area of the body, and seeing all patients as having issues in that area, Dr. Campbell combines all of your history, symptoms, and body systems into one cohesive picture. Dr. Campbell grew up nearby in Lake Forest and Naperville, IL, and majored in Saxophone Performance at Illinois Wesleyan University. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences. Aside from playing music, he enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and his Irish Setter, Albus Dumbledore. Instagram YouTube https://www.drbradleycampbell.com/ Full episode Dr. Jenny Schmidt is a naturopathic doctor in Calgary. Her practice focuses on women's health including perimenopause, menopause, anxiety, fertility, and healthy aging. Instagram Full episode Georgie is a Certified RTT® Hypnotherapist, Anxiety Mindset Coach, Inner Voice Facilitator, and bachelor degree-qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist. She's helped hundreds of clients worldwide through her online programs to master their anxious mind, and is the host of the chart-topping Anxiety Reset® Podcast. She's deeply committed to helping career-driven women step out of anxiety and fear using The Anxiety Reset® Method so they can thrive with confidence and pursue their heart's desires. She just released her book The Anxiety Reset Method. Instagram Podcast Georgie's Book Full episode SHARE THE MAGIC.  If you enjoyed this episode and it spoke to your soul in some way today, please be sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @lisa__hillyer. Also, please be sure to leave us a review and a five star rating if you're loving what we are doing. #phoenixrising Join the Phoenix Rising Patreon Portal Subscribe to Lisa's mailing list Let's connect on:  Instagram and Youtube. Sponsors: MADELINES HORMONE COOKBOOK REWILDING ROSES APOTHECARY | Use code PHOENIX for 25% off WILD WHOLISTIC | Use code LISA for 10% off

EP 30 ALAN CARR Jack & Seann meet Joyce, an Irish Setter, and Tuppence, a rescue, and chat to their owner Alan Carr. Alan tells us how Tuppence was rescued from the Korean Meat Trade, and how losing his other Irish Setter Bev last year and getting salmonella the same day affected him. Seann explains how his driving means Mildred-Barrett no longer wants to sit in the front and Jack reveals the job he'd have chosen if he hadn't become a comedian. Get in touch with the show: hello@omdpod.com Instagram: @omdpod Sales, advertising, and general enquiries: hello@keepitlightmedia.com A Pink Cloud / Off The Kerb / Keep It Light Media Production Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I had the honour of being able to talk to someone who I adore and who works in a space that fascinates me - Dr Rebecca Ray! More on Dr Rebecca Ray: Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker who helps big-picture-thinking people master their psychology. Over the course of two decades of consultations, speaking events, books, and audio, she has encouraged thousands of humans making an impact on the world to live a life that's fulfilling, unapologetic, and free. Beck's expertise as a professional zig-zagger sets her apart as one of Australia's most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space. Her science-backed, hard and heart truth approach is uniquely informed by her pivots from pilot to psychologist, from dating men to marrying a woman, and from being burnt out to bestselling author. Beck is the author of six books, including Be Happy, The Art of Self-Kindness, The Universe Listens to Brave, Setting Boundaries, Small Habits for a Big Life, and Difficult People (released in May 2023). She lives in the soul-fed hills of the Sunshine Coast in Queensland with the great loves of her life: her wife Nyssa, son Bennett, two rescue Irish Setters and one gangly Weimaraner. What we discuss in this episode: What are boundaries How can boundaries help you in life What to do when someone doesn't respect your boundaries How to create boundaries What is a difficult person (or behaviour) Connect with Dr Rebecca Ray: Website: rebeccaray.com.au Books written by Dr Rebecca Ray: Difficult People Setting Boundaries Small Habits for a Big Life The Art of Self-Kindness The Universe Listens to Brave Be Happy Good, Great, Perfect More from Ashley Insta: ⁠⁠@ashleylwinning Doors are now open to the Homebirth Group Mentoring Program - Join us here⁠⁠ Join our VBAC Homebirth Support ⁠Group here ⁠ Get access to the FREE Workshop: Get better support for your homebirth Get Homebirth resources sent to your inbox - Click here

Blockbuster July continues with 2000's hit Charlie's Angels! Join Erika and Paul as they discuss intentional camp, Shake ‘n Bake and THE END OF PRIVACY AS WE KNOW IT. You can follow That Aged Well on Twitter (@ThatAgedWellPod), Instagram (@ThatAgedWell) and Spoutible (@ThatAgedWell)!  SUPPORT US ON PATREON FOR BONUS CONTENT! THAT AGED WELL MERCH! Hosts: Paul Caiola & Erika Villalba Producer & Editor: Paul Caiola  

This week's topics include annual exams for older dogs, Irish Setters, grain free diets, heartworm prevention, pet-friendly menu items in restaurants , and more! Tune in every SUNDAY at 12 Noon Eastern, 9am Pacific and call in with your questions at 877-385-8882 or join us on Zoom.

Alex Narramore, sugar flower artist, discusses her art form, love of gardening and source of inspiration.Alex Narramore owns The Mischief Maker in Lexington, Kentucky.  She is a botanically accurate sugar flower artist and grows all of the flowers in her gardens that she uses later as live references to sculpt her sugar flowers.  Alex works from the design stage to the finished  product, incorporating the art skills of drawing, sculpting, baking and painting along the way.These sugar flowers adorn the cakes that she designs. Each sugar petal, stamen, and flower part is made by hand and each finished bloom is hand-painted. The cake designs are retired immediately after having been created and are never reproduced again.  The detail work for each cake is painstaking and can take many weeks of preparation. Alex  works with her mother on the sugar flowers at her grandmother's house in eastern Kentucky.  Whether at Mamaw's or at home downtown in Lexington, she can always be found somewhere between the garden and the studio, usually with her much-loved Irish Setter, Mocha, at her heels.Alex has been recognized world-wide within her field, including several periodical publications and news outlets, and was named one of the top four international wedding cake designers of 2015 by the Cake Masters, and the 2017 winner of the award for international wedding cake artists of the year by The Golden Tier Awards.  In 2018 The Mischief Maker was named one of the top 10 cake artists in the United Sates by Cake Masters magazine.  She has taught and given lectures at several National Gardening Clubs, and is soon to publish her first book Mischief Maker, Inspirations and Musings of a Sugar Flower Artist.See pictures of her work at https://www.artsconnectlex.org/no-4-alex-narramore---sugar-flower-artistmischief-maker.html

Tyler sits down with Stephen, the man behind Clays N Wings to talk about competition shooting, wingshooting and much more! Stephen is from the Phillie area and enjoys his days afield with his Irish Setter! Stephen talks about a few shooting tips, which we all know I need, some of his favorite hunts and many stories through his years!

On part TWO of my conversation with Kelli Aitken (quantonas_irish) we talk more field trials, breeding and a lot of red setters. Also Kelli and her husband have a YouTube channel where they fiim some field trials. For newcomers this is huge to be able to get a glimpse into this all.  If you haven't listened to part one of this conversation go back and check out episode 73.  ------------ Subscribe to the Upland Rookie YouTube Channel by clicking here.  As a reminder, if you are enjoying the podcast, please go leave a rating and review on whichever podcast platform you listen on. Much appreciated.  ----------- *TITLE SPONSOR - BPro Kennels* LISTENERS CAN SAVE 10% ON A DOG BOX FROM BPRO KENNESL USING PROMO CODE ROOKIE10)  BPRO Kennels was founded with a vision to create a premium dog box that was customizable to fit any needs and stand the test of time. These hand-crafted kennels are proudly built in the USA with no corners cut, with your dog's safety as the first priority. These are made of high grade, lightweight aluminum that can be left raw or powder coated to whatever color combinations you can think of. The podcast is presented by: Final Rise - Preimum upland gear for the serious bird hunter. Check out the new Sidekick fest for ultra slim design and light weight. Every product is made in the USA and is durable season after season.   Sponsor of the podcast: Trinity Bretons. Angels in the home and demons in the field. Trinity offer puppies, The Trinity Upland Academy with George Hickox, Started Dogs and Stud Service and some damn fine bird dogs.  ---------- AFFILIATES: OnX Hunt. Save 20% off your subscription today by using promo code TUR20  ---------- CONNECT WITH ME:  Email: uplandbritts@gmail.com Instagram: @upland_britts or @theuplandrookiepodcast Facebook: The Upland Rookie Podcast Twitter: @uplandrookiepod

Healthcare Freedom and Natural Healing Within. Robin Hooding Healthcare Back to the Masses. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Bradley Campbell as he shares his holistic approach to medicine and looking at the body as a whole. He talks about how one traumatic event as a child led him to healing and natural healthcare. Seeking truth about modern medicine and exploring natural health. Freeing ourselves from mainstream medicine and media. Bringing healthcare freedom back to society for little to no cost. Speaking out against governmental control and becoming a truth teller. The truth about tap water. Food quality and what's healthy vs not healthy. The closer you get to nature, the farther you get from disease. Things that are pushed on us that are not good for our health. Using evidence-based detox supplements as a means to heal ourselves from within. How time spent on devices is increasing our stress levels and inflammation. Seeking out real conversations in long-form content from trusted sources who lift us up. Nervous system regulation and getting into a relaxed state. Finding pleasure in your life. Breathing techniques to help re-regulate your nervous system. The connection between sleep and mental health. Natural sleep supplements. Hormonal shifts in women and how to prepare for the hormonal shifts of menopause. Why you should work on your overall endocrine system, nervous system, and your adrenal and thyroid gland health. Improving sleep by tuning into nature and the sunrise and sunset. Leaning into your inner guidance system. Optimal food choices to support your health. The dangers of being vegan. Balancing out the time you have left with what you love and the people you love most. Guest Bio: Dr. Bradley Campbell is a holistic physician based out of Chicago, IL, USA. He is Robin-Hooding healthcare back to the masses. He stands for truth, justice, love, and free speech. Dr. Campbell believes that we all deserve a life of vitality. His goal is to build a compassionate, lifelong relationship with each patient. Rather than specializing in one area of the body, and seeing all patients as having issues in that area, Dr. Campbell combines all of your history, symptoms, and body systems into one cohesive picture. Dr. Campbell grew up nearby in Lake Forest and Naperville, IL, and majored in Saxophone Performance at Illinois Wesleyan University. He received his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences. Aside from playing music, he enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with family, friends, and his Irish Setter, Albus Dumbledore. Website Instagram YouTube SHARE THE MAGIC. If you enjoyed this episode and it spoke to your soul in some way today, please be sure to take a screenshot, share it on Instagram, and tag me @lisa__hillyer. Also, please be sure to leave us a review and a five star rating if you're loving what we are doing. #phoenixrising Apply to work 1:1 with Lisa Join the Phoenix Rising Patreon Portal Subscribe to Lisa's mailing list Let's connect on: Instagram Youtube

Jim Meeks was, at his peak, known as one of the hardest hunters in the sport of raccoon hunting.He is most noted for his association with the Yadkin River strain of Treeing Walkers.  He takes no credit for naming the strain but no man has hunted and promoted more of the famous dogs from the line.  Hounds like Yadkin River Tom, Jeff, Champ, Chico, and Tar Rattler lace his conversations like rawhide on a well-worn pair of Irish Setters.  Jim Meeks and Yadkin River Walkers are forever intertwined. Jim and Steve have been sharing conversations around the barns at the Grand American for over forty years.  This episode is but the latest collection of coonhound-related chatter that flows when the two get together.  Readers have enjoyed Jim's writing in coonhound magazines through the decades as well.  Never claiming to be a competition hunter, his Just Coon Hunting columns are ripe with some of the most entertaining stories to be found.  Coon hunters wet behind the ears and long in the tooth alike will enjoy this episode recorded live at the largest annual gathering of coon hunters in the nation, the incomparable Grand American.   

On part one of my conversation with Kelli Aitken (quantonas_irish) we get to know her a bit more and her upbringing and turning point into the world up upland dogs. We unpack more about Irish Setters and start diving into more about trials and what challenges Kelli has faced over the years. Also Kelli and her husband have a YouTube channel where they fiim some field trials. For newcomers this is huge to be able to get a glimpse into this all.  PART TWO COMING NEXT WEEK ------------ Subscribe to the Upland Rookie YouTube Channel by clicking here.  As a reminder, if you are enjoying the podcast, please go leave a rating and review on whichever podcast platform you listen on. Much appreciated.  ----------- *TITLE SPONSOR - BPro Kennels* LISTENERS CAN SAVE 10% ON A DOG BOX FROM BPRO KENNESL USING PROMO CODE ROOKIE10)  BPRO Kennels was founded with a vision to create a premium dog box that was customizable to fit any needs and stand the test of time. These hand-crafted kennels are proudly built in the USA with no corners cut, with your dog's safety as the first priority. These are made of high grade, lightweight aluminum that can be left raw or powder coated to whatever color combinations you can think of. The podcast is presented by: Final Rise - Preimum upland gear for the serious bird hunter. Check out the new Sidekick fest for ultra slim design and light weight. Every product is made in the USA and is durable season after season.   Sponsor of the podcast: Trinity Bretons. Angels in the home and demons in the field. Trinity offer puppies, The Trinity Upland Academy with George Hickox, Started Dogs and Stud Service and some damn fine bird dogs.  ---------- AFFILIATES: OnX Hunt. Save 20% off your subscription today by using promo code TUR20  ---------- CONNECT WITH ME:  Email: uplandbritts@gmail.com Instagram: @upland_britts or @theuplandrookiepodcast Facebook: The Upland Rookie Podcast Twitter: @uplandrookiepod

Owner Handler Winner: "These Dogs Are Worthy" [caption id="attachment_11905" align="alignleft" width="311"] Dr. Cheryl Stiehl hard at work in her veterinary practice.[/caption] Dr. Cheryl Stiehl, DVM joins host Laura Reeves to discuss the journey that brought her to the pinnacle of the Owner Handled Series with her breeder-owner-handled Irish Setter. Stiehl and Declan, GCHS Bramblebush Piper At The Gates Of Dawn, topped more than 825 entries in the National Owner Handled Series finals in Orlando, FL in December. A practicing veterinarian in Maryland, Stiehl offers her life hacks for succeeding as an owner handler while working a full-time job. And she shares the love -- of her dog and the sport. “I think one of the neatest things about this dog is who he is,” Stiehl said. “His nickname is ‘The Dude.' He's just good for purebred dogs, if you know what I mean. He's funny and ridiculous and silly and he loves kids and loves cats and thinks everything's an adventure. Declan has friends and friends he has not met yet. That's just kind of who he is. He's a bit of a party animal. The other thing and the way I describe him when people say, ‘well, what's an Irish Setter like, what's this dog like?' I say, you know the guy at the tailgate pouring shots? That's Declan. “I think that owner handled for me is that there was one more thing I could do with my dog. I can walk in this ring and that ring, I can do it twice. If I get nervous, I can try to work through it. “I can take out a spleen in the OR with an animal that has a really potentially dangerous or scary prognosis and barely break a sweat. But you know, sometimes I think we all get nervous. Is the dog going to behave? Is he stacked right? Does he look OK? Am I giving him his due? “On the other side of it too, I think the interesting part of it is your dog's doing double duty and your dog's going into that group ring and hopefully going into another best in show ring. So, if you were lucky to win both breed and best of breed owner handled that day, you show your dog a whole bunch and your dog has to perform a whole lot more really. I've actually had a few judges say that to me. You know, ‘I watched your dog today and you didn't give up once.' So, he is a piece of work. He's the dude. “The (NOHS) competition is keen. The dogs are beautiful. They are multiple best in show dogs. They are best in show dogs, they are reserve best in show dogs. They're group placers, group and specialty winners, sires and dams of beautiful animals. These dogs are worthy. I think that one nice thing is, is it's the connections you make. I also will say to you that I love the sportsmanship that I have experienced in those ranks. We are really happy for one another.” Listen to the full episode for more of Stiehl's insights on the NOHS, dog shows in general, her favorite grooming products and more.

Do you struggle with setting boundaries? Have no fear! In this episode, Eric chats with clinical psychologist, author, and speaker, Dr. Rebecca Ray about boundaries. We take the time to define what a boundary is, how to set boundaries with ourselves and others, and how boundaries can actually be viewed as something positive and beneficial. Dr. Rebecca Ray encourages listeners to re-evaluate the way they look at boundaries and realize that they are the one of the greatest gifts that we can give to ourselves and others.  About Dr. Rebecca Ray:   Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker. Over the course of almost two decades of practice, Rebecca (Beck) has helped thousands of big-picture-thinking people, through courses, consultations, and transformative content live a life that's fulfilling, unapologetic, and free. Whilst her technique is science-backed, her approach sees her deliver both hard and heart truths within an ethos of self-kindness first, always. Beck's unique expertise sets her apart as one of Australia's most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space. Beck is an author of five books, including Be Happy, The Art of Self-Kindness, The Universe Listens to Brave, Setting Boundaries, and Small Habits for a Big Life. She lives in the soul-fed hills of the Sunshine Coast with the great loves of her life: her wife Nyssa, son Bennett, two rescue Irish Setters and one gangly Weimaraner. Follow Dr. Rebecca Ray on Instagram @drrebeccaray for more content. You can also find her at rebeccaray.com.au.  Follow Eric on Instagram for more content and podcast updates! Personal: @epothen Embrace Wear: @embracewearco 

Kerry discovers the world of breeding dogs, the art of pedigree dog naming and the money exchanged for specific dogs. She goes on to look at the relationships within the (Irish) Setter world and the international semen trade.Rhodesian Ridgeback breeder Dorothy tells the story of her prize stud dog, who was shot to death next to a children's playground in Belgium. Is Europe where Kerry should head next?

Dr. Bradley Campbell, is a holistic physician, author, and musician. In college he majored in pre-med and saxophone performance, and then decided to attend multiple natural medical schools to help people find the true root cause of their problems. Dr Campbell is currently working on completing 10 post-graduate degrees in natural healthcare. Aside from playing music, he enjoys traveling, waterskiing, motorcycling, and spending time with his Irish Setter, Albus.   Where to Find Dr. Campbell: Campbellcaremembership.com IG: drbradleycampbell   Ready to help people in the way that Dr. Campbell and Detective Ev do?  The head to fdntraining.com/tryfdn    Want to nerd out with a bunch of other health professionals and learn about oral health, sleep, and metabolic balance?  Then join Reed Davis and Dr. Aron Gonshor on Saturday, November 5th. 2022 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM PST. Head to fdntraining.com/unmasked !!

I'm thrilled to introduce my next guest, a fellow psychologist and businesswoman I've had the pleasure of working with Dr Rebecca Ray. Beck is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker. Over the course of almost two decades of practice, Beck has helped thousands of big-picture-thinking people, through courses, consultations, and transformative content live a life that's fulfilling, unapologetic, and free. Whilst her technique is science-backed, her approach sees her deliver both hard and heart truths within an ethos of self-kindness first, always. Beck's unique expertise sets her apart as one of Australia's most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space. Beck is an author of five books, including Be Happy, The Art of Self-Kindness, The Universe Listens to Brave, Setting Boundaries, and Small Habits for a Big Life. She lives in the soul-fed hills of the Sunshine Coast, one of my favourite places in the world, with the great loves of her life: her wife Nyssa, son Bennett, two rescue Irish Setters and one gangly Weimaraner.   I'm sure you'll get a lot from this episode and enjoy it as much as I did. It's my pleasure to introduce Beck to Welcome to Self. Episode Links Podcast: Hello Rebecca Ray Instagram @drrebeccaray Facebook @drrebeccaray Twitter @drrebeccaray Pinterest @drrebeccaray Links to Dr Hayley D Quinn Resources Link to podcast mailing list: https://drhayleydquinn.com/podcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drhayleydquinn Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drhayleydquinn Freebies: https://drhayleydquinn.com/resources Meditations: https://drhayleydquinn.com/shop/ Journal: https://drhayleydquinn.com/product/welcome-to-self-compassionate-journal/

If there was one thing you think society should talk more about, what would it be?“I wish society would talk more about how boundaries are a gift in relationships rather than about creating conflict.”_____________Dr Rebecca Ray is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker. Over the course of almost two decades of practice, Rebecca has helped hundreds of big-picture thinking people, through courses and consultations, live a life that's fulfilling, unapologetic, and free. Whilst her technique is science-backed, her approach sees her deliver both hard truths and an undercurrent ethos of self kindness first, always. Beck's unique expertise has seen her engage with thousands of people and sets her apart as one of Australia's most in-demand and authoritative voices in the personal development space. Beck is an author of five books, including Be Happy, The Art of Self-Kindness,The Universe Listens to Brave, Setting Boundaries, and Small Habits for a Big Life. She lives in the soul-fed hills of the Sunshine Coast with the great loves of her life: her wife Nyssa, son Bennett, two rescue Irish Setters and one gangly Weimaraner. As her Insta profile attests, Beck is one fascinating human;- “5 books, 4 degrees, 3 podcasts + dogs,  2 ex-pilot's licences, 1 wife + son”I've been looking forward to sitting down with Beck for a long time - I hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation. For more information about Rebecca, check out these places;- Website: https://rebeccaray.com.au/ Instagram: @drrebeccaray If you're interested in Beck's books - you'll find them HEREHead to michellejcox.com for more information about the ONE QUESTION podcast, your host or today's guestsConnect with Michelle on Instagram here:- @michellejcoxConnect with Michelle on Facebook here - @michellejcox

Sue Holt is the founder of Mommy's Life Coach. Sue coaches moms who yell at their kids. She helps them to stop feeling guilty and enjoy being a mom. As a stay-at-home mom for the past 16 years to four children, Sue remembers sitting at the bottom of her steps with her head in her hands crying, not because she yelled so loud that her throat hurt from screaming at her daughter for spilling salad dressing on her new boots that Mom bought her, but because she felt guilty and ashamed. Sue created Mommy's Life Coach as a space to integrate, validate, acknowledge, encourage, and celebrate moms. Sue lives in Philadelphia with her hubby, four kids, and Irish Setter, Oscar. When Sue is not watching her 3 boys play ice hockey, lacrosse, baseball, track, football, or her daughter dance, sing, act, or play field hockey, she enjoys taking dance classes, working out, and relaxing on the beach. Listen in to hear Sue share: Why moms yell at their kids  How moms high expectations of themselves get in their own ways and contribute to mom rage and emotional dysregulation How anger is often a mask for sadness, grief, and fear The definition of mom rage and what it looks & feels like  How mom rage comes from an inner influencer and outer influencer Why mom rage is shrouded in secrecy 5 Steps you can take to manage your mom rage The correlation between identity loss in motherhood and mom rage Links mentioned: Join my upcoming free workshop, How to Calm Your Chaos and Let Go of Your Crap: shamelessmom.com/calm Connect with Sue: mommyslifecoach.com/ Sue's Podcast: The OutRAGEous Mommy Podcast Sue on Instagram @mommyslifecoach  Sue on FB: The OutRAGEous Moms Facebook Group Sponsor info and promo codes: Please find our sponsor information here: shamelessmom.com/sponsor/ Interested in becoming a sponsor of the Shameless Mom Academy? Email our sales team at sales@adalystmedia.com

Disney's BIG RED may be a somewhat typical "boy and his dog" story - something our hosts are all too familiar with at this point. But this is, in some ways, a very atypical episode of We Want The D. Because in this episode, it's Nolan who is full of praise for the Irish Setter at the centre of this film, while it's Vicky who is more preoccupied with potential discrepencies in plot and character. And Jill is left to try to navigate this strange new reality. Let it never be said that after 363 episodes, surpises can't happen. 

Many Ukrainians who have fled their country brought their animals along with them. Two Irish Setters played an instrumental role in their owners' making it to safety in France.

Kelli, the owner of Quantonas Irish Setters was nice enough to sit down with us in this episode and discuss field trials and running her Irish Setters. Kelli first started her career in the show dog ring with a Show Irish Setter and then transitioned to training and running field trials with her Field Irish Setters. Kelli discusses the life of being in the Field Trial circuit, judging Field Trials, and more! It was amazing to us how far the field trial dogs range out! Tune in to find out what to expect if you want to run or go watch a field trial! Check out our sponsors and a few of the brands we trust! Hunt REDI - https://huntredi.com Tetra Hearing - Use code "FlushEm2021" to save 10% - https://tetrahearing.com/FlushEm Gun Dog Outdoors - gundogoutdoors.com use code "Ringnecks" to save 10% Dakota283 - dakota283.com use code "RNR10" to save 10% Cornerstone Gundog Academy - Save $50 - https://www.cornerstonegundogacademy.com/a/39346/oQ3aXZZf --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/ringnecks-and-retrievers0/support

The Irish Setter Boots Mudpaw makes their debut on Gearbox Talk. The GoWild team ran them through a series of questions that most shows don't typically cover. Sure, the GoWild team covers some of the basics but more importantly the GoWild team asks and answers some off the wall questions that make this a fun product review! Download GoWild today. Join a community of shooters, hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. http://bit.ly/DownloadGoWildNow Get some Irish Setter Mudpaws: https://timetogowild.com/products/irishsetterboots-199-irish-setter-boots-mudpaw-waterproof-rubber-slip-on Irish Setter Mudpaw Description: The Irish Setter® Mudpaw Waterproof Rubber Slip-On Shoes for are great for muddy, damp environments. These Mudpaws let you walk through the muck without a care in the world. These men's shoes feature vulcanized rubber construction, which means they are perfectly waterproof. Almost the entirety of these slip-ons is made of rugged yet flexible 3.5mm neoprene. The removable polyurethane footbeds offer cushioned, foot-pleasing comfort. The Irish Setter Mudpaws come equipped with TempSens, a technology that reacts to your changing body temperature. TempSens retains body warmth when your feet are cold, and it helps keep you cool when your feet start to heat up. These waterproof slip-ons feature ScentBan, an Irish Setter exclusive scent control process that dramatically reduces unwanted odors for long-lasting freshness. Mudpaw outsoles have an aggressive tread pattern to keep you sure-footed while crossing wet ground. Imported. Manufacturer style #: 04848. Made of rugged yet flexible 3.5mm neoprene Vulcanized rubber construction is 100% waterproof Removable polyurethane footbeds offer cushioned comfort TempSens – retains warmth in the cold and cools feet in the heat ScentBan – dramatically reduces unwanted odors Mudpaw outsoles have an aggressive tread pattern IRISH SETTER MUDPAW Slip into these stylish rubber slip-ons to keep your feet warm and dry. Waterproof MudPaw footwear has TempSens technology to regulate temperature and textured linings to wick away moisture. Get some Irish Setter Mudpaws: https://timetogowild.com/products/irishsetterboots-199-irish-setter-boots-mudpaw-waterproof-rubber-slip-on #GearboxTalk #IrishSetter #GoWild @GoWild Hunting, Fishing & Outdoors

Justin chats with Trevor Hubbs, the BHA Armed Forces Initiative Coordinator. They discuss military inspired recipes, reconnecting active duty military and veterans to hunting and fishing, Ernest Hemingway, eating muskrat during lent, public lands, and so much more! - Leave a Review for a chance to win a hat! - Love our content? Buy us a cup of coffee to say thanks! - Harvesting Nature Spice Blends: Chef Tested, Hunter Approved Special Guests: Trevor Hubbs grew up near the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers. His father and two uncles taught me about their particular brand of hunting starting when he was 7. His father was a waterfowler, one uncle a houndsman, and another uncle the last quail hunter in southern Illinois. He grew up chasing raccoons and coyotes behind hounds and running a muskrat trapline starting at seven years-old. In high school, Trevor guided for game farm pheasants and public land ducks. Today, he follows his Irish Setters looking for native game birds on public land. Check out the BHA AFI Website: https://www.backcountryhunters.org/armed_forces Visit AFI on IG: https://www.instagram.com/bha_afi Show Notes: Harvesting Nature Spice Blends: Chef Tested, Hunter Approved Harvesting Nature Magazine BHA Rendezvous 2022 Bears Military Service Returning to hunting Helping veterans reconnect to themselves Layout of clubs Helping Active Duty members hunt/fish as they transfer around How to break down a moose Veteran Outreach in each state Military only regulations Boundary Water Trip Dog Sled Trip BHA AFI Events BHA Rendezvous 2022 Creating relationships through volunteering Wild Turkey Cordon Bleu Venison Slumgullion Stew Ernest Hemingway Roasted Pheasant With Peanut Sauce McRib Inspiration Fried Fish and Old Bay Lake Trout Salmon Poke Bowls Eat More Invasive Species Shirt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Which canine breed has night vision? Which pooch can outrun a grizzly bear? On this episode of Dogs 101, we'll learn all there is to know about these five beautiful breeds - the Doberman, Westie, Irish Setter, Miniature Pinscher and Whippet.For even more dog content, stream full episodes of Dogs 101 on discovery+. Go to discoveryplus.com/dogs101 to start your free trial today. Terms apply.

This week we're shaking things up with some spooooky format changes. Okay, they're not really spooky...they're just new. And change can be scary. We also meet the friendly and feisty Irish Setter, and talk about how to keep your pup safe this Halloween.Sourceshttps://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/irish-setter/ https://www.thesprucepets.com/setter-dog-breeds-4842681 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_Setter http://www.vetstreet.com/dogs/irish-setter#personality https://barkercise.com/exercise-irish-english-gordon-setter-dog/ https://mom.com/momlife/19389-cool-facts-about-irish-setters/running-irish-settershttps://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/halloween-safety-tipshttps://www.petmd.com/dog/seasonal/evr_multi_halloween_safety_tipshttps://www.etsy.com/shop/SaintJamesCohttps://thesocialdawg.com/https://www.foxnamedtodd.com/https://www.lucyand.co/www.etsy.comhttps://everythingdoggo.com/www.chewy.comwww.amazon.comhttps://www.thedogbakery.com/ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 Rescues Irish Setter Club of America Irish Setter Rescuehttps://irishsetterclub.org/rescue/The Irish Setter Rescue is a volunteer group of ISCA members who diligently work to find new homes for displaced Irish Setters and educate the public about the breed.  Save Our Settershttps://saveoursetters.org/Save Our Setters strives to respond to every request they receive to help Irish, Gordon and Irish Red and White Setters Magnolia Setter Rescuehttp://www.setterrescue.org/Magnolia Setter Rescue, established in 1995, is a network of volunteers who protect and promote the Setter breeds (Irish, Gordon, English, and Irish Red & White), primarily in the Southeast.Instagram@harvey_theirishsetter@brentathesetter

I did not become a believer overnight. However, I began to ask, seek, and knock on the door, and found that if I kept doing those three things I gained understanding in the areas where I had struggled. Following the “What do I have to lose?” argument, I started to discard pieces of my doubt and chose to believe. I would avoid nit-picking and scoffing at every bit of the Old Testament that didn't make perfect sense in the 21st century, and instead look for an overarching meaning, with a greater focus on the New Testament. This intention of mine lacked originality, as I recalled Chapter 4 of the AA Big Book describing my exact condition:We used to amuse ourselves by cynically dissecting spiritual beliefs and practices when we might have observed that many spiritually-minded persons of all races, colors, and creeds were demonstrating a degree of stability, happiness and usefulness which we should have sought ourselves.Instead, we looked at the human defects of these people, and sometimes used their shortcomings as a basis of wholesale condemnation. We talked of intolerance, while we were intolerant ourselves. We missed the reality and the beauty of the forest because we were diverted by the ugliness of some its trees. We never gave the spiritual side of life a fair hearing.All true. In the margins of my confirmation Bible from high school, I had scribbled in cynical comments alongside Genesis verses, as I had read the book literally to point out the contradictions. From the start I had issues, from the first pages, since not one but two creation stories occurred. In college I had read Native American creation stories, Hawaiian myths, Greek and other stories, and so I had tossed in the Hebrew book of Genesis with the lot, discounting it as nothing more than another myth. Rather, I considered it the dominant myth of creation, but no more correct than stories of Greek Zeus or Hawaiian Pele.However, whenever I read any of those creation stories I marveled at how over space and time, separated groups of humans came up with similar ideas about the beginning, as if there were an intrinsic knowledge or capability of understanding the world we lived in. Primitive or not, we all have stories to explain the world around us. What struck me is that all of these peoples found an origin story, because they needed the spiritual presence in their life to explain why there is something rather than nothing. Why does anything exist?Just as all kids do, I remember thinking of the universe and how it could not go on forever, that a meteor could not continue on to infinity, because I could not fathom infinity. Somewhere there must be a place where it ends, like where the vacuum of empty space just turns into a fuzzy TV screen. I often thought of a “backstop,” as on a baseball field, where if the ball gets past the catcher, it doesn't roll forever. There's a backstop to halt the ball. The universe had to have a backstop or fence, or some kind of ending and beginning. Furthermore, something had to be first, as something could not come from nothing.The one thing that kept me from ever truly abandoning Catholicism, even as an atheist or agnostic, was the pursuit of science among its clergy. The Church has a lot of nerds in it who ponder these questions. As science had become my new religion, I considered the Big Bang the answer to the origin of the universe. When I first learned that it was a Christian scientist that came up with the theory, I felt a bit shocked, maybe even upset, because here religion somehow mingled with science without either being cheapened.Evolution, of course, was the other elephant in the room, and most of the time I heard about Christians trying to remove it from the schoolbooks. From the Scopes trial to Intelligent Design to the latest Texas textbook controversies, there seemed to be a continuous goal to sweep the idea of evolution under a rug. Because of stories in the media over the last 25 years focusing on this fundamentalist view, I had forgotten that Catholics do not object to the idea of evolution. They teach evolution in Catholic schools and hold that evolution doesn't conflict with Church teachings, because it doesn't conflict with God as the “First Cause” of the universe, nor does it discount the spiritual soul, the ghost in the machine that transcends the atoms that form the body. The soul is touched by the sublime. This same idea can be found in all creation stories across the world, that deep in our hearts and minds we know that something cannot come from nothing and that the soul goes beyond the material world. Far from being anti-science, the Catholic Church seemed to be one of the few pro-science religions and this didn't get any attention in the press. From the Church's rulebook itself, the Catechism states it quite clearly:The question about the origins of the world and of man has been the object of many scientific studies which have splendidly enriched our knowledge of the age and dimensions of the cosmos, the development of life-forms and the appearance of man. These discoveries invite us to even greater admiration for the greatness of the Creator, prompting us to give him thanks for all his works and for the understanding and wisdom he gives to scholars and researchers. (CCC 283)Creation and evolution do not sit in permanent opposition to one another as both sides of the fundamentalist secular and religious folks would have us believe. Science and faith are not in a battle to the death. One thing that has amazed me is the number of practicing Christian and Jewish scientists in the world. I formerly considered these people to be mad, since holding both scientism and religious dogma could not be done simultaneously, or so I thought. These people had volumes more knowledge than myself on science, yet somehow they maintained their faith. How? Did they fail to take notes in college? Were they dense?I think that I was a bit dense, and I realized that science has as many radical fundamentalists as any religion. While I strived to deny God, I could never remove the notion of the “First Cause.” Accepting this idea alone, rather than fighting it, reminds me a bit of the Ironman endurance race where I was trying to defeat the water rather than relaxing and letting it lift me up. Fortunately there is ample readings from the Church to discuss all of these things in detail, and far from running away from science, the Church's embrace of knowledge means that truth can be sought in both lab coats and vestments.Then there is art. Yes, art, the un-scientific pursuer of truth that spills forth from emotion and feeling, edging upon the spiritual realm beyond ours by its very attempt. We praise science for its march of progress, while art stands the test of time regardless of our knowledge of biology and chemistry and physics. Dante and Shakespeare do not diminish as we learn more about the world. The great epics and fables from all corners of the world are no less today than they were on first utterance. They were deep in meaning before technology allowed them to be presented on paper or phones, and their depth exceeds the tangible things of this world. If I think of a song that animates my heart, oldies like the heavenly praise of Ave Maria, or rage music like Smells like Teen Spirit, or tear jerkers such as Sunday Morning Coming Down by Johnny Cash and Fade into You by Mazzy Star - there is a paralyzing miracle to music that we all fall in love with, all of which brings us to a transcendent escape whether we want to admit it or not. For an atheist this is just brain chemistry and psychology at play, just as our soul is just atoms and electricity flitting about, bonding and breaking, bonding and breaking, until we fall into nothingness.Perhaps it's just a turning of the mind toward the divine that makes all the difference, just allowing it be possible. Admitting that maybe there is more than just science made all the difference for me in appreciating nature and art. When God is real, and faith is pursued rather than eschewed, everything changes. Having walled myself off from God, I had actually walled myself in, to an isolation, and total loss of wonder. This is why people who have “found” faith are so annoying to those without it - because it changes everything, such that their former life seems like wasted time spent by a stubborn fool who refused to turn around and give belief a chance.This is why born-again people irritate us so much: they are happy. I used to say, “They are just using God as a crutch,” and now I think, “Wow, this is such a terrific crutch, I should have been using this crutch all along instead of those others ones.” Much better than the crutches of TV, beer, sex, celebrities, and constant seeking of approval of others. I mean, you could say that anything is a crutch. Someone on reddit once mentioned how desperate and lost I must have been to need Jesus to save me, and I thought, “That is so true.” It was meant as an insult, but I realized that he was like an Irish Setter pointing at the truth. The atheist made a great insight about me. I was desperate and lost. I'm so glad I found faith. Because in the end it's not the person of faith who is crazy or boring or adrift, it's actually the person without faith who doesn't realize their own desperation and loss. If I consider the boredom and restlessness I had as an agnostic or atheist, and the joy I see at Sunday mass on people's faces, there is no comparison. Laying on the couch watching Netflix empties me, while receiving Communion at church with the other faithful invigorates me and re-charges my life. This reminds me of Ignatius of Loyola, when after being wounded by the cannonball he laid in his hospital bed reading adventure stories about knights, and the excitement faded into disappointment after he finished those books. Then he read the lives of the saints and felt joyful, motivated, and full of life. Tales of knights or superheroes are like candy. Stories of faith are like rocket fuel for life.Acceptance of God's existence may have been the biggest stumbling block for me. Years ago I had “allowed” the idea of God but didn't fully inspect the idea until I started actively asking, seeking, and knocking. Saying yes to the existence of God allowed me to punch a hole in the wall I had built around myself. I thought I had built the wall for protection from the religious nuts of the world, but by hiding from them, I had walled myself into darkness. And for once I thought: they can't all be nuts. Through that hole I could see a little light on the other side. And it was about time for some demolition of that wall. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.whydidpetersink.com

It's one thing to be single and train your dogs...free time kind of vanishes once you become a parent. Our guest, Rachel Richards, is a mom of two young kids plus dog mama to 3 American Pit Bull Terriers and an Irish Setter puppy. She is also a groomer and trainer and shares tips for how to manage your dogs when you're a parent. Special Guest: Rachel Richards.

The 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is happening this weekend, June 12-13, in Tarrytown, NY! On this week's episode of the Good Dog Pod, host Laura Reeves is joined by Allison Alexander, who has been an All-Breed Professional Handler for over 30 years. She is also the founder of the https://www.leadingedgedogshowacademy.com/ (Leading Edge Dog Show Academy).  What has changed about Westminster this year? Westminster is usually held in February in New York City's Madison Square Garden. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, it is being held in Tarrytown on the historic Lyndhurst Estate. In addition, the number of dog shows that usually happen across the country were reduced from several thousands to a few hundred. The new show date and scarcity of dog shows means that Westminster this year will be extra exciting because of the potential for surprise contenders!  What are some reasons that this year's show has the opportunity to be one of the best yet? The first reason that comes to mind for Allison and Laura is the Best in Show Judge, the renowned Patricia Craig Trotter. Trotter has been breeding, showing, and judging dogs for seven decades. Her presence in the show ring is highly anticipated, and is a sign that this will be an iconic year for Westminster. Another reason is that four new breeds have been introduced to Westminster - the Barbet, Biewer Terrier, Belgian Laekenois, and Dogo Argentino. Find out more information about them https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/media-center-content/new-breeds-for-2021 (here).  What breeds and dogs do Allison and Laura have their eyes on? Both believe that there are some exemplary dogs in the Samoyed, Irish Setter, English Springer Spaniel, and Lagotto Romagnolo breeds. They are also paying close attention to the Toy Group, namely the Pekingese and Havanese breeds. However, with so many changes this year, it's hard even for the two experts to predict which dogs have the best shot at Best in Show. What is the schedule for this weekend? On Saturday, June 12, we will see the Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting, and Herding Groups. On Sunday, June 13, we will see the Sporting, Working, Terrier Groups, and finally Best in Show. This weekend will be broadcasted on the FOX network. Check out the https://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2021-dog-show-general-information/2021-fox-sports-television-schedule (Westminster website) for more information on the schedule and broadcasting. Despite all the changes to Westminster this year, Allison and Laura believe that the fact that the show is happening in June instead of the typical February poses a unique timeline for the world of dog shows, with Westminster now being an opportunity to say hello to new dogs instead of only bidding goodbye to retiring ones.  *Allison mistakenly stated that the Pekingese is of Japanese origin; we recognize that the breed is actually of Chinese origin. Will you be attending Westminster 2021? Join us for a Breeder Appreciation Party on Friday, June 11th. The event will be outdoors, at Hudson Anchor Rooftop in Tarrytown, NY. There will be free food, drinks, live music and giveaways. And better yet: dogs are welcome! Make sure to pre-register at: https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr (https://bit.ly/3f9fwGr) and follow our https://www.facebook.com/events/505125380855294/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22search_results%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22search%22%7D]%7D (Facebook Event) for the latest updates!

In this episode we discuss one of the cuuuutest breeds out there. We're really excited to share this episode because Irish Setters are so adorable.

Summary: Dr. Debbie Gross Torraca has been involved in the field of animal physical rehabilitation for over seventeen years and has both a masters and a doctorate, as well as other advanced certifications in her field. She currently owns a small animal rehabilitation practice in Connecticut called Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals. Over the last 12 years, she has lectured throughout the world on the topic of small animal rehabilitation, and is one of the founders of the Certificate Program in Canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee. She has been widely published, both professionally and in venues for dog enthusiasts. Links mentioned: Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals Fitness Trainer Certificate Program FearFreePets.com Next Episode:  To be released 7/28/2017, featuring Lori Stevens talking about how animal behavior, movement, learning, fitness, and health interact.  TRANSCRIPTION: Melissa Breau: This is Melissa Breau and you're listening to the Fenzi Dog Sports broadcast brought to you by the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy, an online school dedicated to providing high quality instruction for competitive dog sports, using only the most current and progressive training methods. Today we'll be talking to Debbie Gross Torraca. Dr. Torraca has been involved in the field of animal physical rehabilitation for over 17 years and has both a master's, and a doctorate, as well as other advanced certifications in her field. She currently owns a small animal rehabilitation practice in Connecticut called Wizard of Paws Physical Rehabilitation for Animals. Over the last 12 years, she has lectured throughout the world on the topic of small animal rehabilitation, and as one of the founders of the certificate program in canine rehabilitation from the University of Tennessee, she has been widely published both professionally, and in venues for dog enthusiasts. Hi, Debbie, welcome to the podcast. Debbie Gross: Hi, Melissa. Thank you so much. I'm excited to be here. Melissa Breau: I'm excited to chat with you. This is not a topic a I know a lot about, so it's always fun to learn something. Just to start us out, do you mind just telling us a little bit about your own dogs, who they are, and what you're working on with them? Debbie Gross: Sure. Yeah. So I currently share my home and my life with two dogs. Bogaurt is a Clumber Spaniel, and so that's a fairly different breed, and then we also have a nine-year-old Cocker Spaniel that was rescued. He was unfortunately beaten by a gentleman in uniform, that's all we know. So we've had him for about six years and we've had to overcome quite a lot of fear issues, and all that sort of stuff, so he's been my different sort of training in progress, and every day I learn from him, and the Clumber Spaniel does a little bit of everything. He's definitely…I've had Clumbers now for almost 10 years and they're just a joy to work with, and you know, people often will ask, "why don't you do agility or other sports with him?", and that's where kind of I come in and look at the body frame, and that sort of stuff, even though a lot of Clumbers can do agility, his body is just not meant for that, so sadly, we stick to other things, and he's always my willing demo dog, or sometimes unwilling, so that's always…yeah, exciting. He seems to know when it's guinea pig time and he'll take off if he doesn't feel up to it, so. Melissa Breau: He'll let you know if he's not in the mood, huh? Debbie Gross: Exactly. I mean, he's like typical Clumber, so sweet, but about 22 hours a day, so. Melissa Breau: Now, I know in your bio I left out some of the alphabet, you've got a lot of credentials, so I wanted to give you a chance to talk a little bit about how you got into animal rehabilitation. What is it that drew you in that direction? Debbie Gross: Sure. I've always been drawn to animals and you know, just adored them, and when I went to human physical therapy school there was a lot of hands on, a lot of palpation. Eventually, my roommates got tired of being guinea pigs, and at the time, I had an Alaskan Malamute and he was a more than willing participant, so I started to look at his body and say, oh, you know, if we could do all these things for people, why can't we do these for animals, and this was back in the 1980s, and one of my professors said to me, "don't be silly, this is a dog, no one's ever going to spend money or care about that much on a dog." So I kind of, you know, laughed at that and said, okay, and kind of kept that in the back of my mind, and I graduated. I took my first job in New York City and I was working with a lot of dancers in New York City Ballet, and definitely started to appreciate different types of movement, so if a ballerina or another type of dancer's missing five degrees of motion in their big toe, it's going to be significant. And I think about all those minor things so often today when I work with performance dogs, you know, dogs that are involved in high level competitions, but I stayed with human physical therapy for a while, always kind of thinking about my dream of working with dogs, and I fully just started to do a lot of independent learning, a lot of reading, spending a lot of time with veterinarians, and going to different vet schools, and studying anatomy, and things like that. And then eventually, it turned into more and more, and I then started teaching at the University of Tennessee. And the CCRP letters are the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner, so I helped establish that program, and continued to teach with them, and it's really kind of, you know, it can be kind of a common sense thing. Dogs and other animals suffer many of the same injuries that people do. For example, an ACL injury in people is very common in dogs as well, and there are many different breeds that suffer with that, but things like arthritis, and neurological diseases, and sports related issues. I mean, certainly, everything that we know from the human filed we can just benefit, you know, help the dogs, so it's been pretty awesome to start out with this almost 20 years ago and watch it kind of just be an idea, and now it's definitely becoming more and more commonplace. And I love looking on Facebook or talking to people from all over the world and they're taking their dog for rehab, or they're perusing other options, and they're doing things like that, which is just fantastic. Yeah. So that's been…you know, it is. It's great when, you know, and I laugh at the professor that I…every once in a while, I'll see her at a conference, and I'll say to her, hey, remember that kind of thought or dream I had, I said, that's kind of what I do now 24-7 about, so. And a lot of people that have gone through rehab can definitely relate, and they understand, and so I'm always thrilled when more and more owners are perusing different options for their pets, and really, the moto of our clinic is every dog deserves the best quality of life for the longest time possible, and no matter if the dog is seven weeks old or 17 years old, you know, so important just to make sure that they're pain free and have the highest level of function. So it's really been this incredible journey and I love it. Melissa Breau: You started to talk a little bit there about some of the differences and similarities between physical therapy for people and that for dogs. Are there other key differences you can kind of speak to? Debbie Gross: Yes. So a lot of…you know, besides the obvious, people being biped and dogs being quadruped, I joke to a dog is not…they have no idea that something should make them feel better. You know, they're so truthful, they're…either a treatment's going to work, or it's not going to work, so there's no secondary games, they're not messing with an insurance company, or anything like that, but you know, for the same kind of similarities, whenever there's pain or inflammation there's going to be weakness that evolves. So like I tell my kids, if your body perceives pain it's going to shut off all the muscles in the area, so very similar. A person can say, hey, my knee hurts, I need to do something about it. Very often take an Advil or a Tylenol. A dog can't say that to an owner, so a lot of times that unless the owner is very perceptive and notices a slight change in their behavior, it's hard to determine if they're in pain until it gets pretty bad, you know, so recognizing pain is definitely a big difference. I encourage all my owners, all my students, to make sure they go over their dogs on a monthly basis just to check for any pain, or soreness, or anything like that, but many of the on-scene treatment modalities that we would use in human medicine, we use in the animal. So like moist heat, or ice, laser or photobiomodulation is commonly used to help reduce pain and inflammation, and a lot of the exercises we do are very similar. Of course, we have to get a little bit more creative with a dog, but pretty much everything used in human medicine we could, you know, transfer over to the dog, so it's pretty cool. Melissa Breau: Now, I think that veterinarians and the medical field in general isn't always known as the most positive part of dog sports, so I'd love to get your take on that. How do positive training and rehabilitation overlap, and are there places where they just can't? Debbie Gross: Yeah. And that's a very good question. I belong to an organization, I sit on the board called Fear Free, and their whole goal and mission is to establish fear free veterinarian offices, rehab offices, looking at training facilities, boarding facilities, things like that, so it's all aimed at making sure the experience is positive and fear free. And certainly…you know, we laugh in our clinic because we're not the vet, so dogs come in and they know they're getting copious amounts of cookies, and it's going to be a great place, and they love it, and so I think it's very important to, you know, right off the bat we want to make sure the owner and the dog are very comfortable. Certainly, dogs often will become fearful or potentially aggressive if they're in pain, so I always tell the trainers that I work with, assume that it's physical before behavioral. Now, I'll hear so many times from owners, "oh, my dog didn't want to do the A-frame this morning. It's probably because…" You know, they make something up and then get steak for dinner. They swear they don't think like that. You know, they probably didn't want to do something because they're in pain. Something like the A-frame puts a lot of stress on the dogs back, and the hips, and stuff like that, so understanding if a dog is fearful, or doesn't want to do something, looking at the reason why, you know, so is it pain that is prohibiting them from doing something. And certainly, some dogs are not candidates, like we've turned dogs away because they're either too fearful, or they just can't do…they don't want to do anything, and rather than forcing them, we won't do that. You know, and that's a little bit different than traditional vet medicine where dogs need to go in. They may need to get an exam, or their vaccinations, or things like that, but this fear free movement is fantastic, and you know, looks at everything from the lighting, their potential pheromones in the air to relax the dogs, and cats also, and other animals, so most the time in rehab dogs love it. They love coming into our office, and it's fun, and it's all positive, and you know, that's the way I want it to be. I mean, I love when the dogs pull their owners into the office, so you know that they're having a great time, so it's great. Melissa Breau: Now, is there a website that's conceded with the Fear Free Organization just in case you'd want to look it up? Debbie Gross: Yeah. I believe. I'll look. I think if someone just googled fear free it would pull up, and actually, fear free pets.com. So and their moto is "Taking the Pet out of Petrified," and it is very nice. It's a nice group that…and the number of practitioners getting certified in Fear Free are growing constantly, so you know, that's really great, and I highly encourage owners to seek out one of these facilities because they just are a little bit more in tune with things, and make the experience as positive as they can. Melissa Breau: I'll make sure to include a link to the site in the show notes for everybody. Debbie Gross: Perfect. Great. Perfect. Melissa Breau: So I want to drill just a little bit more into rehab itself, rehabilitation sort of implies this idea that something's gone wrong and now it's time to try and fix it, so I was curious of how much of what you teach is about preventing problems, and how much of it is about really fixing them. Debbie Gross: Great question. And we probably…I would say half the dogs that I see have an issue that can be fixed. So for example, they've had a torn ligament, they had surgery, and now we're rehabbing them, getting them back to normal. The other half is all about prevention and looking at what the dog does, what the dog needs to do, and how to get them stronger. So for example, we run a program called The Biggest Loser and it's a weight loss program, so we know that so many dogs…the obesity causes so many orthopedic issues, as well as other issues, and you know, helping owners and the dogs to understand how to get going, and just start a weight loss program, a successful weight loss program. Then we have older dogs that just need some exercise, and they just need to get moving, and we'll start implementing a simple exercise program. And then on the other end of the spectrum are you know, some of your…we see a ton of conformation dogs where they need to get into shape, and for whatever reason, they haven't been in shape, and they vary from doing something. We have underwater treadmills. They may run in the underwater treadmills for 30 to 45 minutes, just depending on what they're doing, and but you know, helping to build up their strength and conditioning. And that goes too with different athletic dogs, your Shih Tzu dogs, your agility dogs, obedience work, anything like that, so really on both sides of kind of fixing something, but also the goal is definitely preventing injuries from happening. So we do a little bit of both. Melissa Breau: Now, are there things that dog sports enthusiasts should be doing to keep their dog in top shape, or does that kind of vary based on sport, or based on breed? Debbie Gross: Yeah. That's another great question. So I think that if we look at human sports, no matter whether it's on the collegiate level, the professional or Olympic level, any of our human athletes is involved in a conditioning program, so they have a program set for them, and they would never think about not engaging in a conditioning program, but on the canine side that's not always the case. Now, I hear so often, you know, the dogs are just weekend warriors, so they just go to an agility trial over the weekend, and the owner does nothing with them during the week. And I think every dog, if they're involved in performance sports, whether it's just a couple times a month, or every weekend, they need to be in a conditioning program, and a conditioning program should definitely include core strength. So working just like you and I would work on our back strength, our abdominals, all the large muscles of the body, working on endurance. So sometimes it's just simple walking or jogging, and then sports specifics, so a dog involved in agility is going to need more power or explosive events like plyometrics, working on their strength going over jumps, but also stopping quickly, and making sure that their shoulders and their hip flexors are strong enough, and of course, that will differ from your conformation breed. That may need more endurance to run around the ring and also more core strength, so it does depend on the sport, and its also going to depend upon the breed. And I often laugh where I love the big, you know, the gentle monsters, your Newfoundland's, and giant mastiffs, and you know, of course, their activity. If they walk 10 minutes in the underwater treadmill they're sleeping for the next 24 hours, where you have a Border Collie that's already active, they're going to need more exercise, so it will vary by breed, or also vary by age. So very young dogs anywhere under 24 months, you want to be respectful of their growth plates, and their psychological ability to exercise. And then on the flip side, your older dogs, you don't want to overdo it either, so you want to be respectful, but hands down, any dog that competes in any kind of event, or just does it for fun should be doing some sort of core work, and it doesn't take much to make a big difference. Melissa Breau: I'd imagine that there are some injuries you see a lot more often in dog sports than others. What are some of the things that do crop up most often and you know, what are some of the things maybe you do when you work with those types of dogs from a conditioning standpoint, or even from a rehabilitation standpoint? Debbie Gross: Yeah. So I think probably two of the more common injuries that have just been unfortunately gaining more popularity are iliopsoas injuries or injuries to the hip flexor, which is back near the front of the dog's hip, and shoulder issues. And I think the iliopsoas is a soft tissue injury and I've definitely been seeing an increase in these injuries as dogs are not really…they're being trained at a younger age without a lot of adequate core strength, and because they're being pushed a lot further, and they don't have the strength in their core or their hip flexors, so they start to develop this weakness, and this injury, and it's probably one of the more stubborn injuries to rehab from, and part of it is because most owners…and I'm right up there, are impatient, you know, as soon as the dog starts to look better you want to get them out there and play. It's commonly injured by a dog slipping, or excessive ball playing, and that's something that so many people love to do, toss the ball, and if the dog doesn't have enough strength they're going to put a lot of stress on that area, but it's the same thing with the shoulder injury, the shoulders stop the dog from moving forward. So for example, when a dog comes over a jump the shoulders are what stabilize the body so the dog doesn't fall flat on their face, and if there is a minor injury, weakness will develop and then it will start to become an issue. So really, with both of these cases, again, going back to lots of core strengths, and working on sports specifics, so working on the landing over a jump, and building up the strength, working on a lot of what's called eccentric strength, so you know, really preparing them for that. And the other things are proper warm ups and cool downs, so always making sure that the owners are working on that and doing that. Melissa Breau: Now I know you're offering the Canine Fitness trainer courses through FDSA. Do you want to talk a little bit about that, kind of what they are what the goal is there? Debbie Gross: Sure. So the fitness trainer courses are so much fun. They're such a great, dedicated group of people because there's four courses in a row, and the goal really is to educate people to either work more with their dog or go out there and help other dogs. So many of the people that have graduated and successfully completed the course and their exam are out there kind of for, you know, if we equate to people, working as a personal canine trainer, so helping dogs with weight loss, helping dogs with different types of exercises, and they've gone through…it's fairly intense. So the first two sessions focus on functional anatomy, so learning about the different muscles, and how to use them, and different exercises to give for them, tons of safety information, and you know, then kind of putting it all together, so talking about the different sports, and what they need, or just different dogs and what they'll need, and how to set up a program that's safe and effective, you know, for an individual dog. So it's so much fun, and I learn something every time we go through a different group of people because they're just incredible, you know, what they think, and the different types of dogs, and so it really has been fantastic, and it's a lot of work, and I'm so proud of everyone that's completed it because it definitely takes a lot of dedication. Melissa Breau: At the end of the four classes they can take a test, right, to become certified, is that right? Debbie Gross: Correct. They submit four case studies, so four dogs that they've been working with, and then there's an exam, yes, and then they become a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer. Had to think of that for a minute. Melissa Breau: Very cool. I want to talk too about some of the other classes you offer at FDSA. Do you want to just share kind of what they are and kind of what you cover in those classes? Debbie Gross: Yeah. So I offer a bunch of different ones and one is the basic canine conditioning, which I cannot stress, as I said before, that anybody involved in dogs should…it's such a great course for people to take because it just goes over basic things that anyone can do at home, so it doesn't have to be with equipment, or anything like that, but just basic exercises that anyone can do, and can make more difficult as demands, you know, for the dog. And then the second canine conditioning course just gets into a little bit more depth, but we've had dogs that are 14 or 15 years old and the owners have just been working with them to improve their quality of life, and we've had other dogs that are high level competitors in class, and so it's so wonderful to see just the different effects simple canine conditioning can have on the individual dogs. And I teach a course called The Bum Knees and that's…knee injuries are unfortunately very prevalent in dogs, and we talk about different prevention strategies for knee injuries, what to do if your dog has had a knee injury or does have a knee injury, and talk about, you know, safe exercises to go through. And I think there's a course on the iliopsoas, which as I mentioned before, definitely a muscle in an area that is just a hot topic, and it goes over also injury prevention, what to do, how to recognize an injury, and what to do, what different types of exercises. And I believe there's a shoulder course does the same thing, but just focuses on shoulders. You know, we're looking at different types of should injuries and that sort of stuff. So off the top of my head, I think that's it. There could be some more, but I love the other…oh, go ahead, I'm sorry. Melissa Breau: I was going to say maybe you should do a few more. Debbie Gross: Yes. You know, there's just so, so many wonderful things that people…people have been asking for a course for senior dogs, so maybe that will be my next project. Melissa Breau: So I do want to ask you the same questions that I ask everybody who comes on kind of towards the end of the podcast. So what's the dog related accomplishment that you are proudest of? Debbie Gross: I have to probably involve the dog that I have worked with for quite some time, and she continues to be just an accomplishment that I'm so proud of. A beautiful Irish Setter that I had worked with for a year and she had won, I think 31, best in shows, and it was just amazing to watch her move, and knowing what was kind of lying underneath her, so it was pretty fantastic, and her handler became her owner, and she had been retired, she had 15 puppies, and 14 weeks after the puppies he had come to me and he said, "do you think we can get her ready for Westminster?", and I looked at him and said, are you crazy? You know, this dog has been doing nothing for quite some time, had 15 puppies. And I accepted the challenge, and worked with her, and did so much with her, and I had gone to Westminster that year. My own dog had won the breed in bullmastiffs, and a Portuguese Water Dog I had bred won the breed. And then I watched this beautiful Irish Setter, and she went on to win the breed, and so I was all done, ready to watch the groups, and I thought, okay, my day is done, I'm just going to kick back and relax, and this dog that's an Irish Setter won the group, so she was going on to best in show. And it was, you know, just a pretty incredible experience and not only for me, but also for my staff, and then we did it, she went on to win Irish Settler National as a veteran, which was pretty incredible, so even though it wasn't my dog, it felt pretty incredible to be part of that. So I look back on that and just knowing everything that she had to go through, so it was pretty incredible. Melissa Breau: That's awesome. Congrats. So even though we didn't necessarily talk about training today, I did want to ask you what the best piece of training advice you've ever heard is. Debbie Gross: You know, I think, like I always tell myself, and I always tell people always listen to the dog. From what I do, dogs always tell us what's wrong with them. You just have to open up your eyes and your ears, and watch, and listen, and they'll tell you. So I know that's not specifically training, but you know, from what I do, listening to the dog they always know what's right for them. If a dog wants to rest, there's a reason, you know, where sometimes we don't listen to. Melissa Breau: Right. And then finally, who is somebody else in the dog world that you look up to? Debbie Gross: There are a lot of people that I look up to. Probably coming from my background with structure and all of that sort of stuff, Pat Hastings is someone that I look up to, just form her knowledge, and I've taught with her a few times, and it's been, you know, pretty incredible. And probably too then, you know, from a dog looking at training and that sort of stuff, I am a big fan of Denise's and watching her calmness, how she works with dogs, and there are a couple people that train in my area, the same thing, you know, there's definitely people that just understand dogs, and dogs understand them, so yeah. It's hard to pinpoint to just one. Melissa Breau: Fair enough. Well, thank you so much for coming on the podcast, Debbie. Debbie Gross: Oh, thank you so much. Thank you for having me. Melissa Breau: Absolutely. And thanks to all of our listeners for tuning in. We'll be back next week with Lori Stevens to discuss supporting our aging dogs. If you haven't already, subscribe to our podcast in iTunes, or the podcast app of your choice to have our next episode automatically downloaded to your phone as soon as it becomes available. CREDITS: Today's show is brought to you by the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy. Special thanks to Denise Fenzi for supporting this podcast. Music provided royalty-free by BenSound.com; the track featured here is called “Buddy.” Audio editing provided by Chris Lang and transcription written by CLK Transcription Services. Thanks again for tuning in -- and happy training!