Podcasts about pet partners

Work's changing fast—hybrid setups, flexible perks, and even pets making boardroom appearances

C. Annie Peters, president and CEO of Pet Partners—a Bellevue, Wash.-based national therapy animal organization focusing on improving human health and well-being through the human-animal bond—traces her path from once-aspiring engineer (who realized she didn't really like engineering), venturing into an extended stint in the non-profit world, working at Special Olympics International before landing at […] The post C. Annie Peters, president and CEO of Pet Partners first appeared on Talking Animals.

In this inspiring Oh Behave show episode, host Arden Moore welcomes Katy Rahe and her golden retriever River plus from Pet Partners, Erin Maennle. Katy and her lovable River were recently chosen as the 2025 Pet Partners Pet of the Year for bringing joy to people of all walks of life as a well-trained pet therapy team. Discover some unusual animal species making wonderful therapy pets, how you can get involved in this nonprofit Pet Partners organization and what qualities make a good therapy pet. EPISODE NOTES: Spotlighting the 2025 Pet Partners Pet of the Year Team

#129 Discover "The Key to Unlocking Your Child's Full Potential

Pets at work?

In this episode, Nikki chats with Michelle Yates, EVP at Pet Partners, about the magic of pet-friendly perks in the workplace.

On this episode of Newly Erupted, host Dr Joel Berg is joined by Ellie Wetzel to discuss the integration of therapy animals into dental practices, highlighting the legal considerations and benefits of establishing in-office therapy animal programs. Wetzel emphasizes the importance of choosing the right animal, understanding the differences between service and emotional support animals, and the role of the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals in supporting professionals interested in bringing this service into their practices.Guest Bio:Ellie Wetzel and her dog Winnie serve as a therapy animal team, visiting with clients ranging from families at a children's hospital, teenagers at a juvenile detention center, children in foster care, and students at colleges. In her professional life, Wetzel is an attorney. Through her involvement as avolunteer therapy animal handler with Pet Partners, she developed an interest in animalaccommodation law. She has led continuing education sessions for attorneys on legal issues related to service animals and emotional support animals, as well as presentations for professionals on incorporating therapy animals into their practice.Wetzel serves on the board for the Association of Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals (AAAIP), an organization that focuses on empowering professionals to responsibly integrate the healing power of therapy animals into their practice. She currently lives in Toronto with her husband, Kevin, their cat, Cooper, and Winnie, a Great PyrenessSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many of you know that cats can be therapy animals? That's what the podcast this week is about, the need for therapy cats. I have Moira Smith from PetPartners joining me to give us more information about how cats make great therapy animals, how you can become a therapy team with your cat, and how these kitty and handler teams are making an impact in so many lives. If you're interested in learning more and finding out what you need to to do to become a team, whether through Pet Partners or your own local pet therapy organization please join us!

Have you ever wanted to share the joy of your cat with people in need but didn't know where to start? Pet Partners offers a Pet Therapy Certification Program for you and your cat. And for a limited time they are offering free training for cat teams - tune in to this episode for the code. Mary Margaret Callahan, Pet Partners Chief Mission Officer, joins Molly to talk about a recent study that shows cats can potentially possess more healing properties than dogs, what traits make a good therapy cat, and YAYABA! You have to tune in to decode that acronym!

Check out the latest careers at Mars: http://www.maltesers.co.uk/lighten-the-load Episode Guest Meet Adam Grant, General Manager at Mars Wrigley UK. Adam Grant is General Manager (GM) of Mars Wrigley UK, a role he has held since 2021. Mars produces some of Britain's most loved brands, from Ben's Original to Sheba and Maltesers. As General Manager for Mars Wrigley UK and overall lead for Mars' UK business, Adam Grant is navigating innovative product development and sustainability initiatives across the business. With 25 years' consumer goods industry experience, Adam joined Mars Wrigley from Danone, where he spent 17 years, most recently as Regional GM - Danone Dairy UK, Belgium, Netherlands and Ireland, where he led the team to deliver significant growth in sales and category share. Passionate about mentorship both within and outside the business, Adam volunteers for ORT, a charity working with A Level students to provide mentoring and support around career and A level choices and PSALT, an organisation championing and mentoring under-represented talent at the early stages of their careers. Episode Timestamps 00:00 Finding Your Passion and Purpose 08:22 Exploring Job Opportunities in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Industry 15:31 Joining an Apprenticeship Program for Career Development 19:03 Creating and Launching a New Product 23:51 Making a Difference and Leaving a Positive Impact 26:45 Embracing Curiosity and Continuous Learning 27:45 Finding Joy in Your Work Episode Partner Mars is a family-owned business with more than a century of history making diverse products and offering services for people and the pets people love. With over $35 billion in sales, the company is a global business that produces some of the world's best-loved brands: M&M's®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, UNCLE BEN'S®, and COCOAVIA®. Mars also provides veterinary health services that include BANFIELD® Pet Hospitals, Blue Pearl®, VCA® and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire its more than 115,000 Associates to create value for all its partners and deliver growth they are proud of every day.

Join Peggy Hoyt as she converses with Taylor Chastain Griffin, executive director of the Association of Animal Assisted Intervention Professionals, and national director of AAI advancement for Pet Partners. Discover why cats are emerging as promising therapy animals. Learn how Pet Partners is working to expand access to animal-assisted therapy.Support the Show.

Oh Behave show host Arden Moore achieves a first --by ‘interviewing' Darby, a miniature horse. This compassionate horse is a certified therapy pet who just won honors as the Pet of the Year by Pet Partners organization. Darby hangs out as his owner/handler Lynn Scully shares ways this horse brings joy to patients and hospital staff on the Big Island of Hawaii. EPISODE NOTES: Pet Partner's Pet of the Year is a Horse, Of Course!

The transformative power of therapy animals with Mary Margaret Callahan of Pet Partners We pet guardians see our companion animals as more than just animals, creatures with four legs roaming around our homes or yards, waiting for their next dinner. Many of us see them as family … some of us, as our children. Still more of us look at them as vital sources of therapy and emotional support. Our best fur friends – or hairless or scaled, whichever you choose – become vital sources of therapy and emotional support. They give us comfort, help us reduce stress and provide us with a sense of stability and responsibility. A small group of pet guardians take their animals' secret powers and share them with others. Today's guest is Mary Margaret Callahan, the chief mission officer at Pet Partners, an organization dedicated to improving human health and wellbeing through the power of therapy animals. The nine different species Pet Partners registers bring joy, comfort and healing to countless individuals in hospitals, schools, senior living facilities and many other environments. Mary Margaret and I dive into the profound impact the volunteer teams have on the humans they visit and Mary Margaret share some insights into the human-animal bond that transcends the guardian-companion relationship. What to Listen For The different species Pet Partners registers as therapy animals The impact therapy animals have in different environments How Pet Partners evaluates therapy animal teams Why pet guardians must be aware of their animals' comfort in a therapy environment Where to Find Pet Partners PetPartners.org YouTube Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thecompanionscollective/support

We all know dogs can be therapy animals, but did you know cats can as well?? We were surprised, too, until we met Mary Margaret Callahan. Pet Partners' mission is to improve human health and well-being through the human-animal bond. Humans and animals share a deep, innate connection, and we believe that through the human-animal bond we can improve the physical, social, and emotional lives of more people and communities. Listen as Mary Margaret tells us how YOUR CAT can become a therapy cat and bring joy to people who would otherwise not get to spend time with animals. EPISODE NOTES: Pet Partners – Therapy Pets

In 1965, a mail-order veterinary supplies business named UPCO was founded in San Diego, California. By 1979, it became Petco, and in 1980, the first Petco store located outside of California opened in Tigard, Oregon. Petco's significant growth began in the late 1980s after acquiring two pet supply chains, WellPoint and the Pet Department. The purchase not only expanded the footprint of the company but more than tripled the brand's store number from 40 to 130. In the early 1990s, Petco opened its first East Coast stores, and by 2001, Petco.com was launched. In 2013, the company opened its first Petco stores in Mexico, with one in Mexico City and another one in Guadalajara.  Today, Petco is a successful pet health and wellness company, reflecting nearly six decades of providing thoughtful customer service to “pet parents” and their beloved pets. The brand has created an environment in which customer loyalty is built through the emotional connections nurtured by in-store employees.     Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Justin Tichy, Chief Operating Officer for Petco, about growing into a health and wellness company, building emotional loyalty with pet parents, and fostering an environment of engaged employees.  

More on Lynn Scully and Darby Lynn Scully and her miniature horse, Darby, were named Pet Partners pet of the Year for 2024. They live in Hawaii and make regular pet therapy visits to bring cheer to hospital patients and staff. Learn more about them by visiting Darby's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558761245789   More on Dr. Mark Garny Dr. Mark Garny has practice emergency veterinary medicine for more than 20 years. He is currently on staff at the VCA Palm Beach Veterinary Specialists center in West Palm Beach and Suncoast Veterinary Specialists center in Sarasota, FL.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of ER VET, Dr. Justine Lee, DACVECC, DABT talks to Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD, National Director of AAI Advancement at Pet Partners on a recent cat-human bond study entitled “Exploring the cat-human bond through the special impact of therapy cats.” Who knew that cats could be therapy animals? Find out more on the importance of therapy cats, the important health benefits to humans, and if your cat can become a therapy cat! SHOW NOTES: Can Cats Be Therapy Cats with Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin

Join host Richard Miles and guest Dr. Nancy Gee, Director for the Center for Human Animal Interaction (HAI) at Virginia Commonwealth University and President of the International Society for Anthrozoology, for the first episode of our animal health series: Beyond the Collar! “People come away with smiles. I mean, I can tell you some very impactful stories. I was there. I saw it happen. It gives you chills just thinking about it. But at the same time, I needed to know if there was anything real to it. And that’s what got me started doing this research all those years ago. And it’s real.” — Dr. Nancy Gee  Beyond the Collar is an exploration of animal research and innovations that are making waves in the animal health industry. Listen as our hosts and guests dive into the impact our pet relationships have on us, obstacles and triumphs in pet medicine, and tools for ensuring the safety of our pets.  About Nancy Nancy R. Gee, PhD, is Professor of Psychiatry, Bill Balaban Chair in Human Animal Interaction, and the Director of the Center for Human Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, USA. The Center is uniquely situated in the School of Medicine and in addition to research and educational activities it also houses the “Dogs on Call” therapy dog program, which includes 90+ dog/handler teams who visit patients and staff throughout the VCU health system.  Dr. Gee, President of the International Society for Anthrozoology, has extensive research and teaching experience and has specialized in the area of Human Animal Interaction (HAI) for the past 18 years. She served for five years as the HAI Research Manager for the Waltham Petcare Science Institute, located in Leicestershire, UK. In this role she managed a large portfolio of collaborative university-based research projects spanning multiple countries and topics, including; how companion animals impact the lives of older adults, or help students learn, or reduce the impact of PTSD symptoms in military veterans. Dr. Gee's own program of research has focused primarily on the impact of dogs on aspects of human cognition, including working memory, executive functioning and physiological responses such as heart rate variability to interactions with dogs. Currently she is the primary investigator on three grant funded clinical trials examining the impact of a hospital-based therapy dog visitation program on loneliness, depression and anxiety in vulnerable patient populations such as children, older adults, and people with mental illness.  A recipient of multiple grants and awards, Dr. Gee has 70 peer reviewed publications and has edited and contributed to numerous books. Dr. Gee regularly delivers international presentations on a variety of HAI topics, serves on the editorial review boards of several peer reviewed journals and has actively promoted the field of HAI through participation on the boards of several HAI organizations including the International Society for Anthrozoology and currently as the Chair of Pet Partners' Human-Animal Bond Advisory Board. 

More on Lindsey Wallace and Rye Guy Lindsey Wallace teams up with her Australian Shepherd named Rye Guy to compete in agility and trick competitions. The pair are also the 2023 Pet of the Year winners as announced by Pet Partners. Learn more at https://p2p.onecause.com/pppetoftheyear/page/2023-winner.    More on Dr. Stacey Wilkinson Dr. Stacey Wilkinson, DVM, is the owner and head veterinarian at the Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital in Pooler, GA. She offers insights into bearded dragons as pets. Learn more at www.avianexotichospital.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every day Juanita Mengel, a 67-year-old woman from the state of Ohio, wakes up and puts on her manufactured leg. The device is called a prosthetic. 来自俄亥俄州的 67 岁妇女胡安妮塔·门格尔每天醒来都会穿上她的人造腿。 该装置称为假肢。 Then, Mengel does the same for Lola-Pearl, her colorful five-year-old cat. Lola-Pearl is missing her back left leg. 然后，门格尔对她五岁的色彩斑斓的猫洛拉珀尔做了同样的事情。 洛拉·珀尔失去了她的左后腿。 Mengel has many cats. Most of them have disabilities. But Lola-Pearl is special. She is a therapy cat. And, she and Mengel are partners of a kind. They are among 200 therapy cat teams registered in the United States by the nonprofit group, Pet Partners. 门格尔有很多只猫。 他们大多数都有残疾。 但 Lola-Pearl 很特别。 她是一只治疗猫。 而且，她和门格尔是某种意义上的合作伙伴。 他们是非营利组织 Pet Partners 在美国注册的 200 个治疗猫团队之一。 The group helps humans and pets alike by setting them up into teams to provide animal-assisted intervention. The teams visit hospitals, nursing homes and schools and assist those in need. 该组织通过将人类和宠物分成小组来提供动物辅助干预，从而帮助人类和宠物。 这些团队走访医院、疗养院和学校，为有需要的人提供帮助。Taylor Chastain Griffin is national director of animal-assisted interventions at Pet Partners. She said, “A therapy animal is an animal who's been assessed based on their ability to meet new people and not just tolerate the interaction, but actively enjoy it.” 泰勒·查斯坦·格里芬 (Taylor Chastain Griffin) 是 Pet Partners 动物辅助干预部门的全国总监。 她说：“治疗动物是一种根据其结识新朋友的能力进行评估的动物，不仅能容忍互动，而且能积极享受互动。” Chastain Griffin is a researcher who studies the effects of therapy cats. She said there needs to be more research done in cat therapy. She said that there is a lot of research on other therapy animals like dogs, and many people are surprised to learn that cats can be therapy animals too. 查斯坦·格里芬是一位研究治疗猫效果的研究员。 她说需要对猫疗法进行更多研究。 她说，对于狗等其他治疗动物有很多研究，许多人惊讶地发现猫也可以成为治疗动物。 "They go into a setting and people are like, 'Whoa, there's a cat on a leash. What's happening? It kind of inspires people to connect in a way we haven't traditionally heard talked about in other therapy animal interventions,” Chastain Griffin said. “他们进入一个环境，人们会说，‘哇，有一只猫被皮带拴着。发生了什么事？这激发了人们以一种我们在其他动物干预治疗中从未听说过的方式进行联系，”查斯坦 格里芬说道。 Besides dogs and cats, Pet Partners registers seven other species as therapy animals, including horses, rabbits, rats, guinea pigs, birds, mini pigs, and llamas and alpacas. 除了狗和猫之外，Pet Partners 还注册了其他七种动物作为治疗动物，包括马、兔子、老鼠、豚鼠、鸟类、迷你猪、美洲驼和羊驼。Mengel said Lola-Pearl showed signs that she would make a good therapy cat soon after the animal joined her family. Mengel took her new cat to a meeting for amputees. 门格尔说，洛拉·珀尔在加入她的家庭后不久就表现出迹象，表明她将成为一只优秀的治疗猫。 门格尔带着她的新猫去参加截肢者会议。 "She was so good with people I just knew she would be a good therapy cat. People really were attracted to her, too,” Mengel said. “她与人相处得很好，我知道她会成为一只很好的治疗猫。人们也真的被她吸引了，”门格尔说。 Recently people who attended a support group for amputees were able to meet Lola-Pearl. They petted her as she woke up from a rest. On the side of the cat carrier she rode in was a sign: “Therapy Cat” it read. 最近，参加截肢者支持小组的人们能够见到 Lola-Pearl。 当她从休息中醒来时，他们抚摸她。 她乘坐的猫笼一侧有一个牌子：“治疗猫”。Mengel was a traveling nurse when she was in a car accident that almost killed her. One of her legs could not be saved. 门格尔是一名旅行护士，当时她遭遇了一场差点丧命的车祸。 她的一条腿没能保住。Later, she connected with a friend in the state of Missouri who had a severely injured kitten. Her legs were twisted together. An animal medical specialist worked to repair the damage but, in the end, they had to remove one of the baby cat's legs. 后来，她联系了密苏里州的一位朋友，他养了一只受了重伤的小猫。 她的双腿扭在一起。 一位动物医学专家努力修复损伤，但最终他们不得不切除小猫的一条腿。 That kitten was Lola-Pearl. 那只小猫就是洛拉·珀尔。 Mengel took Lola-Pearl as her cat after talking with her friend. Despite the difficulties Mengel has faced, she is thankful for Lola-Pearl and their work together. 门格尔在和她的朋友交谈后，把洛拉·珀尔当作她的猫。 尽管门格尔面临着困难，但她仍然感谢 Lola-Pearl 以及他们的共同努力。"It's a really rewarding experience," she said, "I get just as much out of it as the people that I visit." “这是一次非常有意义的经历，”她说，“我和我拜访的人一样从中受益匪浅。”

More on Tricia Montgomery Tricia is the founder of Moose's March, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to early detection of pet cancer and to provide support and resources to pet families. Learn more at www.moosesmarch.com.   More on Taylor Chastain Griffin, PhD and Meghan Knoff Taylor is the national director of AAI at Pet Partners and Meghan is the CEO of Cat Person company. Their two organizations teamed up to create a new cat-human bond study. Learn more at www.petpartners.org and www.catperson.com.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More on Dr. Peter Weinstein Regarded as a leading veterinarian, Dr. Peter Weinstein is the founder of PAW Consulting, offering simple solutions for veterinarians. He is the recipient of the CVMA lifetime achievement award and is based in Irvine, CA.   More on Annie Peters Annie is the president and CEO of Pet Partners, a nonprofit international organization focusing on therapy pets, from dogs to cats to birds and more species. Pet Partners people-pet teams make about three million therapy visits in the US each year. Learn more at www.petpartners.org.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you know the goal of National Therapy Animal Day is grounded in advocacy through proclamations and legislation?In this bonus episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I dig into the goals of National Therapy Animal Day with some incredible guests: Mary Margaret Callahan, Chief Mission Officer at Pet Partners as well as Diane Prange and Connie Priesz, both from North Star Therapy Animals in Minnesota.In this episode, we discuss …Why advocacy and legislation are important for the future of therapy animals.What it takes to get started advocating for thearpy animal work in your area.Why it's important to work on advocacy as a community or team.—I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I do. Give it a watch or a listen and then let me know in the community which part you found the most helpful!—How to get started as a Therapy Dog team:http://freeguide.therapydogtalk.comFollow us on Instagram:https://instagram.com/nsta_mnhttps://instagram.com/petpartnershttps://instagram.com/therapydogtalkEpisode show notes:https://sherrierohde.com/ntad2023

Join us with special guest C. Annie Peters, CEO of Pet Partners!

You often hear about medical mysteries in the human world, and the various ways human healthcare is evolving. But what about for our pets? Who is making sure that we are constantly learning about and improving how we treat our pets? The answer is Morris Animal Foundation, which has funded breakthrough research that you and your pets benefitfrom every day. Dr. Kelly Diehl, Senior Director of Science and Communications at Morris Animal Foundation, describes some of the most exciting research projects the organization has going now, and gives some must-hear advice on what and how Pet Partners should be tracking to ensure their pets stay happy and healthy.Tune in to learn:How the Morris Animal Foundation works to fund research (7:00)Major success stories that Morris Animal Foundation has helped fund and how it impacts pet parents (13:00)Some baseline things pet parents should be tracking to understand their pet's health (20:00)More information about the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study (27:00)Helpful tips for all Pet Parents (31:00)How to get involved with Morris Animal Foundation (39:00)Mentions:Morris Animal FoundationGolden Retriever Lifetime StudyLife with Pets is sponsored by Buddies by Blue Buffalo. Learn more at LifewithPetsPodcast.comMission.org is a media studio producing content for world-class clients. Learn more at http://www.mission.org.

A special celebration of therapy dogs and the human animal bond kicking it off with Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller (6th district) proclaims April 30 Pet Partners National Therapy Animal Day in Cook County. Annie Peters, president/CEO of Pet Partners discusses National Therapy Animal Day and who what Pet Partners does changes and even saves lives. Steve Dale's Pet World honored to make […]

On this show, we will spotlight one very special superhero – a deaf dog named Cole. Then get ready to be inspired by the many roles therapy pets play with Annie Peters, president of Pet Partners. Please be sure to tune in! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pet business expert and investor David Levy begrudgingly :) allowed me to interview him about his opinion of the Independent Pet Partners Bankruptcy filing and the current state of the pet space. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/tazz-thepetropolist/message

Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin saw a need for further research in Animal-Assisted Interventions and jumped right in.In this 54th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Dr. Taylor Chastain Griffin, about her experiences incorporating therapy animals into her own work as a mental health professional as well as her roles as Executive Director at the Association of Animal Assisted Interventions Professionals (AAAIP) and the National Director of AAI Advancement at Pet Partners.In this episode, we discuss …How Taylor began her career as a dog trainer before becoming a mental health professional.Why she decided to contribute to AAI research and standardization.What you should look for in selecting a therapy animal organization.Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @drtcgtherapyanimals.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don't know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.

Ash Drew is the national director of special events and field development for Pet Partners, the nation's leading nonprofit organization registering therapy animals. The group is hosting its 5th annual World's Largest Pet Walk on Sept. 24. To learn more, visit www.petpartners.org/wlpw. Sue Grundfest created Love Dog Adventures when living in New York City and is now in charge of the all-volunteer Pet Partners of Las Vegas program. This group is dedicated to inspiring physical and emotional healing through the use of interactive animal-assisted therapy and community education. Learn more at www.petpartnersoflasvegas.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what it would be like to use your cat as a therapy animal? Pet Partners works to improve human health and wellness through animal assisted therapy. There are thousands of registered teams, making more than 3 million visits annually. The pets visit patients in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities, seniors living with Alzheimer's, veterans with PTSD, people approaching end of life, and more. Tune in to learn how to get certified with your outgoing cat.

Ever wondered what it would be like to use your cat as a therapy animal? Pet Partners works to improve human health and wellness through animal assisted therapy. There are thousands of registered teams, making more than 3 million visits annually. The pets visit patients in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities, seniors living with Alzheimer's, veterans with PTSD, people approaching end of life, and more. Tune in to learn how to get certified with your outgoing cat.

Exciting show with Ashley Drew, National Director Special Events and Field Development for Pet Partners. Their 2022 World's Largest Pet Walk in-person event is taking place Saturday, September 24 in thousands of cities across the nation. to Benefit Therapy Animals. Join us to see how you can participate. It's for a wonderful cause. Different Animals make all the Difference. SIGN UP NOW EPISODE NOTES: Pet Partners to Host Fifth Annual World's Largest Pet Walk on September 24, Encouraging Physical Activity for People and Pets

On this special episode of the PDX Pet Connection podcast, I was joined by Ashley Drew, National Director of Special Events and Field Development. Pet Partners provides emotional support and comfort animals to assist people going through a crisis event. They are currently getting ready to do their charity fundraiser to help pay for the program. It is the World's Largest Pet Walk. To learn more about Pet Partners and how you can participate in the walk, you can visit their website or the walk page. To keep up on all their latest news, you can follow them on Facebook and Instagram. If you have enjoyed this episode and want to learn more about all things pet in Portland, join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/pdxpetconnection. Come join the fun.

Saturday, September 24, 2022, is the 5th Annual World's Largest Pet Walk presented by Wellness Pet Company. World's Largest Pet Walk is an official Pet Partners walking event and signature fundraiser. This event is for everyone who wants to enjoy the health benefits of being active with pets, while also supporting Pet Partners! We invite you and your pets to walk at any time and in any location on Saturday, September 24. Walk whatever distance and path that feels right for you and your animal. Whether you gather some friends and family for a casual stroll around the block, lead a group walk at your workplace or community, or take a quiet hike with just you and your animal, we want to see you taking steps with your pets. It's as simple as taking a walk! There is no registration fee to walk, but we do ask that you invite supporters to donate in honor of your participation using your online fundraising page. Most people will walk on Saturday, September 24, but you can pick any day during the month of September that works for you and your furry friends. There are special incentives for fundraisers, including pet bandannas, walk T-shirts, and more! Your participation will support our Therapy Animal Program which brings unconditional love, happiness, and healing to millions of seniors, patients, veterans, and children in need. Web: https://petpartners.org/wlpw2022/ Follow: @petpartners Post your photos and videos on social media using #PetPartners and #WorldsLargestPetWalk. About the show: ► Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ► For $5 in ride credit, download the Lyft app using my referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/ASH584216 ► Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ► SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ► Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ► Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ #atlanta #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio & Google Podcasts. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

Saturday, September 24, 2022, is the 5th Annual World's Largest Pet Walk presented by Wellness Pet Company. World's Largest Pet Walk is an official Pet Partners walking event and signature fundraiser. This event is for everyone who wants to enjoy the health benefits of being active with pets, while also supporting Pet Partners! We invite you and your pets to walk at any time and in any location on Saturday, September 24. Walk whatever distance and path that feels right for you and your animal. Whether you gather some friends and family for a casual stroll around the block, lead a group walk at your workplace or community, or take a quiet hike with just you and your animal, we want to see you taking steps with your pets. It's as simple as taking a walk! There is no registration fee to walk, but we do ask that you invite supporters to donate in honor of your participation using your online fundraising page. Most people will walk on Saturday, September 24, but you can pick any day during the month of September that works for you and your furry friends. There are special incentives for fundraisers, including pet bandannas, walk T-shirts, and more! Your participation will support our Therapy Animal Program which brings unconditional love, happiness, and healing to millions of seniors, patients, veterans, and children in need. Web: https://petpartners.org/wlpw2022/ Follow: @petpartners Post your photos and videos on social media using #PetPartners and #WorldsLargestPetWalk. About the show: ► Website: http://www.ashsaidit.com ► For $5 in ride credit, download the Lyft app using my referral link: https://www.lyft.com/ici/ASH584216 ► Review Us: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/ash-said-it/id1144197789 ► SUBSCRIBE HERE: http://www.youtube.com/c/AshSaidItSuwanee ► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1loveash ► Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashsaidit ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/1loveAsh ► Blog: http://www.ashsaidit.com/blog ► Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/1LoveAsh/ #atlanta #ashsaidit #ashsaidthat #ashblogsit #ashsaidit® Ash Brown is a gifted American producer, blogger, speaker, media personality and event emcee. The blog on AshSaidit.com showcases exclusive event invites, product reviews and so much more. Her motivational podcast "Ash Said It Daily" is available on major media platforms such as iTunes, Spotify, iHeart Radio & Google Podcasts. This program has over half a million streams worldwide. She uses these mediums to motivate & encourage her audience in the most powerful way. She keeps it real!

Volunteer pet therapy team Nicole and Eleanor love to share their bond to help brighten the day for others.In this 41st episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Nicole about her experiences volunteering as a Therapy Dog team in Florida with her 70lb rescue dog Eleanor, what she loves about being registered through Pet Partners, and how she knew Eleanor would enjoy this work.When Nicole's friend told her about registering her bulldog as a Therapy Dog through Alliance of Therapy Dogs, she was inspired but didn't know how to get started and didn't feel that she had the right dog for volunteer pet therapy at the time. After rescuing Eleanor, she noticed her positive interactions with a variety of people and it ocurred to her that she had something special to share with others.After doing some research, Nicole discovered that Pet Partners stood out to her as an organization that she would like to work with and from there progressed through the training and evaluation that they provide to become a registered pet therapy team. She especially liked that the training is for both humans and dogs as it provided additional opportunities for her to bond with her dog.If you're ready to hear about how Nicole and Eleanor volunteer at a local adult daycare facility, let's dive in:In this episode, we discuss …How Nicole helps Eleanor to connect with people who may be timid around large dogsWhy a brush is helpful for them to bring on visits.What Nicole loves about volunteering through Pet Partners.Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @pettherapy_eleanor.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don't know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.

Kenzie has a heart for Animal-Assisted Therapy and is partnering with her Goldendoodle Kopa in her social work.In this 40th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Kenzie about her experience in learning what it takes to implement Animal-Assisted Therapy into her work as a social worker as well as her experience training her Goldendoodle Kopa who is now a registereed Therapy Dog through Pet Partners.While Kenzie has always loved dogs, it wasn't until later that she learned the differences between Emotional Suppot Animals, Service Dogs, and Therapy Dogs. Since then she has received a Masters in Social Work with a certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work which she is putting to use by implementing Animal-Assisted Therapy at the clinic where she works and partners with Kopa to reach their clients in a different way than she could on her own.We spent quite a bit of time talking about what we've learned through our respective programs for mental health professionals, what the training and evaluation is like with Pet Partners, how she helps Kopa to build his confidence, and how she knew that Kopa was the right dog for her to embark on this journey together.If you're ready to hear about Kenzie and Kopa's experience so far, let's dive in:In this episode, we discuss …The differences between two Animal-Assisted Therapy programs for mental health professionals.What the Pet Partners training and evaluation experience was like for them.How Kenzie has helped Kopa to build his confidence with inanimate objects.Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @kopadoodle.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don't know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.

Live from "The Pet Expo" Dave and Dr. Wefald talk with Leah Spear from Craft Body Scanning about the benefits of getting a full body scan, and also with Judith Young from "Pet Partners" about therapy dogs.

Tracy enjoys volunteering with her two Therapy Cats Roger and Sal and wishes that other cat owners would join her.In this 39th episode of Therapy Dog Talk, I spoke with Tracy about what it's like to volunteer with her two Therapy Cats, Roger and Sal through Pet Partners. That's right, hold on to your pups because this week we're talking felines."But Sherrie, this is Therapy DOG Talk!"Don't worry friend, we will get back to dogs next week.While Sunny is my pet that you probably know the best, if you follow her on Instagram you likely know that she has an older cat sister—Matilda, who is 16. What you may not know is that Matilda freelanced as a Therapy Cat for my mom when she was on hospice. She is far too unreliable to do volunteer pet therapy for others; however, my lifelong love of cats did prime me for many of the cat-specific questions for Tracy, such as:"What do you do about their tiny paw knives?"Tracy calls these "murder mittens" or "making biscuits," and it turns out that she doesn't have to worry about them as her cats were raised by dogs and are natural at therapy work. In fact, Roger loves pet therapy work so much that he saves almost all of his purrs for volunteering. Lucky for him, Tracy doesn't take it too personal.In a world full of volunteer Therapy Dogs, Tracy has found that being a Therapy Cat team helps them to stand out in a crowd and to brighten the days of cat lovers in hospice and at the local children's hospital. It's her hope that other cat owners will recognize their feline's potential and help Roger and Sal to spread the joy to those who need it.If you're ready to hear what it's like to volunteer with a cat, or two, let's dive in:In this episode, we discuss …How being raised by a dog made Roger a natural at pet therapy.What the requirements are for volunteering with a cat through Pet Partners.What to look for in a cat to know if they would enjoy, and be suitable for, pet therapy.Give it a listen and let me know which part you found the most helpful, then follow their journey at @therapycatroger and @therapycatsal.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don't know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.

Although there are far more therapy dogs, cats are gaining in popularity as feline ambassadors of goodwill to people in nursing homes, schools, libraries and other places. Join us in this special episode of the Oh Behave Show as host Arden Moore talks with Moira Smith, of Pet Partners; and animal behaviorist Dr. Annie Valuska of Purina on the purr-fect topic: therapy cats. Discover how you and your cat can become therapy teams and the many ways therapy cats are upping the quality of life for many people. EPISODE NOTES: Discover the Emerging Popularity and Purpose of Therapy Cats

Dr. Diane Pomerance received her Ph.D. in Mass Media/Communications from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She received her M.A. in Theater and B.A. in History and Speech with a secondary teaching certification. She has also been certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist by the internationally recognized Grief Recovery Institute. Dr. Pomerance counsels those grieving from any loss; however she has a special interest in helping those mourning the loss of a beloved animal companion. The loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well as children. Dr Pomerance is the author of nine books seven of which are nonfiction about animals and their purposefulness and significance. The “Animal Companions” series provides information about all facets of the human-pet bond including the loss of a beloved pet, caring for our aging pets, animal companioons as our friends, teachers, guides and family members; the interconnectednessvand interdependence of all living creatures; adopting the perfect pet for you, the healing and other gifts they bring to our lives. Her most recent book about animals is “Our Rescue Dog Family Album”. It chronicles the stories of the many abused dogs she rescued and adopted – forty eight during the past three decades). She has been a guest on over telve hundred radio programs and interviewed as a pet and grief expert in such magazines as “Redbook”, “Martha Stewart “Home” “Woman's World”, “Dog Fancy”, “Quick & Simple”, etc. She has written for many pet magazines and been an on-line editor for Cat Fancy magazine. She is also the creator and director of the SPCA of Texas Pet Grief Counseling Program in Dallas. A flagship program for animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and animal welfare advocates, the PGCP helps those who have lost a beloved pet how to cope with and recover from their grief. She has authored hundreds of articles and been interviewed on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Fox & Friends, Hallmark Channel's “New Morning”, Montel Williams, The Daily Buzz and Lifetime TV and all of the local TV network affiliates in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She has rescued and adopted forty-eight abandoned, neglected and abused dogs over the past decades and currently lives with six canine kids. Dr. Pomerance has been involved with Animal Assisted Terapy with Pet Partners working with her speciall trained Therapy dogs that help patients in hospitals, assisted living centers, and emergency rooms. They also work with children and adults with various tyes of disabilities. Dr. Pomerance is an ardent animal welfare activist and advocate…www.drdianepomerance.com To listen to all our XZBN shows, with our compliments go to: https://www.spreaker.com/user/xzoneradiotv *** AND NOW *** The ‘X' Zone TV Channel on SimulTV - www.simultv.com The ‘X' Chronicles Newspaper - www.xchroniclesnewpaper.com

Dr. Diane Pomerance received her Ph.D. in Mass Media/Communications from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She received her M.A. in Theater and B.A. in History and Speech with a secondary teaching certification. She has also been certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist by the internationally recognized Grief Recovery Institute. Dr. Pomerance counsels those grieving from any loss; however she has a special interest in helping those mourning the loss of a beloved animal companion. The loss of a pet can be devastating to adults as well as children. Dr Pomerance is the author of nine books seven of which are nonfiction about animals and their purposefulness and significance. The “Animal Companions” series provides information about all facets of the human-pet bond including the loss of a beloved pet, caring for our aging pets, animal companioons as our friends, teachers, guides and family members; the interconnectednessvand interdependence of all living creatures; adopting the perfect pet for you, the healing and other gifts they bring to our lives. Her most recent book about animals is “Our Rescue Dog Family Album”. It chronicles the stories of the many abused dogs she rescued and adopted – forty eight during the past three decades). She has been a guest on over telve hundred radio programs and interviewed as a pet and grief expert in such magazines as “Redbook”, “Martha Stewart “Home” “Woman's World”, “Dog Fancy”, “Quick & Simple”, etc. She has written for many pet magazines and been an on-line editor for Cat Fancy magazine. She is also the creator and director of the SPCA of Texas Pet Grief Counseling Program in Dallas. A flagship program for animal welfare organizations, veterinarians and animal welfare advocates, the PGCP helps those who have lost a beloved pet how to cope with and recover from their grief. She has authored hundreds of articles and been interviewed on CNN Headline News, Fox News, Fox & Friends, Hallmark Channel's “New Morning”, Montel Williams, The Daily Buzz and Lifetime TV and all of the local TV network affiliates in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She has rescued and adopted forty-eight abandoned, neglected and abused dogs over the past decades and currently lives with six canine kids. Dr. Pomerance has been involved with Animal Assisted Terapy with Pet Partners working with her speciall trained Therapy dogs that help patients in hospitals, assisted living centers, and emergency rooms. They also work with children and adults with various tyes of disabilities. Dr. Pomerance is an ardent animal welfare activist and advocate…www.drdianepomerance.com To listen to all our XZBN shows, with our compliments go to: https://www.spreaker.com/user/xzoneradiotv *** AND NOW *** The ‘X' Zone TV Channel on SimulTV - www.simultv.com The ‘X' Chronicles Newspaper - www.xchroniclesnewpaper.com

Taylor Chastain Griffin joined Kate Kunkel on Brain Health Matters to explore the many ways that animals can help us improve body, mind, and spirit. Taylor is Executive Director of the Association for Animal-Assisted Intervention Professionals. With her doctorate in research psychology focusing on the human-animal bond, Taylor is passionate about bolstering pet therapy with empirical investigation. Taylor is also a dog trainer and a registered handler with Pet Partners. Taylor is based in Georgia where her family includes 9 dogs and 3 cats.Some of the highlights of the show:3:09  What Animal-related engagement can tell us about ourselves 6:26  How animal-assisted therapy can help stave off dementia8:26   Kittens can change your life!12:13 Once someone is already suffering cognitive decline, animal-therapy can be a Godsend15:20 Live-in therapy animals for assisted living and nursing homes17:29 Improving children's mental health 18:45 A vision of a beautiful world with animal therapy in schools20:52 You can get involved!The organizations Taylor mentioned are:Pet Partners:  https://petpartners.org/AAAIP: https://petpartners.org/learn/aat-professionals/ If you prefer to watch Brain Health Matters on YouTube, visit Brain Health Matters Today. Join us for connection, information, and support in building a better brain and a healthier future in our Facebook group.

What are ACEs? Adverse childhood experiences and has it caused you to deal with trauma? In this segment, Teri Wellbrock shares her story of dealing with ACEs, overcoming trauma, and beginning her healing journey. All done via building a coping skills toolbox, moving from trauma to triumph, utilizing positivity and gratitude for healing, and much more! See video here - https://youtu.be/WXbEFHQQqdM WHO IS TERI? Teri Wellbrock is a writer/blogger; motivational speaker; host and producer of The Healing Place Podcast; a registered Pet Partners therapy dog handler of her Labradoodle, Sammie; and founder/director of the volunteer organization, Sammie's Bundles of Hope, benefiting children with trauma history. Known as the “glitter shitter,” Teri radiates a contagious energy of joyousness and hope. Her struggles with the symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) would come to a head in 2013, after a 25-year battle with severe panic attacks. It was then, she would seek help in the form of EMDR therapy. She is excited to share her journey with others, in the hopes of offering a hand to hold as those first steps toward healing are taken. Teri graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She utilized this degree while working with children in school and mental health agency settings. TERI'S CALL TO ACTION Connect with me at teriwellbrock.com to sign up for my Hope for Healing Newsletter, join me on The Healing Place Podcast (now ranked in the top 2.5% globally out of 2.8M podcasts on Listen Notes), and learn to be a Trauma Warrior or Be Your Own Hero at academy.teriwellbrock.com (use coupon code GEMS for a 25% discount on either online course). Website: https://teriwellbrock.com/ Hope for Healing Academy: https://academy.teriwellbrock.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHealingPlacePodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teri-wellbrock/ GENESIS'S INFO https://thehello.llc/GENESISAMARISKEMP CALL TO ACTION Subscribe to GEMS with Genesis Amaris Kemp Channel, Hit the notifications bell so you don't miss any content, and share with family/friends. **REMEMBER - You do not have to let limitations or barriers keep you from achieving your success. Mind over Matter...It's time to shift and unleash your greatest potential. If you would like to be a SPONSOR or have any of your merchandise mentioned, please reach out via email at GEMSwithGenesisAmarisKemp@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/genesis-amaris-kemp/support

Happy National Therapy Animal Day to all the very special animals out there impacting others with the aid of their handlers!If you're not familiar, @PetPartners founded this day in 2015 and so I was honored to be joined by Elisabeth Van Every, Senior Communications Specialist and Managing Editor of @petpartners for this bonus episode of @therapydogtalk to talk about the history of this special day, how you can get involved, and to celebrate therapy animals together.Give it a listen to learn more about the work being done to recognize, validate, and celebrate the work of Therapy Animals.•Interested in getting started as a Therapy Dog but don't know where to begin? Check out my new guide at freeguide.therapydogtalk.com.

Katie Kasten is the Strategic Partnerships Coordinator for Pet Partners. She and her daughter, Kennedy, have volunteered with Pet Partners for over seven years, and Katie became staff with Pet Partners three years ago. Pet Partners has a proclamation from Pulaski County proclaiming April 30 as National Therapy Animal Day. Follow Pet Partners Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petpartners/ Website: https://petpartners.org/ Central Arkansas Pet Partners Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/579459839351675 Follow Telltail Dog Instagram: instagram.com/telltaildog/ Facebook: facebook.com/telltaildog/ Twitter: twitter.com/telltaildog Website: https://telltaildogtraining.com/ Special Guest: Katie Kasten.

This week Danielle is joined by therapy animal extraordinaire, Patti Anderson. Patti has a plethora of incredible stories about the power of animal therapy. You can find out more about the R.E.A.D. program at http://www.therapyanimals.org/R.E.A.D.html Patti Anderson is a C.P.D.T., Pet Partners Evaluator, R.E.A.D. Instructor, a Certified TTouch Practitioner and a member of North Star Therapy Animals. She was a school counselor for over twenty five years, partnering with KoKo (a rescued Siberian Husky) as a Canine Counselor for five of those years. Patti learned the "power of the paw" and has been doing therapy work since the year 2000 with a succession of six different therapy dogs, doing professional animal assisted therapy work and also volunteering in many different venues. She also visits with registered Pet Partners guinea pigs and rabbits too. Patti has taught therapy animal classes over the years at several different training school locations in the Twin Cities and is currently on staff at Agile Canines in St. Louis Park. https://www.petpartners.com/ https://northstartherapyanimals.org/ https://www.agilecanines.com/

This week Danielle is joined by therapy animal extraordinaire, Patti Anderson. Patti is a wealth of knowledge when it comes to animal therapy and we are so lucky to have her support! Patti Anderson is a C.P.D.T., Pet Partners Evaluator, R.E.A.D. Instructor, a Certified TTouch Practitioner and a member of North Star Therapy Animals. She was a school counselor for over twenty five years, partnering with KoKo (a rescued Siberian Husky) as a Canine Counselor for five of those years. Patti learned the "power of the paw" and has been doing therapy work since the year 2000 with a succession of six different therapy dogs, doing professional animal assisted therapy work and also volunteering in many different venues. She also visits with registered Pet Partners guinea pigs and rabbits too. Patti has taught therapy animal classes over the years at several different training school locations in the Twin Cities and is currently on staff at Agile Canines in St. Louis Park. https://www.petpartners.com/ https://northstartherapyanimals.org/ https://www.agilecanines.com/

Doodles are often sought out because they are marketed as confident, friendly and mild mannered dogs--who also don't shed. However, because doodles are a mixed breed, these characteristics can't be guaranteed. And many other breeds and mixes can be excellent therapy dogs. In this episode I interviewed a Pet Partner representative so you can learn all there is to know about the work that therapy dogs do. Pet Partners is the largest and most prestigious non-profit registering therapy dogs and other therapy animal pets. Special Guest: Elizabeth Van Every.