Pet Parents Pod

So, about coming back...we are here for a one time special series finale. Sorry, folks, we did intend to lower our posting schedule and continue, but soul-searching made us realize our free time for this wonderful experience has passed. Join us for our last catch up, a full explanation of why we're ending, and, of course, the tangents. We love you all and are happy you have listened. Join us in the Discord and on the Instagram, those are staying up. One last note: we talk about this at the end of the episode, but Wolfie's Wish reached out to us. We were originally going to schedule an episode to interview the creator, but that is no longer in the cards. Please check out their lovely grieving card set to help you thoughtfully work through your grief with a reflection question each day. Check Wolfie's Wish at: https://wolfieswish.com/

Happy Galentine's/Palentine's Day! We are on the eve of the lovey dovey day of love so we are talking about animal symbols of love. There are a lot birds, but Danielle didn't mean to make it a bird-focused episode. She swears. Enjoy our weird conversation.   Sources:  https://college.unc.edu/2020/02/chaucer-valentines/  https://featuredcreature.com/5-valentines-day-inspired-animals/  https://www.livescience.com/33001-why-do-doves-represent-love.html  https://blog.ferplast.com/en/why-are-lovebirds-called-that/  And some live Googling

This week we give you a long awaited Allergy Watch Update. Discover the list of things Mishka is allergic to, hear about the trials of Mishka and Atopica, and what lengths he has driven Danielle to in order to get him to eat. A normal dish to prepare for your dog is soaking the prescription dry food and blended wet prescription food into a mousse. Yes...normal.

This week we follow up our dog sled adventure with the 1925 Serum Run. This story isn't about Balto--he was a good dog, but there were many other good dogs in the story. One particularly important team was led by Togo. Join us on this gripping and crazy real story of community, sacrifice and bravery.    Sources:  https://www.seppalakennels.com/  https://mynyddsleddogadventures.com/news/the-great-serum-run/  https://www.si.com/more-sports/2021/01/13/alaska-serum-run-1925-togo-not-balto  https://archives.alaska.gov/education/serum.html

We have some updates from the Kipp household. Rosie and Charlie know more about their origins. Warning: we have some sad news as well as we are discussing that Boy (Ribbon) has crossed the rainbow bridge. Join us for some fun and serious updates.

This week finally we discuss the long-awaited topic of Mishka and Roux's dermatology appointment. They went, we learned things, and now we're sharing the results so far. As always, Roux is a dog-shaped medical Rubik's cube.

This week Danielle had everyone watch a documentary about service dogs in order to better discuss them. We all had emotions and learned about the cycles and training that go into different types of service dogs. Join us as we talk about the important and hard work to aid these dogs in helping others live their best lives.   Sources:  Pick of the Litter  Puppy Prep  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/service-dog-training-101/

This week we discuss the weird skin bumps and lumps that our dogs have developed. Heath and Danielle learned about abscesses from Mishka and Kipp learned about histiocytomas from Charlie. Let us explain what these things are.    Sources:  https://www.queensparkpethospital.ca/does-your-pet-have-an-abscess/  https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/skin/c_dg_histiocytoma

This week we discuss enriching your cats' lives. What do they need to fuel their apex predator needs? Should you get a cat TV? Spend millions on cat trees and wall furniture? Build a Catio? Join us to find out.

Okay, folks, Producer Dan messed up on which weeks we were recording for and there will be no episode this week. We are doing a Pet Parents Go to the Movies next week on Pet Sematary, the original from 1989. Warning: movie contains animal and child death. If you are brave enough, come back next week to hear us discuss the film. In the meantime, continue to enjoy autumn and be sure to keep yourself and your pets warm if you too have a cold snap or otherwise freezing or near freezing weather.

This week we get caught up with Halloween decorations, doggone hikes, medical and doggie playdate updates. There is a giant spider and lots of chaos with this fun check-in.

This week we discuss the history of brachycephalic dogs and cats. The problems with this trait, why we bred it into them, and hopefully we can inform folks to make more responsible decisions for these animals going forward.      Sources:  https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/evolution-petface-180967987/  https://pugfactsguide.com/what-did-pugs-originally-look-like/  https://dogtime.com/advocacy/60835-problem-breeding-brachycephalic-short-faced-dogs  https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dog

Happy 100th Episode of Pet Parents Pod! In honor of that, we finally did it--Heath and Danielle pulled the trigger on the Dog DNA tests! We discuss Roux and Mishka as well as Kipp's experience with PetSmart's Puppy Plan DNA test. Enjoy our fun episode!   Mishka's profile: http://embk.me/mishka369?utm_campaign=cns_ref_dog_pub_profile&utm_medium=other&utm_source=embark  Roux's profile: http://embk.me/roux457?utm_campaign=cns_ref_dog_pub_profile&utm_medium=other&utm_source=embark