Your Family Dog Podcast

Most of us have probably wondered what it would be like if our dog was a person. Now, a new novel by writer A.J. Symon explores that very idea. Written to honor the unconditional love and joy his golden retriever brought to his life, A.J.’s inspiration came from a game of fetch where he thought, “If that dog were human, he’d be an amazing running back”. That spark became Golden Boy, a funny and heartfelt novel about a teenage girl who turns her family’s beloved golden retriever into a real boy. Naturally, he joins the football team, where his loyalty, heart, and golden retriever instincts teach everyone that life is about more than wins and losses. 
 
For show notes and more (including our new merch!), please go to Your Family Dog.

The topic of "special needs" is one that's come up plenty of times before on Your Family Dog. Whether it's the kid, the dog, or both who function a little differently, navigating and supporting those needs can be draining and time-consuming for families, who often need all the help they can get to make everything work. But what happens when trying to find and coordinate all that help becomes its own seemingly-impossible task?
Enter Lisa Richer. Lisa is the Executive Board Chair for By With & For Autistic Adults, Advisory Chair for The Mandala School, and on the Parents Alliance for Inclusion board. As the mom of two neurodiverse sons, she truly understands the emotional and practical struggles families go through. Her proprietary Clarity Confidence Courage Journey Map is designed to strip away unhelpful pressures and help parents build more resilient, inclusive homes. Lisa also holds an Advanced Advocate Certificate from the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, Inc. and wrote "Confident You: The Raw Conversations." Lisa has worked for over twenty years helping parents, educators, and professionals navigate their own high-stakes journeys and find clarity amidst the chaos. Join us for a conversation about the joys and challenges of navigating a "neurosparkly" family, dogs and all.
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

Many of us know firsthand the difference assistance dogs can make in people's lives. However, these furry assistants don't come cheap, and many people who might otherwise benefit from their presence find themselves struggling or unable to afford one. Donny Wilson, our guest today, is out to change that as best he can. Donny is the founder of Pawtism, an organization that provides financial aid to families seeking an autism assistance dog. Join us today to hear the story behind Pawtism, and for a peek behind the scenes at life with an assistance pup.
Donny Wilson is the Co-founder and Chair of Pawtism, an organization whose mission is to provide financial support to those planning to add an autism assistance dog to their family while also raising awareness of the immense potential these animals have to change lives.
For show notes and more (including our new merch!), please go to Your Family Dog.

Chanel knew Maplewood Park held fun surprises.
She just didn't expect one of them to be Milo.
When a curious little terrier named Chanel meets a gentle, thoughtful big dog called Milo, an unexpected friendship begins-one filled with discovery, mischief, and heart.
Chanel and Milo: The Legend Begins is the first story in a growing series about two dogs who see the world differently, yet somehow understand each other perfectly. From butterfly chases to quiet moments beneath the old oak tree, this is the tale of how one small meeting-and a very big friendship-can change everything.
Every great legend has a beginning... and this one starts with a wag, a smile, and a leap of faith.
Join us today as we talk to Paul Davis and Julia Rosengren, the joint authors of "Chanel & Milo: The Legend Begins" about the real life dogs whose special bond inspired their adorable book.
 
For show notes and more (including our merch!) please go to Your Family Dog.

A mani/pedi may be relaxing for many of us, but not so much for our dogs. Anyone who has ever tried to trim a dog's toenails knows what a pain it can be- sometimes literally, when a stressed paw jerk or a mistimed clip results in a painful nail bleed. Almost as messy as said bleeds are the powders and bandages often used to clean them up, which are prone to spill and leave stains.
Fortunately, there's a new solution! Former dog groomers Michael and Lisa Lisk are the developers of StypStix, the quick, easy, mess-free way to treat nail bleeds. Tune in today to learn more about how it works and why vets are raving about it!
 
For show notes and more (including our merch!) please go to Your Family Dog.

YFD is on a short hiatus, as Tina gets some well-deserved R&R. We’ll be back with new episodes next week, but in the meantime, we’re re-releasing one of our most popular episodes. Enjoy this quick trip down memory lane, and we’ll see you next week!
Molly Schultz, of Walking Wild Fox Rescue and Wolf Dog Rescue, joins Tina Spring and Julie Fudge Smith to talk about her non-profit safe haven for captive bred foxes and wolf dogs. Find out how she provides the best home possible for these amazing animals. 
For more information and show notes please go to: Your Family Dog Podcast

Many of us love the hustle and bustle of city life, but unfortunately, our pets don't always agree. From the endless barrage of sounds and smells to unnerving experiences like riding elevators, urban environments often present unique challenges to dogs and their owners. However, this doesn't mean you and Fido have to ditch the city and head for the hills! With a little patience and some good training, there are all kinds of things you can do to help your pup thrive in an urban setting. Dog trainer Melissa McCue-McGrath returns to the show today to share tips and tricks for city living with dogs. 
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

When we think of "first responders," our minds naturally go first to firefighters, police officers, and EMTs and the valuable work they do for people in emergencies. What we tend to overlook, however, is that animals are often involved in emergency situations as well- who cares for them?
Enter Dr. Leigh Mack himself a firefighter and EMT as well as the founder of the First Responders' Veterinary Network. FRVN was established to address critical gaps in managing animal-centric emergencies. Drawing from his tenure at the South Carolina State Guard and two fire departments, Dr. Mack developed an scalable operational model for the field. The concept emerged from frontline encounters where animals hindered life-saving care, revealing a vital need for a network of volunteer veterinarians to treat injured animals and to help maintain scene safety. Dr. Mack joined the podcast today to talk about his work, and how you can get involved.
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog. 

YFD: 277 Learn how to improve family dog health with veterinary oncologist Dr. Erin Malone. We are joined again by Dr. Erin Malone, a veterinary oncologist, to discuss her updated services and how they can support your pet's wellness journey. If you are looking for practical guidance for a pet with cancer, this conversation provides the veterinary insights you need. Dr. Malone explains the latest approaches in oncology care, helping you understand what options are available when your dog faces serious health challenges. We break down the realities of specialized veterinary care so you can make informed decisions for your household. Improving family dog health starts with knowing what resources are available to you and your pet. Subscribe for weekly family dog health advice and let us know in the comments: what topic should we cover with our next guest?
 
For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

ReadyRESCUE™, which is an emergency first-aid solution designed to help manage toxin ingestion in dogs and cats. It uses a high-concentration, veterinary-formulated activated carbon that works quickly to bind toxins and act as a first line of defense before getting to a vet. A word or two from Dr. Glassman, I want to share with people how common these types of emergencies actually are (they happen more than people think)! What pet parents should realistically do in those first few minutes. When it’s appropriate to intervene at home vs. go straight to a vet. And why not all “activated charcoal” products are created equal in terms of effectiveness, safety, and dosing. The goal isn’t to replace veterinary care—it’s to help people feel more prepared, less anxious, and able to act quickly and appropriately when something unexpected happens. Time Stamps - 0:00 Introduction 5:13 Which situations are emergencies - families vs vet staff 10:30 ReadyRESCUE is for pets who are intoxicated or poisoned and should be administered ASAP 13:50 It cannot make it worse - it’s inert 14:43 Why Tina needed ReadyRESCUE last week 16:10 Why ReadyRESCUE is a much better option (and why Tina has it now) 17:30 Why hydrogen peroxide is not a good option 19:30 ReadyRESCUE is safe and effective for toxins in the stomach and the intestine 20:00 Cat dose is half a vial. Has no taste. How to give it 21:45 Human medications are often a big issue for pets if ingested 23:00 Beware imitators 24:30 Please share this episode with your vet, groomer, breeder, shelter, rescue, trainer, friends and family 26:00 Why Techs love it 29:00 PetCo and Chewy currently carry it 31:50 A vet on Raw food 36:15 ReadyRESCUE won’t make anything worse, you are giving them a chance 36:35 Take the packaging with you to the vet 38:20 What’s next for “Dr. Cuddles” 41:00 What to have in your emergency kit 47:00 What ReadyRESCUE cannot absorb Stay in the Loop with the Your Family Dog Podcast Mailing Address: Tina M. Spring, 115 Pointers Ridge Drive, Athens, GA 30606-1490 YFDPod Merchandise: https://yfdpod-2.myshopify.com/ Our Favorite Things: Sidekick Leash - Affiliate Code: YOURFAMILYDOG Affiliate Link: www.heathersheroes.com/YOURFAMILYDOG for 10% off New Plymouth Farm Soap: DOG10 NewPlymouthFarm.com Tristan Publishing (The Next Place, El Proximo Lugar & Pawprints in the Stars use code YFDP15 for 15% off SwiftPaws: YFDP for a discount Pup O’Clock: YOURFAMILYDOGPOD10 for 10% off The Your Family Dog Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YFDPodcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/your-family-dog-podcast/id1163178672 Spotify Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lgRkY6RO1FGsANPGVzqej Your Family Dog Podcast ON SOCIAL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourfamilydogpodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourFamilyDogPodcast/ The Your Family Dog Podcast is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. The content provided on this podcast does not constitute professional veterinary, behavioral, or training advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian, a positive reinforcement-based professional dog trainer, or a qualified pet professional before making any decisions regarding your pet’s health, behavior, or training. While we strive to share accurate and helpful information, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. The hosts and guests of The Your Family Dog Podcast disclaim all liability for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast. Listener discretion is advised when implementing any suggestions discussed. This podcast may feature guests with their own views, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the podcast hosts. ©2016-2026 Your Family Dog Podcast LLC