Dog Friendly KW Podcast

In the final episode of season 3, Justine and Mackenzie take questions from the Dog Friendly KW community. They offer hot takes on raw food diets, retractable leashes, and even give some sound relationship advice for a new couple having doggy difficulties. All this and more as we wrap up season three of the DFKW podcast! 

Deck the DOGS with boughs of holly! It's that time of year again and the DFKW podcast is digging out the mistletoe, holiday themed dogwear, and sleigh-bell sound effects. In this episode, Justine and Kenz open up about their favourite dog-friendly Christmas activities and reveal with what goodies they'll be spoiling their pups. A bedazzled holiday themed lightening round gets Kenz to share her favourite festive watering hole while it leads Justine to almost ruin Marshall's stocking surprise.

Justine and Mackenzie welcome Taylor McDonald to the podcast. Taylor is the creator "Bindi's Bucket List" pages which have over 50,000 Instagram followers and more than 2 million likes on TikTok. Taylor brings with her a wealth of experience in canine enrichment activities and she discusses how simple games, activities, and experiences can elevate your dog's days to a new level. She also shares some of her favourite toys and where to find fun doggy DIY projects. 

In this important episode, Mackenzie and Justine are joined by Dr. Lesley Steele, a veterinarian representative for NOMV (Not One More Vet), to talk about mental health issues and the troubling rate of suicides among veterinarians. Dr. Steele shares some of the reasons vets can struggle with their mental health including the prevalence of online abuse, the high cost of education expenses, and more. 

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Sassy, a pup patient of Dr. Steele who lost her life just before the filming of this podcast.  

Today on the podcast, Justine and MacKenzie are joined by Jacquline Watty and Calla James from the KW Humane Society. Together, they discuss how their organization is working to protect domestic animals in Kitchener-Waterloo and how their programs can make life a little more affordable for local pet owners. They also go through a quickfire "lightening round" which does NOT include the question "What's your favourite animal..."

Written and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. 
Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.
Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKW
Follow Midtown Radio on Instagram: @MidtownRadioKW
Originally Aired: Saturday, November 13, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)
DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)
Royalty Free Music courtesy of Scott Holmes Music (www.scottholmesmusic.com)

Justine and Kenz welcome Chrissy McKenty, founder of Miss Dixie's Foundation, to the DFKW Podcast to discuss the trouble with Ontario's Breed Specific Legislation. Chrissy explains learn that the term "Pit Bull" is not actually a breed of dog, describes what she would prefer to replace BSL in this province, and ranks Ontario against other provinces on this issue. She also joins Justine and Kenz for a trip to the Lightening Round (Pew, Pew, Pew!)

Justine and Mackenzie are joined by friend of the show Lili Romeo to explain dog separation anxiety and how owners can minimize it in their pups.

With urban pup-parenting becoming more common, cities are building off-leash dog parks as a way to give exercise and unstructured activity to dogs, but the use of those parks can come with risks. In this episode Justine and Mackenzie explore some of the unseen aspects of dog parks and explain why these seemingly off-leash paradises can sometimes be more of a nightmare for your pup. Also, "Celebrity Pup of the Week" makes its triumphant return and profiles a dog that's quite the jet-setter.

Fall is finally here! The leaves are changing, school is back, and Kitchener-Waterloo is practically oozing pumpkin spice. It's not just hipsters and Starbucks lovers who are falling for the season, though; fall is actually the perfect time for dog owners 
to get out-and-about with their pups. In this episode, Justine and Mackenzie round up the best dog-friendly autumn adventures: from apple picking, to sunflower farms, to breweries, and more! 

Written and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.
Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKW
Follow Midtown Radio on Instagram: @MidtownRadioKW
Originally Aired: Saturday, Saturday July 10, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)
DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)
Royalty Free Music courtesy of Scott Holmes Music (www.scottholmesmusic.com)

Justine and Mackenzie are out and about for this episode of the DFKW podcast (figuratively speaking) as they discuss the best day trips you can take with your dogs. Together, they plan your upcoming trips to Hamilton, Elora, Rockwood, Goderich and more! They also discuss some micro trips you and your pup could take inside the Region as well.  

This get a little more serious on today's episode as Justine and Kenz are joined by Christine Hillis, a KW social worker and grief counsellor, for a chat about how to handle the loss of a beloved dog. Christine shares her tips for coping with grief, including the right way to support someone who is grieving, and she also also gives her take on the difficult question of when is the right time to "replace" a pup who has passed. 

In this episode, Justine and Kenz welcome the founders of GTA dog rescue organization "Save Our Scruff"! Laura and Jenna Bye talk about the opportunities and challenges they faced starting the international dog rescue organization seven years ago and how it has shaped understanding of dog raising. They also share their tips for potential adopters, debunk some of the myths around rescuing, and share a very special "Celebrity Pup of the Week"!

The official DFKW business and community guide will be released on June 1, 2021. So on this episode Kenz and Justine preview what can be found in this exciting new resource for local dog owners. They describe how the it came together and preview the restaurants, services, and amenities that will be featured in the guide. Then Produced Matt joins the show for the inaugural segment of "Willa OR Won'tcha".

Camping season is almost upon us and the DFKW crew is looking forward to packing /p/up and getting out to explore the great outdoors! As veteran dog-friendly campers, Kenz and Justine share their best planning tips for successful dog friendly excursions. From the differences between front and back country camping, to building a pup inspired first-aid, to Kenz's illuminating thoughts on the importance of tent size, this episode is your fun guide to planning an unforgettable camping adventure with your little fur-scout. Written and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt. ...

On this episode, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by urban wildlife expert Heather Kerrison to discuss how dog-parents can co-exist with the wildlife that exists around Kitchener-Waterloo and across Ontario. Heather dispels some of the myths about coyote dangers, details what to if your dog meets a skunk, and reveals the one local animal dog-owners can cause dog-owners serious grief. She also reveals a very special (actual) celebrity for Celebrity Pup of the Week! 
Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, Saturday M...

In this episode, Justine and Mackenzie help you keep your pup safe at home. They dive into some of the perils that might be lurking in your pantry and the dangers your dog could find in the dining room. They also provide some helpful advice for what to do if your dog gets into anything it shouldn't. This week's celebrity pup of the week is also revealed and Mackenzie's dog Willa drops by for an unexpected visit.
Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally...

Justine and Mackenzie welcome Sarah Robertson-Barnes, owner and creator of "Sustainable in the Suburbs" blog and instagram, to discuss how dog owners can minimize their environmental pawprint. Sarah gives her best advice for waste-free treats and toys, discusses the pitfalls of starting to live low-waste, and, of course, she also introduces Jazz, her adopted four-legged furbaby. 
Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, Saturday May 1, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.f...

Things are getting steamy on Dog Friendly KW as Justine and Mackenzie reveal the "five languages of love"... for your dogs. They discuss the how understanding your dog's "love language" can help you build a stronger, more meaningful relationship and Justine lets slip a little secret about her how love language. They also dive into pup-friendly pandemic outings in a lightening round and reveal the first celebrity pup of the week for season two. 
Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, Saturday A...

Justine and Mackenzie bust out their personal Dog Friendly Yellow Pages for the first episode of season 2 and give their recommendations for the best pup-centred businesses in Waterloo region. They touch on all the necessities with training, boarding, food, photography, restaurants and more!
Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering and Audio Production by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, April 17, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)Royalty Free Music courtesy of Scott Holmes Music (www.scottholmesmusic.com)

On the final episode of season one, Justine and Mackenzie tackle audience submitted questions including where to find trails in Waterloo Region, how to make the most of your trip to the dog park, and where to pick up the cutest outfits in dog fashion. They also share recap their favourite moments of the past 13 episodes of in a lightening round and showcase two adorable local pups in the Celebrity Pup of the Week. Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering and Audio Production by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, March 13, 2021...

Your home is the most important thing in your life... after your dog, of course! This week Justine and Mackenzie welcome Waterloo Region real estate expert Tyler Jaques to the podcast. As a local realtor, landlord, and (of course) dog-owner, Tyler walks us through the need-to-know of purchasing or renting a home when you've got a pup to think about. He also gives some great advice on what to look for in a dog-friendly home and he gives his take on which neighbourhood is the most dog-friendly in all of Kitchener-Waterloo. Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater...

The phrase "adopt don't shop" seems to have the whole dog community hot under the collar! On this week's episode, Justine and Mackenzie dig deeper into this controversy and weigh in with opinions from both ends of the spectrum. Mackenzie shares her experience buying her two pure-bred Iggies (@littledears) from reputable breeders while Justine explains the pros and cons she found while adopting her loveable pup (@ManitobaMarshall). They also talk about why one's personal circumstances should be a determining factor in any dog-procuring decision. Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew...

This week Justine and Mackenzie tackle the challenges of indoor dog-friendly activities. They talk about the best toys and games to stimulate your pup inside. They also debut a brand new quickfire segment, crown this week's "Celebrity Pup of the Week", and deal with an unexpected appearance by Justine's dog, @ManitobaMarshall. Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering and Production by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, February 20, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)Royalty Free Music courtesy...

In this week's episode, Justine and Mackenzie welcome Lili Romeo (from @LeaderOfThePackKW) as the inaugural DFKW guest. Lili reveals her strategies for training and keeping a zen pup, discusses the importance of understanding dog psychology, shares what she learned from her time with world-famous dog trainer Caesar Millan. She also helps Justine and Mackenzie reveal this week's "Celebrity Pup of the Week" and answers quickfire questions in a lightening round. Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, February 13, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW...

This episode sees Mackenzie in her element, as Justine interviews her about the wild and wonderful world of dog sports! Mackenzie explains a few different types of dog sports that are popular now and also highlights where in Waterloo Region you can go to get your pup in the game.
Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering Audio Production, and Published by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, January 2, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)
Songs...

In episode 5, Justine and Mackenzie talk about the perils, positives, pitfalls of co-parenting a pup with someone else. They parse through the important conversations that should take place before a dog is added to your home and also how owning a dog can both enhance and complicate your existing relationships. 
Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering, Audio Production, and Publishing by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, January 23, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)

In this episode, Justine and Mackenzie talk about social "faux-paws" to avoid when raising and training your pup. Mackenzie shares her misadventure in a Christmas store in Michigan and Justine talks about why it's okay for you and your dog to take a break when out in public. 
Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering and Audio Production by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, January 2, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)
Songs of the Week:

In Episode 2, Mackenzie and Justine discuss the good and bad of being stuck at home with your dogs. They talk about the necessity of creating clear boundaries between canines and humans and also some fun indoor activities to keep those fur-friends happy and engaged. 
Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering and Audio Production by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, December 26, 2021 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)

In the first episode of the @DogFriendlyKW podcast, hosts Justine Sparling and MacKenzie Drinkwater introduce both themselves and their pups. They talk about some great dog-welcoming places in Waterloo Region and spin a little Eminem and Queen as their songs of the week. 
Hosted and Produced by Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater. Engineering and Audio Production by Matthew Rappolt.Follow Dog Friendly KW on Instagram: @DogFriendlyKWOriginally Aired: Saturday, December 19, 2020 on Midtown Radio KW (www.midtownradio.ca)DFKW Theme Music: "The Boat" by I, the Mountain (www.facebook.com/ithemountain)Music: "Fat Bottom Girls" by Queen; "Without Me" by Eminem