Dog Friendly KW Podcast
Welcome to the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, hosted by co-founders, Justine Sparling and Mackenzie Drinkwater! Founded in 2020, Dog Friendly Collective (better known as Dog Friendly KW) is a non-profit corporation in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive dog-friendly community. The Dog Friendly KW Podcast, produced by Block Sheep Audio and in partnership with Midtown Radio, offers education, inspiration, and unique perspectives to dog owners through an exploration of challenging and lighthearted topics alike. Subscribe to get updates on new episodes, follow us on social media @dogfriendlykw or visit our website dogfriendlykw.com to learn more about...
Full Episode: Indigenous Animal Welfare & Advocacy w/ Save Rez Dogs
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, host Justine Sparling is joined by Leah and Craig from the organization Save Rez Dogs for a chat about reservation dogs and the animal welfare issues in indigenous communities. They discuss the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism, and more!
Indigenous Animal Welfare & Advocacy w/ Save Rez Dogs (Part 2)
In this segment of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, host Justine Sparling is joined by Leah and Craig from the organization Save Rez Dogs for a chat about reservation dogs and the animal welfare issues in indigenous communities. They also discuss the ongoing impacts of settler colonialism, and more.
Indigenous Animal Welfare & Advocacy w/ Save Rez Dogs (Part 1)
In this segment of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, host Justine Sparling is joined by Leah and Craig from the organization Save Rez Dogs for a chat about reservation dogs and animal welfare issues in indigenous communities. Plus, they also talk about reconciliation, community readiness and more!
Live Q&A at the Pawliday Market in Downtown Kitchener! (Part 2)
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast Justine and guest host Rachel are LIVE from the Pawliday Market in downtown Kitchener. They take the community's questions about all things pup-related!
Live Q&A at the Pawliday Market in Downtown Kitchener! (Part 1)
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast Justine and guest host Rachel are LIVE from the Pawliday Market in downtown Kitchener. They take the community's questions about all things pup-related!
Full Episode: Help! I've lost my dog!
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie tackle the tricky subject of lost dogs. They discuss what to do if your dog goes missing and also what steps you can take as a pup-parent to prevent such a stressful situation.
How do I prevent my dog from going missing?
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie talk about what steps dog parents can take to keep their dogs safe and at home.
What do I do if I've lost my dog?
In this clip of the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie discuss what to do and not to do if you've lost your dog.
Full Episode: Mythbusting with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society
Calla James does a round of "Kibbles & Bits"
Mythbusting with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (Part 2)
Mythbusting with the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society (Part 1)
In this episode, Justine and guest host Kersty are joined by Calla James of the KW Humane Society to do some mythbusting on misconceptions about their organization.
Full Episode: Anti-racist animal advocacy w/ Kassidi Jones
In this podcast episode, Justine and Mackenze are joined by Kassidi Jones, curator of the instagram page @gingers_naps. Kassidi discusses issues of anti-black racism within dog culture and American history.
Kassidi Jones of @gingers_naps on dogs in anti-black history
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by Yale Ph.D candidate and dog mom Kassidi jones of the instagram handle @gingers_naps to discuss the role of dogs in anti-black history. They also talk about why social justice issues should be an important focus in dog culture.
Full Episode: Representation of dogs in popular culture
From Lassie to Snoopy: Representation of dogs in popular culture (part 1)
LIVE: Dogtoberfest Community Q&A (Part 1)
We're out celebrating Dogtoberfest for this episode of the podcast. Mackenzie is away so Justine is joined by Dog Friendly director Kersty Kearney to answer some burning community questions!
The right (and wrong) ways to welcome another dog to your family
So you've decided to add another dog to your house. In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Kenz talk about the right way to do this including things to consider, best practices, and also what not to do.
Full Episode: Deciding if your household is ready for a 2nd (or 3rd) dog
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Kenz talk about the pros and cons of adding another dog to your family. They also discuss the best ways of introducing new pup into your household.
The challenge of adding another dog to your family
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Kenz discuss why adding another dog to your family is not the cakewalk some might think.
Rachel Radyk on Dog Friendly KW's values and culture.
In the first episode of season 8, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by DFKW's Rachel Radyck to discuss the culture and values of the organisation how its members are doing good in our community.
Full Episode: Exploring the Dog Friendly KW experience w/ Rachel Radyk
In the first episode of season 8, Mackenzie and Justine are joined by DFKW's culture and policy lead Rachel Radyck who talks about why DFKW is such a great place to volunteer. They also discuss the organizational culture and values and how people can get involved (even if they don't have dogs). Rachel also goes through a quick Kibbles and Bits segment where she talks about her favourite pup-friendly spots in KW.
Rachel Radyk on why volunteering for Dog Friendly KW is worthwhile
In the first episode of season 8, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by DFKW's Rachel Radyck to discuss why the organisation is a fun and fulfilling place to volunteer.
Full Episode: Justine, Victor, and Kersty on a SUCCESSFUL SNIFFSCAPE!
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine is joined by Victor and Kersty to talk all about the magic that was Sniffscape. They discuss their favourite memories, reflect on its success, and share plans for future Sniffscapes. They also reveal this week's Celebrity Pup of the Week and wrap up season 7 of the podcast.
Sniffscape Recap (Part 2): Victor and Kersty share their FAVOURITE MOMENTS from the installation
Celebrity Pup of the Week!
Justine, Kersty, and Victor reveal this week's Celebrity Pup of the Week.
Sniffscape Recap: Victor and Kersty reflect on DFKW's first PUP PLAYGROUND!
In this clip of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine is joined by DFKW volunteers Victor and Kersty to discuss the success of this spring's Sniffscape project at Shortfinger Brewing.
Breaking New Ground: Exploring DFKW's Guelph-Wellington EXPANSION with Cass Chambers
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by Cass Chambers, the DFKW Guelph-Wellington lead, to discuss their exciting expansion outside of Waterloo Region! They talk about Cass' experience running the "Dogs of Guelph" Facebook Page and some of the exciting things for pup parents in Wellington County.
Full Episode: Exploring VETERINARY TELEMEDICINE with Dr. Alexandra Parry of Vetibility Inc.
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by Dr. Alexandra Parry of the online veterinary service Vetibility Inc. Dr. Parry talks about how telemedicine can supplement a dog's regular health plan and explains how she services like Vetibility can give owners increased flexibility and care options for their pups.
Dr. Alexandra Parry explains how APP-BASED VET CARE is re-inventing canine medicine
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie are joined by Dr. Alexandra Parry of the online veterinary service Vetibility Inc. Dr. Parry talks about how telemedicine can supplement work as a supplement to a dog's regular veterinary appointments for more comprehensive care.
Strange Dog Laws: What GREAT dog laws would Justine and Mackenzie enact?
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie reveal which dog laws they would make for the world if they had the power.
Strange Dog Laws: Germany's HEFTY DOG TAX and China's ONE SMALL DOG policy
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie reveal more of the weirdest dog laws from around the world. They discuss Germany's unique tolls of different dog breed, China's ban on large dogs, and Tehran's pet owner arrests!
Celerbity Pup of the Week: @Brady.OGrady the cute English Springer Spaniel!
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie crown this week's celebrity pup of the week: Brady O'Grady!
Full Episode: The STRANGEST dog laws from around the world!
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie tackle the stangest laws pertaining to dogs from around the world. They go to China, to Norway, to Iran, and the United States for some interesting, unique, and downright perplexing rules.
Strange Dog Laws: Where is neutering ILLEGAL and HOW MUCH is the fine for inadequate exercise!?
In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie reveal the strangest dog laws from around the world including a law against neutering and a MASSIVE fine for not walking your dog enough.
Explaining PHYSICAL REHAB for dogs with Gabrielle Jansen

Kibbles and Bits: Gabrielle Jansen of Healing Hearts Animal Rehabilitation

Full Episode: Physical Rehab for Pups w/ Gabrielle Jansen of Healing Hearts Animal Rehabilitation

In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie welcome local animal therapist Gabrielle Jansen from Healing Hearts Animal Therapy. They talk about what animal rehabilitation means and why it can be helpful for dogs recovering from injuries. They also play a round of Kibbles and Bits to learn more about Gabrielle and her pups.
KW Specialist Gabrielle Jansen on why REHAB THERAPY works for dogs

In this clip from the Dog Friendly KW Podcast, Justine and Mackenzie welcome local animal therapist Gabrielle Jansen from Healing Hearts Animal Therapy. They talk about what animal rehabilitation means and why it can be helpful for dogs recovering from injuries.
Full Episode: Debunking the WORST ADVICE given to dog owners
In this episode of the Dog Friendly KW podcast, Justine and Mackenzie debunk the worst dog advice they're received and correct the record so that you don't fall for bad pup-raising opinons.