The Baroo: A Podcast for Dogs and Their People

Your dog can’t tell you “I’m carrying your stress,” but they can show you in a hundred quiet ways: a change in appetite, a sudden skin flare, restless pacing, a behavior shift that feels out of character, or that heavy sense that something is off. That’s where this conversation goes, with animal communicator and energy intuitive Gillian Sacrey joining me to talk about what our dogs absorb from the people they love and how that emotional load can ripple into the body.

We get into what Gillian’s work looks like in real life: creating a c...

In this chat I am joined by my cousin Nick Bayne to remember Juney, his beloved rescue dog, and to tell the story of what it’s like to lose a dog suddenly when you thought you had years left. We start with the beginning: a shelter adoption that turned into the easiest love, the daily rituals that made Juney feel like a true family member, and the quiet ways dogs train us to be more patient, more present, and more human.

Then we move into the hard part, because pet loss grief is not tidy. Nick sh...

Burnout can sneak up on the most capable people, especially the ones who pride themselves on being the helper. I sit down with author Christine Baker to talk about Raising Artemis, her debut novel about a doctor who gives everything to her work until there’s nothing left, then begins to heal through the animals she never planned to adopt. The twist is unforgettable: the story is narrated by Lucy, a cat who has already passed on, and that perspective lets us explore grief, guidance, and the quiet truths humans miss. 

We also get practical and real abo...

Most dog treats are built to sell, not to support health, and your dog’s gut usually pays the price first. I sit down with Botanical Bones founder Rachel Meyer and co-founder veterinarian Dr. Lindsay Wendt to unpack what “functional dog treats” should actually mean when you care about digestion, anxiety, allergies, and long-term wellness.

Rachel shares the real origin story: a rescue puppy named Carnaby with a sensitive stomach, a pantry full of whole-food ingredients, and a pandemic-era moment that turned neighborly treat drop-offs into a fast-growing brand. We talk about the leap from kitchen batches to a v...

I chat with Sona Movsesian, co-host of Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend and author of The Worlds Worst Assistant and The Worlds Worst Mom about her rescue dog Oki and the soulful, day-to-day bond that turns a poodle mix into a true first baby. We move from IVF support and raising twin boys to losing a home in the Altadena fire, and we land on the hardest truth of pet love: you sign up for goodbye the day you say hello. 

• growing up afraid of dogs, then raising puppies and learning care through practice 
• how different cultur...

I sit down with April Floyd to tell the story of Onyx, the goldendoodle she trained herself to become a service dog and steady companion through serious illness. She shares how he alerts to medical danger, keeps her grounded through multiple cancer diagnoses, and even steps into the spotlight as a future film star. 

• how Onyx comes into April’s life outside the shelter doors 
• training a service dog at home using online resources and consistent practice 
• therapy visits and socialization in nursing homes 
• medical alert behaviors including buttons, bells, and early warning signs 
• congestiv...

 I wanted a real look at life with dogs in the Netherlands, where dogs are often welcomed in more public spaces and owners are expected to help them live calmly alongside everyone else.

I’m joined by Natalie Mosbach Smith, a Dutch trainer now based in Northern California (South Bay Dog Training), to talk about what feels distinctly Dutch about dog ownership. We get into the everyday realities: dogs on most beaches, more opportunities for off-leash time, and a culture where strangers typically don’t rush up to pet your dog. Natalie explains how that social norm can r...

The best way's to create a stronger bond with your dog is taking the time to learn their language. A wagging tail can mean joy, stress, or “I’m not sure about this,” and that one misunderstanding is a perfect snapshot of why dog body language is so easy to get wrong. I’m joined by Allie Bender, certified dog behavior consultant, co-founder of Pet Harmony Training, and co-author of *Canine Enrichment for the Real World*, to help us get fluent in canine communication the same way we’d learn a second language: words first, then sentences, then real-time conversati...

A note before listening: This episode includes mentions of sensitive and difficult subject matter, including murder, suicide, death, and missing persons. Please listen with care.

Former FBI special agent and long time search and recovery handler Sonja Nordstrom joins me to chat about the bond between a working dog and their human. We chat about what it means to work alongside cadaver dogs when the “reward” is closure for families and critical support for investigators. Sonia shares what she’s observed in her dogs during intense deployments, how handlers balance celebration for the dog with respec...

A wildfire can erase a neighborhood in hours, but the aftermath can take years and it rarely looks the way people imagine. I sit down with author Carrie Karuhn to talk about the real events behind her novel Not Everything Burns, inspired by the 2007 Malibu fire that destroyed her home and took the animals she loved most.

We chat about why Carrie chose fiction over memoir.  We dig into what the title really means, why she calls the novel a love story, and how accountability became part of her healing when the fire was sparked by reckless d...

I chat with Laurence Minnis, an Army veteran and neuroscience researcher, about how dogs helped rebuild his life after a neurological illness and why shelter adoption feels like both fate and risk. We break down what drives the adoption decision, how uncertainty shows up after you bring a dog home, and what support makes long-term success more likely. 

• growing up in Southeast DC and being “chosen” by a neighborhood stray named Benji 
• military service, illness during deployment, and rehab at Walter Reed leading to the Dog Tags program 
• adopting Ebony and why black dogs and pit bulls get...

One of the hardest  parts of loving a dog is realizing you can’t protect them from everything, especially the moment a health decision collides with stress, emotion, and a bill you didn’t see coming. I wanted to talk about the part of the human-animal bond nobody talks about: money, and how it quietly shapes the care our pets receive and the guilt we carry when the choices we want to make feel impossible. 

I’m joined by mobile veterinarian Dr. Heather Oxford and veterinary economist Dr. Peter Weinstein to unpack why veterinary care costs what it costs...

Renowned veterinarian  Dr. Gary Richter joins me to chat nutrition, longevity, and wellness.  We also talk honestly about what is realistic, sustainable, and safe for your pup so you can make better choices without getting shamed or overwhelmed. 

• Diet, exercise and lifestyle as the core pillars of longevity 
• Shifting the question from what brand to what kind of food 
• Why highly processed pet food can undermine health over time 
• High carbohydrate kibble and links to weight gain, inflammation and dysbiosis 
• Advanced glycation end products and Maillard reaction byproducts from high-heat processing 
• Fresh food formats such as...

He watched Shelby come into the world, then had to learn how to let her go. John Lee Brody joins me for a raw, deeply personal conversation about what it means to love a dog with your whole nervous system and what happens when that love turns into caretaking, vigilance, and grief. Shelby was a 21-pound corgi with a huge presence, and John’s story starts with a rare beginning: breeder updates, a webcam view of her birth, and the unmistakable instinct of “that one is mine.” 

From there, we get into the heart of mental health and dog...

What if the most loving thing you could do for your dog is stop trying to “fix” them? I sit down with award-winning dog behavior consultant and author Kim Brophey to challenge the default story we’ve been sold: that dogs should effortlessly adapt to our busy, indoor, highly controlled human lives. Together we unpack a simple but radical reframing that changes everything from training to daily routines: “Who is this dog, and what do they need to thrive?” 

We talk about autonomy and how modern pet life can quietly shrink a dog’s world, especially in cities, on-le...

Irith Bloom is back to chat how shifting dog training away from control and toward trust, choice, and real communication can help our dogs feel safer and behave better. We dig into why over managing puppies can create anxiety, how to read canine body language, and which simple skills make everyday life easier .  Letting puppies explore safely instead of bubble wrapping their world and why choice and control lower stress and build resilience. We also chat how to notice stress signals like looking away and lip licking and what relaxed body language looks like when trust is real. 

...

Jen shares how a childhood with a police K9 shaped her sense of responsibility, and why living with five dogs now feels like the most meaningful work of her life. We talk pack dynamics, Border Collie needs, the “soul dog” idea, and how grief can deepen gratitude for ordinary days. 

• Growing up with Shep the police canine and learning what real training and partnership look like 
• Feeling judged for having five dogs and why curiosity lands better than commentary 
• Border Collies and the overlooked need for mental stimulation alongside exercise 
• What a normal day looks like w...

I  chat with biologist, ethologist, behavioral ecologist and writer, Dr. Marc Bekoff about what science says about the emotional lives of animals and why our deepest bonds with dogs are built on trust, safety, and two-way communication. We break down dog literacy, consent, and the alpha myth so you can create a stronger bond with your pup. 

• reciprocal bonds between dogs and humans shaped by personality and environment 
• emotions as social glue that holds relationships together 
• multisensory communication including scent, sound, posture, and facial cues 
• becoming dog literate through careful observation of composite signals 
• agency...

A scruffy white rescue dog, $50 to my name, and a split-second yes that rerouted my entire life. Season three begins with the story of Chance, my soul  dog, and the reason this season centers on the human dog bond. If you have ever loved a dog, lost a dog, or felt like you were barely holding it together, this one is for you.

At 33, I am waiting tables, stuck in panic attacks, chronic pain, and the fallout of an unhealthy situationship. I know I need a change, but I didn't know what that was.  Then I meet Ch...

After two years away, The Baroo is back. Season 3 explores the human-animal bond through conversations with scientists, trainers, veterinarians, and dog lovers — and is dedicated to Chance, the dog who started it all. New episodes begin July 7th, 2026.

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Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .

*This podcast is for...

Originally released  in 2023 

Navigating the holiday season after losing a beloved pet can be emotionally complicated, but you're not alone on this journey.  Dr. Lindsey Wendt DVM,  joins me co-hosting a chat with Mindy Meiering, LCSW, a licensed therapist, certified life coach and the author/creator of the Rainbow Bridge Pet Loss Deck, a healing tool that supports people after the heartbreaking loss of a pet. She works with people who are navigating various types of loss and life transitions, offering them tools to cultivate resilience and healing. 
Mindy shares her insights on the power...

Re- Release : Dr. Lindsey Wendt co- hosts our chat with Dr. Renee Schmid, a veterinary toxicologist from Pet Poison Helpline, who sheds light on the all-too-common issue of toxicity in pets during the festive period. From chocolate to poinsettias, human medications, decorations,  xylitol,  marijuana and more.  Dr. Schmid  highlights the common everyday hazards that pets may fall prey to, underscoring the importance of keeping these items out of their reach. 
She  also offers practical advice for when your furry friend ingests something potentially toxic. Learn the vital importance of staying calm, gathering information, and understanding how certain substances can af...

*We will be taking a little break, but will be back with new conversations on all things dog in a bit.  In the meantime I would love to hear from you!  If you have a story of canine companionship you would like to share, a topic you would like to explore on the podcast, a question, or even a comment, please,  email me [email protected]. 

  Dr. Christina Montalbano from the University of Florida’s veterinary teaching hospital guides us through the  world of hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy for our animal companions. From horses to hamsters, we discuss ...

There's a certain magic that happens when someone takes a leap of faith from a secure path  into the unpredictable yet thrilling world of entrepreneurship, especially when it involves our four-legged friends. Amanda Shaw's story is one such tale, starting her journey as a dedicated student of neuroscience and emerging as a full-service event planner for the most joyous dog birthday parties. Listen  as we navigate the intricacies of crafting the perfect canine celebration, weaving in the heartfelt narratives of support from loved ones and the emotional bond we share with our pets.

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In this episode, Dr. Sarina Barbara and Dr. Lindsey Wendt join me to chat about ozone therapy. We dive behind it's science and success stories  and chat about the myriad of ways it can be beneficial for our pets health, including propelling treatments for cardiac and kidney conditions in pets to new heights.
Safety is paramount when it comes to our pets, and that's why we take a thorough look at the precautions and protocols surrounding the application of ozone therapy. From the dos and don'ts  to the strategic timing of antioxidant use. As veterinarians increasingly adopt ozone th...

 When Anne, a survivor of parental abuse who sufferers from severe depression, unwittingly rescues a dog with serious aggression issues, she finds herself unable to give up on him.  In this episode I chat with The Moth story slam winner and author of her memoir " Mattie, Milo and Me, " Anne Abel.  She shares the raw and beautiful intricacies of forming an unbreakable bond with her dogs, the gut-wrenching grief of parting with a pet, and the bittersweet joy of opening her heart to another. Her journey isn't just about the dogs; it's about the life lessons they leave behind, and...

Imagine the invisible bonds of energy that tie us to our pets, stretching beyond what the eye can see. Dr. Barry Sands joins us to unravel the complexities of these connections, infusing veterinary care with the fascinating principles of quantum physics. We explore how therapies involving sound, light, and homeopathy aren't just for the body—they're for the soul, aligning our vibrational states with those of our furry friends for a deeper, more profound healing experience.
My own pup, Chance, and I have journeyed through emotional health challenges side by side.  In this episode, we reflect on the int...

In this episode I am joined by Chris Lynch. Chris is an award wining author of several highly acclaimed young adult novels and a national book award finalist . He joins me to talk about his latest middle grade novel, Walkin' the Dog ( released March 12) which is a moving story about a young boy and the life lessons he learns from his four-legged friends and the unexpected paths they lead him on. Chris also shares his own stories of the guidance and lessons he has learned from the loved dogs in  his life.

Resources:
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In honor of this leap year I am re-releasing one of my favorite episodes:
 When my dog Chance began to show his age, I was desperate for a solution that would restore his youthful spirit. That's when Leap Years, a revolutionary anti-aging supplement for dogs, entered our lives and transformed Chance's golden years. In episode of the Baroo Podcast, I  sit down with the minds behind Animal Bioscience—CEO Nick Sinclair, Chief Veterinary Officer Jenny Rentko, and holistic veterinarian Dr. Heather Oxford. We discuss the incredible advancements Leap Years is making in canine longevity and share uplifting stories from...

Ever heard the powerful tale of Attila the Czech Shepherd, or the bond between Army handler Angela and her dog Szultan? In this episode I am joined by  Bob Bryant, the compassionate co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue, who shares these heartwarming stories and sheds light on the lesser-known journeys of working dogs as they transition to retirement. We chat about the  remarkable lives of these canine heroes, from sniffing out danger in explosive detection to their vigilant roles with the TSA, and delve into the critical need for structured post-service care.

Bob walks us through the intricate pr...

In honor of valentines day, certified professional dog trainer Irith Bloom is back to help those of you whose dogs may be buzz- killing your relationship. We chat about what to do if your dog gets anxious or ancy every time you even go in for a hug  with your significant other.  We also chat how to introduce your dog to your new love interest, how to introduce your dog to a new love interest's dog, and even how to introduce your dog to a new love interest's cat!  Don't worry, we also touch on how our  pups can impr...

We all know that a good workout can do wonders for our health, but the same is true for our pets.  Dr. Laurie McCauley joins us as  we uncover the myriad ways exercise benefits our furry family members, from their muscles to their minds.  We chat about  how to help  them  avoid injury and how to support and be proactive in with our pups health as they age. We also touch on the importance of the emerging field of energy medicine and its role in veterinary care.
Dr. Laurie McCauley graduated from Colorado State School of Veterinary Medici...

Discover the truth behind "small dog syndrome" with esteemed professional dog trainer Irith Bloom .  Irith joins me to debunk the myths surrounding our diminutive canine companions. Excessive barking? Indoor marking? It's time to understand what's really going on with your pint-sized pooch. From dissecting the peculiarities of their bathroom habits to addressing behavior misconceptions, this episode promises to transform your perspective on the unique needs of small dogs . Spoiler alert: It's all about fostering a nurturing relationship that respects your dog's individuality while ensuring they're well-equipped to navigate the world around them.

Irith is a CPDT-KSA