Soul Touched by Dogs

Assistance dogs do far more than most people realise — not just guiding, but helping their humans shower, get dressed, and move through the world with dignity and independence. This conversation with Claudia Hendrix reveals what life with an assistance dog actually looks like when you're a wheelchair user living alone, and how a Labrador named Katya (yes, Cat) became the reason Claudia doesn't need round-the-clock care.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Holistic veterinary medicine isn't about rejecting science—it's about expanding it to include what we already know works: energy, joy, and the body's innate ability to heal. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Feinman shares how shifting focus from symptoms to something he calls BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) can transform how we support our dogs' health and happiness.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Why goats need a different ki...

Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for. **WHAT YOU'LL LEARN** - Why goats need a different kind of herding dog th...

Veterinary burnout is reaching crisis levels — but most vets don't see it coming until they hit the wall. If you've ever wondered why your vet seems stretched thin, or why practices feel different than they used to, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the exam room door.

What You'll Learn

Veterinary burnout is reaching crisis levels — but most vets don't see it coming until they hit the wall. If you've ever wondered why your vet seems stretched thin, or why practices feel different than they used to, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the exam room door.

What You'll Learn

What do you do when your dog turns into a tiny (or not-so-tiny) dragon over… a sock?

This conversation with Sonia Fetherling goes far beyond “how to fix it.”

Because what looks like stubbornness, dominance, or “bad behavior” is often something much more vulnerable underneath.

We talk about resource guarding in a way that feels… human.

The fear.
The tension.
The pressure it creates in a home.

And what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the behavior, and start understanding what’s driving it.

Sonia shares...

What if your dog already knows exactly what they need to heal?

In this fascinating conversation, I’m joined by Irish animal healer and communicator Lisa Tully, who works with dogs and cats around the world using a deeply intuitive and holistic approach.

Lisa combines animal communication, Chinese medicine principles, and plant-based healing to uncover the root causes of emotional and physical imbalance in animals. And sometimes… the answers point right back to us.

We explore how animals can mirror their guardians’ emotions, why some dogs seem “misunderstood,” how animals instinctively choose their own botani...

When Love Meets Innovation: Helping Pets Get the Care They Deserve

Some dogs simply arrive one day… and change everything.

In this episode of Soul Touched by Dogs, I’m joined by Adam Spencer, founder of Furlanthropy — an innovative nonprofit that’s reimagining how pet parents can access life-saving veterinary care when money stands in the way.

Adam’s journey into animal welfare didn’t begin with a lifelong love of dogs. In fact, it started with reluctance… and a rescue dog named Hazelnut who quietly cracked his heart wide open.

What followed...

What if your dog’s behaviour isn’t something to fix… but something to listen to?

In this beautifully grounding conversation, I’m joined by Miranda Wimbush, founder of The Mindful Canine, to explore what becomes possible when we slow down, soften our nervous systems, and reconnect with the wisdom that lives beneath the noise.

Miranda brings together science, intuition, and embodied awareness in a way that feels both practical and profound. We talk about dogs as mirrors, grief as an initiator, and why true change so often begins at the human end of the leash.<...

Yes… this episode should have gone out before Christmas.
And yet, there’s something quietly perfect about sharing it now, at the very beginning of January.

Because this conversation isn’t really about Christmas.
It’s about connection.
About slowing down enough to notice the magic that’s already there.
And about the kind of presence dogs offer us - especially when the world feels loud, fast, or overwhelming.

In this episode, Andy Honda invites us into life in New York City through the eyes (and paws) of her therapy dog, Koa, and i...

If your “sweet-as-sugar-until-a-squirrel-appears” dog can’t resist the thrill of the chase, this one’s for you.

Force-free trainer Stephanie Rombough (Happy Hounds Dog Training, Alberta, Canada) joins me to share the reward-based process behind her new book inspired by her own high-drive herder, Nera.

We dig into why chasing is so reinforcing, how to prevent dangerous rehearsals, and exactly how to teach voluntary disengagement—from “laser-eyes on bunny” to “I see it… and I choose you.”

You’ll hear how Stephanie moved from a compulsion-based upbringing in dog training to a compassionate, science-grounded appro...

A psychologist walks into a dog park… and realises half her clients have tails.

That’s pretty much how Dr. Holly Tett discovered her calling — blending trauma-informed psychology with force-free dog training to heal both ends of the lead.
In this lively, heartfelt conversation, we talk about why obedience can’t fix overwhelm, how to spot the difference between shut down and calm, and what happens when we finally look at our dogs — and ourselves — through a lens of compassion instead of correction.
Plus, you’ll hear the story behind Holly’s now-famous “Cheeky Chicken” elevator game — proo...

What happens when a lifelong animal lover and environmental scientist weaves her passions into stories where dogs see ghosts, save the day, and change lives?

In this episode, award-winning author Jill Hedgecock joins us to talk about her Shadow series — suspenseful, heart-filled novels that entertain while quietly teaching readers about compassion, responsible dog stewardship, and the beauty of the human–animal bond.

From champion agility runs and nose-work discoveries to celebrating a famous Doberman named Ruby who inspired an entire book series — Jill’s world is where storytelling, science, and canine love meet.

💡 Key Takeawa...

When Tricia Montgomery lost her beloved Moose to cancer, her world stopped.
But out of heartbreak came a mission — to make sure no other pet parent wakes up one morning to find it’s too late.

In this deeply moving conversation, Tricia shares how grief became fuel for purpose and how her non-profit, Moose’s March, is leading the charge for early detection of pet cancer so more dogs (and cats) can live longer, happier lives with the people who love them.

She’s not just raising awareness — she’s sparking hope.

In this epis...

When one chance encounter with a groomer feeding raw chicken legs made Toni Shelaske stop in her tracks, she had no idea it would set her on a path to becoming one of Pittsburgh’s most influential voices in pet wellness.

From running her own pet sitting business to building four thriving natural pet supply stores, and now hosting the Toni Unleashed podcast, Toni has always been driven by curiosity, courage, and the belief that pets - and their people - deserve better.

In this conversation, Toni shares how she turned a lightbulb moment into a...

What does it mean to be a good dog in the human world?

In this heartfelt, eye-opening conversation, I’m joined by Vivian Zottola, human-dog relationship therapist, educator, and author, to talk about what it really takes to live in harmony with our dogs. Vivian brings decades of experience (and a deep well of wisdom) to help us shift the way we think about our relationships with our canine companions.

We explore what happens when dogs are treated like toys or tools instead of sentient beings, why understanding their perspective changes everything, and how learning to...

Ever felt like every walk with your dog is a tug-of-war—complete with the judgemental stares, unsolicited advice, and the odd “Who’s walking who?” quip from passersby? You’re not alone.

In this episode, I chat with Lauren McKnight, founder of Lead with Luna in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Lauren started as a dog walker and quickly became the go-to person for reactive, strong, or “quirky” dogs that others might avoid. Today, she’s a qualified trainer using only humane, reward-based, science-backed methods—supporting not just the dogs, but the humans holding the other end of the lead.

We tal...

Speaking for Spot: Becoming the Advocate Your Dog Deserves with Dr. Nancy Kay

What if the biggest difference you could make in your dog’s life isn’t about training or nutrition, but learning to ask better questions?

In this heartfelt, information-packed episode, I sit down with Dr. Nancy Kay - veterinarian, author, and passionate animal welfare advocate - to explore what it really means to "speak for Spot".

From her own story of medical advocacy that sparked a bestselling book, to the eye-opening realities of veterinary culture, to her bold new mission to e...

If you’ve ever shared life with a sensitive, traumatized, or reactive dog, you know how heart-wrenching it is to see them struggle. You want to help, but so much of the advice out there feels like a quick fix and often makes things worse.

In this episode, I sit down with Marilyn Mele, founder of Dog Wisdom Workshop and creator of the Emotionally Intelligent Dog Academy, to talk about what truly helps these dogs thrive. With over 40 years of experience teaching people and dogs, Marilyn has a gift for blending science, compassion, and practical tools that wo...

What does science say about how to make your dog happy? And how can understanding human psychology help us support our reactive or anxious dogs better?

In this heartfelt and fascinating episode, I’m joined by Zazie Todd, PhD—animal behaviour expert, award-winning author, and creator of the Companion Animal Psychology blog. Zazie shares her journey from academic psychologist to beloved voice in the world of canine (and feline!) wellbeing. Her story—like so many of ours—started with a dog who needed a bit more help than expected.

We talk about how her background in psych...

What happens when you bring a playful puppy into a home shared with an aging dog? 

Is it a heartwarming tale of intergenerational friendship—or a recipe for resentment and overwhelm?

In this deeply insightful and refreshingly honest conversation, I’m joined by Kathy Callahan and Helen St. Pierre, authors of Old Dog, New Dog: A Guide to Supporting Your Aging Best Friend and Welcoming a New One. 

We explore the emotional, practical, and soulful layers of combining puppy energy with senior dog wisdom—and what it really takes to make that transition harmonio...

What If the Food You Feed Your Dog Is the Root Cause (and the Cure) for Their Illness?

In this episode, I’m joined by Nora Lenz, creator of Rotational MonoFeeding (RMF), to explore a radical – and radically simple – idea: that feeding dogs according to their biological needs not only prevents disease but can actually reverse it.

Nora’s journey started back in the 80s when she studied human nutrition and discovered the powerful connection between food, health, and emotional well-being. It didn’t take long for her to apply those insights to her own dogs and t...

What happens when your “I’ll just walk dogs for a while” job turns into a life’s calling? That’s exactly what happened to East London-based Behaviour Coach Meghan Butt, and in this episode, we explore how her deep commitment to healing - both her own and her canine clients’  led her to a trauma-informed, body-based approach to working with reactive dogs.

We talk about the powerful connection between posture and emotion (for dogs and humans alike), and why helping your dog feel safe and balanced starts with understanding the nervous system, not obedience drills. Meghan also introduc...

Have you ever had a dog whose behavior left you puzzled - or even heartbroken - and no matter how many trainers or vet visits, nothing really changed?

In this powerful episode, I’m joined once again by Heather Egginton, whose work sits at the intersection of energy, emotion, and the unbreakable bond between humans and their dogs.

If you’ve ever suspected that your dog is reflecting something deeper, something in *you*, this conversation will stop you in your tracks.

Heather shares how her own experience with a deeply fearful foster dog crac...

In this soulful and inspiring episode, I talk to writer, creative force, and lifelong animal lover Sarah Cavallaro, whose novel Dogs Have Angels Too weaves heart and humor into the complex and beautiful world of dog rescue.

We explore how storytelling can change perspectives, create compassion, and shine a light on what really happens when people and dogs save each other.

Sarah shares the real-life rescue that sparked her book, the fascinating characters it’s based on (some of them drawn from her own life), and how her mission turned into a brand supporting dog re...

If you’ve ever felt torn between your passion for travel and the love for your dogs, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed.

In this Soul Touched by Dogs conversation, I sit down with serial entrepreneur, business strategist, and fellow dog mom, Marisa Hoskins, the visionary behind Paws Abroad.

After building (and selling!) Canada’s most nutritious dog food brand, Marisa set off on a global adventure with her rescue pups - and hit a wall of frustrating, confusing pet travel regulations. Sound familiar?

Rather than accept “that’s just how i...

Have you ever been told your dog was “aggressive”?

That you needed to show them who’s boss, or worse, that pain was the only way to gain control?

In this soul-stirring episode of Soul Touched by Dogs, I sit down with certified canine life coach Debbie Sheridan, whose journey from social work to dog advocacy is as powerful as it is healing.

It all began with two terrified shelter pups - Fitzy and Stella - who turned Debbie’s world upside down. When the advice she received from traditional trainers felt cruel and sens...

What if your dog was more than just a pet - what if they were a mirror, a teacher, and a soul companion on your personal journey?

In this profound episode, I’m joined by Dr. Isla Fishburn, a conservation biologist turned canine wellness intuitive and shamanic practitioner. With a background in zoology, wolf conservation, and spiritual healing, Isla offers a truly unique perspective on our relationship with dogs - not as training subjects or health projects, but as complex ecosystems and sacred beings that walk beside us through life, and even beyond.

From the sc...

What do mathematics and misbehaving mutts have in common?

This week on the Soul Touched by Dogs podcast, I sit down with Grisha Stewart, a self-described behaviour nerd who made the leap from math lecturer to world-renowned dog trainer. Yep, from numbers to nosework 😛

Grisha created BAT (Behavior Adjustment Training), a beautifully intuitive method that helps reactive and anxious dogs find calm - not through bribery or correction, but by giving them agency. It’s training as a gentle dance, not a tug-of-war.

We talk about the heartbreak of having a dog who “doesn’t...

Lisa Waggoner – Dogs and Second Chances: Rehabilitation Behind Bars

A heart-opening conversation about connection, compassion, and the power of second chances—for both people and dogs.

In this episode, I sit down with Lisa Waggoner to explore a truly inspiring program where incarcerated men and shelter dogs transform each other’s lives through the power of positive reinforcement.

We talk about how the Jail Dog Program started, what makes it so effective, and how it’s changing lives .. not just for the men involved and the dogs they train, but also for families, communit...

From Dog Training to Artistry: The Inspirational Journey of Denise

In this episode, Denise shares her heartfelt journey from being a dog trainer to founding her own graphic design business, Mighty Dog Graphics.

She discusses her early work with guide dogs and her deep involvement with charitable organizations that train assistance dogs. Denise shares her inspiring story of how her dog Jeffrey's medical challenges led to the founding of her art-based business, which has since thrived for over a decade.

She also talks about her ongoing engagement with the dog training community through...

In this episode, I am joined by canine behavior experts Lisa Hird and Dale McLelland, who share their journey and mission in the dog training industry. Lisa, who operates the Dog Behavior Clinic in Lincolnshire, and Dale, who runs Being Canine in Scotland, have collaborated to create Without Worry Canine Education, aimed at improving dog-owner relationships through practical, respect-based training. We discuss the importance of understanding dog body language, common misconceptions around dog obedience, and the critical role of observation and consistency. Lisa and Dale emphasize the need for hands-on experience, critical thinking about traditional training methods, and fostering...

I’ve got a very special guest for you today. She’s retired after over 5 decades of teaching people how to better understand dogs, the magnificent creatures by our side.

But the lovely Lisbeth Borg de Waard from the Nordic Education Centre for Ethical Dog Trainers offered to make an introduction and she said Yes - Turid Rugaas.

“The worst thing modern dog owners do is micromanage their dogs,” she says.

“We underestimate our dogs. They’re a lot smarter than humans. They understand us better than we understand ourselves but many humans don’t even s...

Navigating the End-of-Life Journey with Animalchemy

In this episode, I am joined by Monique from Animalchemy, who shares her profound insights into the natural end-of-life process for pets. Monique's expertise blends animal medicine with spiritual teachings, providing a unique perspective on how we can offer support during our pets' final stages. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the predictable phases of dying, recognizing signs that may be misinterpreted as pain, and the crucial role of staying calm and present. Monique also highlights how learning about the dying process can deepen our bond with our pets, helping us...

Understanding and Mitigating Stress in Dogs with Diane from Canine Transformations Learning Center

In this episode, I have an insightful conversation with Diane, a specialist in canine behavior and stress management, currently based in Langley, Washington.

With over 25 years of experience, Diane shares her journey from her early days in dog obedience training to her current focus on stress and behavior problems in dogs.

We discuss the evolution of dog training over the decades, highlighting the shift from aversive techniques to positive reinforcement methods. Diane elaborates on how modern urban environments can exacerbate...

Wishful Thinking Isn't Planning

In this episode, I am joined by Peggy Hoyt, an estate planning attorney and animal lover with homes in Virginia and Florida.

Peggy shares her insights on the importance of creating a pet trust to ensure that pets are cared for in the event of the owner's death or disability.

She passionately shares her own experiences with her numerous pets and her motivation to write a book about pet trusts. P

eggy emphasizes the need for assigning both short-term and long-term caregivers, preferably including trustworthy individuals and...

This week's Pawsome Human: Mark Bridger-Pescott - BoneCanis - Barks 'n Words: Better Communication Between Humans and Dogs

In this fun and informative episode, I chat with Mark Bridger Pescott, founder of Bone Canis, a dog training and behavior company based in West Sussex, UK.

Mark introduces his talented team and shares how they've been helping dogs and their owners both locally and internationally via Zoom.

We delve into the common behavioral issues he encounters, such as anxiety, and the importance of understanding dog body language. Mark also explains how dogs can be...

Unpacking Canine Trauma with Dr. Laura Donaldson

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Donaldson to delve into the crucial topic of becoming trauma-informed when it comes to our dogs.

Dr. Donaldson shares her extensive knowledge on what trauma is, how it manifests in dogs, and the often-overlooked microtraumas that can significantly impact their well-being.

We discuss the parallels between human and canine trauma responses and the fundamental importance of ensuring safety and trust for traumatised dogs.

Dr. Donaldson offers practical advice on recognising signs of trauma...