The Healing Power of Dogs: Therapy Dog Training, Caregiving & the Bond That Saves Us with Susan Hartzler

The Healing Power of Dogs: Therapy Dog Training, Caregiving & the Bond That Saves Us with Susan Hartzler

Dogs, Grief and Caregiving: The Human Animal Bond In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie sits down with Susan Hartzler, author and a recognized authority on therapy dogs and the human animal bond. Susan shares the story behind Sit With Me, her guided meditation practice for pet parents and their dogs, and how her own dogs, Blondie, Bliss, and Baldwin, carried her through pivotal moments in her life, from dating in her twenties to caring for her father through his Parkinson's diagnosis. Susan and Donie also talk about what it takes to train and work with a therapy dog, matching a dog's temperament to the right environment, and practical advice for caregivers and pet parents seeking more calm with their dog. Topics covered: 🧘 The origin story behind Sit With Me guided meditations 🐾 How dogs support human well-being through everyday connection 📖 Susan's memoir on dating and her dog Blondie 💙 Caregiving for a parent while navigating grief 🐕 What it takes to train and work with a therapy dog ❤️ Practical advice for caregivers and pet parents seeking calm 💙 Connect with our guest, Susan Hartzler: ᐧ Website: susanhartzler.com [http://susanhartzler.com] ᐧ Instagram: @susanhartzlerauthor [https://www.instagram.com/susanhartzlerauthor/] ᐧ Books, blog, and Sit With Me meditations available on Substack: https://blissdog.substack.com/ [https://blissdog.substack.com/] ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife] ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife] ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/] ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife] ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts] ᐧ LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife] ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: From Hype to Health: The Science Driving the Next Era of Pet Supplements https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/from-hype-to-health-the-science-driving-the-next-era-of-pet-supplements [https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/from-hype-to-health-the-science-driving-the-next-era-of-pet-supplements] Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetHealth #TherapyDogs #HumanAnimalBond #DogMom #PetCaregiving #DogTraining #PetPodcast #SusanHartzler Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

From Hype to Health: The Science Driving the Next Era of Pet Supplements

We don't wait for a cavity to start brushing our teeth, so why wait to support our pets? In this episode, Donie Yamamoto sits down with Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM, to unpack what's really driving the pet supplement boom - and how pet parents can tell a quality product from marketing noise. Dr. Amber Da Silva breaks down what separates credible formulation from hype: ingredient-specific research, transparent sourcing, and serving sizes that actually match what the science supports. She and Donie also dig into why format matters as much as formula. A great ingredient does nothing if a pet won't take it or an owner won't stick with it consistently. The conversation moves into gut health and the microbiome - an area Dr. Amber Da Silva calls "cutting edge" - with connections extending well beyond digestion. They also talk candidly about industry frustrations: overcomplicated labels, serving-size math that doesn't add up, and the gap between marketing claims and what shows up in the exam room. Looking ahead, Dr. Amber Da Silva shares three trends she's watching: personalized formulations tailored to breed, age, and life stage; strain-level probiotic research; and a shift toward stronger accountability across the supplement category. This is a conversation about consistency over hype, and about treating pet parents as informed partners in their animals' long-term care. In this episode: * What's really driving the daily-supplement shift for pets * The three drivers of product quality: formulation, format, and transparency * Why serving-size transparency matters more than ingredient count * The microbiome's expanding role in companion animal health * Where the supplement category is headed next #PetHealth #PetCare #UnleashedCuriosity #VitalPetLife #PetSupplements ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife] ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife] ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/] ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife] ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts] ᐧ LinkedIn:linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife] ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Snake Season Is Here: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Before It's Too Late https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/snake-season-is-here-what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know-before-it-s-too-late [https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/snake-season-is-here-what-every-dog-owner-needs-to-know-before-it-s-too-late] Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Snake Season Is Here: What Every Dog Owner Needs to Know Before It's Too Late

That dry, sprinkler-like buzz on a trail with your dog. If you've heard it, you know. Rattlesnake season is here - and this year it's already running hot. Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM and co-host of Unleashed Curiosity, breaks down what rattlesnake aversion training actually is, why the single-session class often fails, and what every dog owner in rattlesnake territory needs to do before they need it. If you hike or live in rattlesnake country, this episode is for you. This goes deeper than basic tips - into the canine fear memory science that makes training stick, the hemotoxic reality of pit viper bites, and the emergency prep gap most dog owners don't know they have. What's covered: 0:00 - Intro: the sound that changes you 0:55 - What is rattlesnake aversion training (RAT)? 1:41 - Why live snakes are essential (not rubber props) 2:30 - The single-session failure problem 3:15 - What a durable multi-station program looks like 4:20 - The emergency reality: hemotoxic venom + the 30-minute window 6:45 - Antivenom locator tool every outdoor dog owner needs 8:10 - The rattlesnake vaccine: pros, cons, and what it doesn't do 10:32 - Final action items Whether you're looking for rattlesnake tips for dogs, trying to understand if rattlesnake aversion training is worth it, or want to know what to do if your dog gets bitten - this episode covers all of it with real veterinary insight, not just general advice. Resources: veterinarysnakebite911.com [http://veterinarysnakebite911.com] - find your nearest antivenom-equipped vet by ZIP code 🐍🐕 #RattlesnakeSeason #RattlesnakeAversionTraining #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife #DogSafety ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Dog Nutrition Decoded - Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver's https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/dog-longevity-decoded-treats-nutrition-rescue-truths-beth-jackson-of-oliver-p-toliver-s-thoroughly-tasty-treats [https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/dog-longevity-decoded-treats-nutrition-rescue-truths-beth-jackson-of-oliver-p-toliver-s-thoroughly-tasty-treats] Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Dog Longevity Decoded: Treats, Nutrition & Rescue Truths | Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver’s Thoroughly Tasty Treats

What if the treats you give your dog every day are getting in the way of their care? In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM sit down with Beth Jackson, founder of Oliver P. Toliver's Thoroughly Tasty Treats, for a conversation that will change how you think about every snack you hand your pup. Beth's brand was born from a 10-week-old rescue puppy who nearly died from Parvo - and one simple rule: every ingredient must earn its place. In this episode, you'll discover: 🐾 Why "natural" and "grain-free" labels are largely marketing jargon 🦮 Why 15 minutes of sniff-led walking beats a 2-mile run ❤️ How two rescue dogs became UCLA therapy dogs 🍠 Beth's ingredient standard: "If I can't explain why it's in there, it shouldn't be" 📉 How daily treats contribute to pet obesity - and what the calorie math really looks like Whether your dog is a rescue, a senior, a puzzle-loving genius, or a treat-motivated chaos machine, this episode is for you. 🐾 #OliverPToliver #DogTreats #DogNutrition #BethJackson #VitalPetLife 🎉 GIVEAWAY ALERT - VPL × Oliver P. Toliver! We've teamed up with Oliver P. Toliver's to give away a prize bundle for your pup! How to enter: Head to our Instagram 👉 https://vitalpet.life/VPLxOliverPToliverGiveaway [https://vitalpet.life/VPLxOliverPToliverGiveaway] ⏰ Giveaway runs June 23 - July 3, 2026 | U.S. residents only. 💙 Connect with our guest, Beth Jackson of Oliver P. Toliver's: ᐧ Website: oliverptoliver.com [http://oliverptoliver.com] ᐧ Instagram: @oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats [https://www.instagram.com/oliver_p_toliver_dog_treats/] ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Moving Well - The Link Between Mobility and Long-Term Pet Care https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/moving-well-living-longer-the-link-between-mobility-and-pet-longevity [https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/moving-well-living-longer-the-link-between-mobility-and-pet-longevity] Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.

Moving Well, Living Longer: The Link Between Mobility and Pet Longevity

Is your dog or cat slowing down? Before you chalk it up to normal aging, this episode might change how you see your pet's everyday movement. In this episode of Unleashed Curiosity, Donie Yamamoto and Dr. Amber Da Silva, DVM dig into one of the most overlooked topics in pet health: joint mobility and what it really means for your pet's long-term quality of life. Dr. Amber busts some of the biggest myths pet parents believe, including why a dog that isn't limping or crying out can still be in significant discomfort. She walks through the subtle behavioral signs that often go unnoticed - from stiffness after sleep, to avoiding stairs, to changes in litter box behavior in cats - and explains why catching these signs early can make a real difference. You'll also hear what actually happens inside a joint as pets age - how cartilage, fluid, and surrounding tissue are affected, and why visible signs are often the last to show up. Dr. Amber and Donie also cover: * Why proactive daily support matters more than waiting for a diagnosis * What to look for in a joint supplement and how to evaluate ingredients * The key ingredients showing real research-backed promise for joint support * How NSAIDs work, when they're appropriate, and what to monitor * The vicious cycle of poor mobility, muscle loss, and weight gain - and how to interrupt it Comfortable daily movement matters. Supporting your pet's movement may be one of the most important things you do for them. Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If this resonated, share it with a fellow pet parent who wants more comfortable, active time with their animal. 🐾 #PetMobility #DogJointHealth #CatJointHealth #DrAmberDVM #VitalPetLife ❤️ Connect with us: ᐧ Facebook -facebook.com/vitalpetlife [http://facebook.com/vitalpetlife]ᐧ TikTok:@vitalpetlife [https://www.tiktok.com/@vitalpetlife]ᐧ Instagram:@vitalpetlife [https://www.instagram.com/vitalpetlife/]ᐧ X:@vitalpetlife [https://x.com/VitalPetLife]ᐧ YouTube:@vitalpetlife [https://www.youtube.com/@vitalpetlife/podcasts]ᐧ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife [http://linkedin.com/company/vitalpetlife]ᐧ Check out our website -www.vitalpetlife.com [http://www.vitalpetlife.com] You may also enjoy: Pet Supplements, Ethical Breeding & Vet Insights with Dr. Karyn Kanowski https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/pet-supplements-ethical-breeding-vet-approved-health-advice-with-dr-karyn-kanowski [https://smartlink.ausha.co/unleashedcuriosity/pet-supplements-ethical-breeding-vet-approved-health-advice-with-dr-karyn-kanowski] Music: "Life of Riley" by Kevin MacLeod (CC BY 4.0) Don't forget to follow us or send us your questions at podcast@vitalpetlife.com [podcast@vitalpetlife.com]. Thank you for tuning in! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy [https://ausha.co/privacy-policy] for more information.