The Pets Mag Podcast

Ep 15: Pen Farthing: Why No Animal Should Be Left Behind

Former Royal Marine Commando and Nowzad founder Pen Farthing joins The Pets Mag Podcast to discuss the extraordinary bond between people and animals during times of war, crisis and displacement. From rescuing a fighting dog in Afghanistan in 2007 to leading emergency evacuations from war-torn Ukraine today, Pen shares the remarkable story behind Nowzad and explains why responsible pet ownership should never end when circumstances become difficult. In this powerful and moving conversation, we explore the human-animal bond, the ethics of pet abandonment, Operation Kramatorsk in Ukraine, and the reality of rescuing animals from some of the world's most dangerous places. Compassionate, candid and often surprisingly humorous, this is a fascinating insight into the work of a man who has spent nearly two decades proving that animals are not collateral damage - they are family. Listen now and discover why Pen Farthing refuses to leave animals behind. Find out more about Nowzad and support Operation Kramatorsk: https://www.nowzad.com [https://www.nowzad.com/]

Ep14 Peter Egan on Egypt's donkeys & the wider fight for animal welfare

In this episode of the Pets Magazine Podcast, we speak to actor and animal welfare advocate Peter Egan (Downton Abbey, Ever Decreasing Circles) about his work with Safe Haven for Donkeys and the charity’s powerful new short film, Beyond. Filmed in Egypt’s brick kilns, Beyond documents a rare and measurable improvement in donkey welfare after three years of veterinary care, education, and collaboration with kiln owners. The episode explores how practical solutions, including a live pilot replacing donkey labour with tractors, are creating lasting change on the ground. This final instalment in the trilogy shifts the narrative from suffering to progress – offering a hopeful, evidence-led look at how animal welfare can improve in challenging environments. We also touch on Peter’s wider animal welfare work, recently recognised with the Jane Goodall Hope Award, named in honour of the late environmental activist Dame Jane Goodall. Watch, listen and discover how advocacy, innovation and persistence are helping to transform lives – for animals and the people who depend on them.

Ep. 13: Ben Randall: Dog Training, Barking & Building Calm Dogs | Pets Mag Podcast

In Episode 13 of The Pets Mag Podcast, Marie Carter-Robb speaks to award-winning trainer and Kennel Club A-Panel judge Ben Randall. With more than 150,000 dogs passing through his care over 17 years – and clients ranging from families to David Beckham and Gordon Ramsay – Ben explains why barking is a symptom, not the problem, and how owners can build calm, confident partnerships with their dogs through clarity, consistency and connection. Topics include: – Why bribery-based training fails – The foundations every dog needs – Fixing barking and overexcitement – What to look for in a good trainer Listen now: petsmag.co.uk/podcast [http://www.petsmag/podcast]

Ep 12: Broadcaster Carole Malone & Murphy her Tibetan Terrier

In the latest episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, broadcaster and journalist Carole Malone shares the story of Murphy – the wilful, soulful Tibetan Terrier who’s been by her side for six years. What began as a spark of love at first sight became a deep and joyful partnership – one that would even inspire a life-changing decision. With warmth, humour and honesty, Carole reflects on the quiet power our dogs have to walk beside us through heartache, keep us moving, and remind us what really matters. Follow Carole on Instagram @thecarolemalone [https://www.instagram.com/thecarolemalone].

Ep. 11: Mitral Valve Repair in Dogs: Professor Daniel Brockman on the Future of Canine Cardiac Surgery

An interview with Daniel Brockman, Professor of Small Animal Surgery and the Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the Royal Veterinary College.  In this powerful episode of The Pets Mag Podcast, Marie Carter-Robb speaks with one of the world’s leading veterinary surgeons about a quiet revolution taking place inside one of Britain’s most advanced operating theatres. Mitral valve disease affects the vast majority of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels by the age of eight. Until recently, the condition was considered untreatable by surgery. But now, thanks to a groundbreaking programme at the Royal Veterinary College, dogs with early-stage heart failure are being given a second chance at life through mitral valve repair – an intricate, open-heart procedure available at just three centres in the English-speaking world. Professor Brockman walks us through the science, the stories, and the soul of this extraordinary work – from surgical risk and emotional toll to the ethics, cost, and long-term hope for dogs and their families. To learn more about MVD, early warning signs, and surgery eligibility, listen to the full interview – or visit: www.petsmag.co.uk/podcast [http://www.petsmag.co.uk/podcast] More information about mitral valve repair surgery: www.rvc.ac.uk [http://www.rvc.ac.uk/]