To Adopt or To Shop, Part 1: Adopt

Olivia the Facility Dog: Bringing Love and Healing to Children in Need at GBMC

We would love to hear from you. Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2497995/fan_mail/new] In this episode of "Dog is Love," hosts Chrissy and Cara speak with Sarah Perl, Medical Director of Greater Baltimore Medical Center’s Child Protection Program, about Olivia—the hospital’s first facility dog. They explore Olivia’s journey from service dog training to providing comfort for children facing trauma, the distinctions between facility, therapy, and service dogs, and the rigorous training involved. Sarah shares heartwarming stories of Olivia’s intuitive support for both children and hospital staff, highlighting the profound impact facility dogs have in medical settings. The episode also discusses fundraising efforts and offers resources for listeners interested in therapy dog programs.  Helpful Links: 1. GBMC's Paws for Protection [https://www.classy.org/event/paws-for-protection/e717266] – More information about GBMC's Child Protection Program and link for donations to further fund Olivia's care. 2. Hero Dogs [https://www.hero-dogs.org/about-hero-dogs/] – Non-profit organization that raises and trains service and facility dogs for veterans, first responders, and community organizations in the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan  area.  3. American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Good Citizen Program [https://www.akc.org/products-services/training-programs/canine-good-citizen/] – For those who want to earn a formal “Therapy Dog” title through AKC-recognized organizations. Explains number of visits, criteria, etc. 4. Pet Partners [https://petpartners.org] – A leading national nonprofit registering therapy-animal teams (not just dogs). Their “Become a Handler” page walks through the steps: handler training, team evaluation, registration. 5. Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) [https://www.therapydogs.com] – An international registry that provides testing, certification, registration, and support/insurance for therapy-dog teams. 6. Pets on Wheels [https://www.petsonwheels.org]– Pets on Wheels brings pet therapy to people all over the state of Maryland. Regularly visiting nursing homes and hospitals to assisted living facilities, homeless and domestic violence shelters, veterans’ hospitals, libraries, schools, colleges, corporate campuses and more 7. Assistance Dogs International (ADI) [https://assistancedogsinternational.org]–  Worldwide coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train and place Assistance Dogs. Helpful resource providing clarity on differences between types of assistance/therapy dogs.

New Puppy Survival Guide, Part Two

We would love to hear from you. Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2497995/fan_mail/new] In this episode of "The Dog Is Love Podcast," hosts Chrissy and Cara continue their conversation about bringing home a new puppy. They discuss the challenges and joys of the journey while giving you practical tips and the supplies needed - leashes, collars, crate, food, comforting toys - you name it. With relatable anecdotes and plenty of humor, they aim to support new puppy parents through the joys and messes of raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tune it! Link to products: https://linktr.ee/dogislovepodcast [https://linktr.ee/dogislovepodcast]

New Puppy Survival Guide, Part One

We would love to hear from you. Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2497995/fan_mail/new] In this episode of "The Dog Is Love Podcast," hosts Chrissy and Cara share their personal experiences and practical tips for bringing home a new puppy. They discuss the challenges of sleepless nights, potty and crate training, and the emotional growth that comes with puppy care. The hosts offer advice on essential supplies like leashes, collars, and comforting toys. With relatable anecdotes and helpful guidance, they aim to support new puppy parents through the joys and messes of raising a happy, well-adjusted dog. Product Links: https://linktr.ee/dogislovepodcast [https://linktr.ee/dogislovepodcast] Canine to Five [https://www.caninetofiveonline.com] Providing premier dog care services in the Greater Baltimore area Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To Adopt or To Shop, Part 2: Shop

We would love to hear from you. Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2497995/fan_mail/new] In this episode of the Dog is Love Podcast, Chrissy and Cara explore the “shop” side of the adopt or shop debate, focusing on how to choose a puppy from a breeder. They discuss puppy development stages, the importance of socialization, health screenings, and responsible breeder practices. The hosts share their personal experiences and offer practical tips for evaluating puppies and breeders, including questions to ask and red flags to watch for. The episode emphasizes making informed decisions to ensure the health and happiness of the puppies and you, their future family. Tune in! Canine to Five [https://www.caninetofiveonline.com] Providing premier dog care services in the Greater Baltimore area Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

To Adopt or To Shop, Part 1: Adopt

We would love to hear from you. Send us a text! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2497995/fan_mail/new] Thinking of bringing a new dog into your life? In this episode, Chrissy and Cara discuss the key considerations for adopting versus shopping for a dog. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, understanding breed characteristics, and assessing lifestyle compatibility before bringing a dog home. The conversation covers the challenges and rewards of adoption, the significance of patience and trust-building, and the need to gather information about a dog’s background. Listeners are encouraged to be honest about their capabilities and to prepare for a long-term commitment, ensuring both the dog and owner can thrive together.  Canine to Five [https://www.caninetofiveonline.com] Providing premier dog care services in the Greater Baltimore area Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.