Doggy Dan Podcast Show

Show 37: Jennifer Cattet: The Amazing Talents of Trained Service Dogs

Jennifer Cattet: The Amazing Talents of Trained Service Dogs

Today’s Guest

Jennifer Cattet Ph.D. CPDT-KA:

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Jennifer Cattet, the founder of Medical Mutts,  a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to the training of high quality diabetes alert dogs, seizure dogs and psychiatric service dogs, while providing a new lease of life to shelter dogs.

Jennifer is a wonderful person to chat with regarding service animals because she has an incredible amount of education around the topic. In fact, she has a PhD in Ethology from the University of Geneva in Switzerland where she studied dog behavior and has worked with dogs for over 35 years now.

Today Jennifer and her husband have a dual mission…to rehabilitate shelter dogs and to make it possible for anyone who is in need of a service animal to get the training, instruction and resources they need. 

Of course, during our time together, Jennifer also sheds light on the amazing abilities dogs have to aid humans with health related issues and provides an incredible amount of information regarding why it’s so important to help people in need of service dogs get the resources they need to thrive. 

Jennifer’s mission is a win-win for both dogs and humans alike.  

If you’re curious about service dogs, what types of jobs they can perform, and how they are trained, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss!

You’ll Hear About: 

• [01:00] Who is Jennifer Cattet and What’s Medical Mutts All About
• [02:30] The Difference Between Service and Therapy Dogs 
• [03:30] What Services Can Dogs Provide?
• [04:00] How Dogs Detect Conditions with Smell 
• [11:00] The Science of Smell  
• [12:00] Amazing Baby Bath Tub Story    
• [21:30] Psychiatric Therapy Dogs 
• [24:30] Can Dogs Count?
• [27:00] Requirements for a Good Service Dog 
• [30:00] Attributes of a Great Service Dog 
• [36:00] Do Service Dogs Have to Be Perfect? 
• [39:30] Are You Cut Out to Be a Service Dog Trainer?
• [42:00] Get Connected with Medical Mutts 

How Can You Get Involved

Help Medical Mutts by donating, sponsoring a dog or volunteering.

Interested in training your own service dog? Medical Mutts offers online LIVE classes that you can join, no matter where you live in the world!

Links & Resources

• Website: https://medicalmutts.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MedicalMutts
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/medicalmutts/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennifercattet
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoPj_4-SIHs2FN1_iJ0vBiw/videos
• Train Your Own Service Dog: https://medicalmutts.org/train-your-own-service-dog/

Chai the Diabetic Alert Dog - https://youtu.be/QvObXmuElqU

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

 

Cheers,

Show 36: Nigel Reed: Emotional Intelligence Based Dog Training

Nigel Reed: Emotional Intelligence Based Dog Training

Today’s Guest

Nigel Reed

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Nigel Reed, a dog trainer with over 20 years of experience who specializes in emotional intelligence based dog training techniques.

Nigel has turned his love for dogs into a lifelong career, helping families rebuild their relationships with their pups using kind training techniques and has an incredible resume behind his name! 

In fact, Nigel is the author of the bestselling book, The Dog Guardian and he holds certificates and qualifications in dog training behavior, animal assisted therapy, and wolf studies.

If you’re curious about Nigel’s dog training methods and how they are both similar and different from my own training methods, I invite you to check out my podcast episode now!

You’ll Hear About: 

• [01:00] Who is Nigel Reed
• [03:00] Nigel’s Approach to Dog Training  
• [05:30] Emotional Intelligence Training Concept 
• [07:30] The problem with shock collars and other harsh methods    
• [14:30] 5 Building Blocks for Training  
• [17:00] Fight, Freeze, or Flight    
• [23:30] How to Raise a Happy Dog    
• [25:40] Pack Leader Misconceptions 
• [31:00] Crossover Between Wolves and Domestic Dogs 
• [33:20] Candidolgy 
• [34:50] The Issue With Zero Boundaries   
• [37:30] Learn More About Nigel Reed

Links & Resources

• Website: https://www.thedogguardian.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogGuardian
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedogguardian/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedogguardian
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/LondonDogListener
• Book: The Dog Guardian: https://www.thedogguardian.com/buy-the-dog-training-book, also available on Audible.

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

 

Cheers,

Show 35: Jim and Jamie Dutcher: Living With Wolves – Six Years With The Sawtooth Pack

Jim and Jamie Dutcher: Living With Wolves – Six Years With The Sawtooth Pack

Today’s Guest

Jim and Jamie Dutcher

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guests, Jim and Jamie Dutcher – cinematographers and wolf behavioral experts who spent 6 years living in the wild amongst a wolf pack to study their behavior.

In the past, there wasn’t much known about wolf behavior and sadly, popular stories like Little Red Riding Hood, painted a negative picture about how wolves behave in real life. 

Jim and Jamie Dutcher have played an incredible role in getting rid of negative stereotypes associated with wolves and have brought to light just how gentle, shy, and family-oriented they truly are. 

Throughout our talk, they share incredible stories about their time with the wolves and also shed light into the true temperaments, behaviors, and personalities that these beautiful beings embody. 

If you’re curious about the real truth behind the lives of wolves, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss!

You’ll Hear About: 

• [01:00] Who are Jim and Jamie Dutcher
• [03:00] True Wolf Temperament 
• [07:30] Wolf Enclosure Setup 
• [14:30] Fascinating Wolf Routines 
• [17:30] Wolf Bonds 
• [20:00] Shocking Wolf Encounter   
• [24:00] Feeding Wolves
• [27:00] The Potato Chip Story  
• [29:00] Mourning Wolves
• [31:00] The Truth About Wolves and Livestock  
• [35:00] The Unfortunate Truth About Population Control  
• [40:00] All About The Living With Wolves Organization 
• [43:00] Dan’s Burning Questions about Sex, Marking, and More.

How You Can Get Involved

Go to https://www.livingwithwolves.org/ and support Jim and Jamie’s ongoing work to save the wolves. You can donate, or buy their beautiful books and continue learning more about the Sawtooth Pack.. 

If you’re a parent or educator then get hold of their learning packs. 

Above all, spread the word about how amazing and beautiful these precious creatures are, and how important they are to maintaining ecological balance.

Links & Resources

• Website: https://www.livingwithwolves.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-with-Wolves/118401838193984
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/living_w_wolves/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/LWWolves
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPCMGVbGZwzCpJgyiW7126A
• Books and Videos: https://www.livingwithwolves.org/products/
• Farley Mowat’s book: Never Cry Wolf https://www.amazon.com.au/Never-Cry-Wolf/dp/B00NPBH9NM/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=never+cry+wolf&qid=1630832973&sr=8-1

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

 

 

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

 

Cheers,

Show 34: Dr. Karen Becker: Zoopharmacognosy & The Science Behind Healthy Dog Diets

Dr. Karen Becker: Zoopharmacognosy & The Science Behind Healthy Dog Diets

Today’s Guest

Dr. Karen Becker:

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Dr. Karen Becker, a world-famous vetertain who is known for her unique perspective on the importance of feeding dogs raw, natural, species-appropriate diets.

Dr. Becker has shared a love for animals since childhood, saving bugs on the road and doing everything in her power to ensure the wildlife around her was safe and sound. This passion led her to a career in animal rehabilitation, which then ultimately led to her becoming a veterinarian. 

Dr. Becker’s story isn’t quite like every other vet’s, however. Growing up in a healthy proactive home, along with her education in zoopharmacognosy has provided her with a perspective on how to properly feed dogs that you won’t find within many vet offices. 

If you’re curious about how to determine what your pup should be eating, along with the science behind how it all works, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss!

You’ll Hear About: 

• [01:00] Who is Dr. Karen Becker
• [03:00] Dr. Becker’s Journey to Vet Care 
• [08:30] Why Pet Food Education is Important to Dr. Becker
• [12:30] Evolutionary Animal Food    
• [15:30] The Challenges of Modern Vet Care Education 
• [18:30] Our Responsibility as Pet Parents   
• [21:30] The Science behind Zoopharmacognosy   
• [26:30] The Benefit of Letting Dogs Eat Grass and Dirt 
• [32:00] Is All Pet Kibble Bad?
• [34:00] The Benefits of Varied Diet  
• [36:30] Nurturing Your Dog’s Microbiome 
• [38:30] How Making Small Changes Can Make a Big Impact 
• [49:00] Learn More About Dr. Becker and Her Work

How You Can Get Involved

Keep an eye out for Dr. Becker’s new book, The Forever Dog, coming out in October, 2021.

Educate yourself about pet health and well-being so you can be an advocate for your dog. A great place to start is Dr. Becker’s podcast show < link to https://healthypets.mercola.com/podcast.aspx > and the docufilm, Pet Fooled! < Link to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1axZ9vSjmI >

Links & Resources

• Website: https://www.drkarenbecker.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctor.karen.becker
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarenbecker/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/drkarenbecker
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MercolaHealthyPets
• Podcast Show: https://healthypets.mercola.com/podcast.aspx
• Dr. Becker’s new book, The Forever Dog: https://foreverdog.com/
• Docufilm Pet Fooled: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1axZ9vSjmI

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates. 

 

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan 🙂

 

 

 

Show 33: Dr. Asaf Dagan: Intuitive Body and Behavior Tracking Dog Collar

Dr. Asaf Dagan: Intuitive Body and Behavior Tracking Dog Collar

Today’s Guest

Dr. Asaf Dagan: Intuitive Body and Behavior Tracking Dog Collar

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Dr. Asaf Dagan, the chief veterinarian and co-founder of PetPace.

Dr. Asaf is a graduate from Tufts University and specializes in canine and feline medicine. As a vet he has a thorough understanding of how medical devices function and has used that expertise to help create a collar that is capable of collecting important data including heart rate, respiration, and sleep activity.

This technology is incredibly important as it’s a pioneer in detecting health issues in pets before they become a major problem. Of course, on top of the many medical benefits, these collars also have built-in GPS systems that help owners keep track of where their pets are—a major safety feature especially for pet parents that have pups that like to run! 

If you love your pup and you love technology I think you’re really going to enjoy this latest podcast! Don’t miss it!

You’ll Hear About:

• [01:00] Who is Dr. Asaf Dagan
• [01:30] What is PetPace?
• [03:30] PetPace Monitoring  
• [06:30] Why PetPace Collars Are So Important  
• [12:00] The Science Behind PetPace Technology   
• [15:00] Activity Tracking  
• [19:00] GPS Tracking Abilities  
• [22:00] The Importance of Activity Tracking 
• [24:30] Where to Get a PetPace Collar 
• [26:30] Incredible Rhodesian Ridgeback Story 
• [29:30] Use In Epileptic Dogs 
• [31:30] HRV Tracking
• [33:30] PetPace Purchasing Information

Links & Resources 

• Website: https://petpace.com/

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

Cheers,

Show 32: DeDe Murcer Moffett: Raw Food Diets for Dogs - Should You Make the Switch?

DeDe Murcer Moffett: Raw Food Diets for Dogs – Should You Make the Switch?

Today’s Guest

DeDe Murcer Moffett – Dog Food Nutritionist & CEO of Raw Dog Food and Co.

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, DeDe Murcer Moffett, a dog food nutritionist and CEO of Raw Dog Food and Co

DeDe first became interested in raw food for dogs when her friend’s poor pup was on death’s door. Her friend was told to take his dog home and let nature run its course. He wasn’t about to let his best friend pass without trying anything, so he began to research raw dog food diets. The dog made a miraculous turnaround and shocked everyone. 

This piqued DeDe’s interest in learning more about raw food for her own furbaby.  

20 years later DeDe has continued to feed her pups raw food and has become a certified raw dog food nutritionist in order to help other pet parents provide their pups with the best nutrition possible. 

If you want to improve your dog’s health and increase your dog’s longevity, or are interested in how to get your pup started on a raw diet, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss! 

You’ll Hear About:

• [01:00] Who is DeDe Murcer Moffett 
• [03:30] How DeDe Got Started with Raw Food 
• [06:30] A Dog’s Carnivorous Design 
• [9:00] The Truth About “Premium” Kibbles  
• [11:30] How Convenience Kills  
• [13:00] All About Preservatives 
• [18:00] The Importance of Variety in a Dog’s Diet 
• [24:00] Can a Dog Be Vegetarian? 
• [28:30] Safe Bones for Dogs to Eat Whole 
• [34:30] Why Vets Don’t Encourage Raw Diets  
• [49:00] Logic Behind Raw Food Diets

How You Can Get Involved

Add some raw food to YOUR dog’s diet! You can start with eggs, sardines, raw chicken, mince and meaty bones. 

Watch DeDe’s video for raw feeding beginners: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfLLrWdbEyc

Continue your education by subscribing to The Raw Dog Food Truth Podcast and complete the transition away from processed food … and just watch your dog’s health, coat, odor and poops improve! 

If you’re in the USA, there’s a good chance that Raw Dog Food and Co will ship to your area. Otherwise, reach out to your local pet-lovers’ community to find out how to source raw meat, organs and bones for a reasonable price in your location.

… And remember, what you spend on food now, you’ll SAVE on vet bills later!  

Links & Resources 

• Website: https://rawdogfoodandco.com
• The article DeDe mentions at 16:41: This shows which foods in the raw diet provide the various nutrients our dogs need: https://rawdogfoodandco.com/what-about-vitamin-and-minerals-in-the-raw-diet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rawdogfoodandco
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raw_dog_food_and_company/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/rawdogfoodandco
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZ7Komi7fjhCp-9DzOuAbQ

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan 

Show 31: Christina Burki: The Power of Animal Communication and Connection

Christina Burki: The Power of Animal Communication and Connection

Today’s Guest

Christina Burki – Animal Communicator

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Christina Burki, an animal communicator that works to bring peace and understanding between animal parents and their pets.

Christina’s journey began as a psychotherapist for humans. Everything changed when she adopted her first dog, a labrador, and decided to take a course on animal communication.

During the workshop, Christina realized she had a gift for communicating with animals who were willing to share their thoughts. At risk of being called crazy by her peers, she began reading animals in hopes of helping pet parents around the world. 

If you have any interest in how Christina talks to animals, what they have to say, and want to hear some incredible stories from her work, this is a podcast you don’t want to miss!

You’ll Hear About:

• [01:00] Who is Christina Burki
• [06:00] Christina’s first animal communication experience
• [08:00] Elle and Chris’s Story
• [10:30] Labrador’s Healing Kidney Story
• [14:00] Amazing Elephant Story
• [19:00] How Animal Communication Works
• [25:00] Christina’s Communication Services
• [28:00] Aggressive Horse Story
• [32:00] Stories On Crossing the Rainbow Bridge 
• [39:00] Ubud’s Story 
• [43:00] How to Connect with and Learn More About Christina’s Work

Links & Resources

• Website: https://www.animalcommunications.com.au/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/animalconnectvision/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animal_connect/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxt9i-HKLucfoSADc37uiog/videos

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan 

Show 30: Dr. Conor Brady: The Amazing Benefits of Raw Food for Dogs

Dr. Conor Brady: The Amazing Benefits of Raw Food for Dogs

Today’s Guest

Dr. Conor Brady – Canine Nutritionist

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Dr. Conor Brady, a canine nutritionist that specializes in the benefits of raw food diets for dogs! 

Dr. Brady’s interest in raw food diets began after moving to Perth Australia to work at an incredible guide dog organization. At the time, raw food diets were all the rage in Perth, a complete 180 from what was popular in his native country, Ireland. 

During his time in Perth, Dr. Conor was given the opportunity to transform the lives of the dogs he worked with while switching them to raw diets instead of processed foods. The work he did within rescue organizations and the research he put into the benefits of raw diets for dogs is incredible.

If you have any interest in the science behind what makes a healthy diet for a dog and how to begin the process of feeding your own dog raw foods, this podcast was made for you! 

From science backed information to heartwarming stories of Dr. Brady’s time working with rescue organizations, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss!

You’ll Hear About:

• [01:00] Who is Dr. Conor Brady
• [02:00] How Dr. Brady Became Immersed in Raw Diets for Dogs  
• [03:00] Dr. Brady’s Raw Food Experiment 
• [06:30] How Raw Food Saved Rescue Organizations Billions of Dollars 
• [09:30] What’s Inside Dr. Brady’s Raw Food Diet 
• [13:30] Primary Concerns with Processed Dog Foods
• [17:30] Feeding Dogs: Dr. Brady’s Science Based Book 
• [23:30] The Scary Truth Behind Early Dog Deaths 
• [30:30] Why Dogs are 10x More Likely to Get Cancer than Humans 
• [36:30] Should Your Dog Eat Plant Matter? 
• [39:30] How to Access Dr. Brady’s Book, Research, and Other Info

How You Can Get Involved:

Buy Dr. Conor’s latest book, “Feeding Dogs”: Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind The Dry Versus Raw Debate

Show 29: Mutual Rescue: The Incredible Healing Power of Dog and Human Relationships

Show 29: Mutual Rescue: The Incredible Healing Power of Dog and Human Relationships

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Today’s Guest

 

 

 

Dr. Conor Brady – Canine Nutritionist

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Dr. Conor Brady, a canine nutritionist that specializes in the benefits of raw food diets for dogs! 

Dr. Brady’s interest in raw food diets began after moving to Perth Australia to work at an incredible guide dog organization. At the time, raw food diets were all the rage in Perth, a complete 180 from what was popular in his native country, Ireland. 

During his time in Perth, Dr. Conor was given the opportunity to transform the lives of the dogs he worked with while switching them to raw diets instead of processed foods. The work he did within rescue organizations and the research he put into the benefits of raw diets for dogs is incredible.

If you have any interest in the science behind what makes a healthy diet for a dog and how to begin the process of feeding your own dog raw foods, this podcast was made for you! 

From science backed information to heartwarming stories of Dr. Brady’s time working with rescue organizations, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss!

You’ll Hear About

• [01:00] Who is Dr. Conor Brady
• [02:00] How Dr. Brady Became Immersed in Raw Diets for Dogs  
• [03:00] Dr. Brady’s Raw Food Experiment 
• [06:30] How Raw Food Saved Rescue Organizations Billions of Dollars 
• [09:30] What’s Inside Dr. Brady’s Raw Food Diet 
• [13:30] Primary Concerns with Processed Dog Foods
• [17:30] Feeding Dogs: Dr. Brady’s Science Based Book 
• [23:30] The Scary Truth Behind Early Dog Deaths 
• [30:30] Why Dogs are 10x More Likely to Get Cancer than Humans 
• [36:30] Should Your Dog Eat Plant Matter? 
• [39:30] How to Access Dr. Brady’s Book, Research, and Other Info

How You Can Get Involved:

Buy Dr. Conor’s latest book, “Feeding Dogs”:  Feeding Dogs: The Science Behind The Dry Versus Raw Debate

Get started feeding raw with Dr. Conor’s YouTube series: Dr. Conor Brady - Raw Dog Food in 10-minutes

Links & Resources

• Website: https://dogsfirst.ie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DogsFirstIreland/
• In the podcast we talked about a Ted Talk…here’s the link to that Ted Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uNDWvejza4c&t=4s
• Here’s the follow-on scandal TWO YEARS LATER: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-04-30/popular-dog-food-suspected-of-making-dogs-sick-advance-dermocare/9699866

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan 

 

 

Show 29: Mutual Rescue: The Incredible Healing Power of Dog and Human Relationships

Mutual Rescue: The Incredible Healing Power of Dog and Human Relationships

Today’s Guest

Carol Novello – Mutual Rescue

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Carol Novello, the founder of Mutual Rescue. Mutual Rescue is an organization that is devoted to demonstrating that when people adopt animals, their own lives can be dramatically transformed in positive and often unexpected ways.

Carol’s perspective on rescuing dogs (who go on to “rescue” their humans) is brilliant and is key for helping heal communities of people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, health issues, and more!

During our time together Carol shares some beautiful stories and illustrates how important our canine companions truly are. From a dog that helped his human lose weight and finally regain his health to a pooch that helped his owner cope with job loss I have no doubt you’ll be moved by all the “tails” that are shared.

I really hope you’ll join us to hear first hand how communities are being transformed via dog and human relationships. Who knows…you might even see yourself in some of the stories that Carol shares!

If you’re interested in learning more about Mutual Rescue and how this organization is working hard to heal both dogs and humans you don’t want to miss today’s podcast!

You’ll Hear About:

• [00:30] The Mission of Mutual Rescue
• [03:30] Carol’s Story
• [07:00] The Power of Animal Connections
• [08:30] Eric and Peety’s Story
• [10:00] The Science of Animal/Human Connection
• [11:00] Josh and Scouts Story
• [16:00] Doggy Day Out Program
• [21:30] Mike and Abby’s Story
• [28:30] How Animals Help Us Tune Into Ourselves
• [41:30] How you can get involved in Mutual Rescue

How You Can Get Involved:

If you’re interested in getting involved with Mutual Rescue I encourage you to visit their website. On the website you can learn more about the project as well as the various opportunities to get involved or help support the amazing organization.

Together we can make an incredible impact on the lives of dogs and the people who love them!

Links & Resources

• Website: https://mutualrescue.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MutualRescue/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/mutualrescue/
• YouTube Stories: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyHzbGa72hBw7v0GkQcQvwA

Watch here: https://youtu.be/JD0_IeAAa7c

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on TODT App / iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

 

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan 

Show 28: The Big Fix Uganda: Improving the Lives of Dogs and Humans Around the Globe

The Big Fix Uganda: Improving the Lives of Dogs and Humans Around the Globe

Today’s Guest

Sarah Schmidt - Founder of The Big Fix Uganda

I’m so excited to introduce to you today’s guest, Sarah Schmidt, the founder of The Big Fix Uganda. Sarah and her team do incredible work to help improve the lives of the dogs and people in Uganda through providing spay/neuter programs for population control, veterinary care to help fight off disease that can spread to both animals and humans, and dog training education.

All of these elements are essential to helping improve the health and wellbeing of both the dogs and the people of Uganda, all while promoting important human-animal bonds. 

On top of providing care and education, this organization has another amazing program called the Comfort Dog Project. This program is aimed at helping Ugandan war trauma survivors overcome the debilitating symptoms of PTSD.

Sadly, the experiences of Acholi people in Northern Uganda are incredibly traumatic. It wasn’t uncommon for children to be kidnapped and forced to serve in the rebel army either as sex slaves or as gun-bearing soldiers.

These types of experiences truly cause a degradation in the social fiber of the people. You don't have the ability to trust other people, to live in community with other people. The Big Fix Uganda has been a cornerstone in helping heal the people in this community by connecting them with dogs. 

Having these programs in place is a HUGE win-win for both the people and dogs in Uganda and has brought about healing (for both the people and the canines) in ways you would never believe is possible. 

If you’re interested in learning more about The Big Fix Uganda and the incredible ways they are healing communities and improving the lives of both dogs and people you don’t want to miss today’s podcast!

You’ll Hear About:

• [02:15] The Mission of The Big Fix Uganda
• [03:45] The Devastation of the Acholi people in Northern Uganda
• [06:00] How dogs and humans are helping each other heal
• [07:00] The Comfort Dog Project
• [10:00] The Science Behind the Comfort Dog Project
• [11:00] Charles Healing Story with Dog Ogen
• [14:00] The importance of names to the Acholi people
• [17:30] Lucy’s Story
• [21:30] How the Comfort Dog Project Works
• [23:30] How you can help support The Big Fix Uganda

How You Can Get Involved:

If you’re interested in getting involved with The Big Fix Uganda I encourage you to visit their website. On the website you can learn more about the project as well as the various opportunities to support them by giving financially, becoming a volunteer, or donating supplies. 

Together we can make an incredible impact on the lives of dogs and the people who love them!

Links & Resources

• Website: https://www.thebigfixuganda.org/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBigFixUganda/
• NTV story about Comfort Dog Project:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3UJUW4awmk
• BBC Video about Filda and Lok Oroma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCgOu0p7x0c
• Video showing Lucy and Sadik: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nmMSbVKcMuw

Learn more by tuning into the podcast!

Thanks for listening—and again, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes / Spotify to get automatic updates.

Cheers,

~Doggy Dan