DOG TALK® (and Kitties Too!) on 
Wolfie’s Wish — Support for Pet Loss Grief
#829C: Erica Messer created Wolfie’s Wish pet grief products — in particular her “grief cards” — when she was devastated after the tragic death of her kitty. With her mother’s support, she turned her grief into helping others with the same struggle.
“Spectrum of Care” What Does That Mean?
#829B: Dr. Emily Tincher explains what “spectrum of care” means at Nationwide, an unusual philosophy for a pet insurance company: that veterinarians can support pet owners choosing palliative care rather than doing the medical maximum, and they can all feel okay about that.
The Dog & Cat Lady Goes Exotic!
#829A: Tracie and Dr. Doug Mader discuss why they just launched their podcast EXOTIC PETS, because an atypical human-animal bond is just as meaningful to people, whether it’s a fish, a spider or a bunny — and owners need to know how to be good stewards of these unusual pets.
The Musical Director with a Snake “Scarf”
#828C: Musical director Alex Rybeck talk about how he came to have as his non-human companion Petula, the corn snake, as featured in Johanna Seigmann’s book “In Good Company (Notable People with Their Pets).”
Unconditional Care for Homeless Pet Owners
#828B: Dr. Robert Duquette, Associate Director of Veterinary Professional Services for Companion Animals at Merck, talks about being the company’s liaison for their Street Dog Coalition, which supports veterinarians helping the pets of unhomed people as part of their “Unconditional Campaign.”
“Doubly Diverse” — A Veterinarian Who is Male & Black
#828A: Dr. Kwane Stewart, the founder of Project Street Vet, talks about the challenges of being a minority in his field and what it has meant to be asked to join the Diversity Committee of the California Veterinary Medical Board.
From High Flying Executive to Donkey Rescuer
#827C: How did Ron King go from being That Guy who wears a Gucci swimsuit to sit by the pool (by himself!), to managing Oscar’s Place Donkey Adoption Center & Sanctuary in Northern California? As a lifelong donkey lover and owner, Tracie saw Ron’s photos in Johanna Siegmann’s gorgeous book, “In Good Company (Notable People with Their Pets)” and had to find out for herself.
“Spray & Play” — Pest Control Without Chemicals
#827B: Stephanie Boone, the Founder of the company Wondercide, talks about having created natural alternatives to spraying chemicals on pets, property and people so they can be safely pest-free. Steph created the saying “Spray and Play” because Wondercide products are so safe that kids and pets can be right in the yard while it’s being treated against ticks, fleas and other bothersome insects.
Very British Essays on Dogs
#827A: Rowan Hisayo Buchanan talks about commissioning and editing (with fellow essayist Jessica L. Lee) their fascinating book “Dog Hearted: Essays on Our Fierce and Familiar Companions,” which Tracie found markedly different from the way Americans tend to memorialize their dogs in literature.
#826B: Jennifer Wheeler is the owner with her husband of NYC Doggies and they’ve written a book called “Whole Dog Parenting: Everything You Need to Raise and Train an Urban Pup” to help city people — and even those with more grass than concrete under their paws! — to be the best dogs they can.