Maria's Mutts & Stuff

Maria chats with returning guest Sy Montgomery (who's been referred to as The Octopus Whisperer)
about her new book SECRETS OF THE OCTOPUS!
Sy teaches us about octopus and their ways and why we are fascinated by them--they're shapeshifters!!
The book also has gorgeous close-ups of them in their environment. Listen and Learn!

Maria chats with Dr. Phil Bushby, a veterinary professional at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Bushby iis a trailblazer in his fight against animal overpopulation. He shares his vast knowledge about spaying and neutering, especially feline fix by five which means not the standard spaying/neutering after six months.
Listen and Learn!

Maria chats with returning guest Pete Paxton about his latest undercover investigations; the upcoming puppy mill documentary Under Belly; and a new book about greyhound racing.
And Cailen LaBarge joins to talk about the fight for the Clean Water Act that SEED (Strategies for Ethical & Environmental Development: ethicalstrategies.org) has been working on.

Lotsa info and lots for you to learn so give a listen!

Maria chats with Founder & CEO McCauley Williams about the new tequila Alma Del Jaguar; an "exceptional tequila protecting jaguars" ! They keep it local, it's sustainable packaging and all for a good cause. As it says at almadeljaguar.comJaguars are our mission. Not our mascot.
Give a listen and learn!!

Maria chats with science writer and editor Jennifer Szymanski about Nat Geo Kids book Deadliest Animals On The Planet!

With stunning photos and fascinating descriptions, you can learn about the fearsome and dangerous animals and insects on the planet. Educational for adults as well!

Maria chats with one of her favorites MUTTS Comic Strip creator Patrick McDonnell who returns to talk about the latest: If you follow MUTTS, Guard Dog (who's been tethered for years) was finally freed this week and ultimately adopted!! You can learn more at mutts.com/pages/guard-dog

Patrick is a huge animal advocate and uses MUTTS to spread the word.
You can also learn about Patrick and the books he's written; products to buy (with % going to animal rescue); how we can help chained dogs and more at mutts.com.

Birdwatching is one of the fastest growing hobbies. Maria chats with Natalie and John White,
co-founders of Birda, the new birdwatching app! Become part of the community while appreciating nature by downloading the app!

***Due to technical difficulties beyond my control, this interview has clicks and drop-outs. I did my best to salvage it as I wanted to share Natale and John with you. I appreciate your patience listening...Maria***

Maria chats with frequent guest veterinarian Dr. Amber Karwacki from Heart+Paw.
They discuss potential hazards for your dogs and cats with Thanksgiving approaching, plus info on the new mystery disease that's affecting dogs across the country. You'll learn what to look for!
Listen and Learn!

Maria chats with renowned cat behavior scientist Dr. Sarah Brown about her book The Hidden Language of Cats--How They Have Us at Meow.

Learn about the signals your cat is giving you just by its body language!
This book is delightful and full of info for the cat lover, new cat owner and anyone who wants to know more about our 4-legged pets!

Maria chats with Tricia Montgomery, founder of the non-profit Moose's March. The organization is in memory of Tricia's pup Moose whose life was cut short by cancer.

Moose's March provides support and education for early detection; like offering a FREEwebinar on Nov. 2nd. ClickHEREfor more information.

Maria chats with Dr. Marty Goldstein, a pioneer in animal health and nutrition for many years! His new book The Spirit of Animal Healing: An Integrative Medicine Guide to a Higher State of Well-Being is discussed, among many topics!

Dr. Marty was also the subject of The Dog Doc documentary, discussed on the podcast from March 13, 2020!!

DrMartyPets.com

Maria chats with Nat GEo Kids' Kathryn Williams about the-over-300-pagedNational Geographic Kids Weird But True! WORLD 2024.
Learn about the world's strangest ANIMALS, NATURAL WONDERS and more!!
This info-packed hardcover book will fascinate adults as well (I love it!)

Maria chats withShelter Animals Count (the National Database)'s Executive Director Stephanie Filer about the current crisis facing shelters across the country. Since 2012, they've been collecting and sharing data to help animals and communities. Shelters are still feeling the effects of the pandemic.
Give a listen and learn what YOU can do: Adopt, Foster, Volunteer, Donate.

Maria chats with Nat Geo Kids editor Christina Sauer (who really really loves horses) about the Nat Geo Kids book Can't Get Enough Horse Stuff!
Yes it's aimed at kids but there's lots you can learn about horses, plus fun facts that you probably don't know! And take the quiz to see what horse breed matches your personality!

Learn all about the Purrfectly Clean Paws Ramp created by Kevin and Patti Weber.
It keeps cat litter and dust in the cat litter box and not tracked all over your house!
And it's only $28.99!
Give a listen and learn about its creation! And more at simplypawsdesign.com.

Award-winning photographer and author Aliza Eliazarov discusses how to take photos with your phone or camera that will help get shelter animals adopted! (Simple things like taking the pic outside!)
Aliza shares her tips in honor of INTERNATIONAL HOMELESS ANIMALS DAY which is tomorrow August 19th.


Aliza and her partner Edward Doty have a new book The Best Dog: Hilarious to Heartwarming Portraits of the Pups We Love coming out October 31st. The book features many adopted dogs with amazing stories.

Remember: Adopt Don't Shop!!

Maria chats with S4EGlobal President and Board Member Robyn Beasley. Originally Stews 4 Elephants, Robyn founded the organization with fellow flight attendants to raise awareness about the ethical treatment of animals, especially elephants. As their website states "If an animal doesn't do it in the wild, don't pay to see the animal do it in captivity."

Listen to the interview and learn how you can help (we all can!) at S4EGlobal.org.

World Elephant Day is Saturday August 12th!
And S4EGlobal is holding a fundraiser on Thurs Sept 14th at The Cutting Room in NYC.

Maria chats with frequent guest Dr.Amber Karwacki (from Heart+Paw) about essential travel tips
when you take your pet(s) along on your summer trips!
I learned something, hope you will as well so you have a safe and fun trip with your pet this summer!

Maria chats with author Jennifer Ackerman about her latest bookWhat An Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds.Did you know that owls first appeared on Earth 56--65 MILLION years ago?? And an owl's ears are like a dog's nose?
Learn so much more about owls in this episode and in the book!

Maria chats withIsla Animals Rescuefounder Alison Sawyer about the history, and recent eviction of Isla Animals shelter.

Since 2001, they've helped hundreds of thousands of animals in Mexico. And as Alison explains "Caring is global"!!!

To help Isla Animals build a new shelter: https://www.islaanimals.org/

Or their GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-isla-animals-rescue

Maria chats with owner Danielle Mania about Udder Chaos Farm Sanctuary and how it came to be!
From a beef cattle farm, the sanctuary is now a home to animals in need.
Celebrating two years, she's looking forward to rescuing more animals, hosting events, educating, and providing a voice for the voiceless.

For more info and/or to donate: UdderChaos.org

(Their 2nd Annual (co-host event) Blueberry Festival is July 15th at Clement Farm in Pemberton NJ)

Maria chats with author and rescue dog handler Scott Hammond about his book Finding Caleb: Search and Rescue Dog Series. Scott talks about how he and his dog Boo help find lost people, and gives tips on what to do if you find yourself lost. Finding Caleb is the first of a series (second and third books are already done!)

Maria chats with Senior Editor Ariane Szu-Tu about the ALL NEW National Geographic Kids Almanac 2024. A great way to keep your kids (and you as well cuz I'm fascinated by these facts!) interested this summer. Lotsa fun animal facts, nature, science, games and a challenge too!
Pick up a copy at kids.nationalgeographic.com!

Maria chats with Nat Geo explorer and photographer Carlton Ward Jr about his breath-taking and informative book PATH OF THE PANTHER. We get a glimpse into the life of the Florida panther and what's being done to save it.

PS The interview was done before the Stanley Cup Finals; the Florida Panthers are currently IN the Stanley Cup Finals!

Maria chats with Nat Geo Kids Editor Kathryn Williams about WEIRD BUT TRUE! SHARKS.
As they say "300 fin-nomenal facts to dive into" about sharks.
Did you know that unborn sharks can sense danger?! And sharks don't blink!
Learn about sharks in a fun way--give a listen!

Maria chats with frequent guest veterinarian Dr Amber Karwacki from Heart+Paw.
With the warmer months ahead, Dr Karwacki talks about fun ways to exercise your dog; gradual exercise if your pet has been sedentary; and lots more!

Maria chats with explorer, field biologist and conservationist DAN O'NEILL about GIANTS,
Curiosity Stream's original 5-part series premiering May 18th!

Dan travels from Africa to South America and Australia in search of giant species while hopefully
finding out their evolutionary secrets.

The 5-part series includes Elephants, Lions, Sharks, Anacondas and Saltwater Crocodiles!

GIANTS Premieres May 18th on Curiosity Stream.

Maria chats with evolutionary biologist Jonathan B. Losos about his book "The Cats Meow"
Jonathan talks about how cats evolved and why they do the things they do!
It's a fun read and perfect if you're a cat lover or just want to learn more about cats!

It was just Earth Day (which should be EVERY day!) and Maria chats with Sandra Postel, Director of the independent Global Water Policy Project about our current water condition in the world and what we can all do to preserve and protect it!
This is all tied in to Nat Geo Kids book "Water!! Why Every Drop Counts and How You Can Start Making Waves To Protect It"!!

Maria chats with with author and illustrator Brian Selznick about his latest book (a "big" book of 528 pages with about 300 illustrations!) "Big Tree', a story about two seedlings and their journey to save the world! The idea originally came from Steven Spielberg--Brian's book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" was made into the movie Hugo by Martin Scorcese--hear how this book came to be and what lies ahead. Meryl Streep will narrate the audiobook!
Big Tree is enjoyable for children and adults as well; I loved it!

Maria chats with National Geographic photographer, author, conservationist and returning guest Joel Sartore about his latest book "Photo Ark Insects".
Joel explains how the pandemic affected his work; how the book came to be; how he photographed such teeny tiny beings; and his fave photos too!
Learn more (and get the book!) at joelsartore.com.

Maria's chats with Ledy Van Kavage, Best Friends Animal Society's Senior Legislative Attorney, about their new interactive online map that shows BSL (breed-specific laws) and ordinances across the country!

This map helps you if you're moving or thinking of living in a community where BSL exists.
It also helps to know where we need to make change! A pet should NOT be targeted because of its breed. If we remove BSL, more dogs can be adopted into their forever homes.

To see the map and to learn how you can help, go to bestfriends.org.

Maria chats with AnimalZone's host and executive producer Arthur von Wiesenberger about the award-winning animal show ANIMALZONE, now streaming on TUBI.TV.

ANIMALZONE features animal rescues, sanctuaries and animal welfare experts reaching millions of animal lovers! For more info, visit ANIMALZONE.ORG.

Maria chats with Dr. Michael Pinkus, author of "Pressure Point Therapy for Pets".
We can help our furry pals with a gentle touch of the finger, how cool is that!
From nervousness to an ear infection and more, check out the interview and the book and LEARN!

Maria chats with Mission Meow founder Sally Williams (a returning guest; Sally is the founder of The Brodie Fund) about her new non-profit Mission Meow. Mission Meow partners with businesses to crowd-fund donations for smaller feline-focused non-profits.
An example: Raising money for Catsbury Park's (NJ) expansion.
Learn more at missionmeow.org!

Maria chats with Co-Founder and Vice President Brian Reyngoudt of Operation K9 Beethoven, an non-profit organization that rescues and trains shelter dogs, then gives them to veterans, family members and first responders with PTSD, Free of charge! They also have a Pet Therapy Dog Program which visits VA homes and hospitals.
Give a listen and learn how you can help--they survive on donations: operationk9beethoven.com

Maria chats with Heart+Paw's Dr Amber Karwacki (4th time guest, now the Leader!) about how to enjoy your Super Bowl party while also keeping your pets safe. From what foods to keep out of your pet's reach to knowing when to keep your pets in another room...listen and learn!
Then have fun!

Maria chats with Best Friends Animal Society's Legislative Attorney Kelsey Gilmore Futeral about the exorbitant fees people in public housing have to pay in order to keep a pet! Learn more about this issue by listening, and please reach out to HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge asking HUD to issue guidelines to landlords so pet owners can afford to keep their pet!

Did you know there are over 40 million senior dogs living in the US (and that's a dog over the age of 7!) Maria chats with nationally respected veterinarian Dr. Albert Ahn on caring for your aging dog: signs to look for; winter hazards; and more. And most important? TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS! Listen and learn.

Sure it's all about turkeys this time of year, but there are amazing birds flying around in your own backyard! Maria chats with author, slow-birder and animal behaviorist Joan E. Strassman about birds, their behavior and how to enjoy them! Learn more in her book "Slow Birding: The Art and Science of Enjoying the Birds in Your Own Backyard"

Returning guest and author Carlyn Montes de Oca ("Dog As My Doctor, Cat As My Nurse") talks about her new book: "Junkyard Girl: A Memoir of Ancestry, Family Secrets and Second Chances", her true story of discovering she was adopted at the age of 57! And how the comfort of her dogs helped her throughout her life and today!

**Carlyn is donating 10% of book sales to Animal Protection New Mexico!**

Maria chats with The Hero's Benefit Founder Gabrielle Puglia about her organization that raises funds for veterans through her fundraisers, along with Patriot Paws Development Coordinator Sarah Mathers. Patriot Paws is the benefactor of this year's fundraiser.
Patriot Paws provides service dogs for free to veterans across the country!!
Learn about these two great organizations!! Follow @theherosbenefit and go to patriotpaws.org.

Maria chats with Heart + Paw's Dr. Amber Karwacki (Third Time Guest! Only one other member: Pete Paxton!) about keeping your pets safe and sound while you enjoy Halloween! Remember just because it's fun for you doesn't mean it's good for your pet.

Maria chats with with Julie Beer, a long-time contributor to Nat Geo Kids about "Why? Animals: Cool Questions and Awesome Answers!" It's a kids book that answers common questions about animal behavior. Why does a cat always land on four feet? Why do flamingos stand on one leg? Check it out, even an adult can learn something new! (I did)

Maria chats with director Abby Fuller about her latest documentary "Shepherd's Song", a film about graziers Jenya Schneider and Jack Anderson who use their flock of sheep to rejuvenate land in CA that was ravaged by wild fires! What a fascinating and genius solution! Learn more at cuyamalamb.com.
You can see "Shepherd's Song" on The North Face's You Tube channel as of Oct. 13th!

Maria chats with Wildhorse Ranch Rescue aka Wildhorse Founder Kim Meagher and Advisory Board Member Rhona Melsky. They discuss the organization's 25+ years(!!) of rescuing horses from death, abuse and neglect. "Saving Sierra~Rescuing America's Horses" is such a film. Learn more about their amazing work at WILDHORSE.ORG.

Maria chats with Ann and her daughter Jane Esselstyn about their book "Be A Plant-Based Warrior: Live Fierce, Stay Bold, Eat Delicious"...The Esselstyn family is three generations plant-based strong. This book is specifically for women showing how plants support a woman's body and mind.

Maria chats with National Geographic Kids Editor Kathryn Williams about "Weird But True! World 2023", the latest book aimed at middle-schoolers that shows us the odd and weirdness around the world, especially animals and nature!

Maria chats with co-directors/producers (they do it all in this documentary!) Samantha Wishman and Christina Thomas about their film "Free Puppies!" We learn how dogs from the South are found and transported to homes with the help of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to get these dogs adopted. Now playing in theaters across the country, **VIRTUAL CINEMA will be available Tomorrow August 26th at freepuppies.us**

Maria chats with Hope For Heroes founder Mitch Serlin about The Hope For Heroes Foundation, which helps veterans AND first responders (police officers, fire fighters and ems) with PTSD and other injuries through outdoor activities and their Canine Companion Program. The foundation helps people get back to doing what they love!
They also host fundraiser events, concerts and more. Learn about the foundation at heroeshope.org.

Maria chats with Unchained TV's founder (and journalist/author/animal advocate) Jane Velez-Mitchell about "Pig Little Lies"; a reality tv series starring pigs, and the lie of "teacup pigs" (they're actually baby piglets!) that are sold. It's a racket and Unchained TV produced this series to educate the public about this scam. Unchained TV is available free and offers series on animals, veganism, and lots more!

Maria chats with Monica Chen, Executive Director of FFAC (Factory Farming Awareness Coalition)--a non-profit organization that educates people on factory farming (meat & dairy farms; plant-based farming) and its impact on people, animals and the planet while empowering them to advocate for change.

Maria chats with author Mary Alice Monroe about her latest book "The Islanders Search for Treasure", another book (she's written 27!) that reflects her love of nature and the environment. Mary Alice uses her books to teach kids about conservation and wildlife, as she is an active conservationist!

Doug Thron, host of "Doug To The Rescue" on Curiosity Stream returns to chat with Maria.
This season, Doug and his drone travel to The DR; Africa; California and Kentucky to rescue animals from wildfires, tornados and more!

Maria chats with Dr. Amber Karwacki from Heart + Paw about how to keep your pets safe, secure and happy on the 4th of July and during the summer months! Learn about the signs of heat stroke and what to do, plus lots more!

Maria speaks with Best Friends Animal Society's Holly Sizemore about their new community dashboard, which is an interactive map. This will help reach their goal of the U.S. being a no-kill country by 2025!

Maria chats with the Puppy Bowl referee Dan Schachner about summer road trips with our pets, why we should foster and more! (And he's a Q104.3 listener too!!)

Maria chats with Pets For Vets founder Clarissa Black and Jessica Strouse, spokesperson for International Delight, about their new partnership matching shelter animals with our nation's veterans.

Maria chats with Sean Solouki, founder and CEO of NatureZway. These products are made from bamboo which is durable, versatile, and good for the environment. Learn more at NatureZway.com

Maria speaks with inventor Lisa Baronoff about her product Walkee Paws leggings for dogs. Walkee Paws have waterproof rubber soles, fit much better than other products on the market, and protect your dog's paws from the elements outside. Go to walkeepaws.com.

Maria speaks with John Paolucci and illustrator Doris Tomaselli about their book "Saving Montana", a story about a horse named Montana that John met, bonded with, and then rescued.

Maria speaks with Artur Sousa who created Adopets.org, a free online tool to adopt pets. Adopets helps people and shelters find each other!

Maria speaks with Dr Evan Antin about how to tell your cat is stressed; what to do for your cat's stress; how it feels to be voted People's "Sexiest Vet Alive" (!) and more...check out comfortzone.com.

Laura Vorreyer returns to the podcast and chats with Maria about The Pet Sitter's Tale's digital availability, Twitter, CBD oil, and lots more. the petsitterstale.com

Maria speaks with Marilyn Pianelli, founder of Headlight Harness. This harness will light your night walks and help keep you and your dog safe. Makes a great holiday gift too for the dog owner in your life! headlightharness.com

November is Pet Diabetes Awareness Month. Maria speaks with Dr. Kathryn Junkins Sarpong about diabetes in your pet: How to spot it and what to do about it. Learn more at petdiabetesmonth.com

Maria speaks with Nancy Hassel, founder of American Pet Professionals. It's a member-based national organization of all things pet-related. So whether you're a trainer, store owner, or want to pursue a career in the pet industry, APP is for you! Listen and learn.
americanpetprofessionals.com

Maria speaks with Laurie Tietjen, founder of Mini Horse Heroes. The organization was started in Nov 2001 in honor and memory of Laura's brother, Port Authority Police Officer Kenneth F. Tietjen who gave his life on Sept 11.
These mini horses provide comfort and relief to many all along the East Coast. For more info and to volunteer: therapy-horse.org

Maria speaks with Lenny Shabes, founder and chairman of American Sailing Association, about the crusade "Operation Plastic Pollution Purge". Every time boaters set sail anywhere this summer, ASA asks them to bring a trash bag on board and pick up garbage! Learn more at ASA.com

Maria speaks with Nicole Rivera, author and illustrator of Max the Shelter Dog. Nicole met Max when she volunteered at a shelter, and he inspired her to draw and teach others about shelter animals.

Maria speaks with Dr. Kathryn Primm about canine flu and how contagious it is; how to spot it; and how to prevent your dog from getting it. Learn more at dogflu.com

Maria speaks with Foghat's Roger Earl, Linda Arcello-Earl, and Lisa MacGregor about a raffle for an autographed Foghat "Belly Up" guitar and Stone Blue Vinyl raffle in memory of bass player Craig MacGregor.
All monies received will be matched by Foghat and donated to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County where Craig volunteered.
Drawing is May 12th. Go to Foghat.com.

North Shore Animal League America stopped by recently with puppies which we Facebook'd Live. We talked about all the programs they do on a local, national, and international level! animalleague.org for more info.

Maria speaks with pet nutrition ambassador Peggy Schunk about what to feed our pets. Peggy offers tips on how to choose what's best for your pet.

Maria Milito speaks with NYC-based matrimonial attorney Jacqueline Newman about the reality of pet custody in divorces. Many U.S. courts are now treating pet custody the same way they treat child custody.

Jacqueline is the author of 'Soon to Be Ex: A Woman's Guide to Her Perfect Divorce and Relaunch,' which is available now!

Maria speaks with photographer, designer and author Bob Johnson about his book 'Where’s My Money.'

The book of photos centers on Bob's foster pup Vivienne who his friends said always looked like she was asking, “Where’s My Money?” Bob and Maria talk about fostering dogs and more!

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!

Maria speaks with Oakland NJ resident Ryan Schwertfeger who has been working for almost a decade to get a dog park in his town.

Ryan talks about fundraising, petitions, city council, and perseverance!

You can learn more by visiting the @OakNJdogpark Facebook page.
#AdoptDontShop

Maria speaks with Nancy Gee from the WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition, and Megan Mueller from the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University about all the benefits of living with a pet. And now studies are proving what we (pet owners) always believed! Waltham.com.

Maria speaks with author Robin Hutton about her book "War Animals"; a book of stories and photos of all the dogs, horses, mules, pigeons, and a cat that helped out soldiers during WWII.
Get your copy at waranimals.org

Maria speaks with Guiding Eyes president Tom Panek (and his dog Gus is here too!) about all the services the organization provides to help people with vision loss. This is the only organization that trains "running guides" so runners can continue to run with a trained dog--that's amazing! Learn more at guidingeyes.org

Maria speaks with photographer and animal advocate Sophie Gamand who travels to shelters across the country and photographs pit bulls with flower crowns (that she makes) to help them get adopted. Her new book is called "Pit Bull Flower Power"; visit sophiegamand.com.

Four Legs Good is a non-profit group dedicated to the humane treatment of feral and homeless cats. Maria speaks with Robin Benado and Julie Doherty about TNR-trap, neuter, return-and how other communities can help out. Learn more and enter their contest at fourlegsgoodnynj.org

In Essex County NJ alone, up to 65% of women will not flee a domestic violence situation because they won't leave their pet. Maria speaks with founder Mary Linn Lombardo and Chef Ariane of Ariane KItchen and Bar about their upcoming fundraiser on Oct 18th. Learn more at onlykindnessrescue.org

Mrs. Smith was held hostage in Norway in a closet with only a guitar; there she became a shredder. After returning home, her cat Carlyle went missing hence #findcarlyle.
I was first introduced to Mrs. Smith by Steve Walter, owner of The Cutting Room in NYC and instantly became a fan. In honor of her, today's episode is referred to as "Maria's Meows & Yeows" Learn more at worldofsmith.com.

Maria speaks with Erica Kubersky and Kathy Galotti of Positive Tails, located in Brooklyn NY. The group helps owners who can't afford a medical bill for an injured pet; and so much more. They rely on donations to operate. Check them out at positivetails.org

Maria speaks with Tony Eliseuson, senior staff attorney at The Animal Legal Defense Fund, about roadside zoos across America. They focused on Farmers Inn in PA, where several endangered species animals are kept in terrible conditions. Also, ways we can all help shut down these "zoos" in our own communities. Learn more at aldf.org.

Maria speaks with Dr Jason Berg, a veterinarian who specializes in internal medicine and neurology, about his new facility Guardian Veterinary Specialists. Because GVS is privately owned, Dr Berg and his staff give each patient the best care and help out local rescues. Learn more at guardianveterinaryspecialists.com

Laura Souza and G Girl Productions are presenting a weekend of couture and fine food at The New Yorker Hotel in NYC, as "Furbabies" (most are rescue dogs!) from around the world compete, all to benefit Yorkie911Rescue.
Go to ggirlcotillion.eventbrite.com

Maria speaks with Mary Martin and Jose Santiago from The Maricopa Animal Shelter about their inaugural event "Calm The Canines" on July 4th. People from the community came out in droves to sit near the pups to help keep them calm during the fireworks on the 4th.

The event was a major success and I hope shelters around the country follow their lead. pets.maricopa.gov

Maria speaks with Cesar Millan about his Live events, the simplicity of dogs and how we can learn from them, plus much more! Visit Cesarsway.com.

Maria speaks with Laurren Darr, who's been named a "Woman of Influence" by Pet Age. Laurren is a marketing expert and author of many books including the Pet Fashion Almanac and Pet Fashion Industry Patterns. And she loves pugs!

Maria speaks with canine behavior researchers Julie Hecht and Mia Cobb about studying canine behavior and their FREE online conference June 1-3. You can join in at sparcsinitiative.org; tweet your questions at #sparcs18!

You can also learn more at doyoubelieveindog.com.

Did you know someone becomes blind or visually impaired every 7 minutes?! Maria speaks with President & CEO Eliot Russman and veteran/employee Don Overton about raising and training service dogs to help the visually impaired.
You can help raise their puppies, volunteer, or donate at Fidelco.org

Maria speaks with Dr Dan Markwalder about fleas and ticks and the harm they can cause our pets. You'll learn where your pet can come in contact with them, and more. And remember Adopt Don't Shop!

Maria speaks with Foghat's Roger Earl, Linda Arcello-Earl, and Lisa MacGregor about a raffle for an autographed Foghat "Belly Up" guitar and Stone Blue Vinyl raffle in memory of bass player Craig MacGregor. All monies received will be matched by Foghat and donated to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County where Craig volunteered. Drawing is May 12th. Go to Foghat.com.

Maria spoke with animal advocate, developer, and entrepreneur D. George Anderson who is a proponent
for keeping horses and livestock safe with their drinking water. We talked about the importance of water quality for farm animals; and how dangerous electric water units are for them.
You can learn more at horsedrinker.com

Maria speaks with Rachel Herman, founder of PAWS NY: Pets Are Wonderful Support.

PAWS NY helps NY’s most vulnerable residents such as senior citizens, people with disabilities,
and low-income workers keep their pets by having volunteers help out.

Learn more at pawsny.org, and “Like” them on social media! #AdoptDontShop

September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: BraveHearts' Trail To Zero 20-mile rides commemorate the 20 veteran suicides a day in this country. Veterans at BraveHearts are helped by horses at no cost! Learn more at trailtozero.org.

Maria speaks with WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzalez about which city is the friendliest; which city has the most pet businesses; which city is least friendly and much more!