Bracing for Action: Helping Dogs with CCL Injuries Thrive! with Clayton Blunk
Cathy and Chris sit down with Clayton Blunk of My Pet’s Brace, a leader in custom orthopedic solutions for pets. With nearly 90% of their braces designed for CCL (cranial cruciate ligament) injuries—the most common orthopedic issue in dogs—we explore how custom knee bracing offers a non-surgical path to pain relief and mobility. From choosing the right candidates to partnering with veterinary teams, we take you inside the journey of bracing…and beyond.🔑 Key Topics Covered:🦴 What CCL injuries are and why they’re so common in dogs🛠️ How custom knee braces support healing and mobility🐶 Which dogs are best suited for bracing vs. surgery🤝 The importance of collaboration with vets and rehab pros🎯 Setting realistic expectations and tracking progress👣 A behind-the-scenes look at how each brace is craftedClayton Blunk, Senior Practitioner & Co-Owner of My Pet’s Brace An engineer-turned-animal-advocate, Clayton brings a unique blend of mechanical expertise and compassion to his work. He’s helped thousands of pets regain mobility through custom bracing.📌 Why You Should Listen:Learn a non-surgical option for managing CCL injuriesUnderstand the full bracing process—from cast to comebackHear real-world stories that highlight the pet-human bondDiscover how orthotics can change your pet’s quality of life🔗 Resources & Links:MyPetsBrace.comFollow on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedinWatch My Pet's Brace in action by searching "Second Chance Pets" on your television or paying for the online version here. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
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Pet Anxiety Unleashed: Triggers, Symptoms & Solutions
Anxiety is one of the most common—and heartbreaking—issues facing our pets today. In this comprehensive episode, Chris and Cathy explore the staggering prevalence of pet anxiety, common triggers, and a wide range of effective strategies to help our furry (and feathered) friends feel safe and secure.Did You Know?Over 72% of dogs show anxiety-related behaviors76% exhibited separation anxiety during the pandemicCats, birds, and even exotic pets experience anxiety, tooFrom fear of fireworks to changes in routine, vet visits to mobility challenges, anxiety can stem from many sources. You’ll learn how age, pain, trauma, and socialization all play a role—and how to spot the subtle (and not-so-subtle) signs of distress in dogs, cats, and birds.💡 What You’ll Learn:Triggers: Loud noises, strangers, separation, mobility decline, and moreSymptoms: From panting and pacing to aggression, hiding, and over-groomingTreatment Toolbox:Behavior & enrichment techniquesNutraceuticals, CBD, pheromones, flower essencesPrescription meds & complementary therapiesSafe spaces and calming products like Thundershirts and Calm & Cozy Cat WrapsThe critical role of veterinary input and behaviorists🎙️ Plus, we highlight key PetAbility episodes on related topics—from gut-brain health connection (biome) and post-surgical behavior to calming tools and environmental enrichment.Whether your pet is young or old, anxious by nature or triggered by circumstance, this episode is packed with practical, compassionate insights to help them live their best (and calmest) life.👉 Takeaway: Anxiety is common—but manageable. With awareness, empathy, and the right tools, you can help your pet feel more secure every day. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
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Healing Hooves: Volunteering at a Horse Rescue with Jerri Miller, DPT, CCRT, ETMT, MBA
In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome Jerri Miller—a longtime friend of Chris's who is a physical therapist, certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and equine therapeutic massage therapist—who shares her transformative journey as a volunteer at Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) since 2018. Jerri offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to care for equines in need and how volunteers truly make a difference.🐴 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:Why Jerri first stepped into the world of horse rescueThe emotional and physical rehab process for neglected or abandoned horsesA powerful story about Micah, Jerri’s “heart horse,” and their special bondWhat the duties of volunteering entailMisconceptions about horse ownership—and what every prospective adopter should knowHow you can support horse rescue, even if you’ve never saddled up💡 Key Takeaways:The vital role of volunteers in equine rehabilitationHow prey instincts shape therapeutic approaches with horsesThe deep emotional rewards of giving animals a second chance📢 Resources & Links:🐎 Learn more about Colorado Horse Rescue: chr.org🐴 Read Jerri’s blog: Micah’s Journey: From Feral to Friend💕 Want to help? Volunteer, donate, foster, or sponsor a horse. 📲 Spread the Love: If this episode inspired you, share it with fellow animal lovers! Every download helps raise awareness about equine rescue and the incredible work being done behind barn doors. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
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Four-Legged Healers – The Power of Therapy Dogs with Diane Murano
Meet Toby, now officially retired from a lifetime as a therapy dog at 13 years young, he leaves a legacy of healing and connection in his wake through the lives he's touched. In this heartwarming episode, Chris and Cathy welcome guest Diane Murano to tell the incredible story of her dog, Toby—an inspiring therapy dog with over 1,000 visits to his name. Learn how therapy dogs differ from service and emotional support animals, what it takes to get certified, and why temperament matters more than breed. Diane recounts moving moments from visits to nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and veterans' facilities, while also discussing the profound impact these dogs have on human health and well-being. Discover how you can get involved in this rewarding volunteer work.For more information about therapy dogs and the certification process go to:Alliance for Therapy Dogs - https://www.therapydogs.com/Therapy Dogs International - https://www.tdi-dog.org/ DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
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Empowering Senior Dogs with Dr. Julie Buzby
In this heartwarming and informative episode, Chris and Cathy sit down once again with integrative veterinarian and entrepreneur Dr. Julie Buzby. Known for her lifelong dedication to helping senior dogs thrive, Dr. Buzby shares the journey behind founding Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company, her groundbreaking products that support aging pets, and how education empowers pet parents to confidently care for their senior dogs.🐾 In This Episode:The Origin Story: How Dr. Buzby’s experience in integrative and rehab medicine inspired the creation of ToeGrips® and a full line of senior dog products.ToeGrips®: A simple, powerful mobility aid for senior dogs — how they work, who they help most, and troubleshooting common questions from pet parents.Brain Boost: Dr. Buzby’s latest innovation to promote cognitive health and combat canine cognitive dysfunction (link).Encore Mobility™: A unique joint supplement formulated to support aging dogs from the inside out with key natural ingredients.Empowering Pet Owners: Free resources, educational blogs, and courses designed to help pet parents navigate their dog’s golden years with confidence and compassion.Behind the Scenes: How customer feedback and real-world veterinary experience shape new product development.🔗 Resources & Links:Dr. Buzby’s Senior Dog Company WebsiteToeGrips® | Encore Mobility™ | Brain Boost Product PagesBlog & Educational ResourcesFollow Dr. Buzby on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest🐶 Final Thought: Perhaps the way we treat our senior pets can help inspire a broader shift toward honoring and supporting our elders — with compassion, dignity, and love. DisclaimerVitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound! MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home! Use Promo Code PETPOD22, to receive discounts from our affiliates! Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10%.Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. You receive 10% off and PetAbility receives 10% from your first order.Extra love – use this link and the entire 20% goes to support our show! Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for cat owners and vet pros working with cats! Use PETPOD22 for $5 off your order.HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning around any body of water...
This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris…Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit. Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa. Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!