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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56:03
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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49:05
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...
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58:42
When the Wag Won't Work - Understanding Swimmer's Tail!
🐾 If you ever notice your dog’s tail hanging limp like it just gave up wagging, you might be dealing with a case of Swimmer’s Tail! Also known as limber tail, cold tail, broken wag, or flaccid tail syndrome, this condition sounds dramatic—but the good news is, it’s usually not serious. However, it is painful for your pooch!In this episode, we dive into what Swimmer’s Tail actually is—a temporary and painful muscle strain that makes your pup’s tail go limp. We’ll break down:🐕 The breeds most often affected (hello, Labradors and hunting dogs!)❄️ Surprising triggers like cold water, crate rest, and even too much wagging!🩺 How to spot the signs and what your vet will look for.💊 Easy treatments that’ll have that tail wagging again in no time.💡 Prevention tips to keep your pup’s tail healthy, happy, and wagging strong.📦 Quick Takeaway? Swimmer’s Tail may look scary, but with a little rest and TLC, most dogs bounce back fast. When in doubt, your vet is your best friend! 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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Understanding Synovetin OA: A Breakthrough in Canine Osteoarthritis Treatment with Dr. Matthew Brunke
This episode explores Synovetin OA, a novel, long-lasting treatment for dogs suffering from osteoarthritis (OA). If you’ve ever experienced stiff, achy joints, you can relate to what dogs with OA go through. This chronic, progressive disease affects 80% of dogs by age 8 and even impacts younger dogs with joint abnormalities, like elbow dysplasia. Our expert guest, Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, CCAT, a seasoned veterinarian specializing in sports medicine, pain management, and rehabilitation, breaks down how this targeted therapy offers long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility without the daily hassle of medications.Key Topics Covered:✅ How Synovetin OA Works – A groundbreaking option for moderate to severe OA that reduces inflammation at the source with a single joint injection.✅ Comparison to Traditional Treatments –No daily pills, fewer side effects, and longer-lasting than other therapies.✅ Benefits & Safety – What pet owners can expect in terms of results, safety considerations, and ideal candidates.✅ The Procedure & Aftercare – What to expect before, during, and after treatment.✅ Cost & Accessibility – Where to find it, insurance considerations, and how it compares to other treatment costs.✅ Success Stories – Real-life examples of animals who regained mobility and comfort.With vet medicine evolving, cutting-edge treatments like Synovetin OA are revolutionizing how busy dog owners manage OA in their dogs. Could this be the "game-changer" your pet needs? Visit activedognow.com (pet parents) or synovetin.com (veterinarians).Studied in canine elbows, Synovetin OA is given by authorized veterinarians. Temporary discomfort in treated joints may occur. Talk to a treating veterinarian near you for more information including what to expect following treatment and visit www.activedognow.com.Find Dr. Brunke at VRAVet.com, his blog DrBrunke.Wordpress.com, or working with 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!
New Zealand