The Animal That Changed You

Latest Episodes:

Efficacy and Morality of Breeding Dogs versus Adopting Rescue Dogs from a Shelter Dec 07, 2022

Show notes

Okay, let’s take some deep breaths. Warning: today’s episode will likely bring about strong feelings, but you know Katya and Jenny. They don’t shy away from discussing the ins and outs of a topic pertaining to animals just because it’s challenging! So, they’re talking about breeding. They’re talking about dogs bred for profit or on accident, about spay or neuter, about health issues and how some dogs can’t even give birth naturally anymore.
In this episode of The Animal That Changed You, the central question is this: if we paid attention to which dogs were being bred, if we bred for personality and health instead of breed confirmation or aesthetics, how much better off would we be when it comes to having dogs? Because otherwise, adopting a dog is no “riskier” than purchasing one. Because otherwise, it’s about looks without any regard to genetic disposition, nature or nurture, and that means more money spent to get the dog doesn’t buy you a guarantee.
But then. Prioritizing character when it comes to breeding means not every rescue dog being spayed and neutered, means not leaving the breeding of which dogs come into this world up to chance or profit. It also means cultivating more patience with the dogs that are living now as we learn how to best help them and love them, how to reinforce good behavior and set them up to succeed, knowing we’d prefer not to create more of them.

There may not be an easy solution, but Jenny and Katya bring it and they hope it gets you thinking, gets you talking, and motivates you to send them an email and get in on the convo. Because the benefits and risks of breeding versus adoption is not a one-size-fits-all discussion, and it’s definitely controversial. So your feedback and thoughts are welcome here, are called for, and are already appreciated.

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Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Animal Welfare and Providing Care for Rescue Dogs with Sam Woyak Nov 30, 2022

Show notes

In this episode of The Animal That Changed You, we are joined by Sam Woyak, caregiver extraordinaire at Best Friend’s Animal Society's sanctuary! With the wealth of knowledge Sam has gained, day in and day out, through taking care of rescue and shelter dogs, she shares her experiences of working in the animal welfare field. And she's unafraid to talk about her very first job in the industry, the one before Best Friends, the one that broke her.
It's a pleasure to hear Sam's personal stories about her time with dogs, from the light and funny to her relationship with a dog rescued from a fighting ring. Though at times things take on a more serious tone, like when Jenny and Sam discuss the intricacies and complexities of “no kill” ideals, listening to Sam just feels good, like hanging out with an old friend you're glad to be around.
Finally, Katya, Jenny and Sam discuss the importance of paying attention to how dogs communicate, assessing and understanding their reactions, and always giving them agency. They conclude that at the end of the day, every living being has the right to defend themself in the ways they know how. This is a (vegan) meaty episode that connects like-minded animal lovers with each other, while making space for those are just warming up to their own passion for animal welfare. And if you happen to have a soft spot in your heart for dogs, this conversation is for you.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Addiction & Animal Advocacy: The Duality of Self-Care and Animal Welfare Nov 23, 2022

Show notes

Are addicts attracted to animal rescue? When does being of service become codependency?
In this episode of The Animal That Changed You, Jenny and Katya get very real. Like, very very real. They take an honest deep dive into their relationship between animal loving, food addiction, and eating disorders. They shed light on the tornado of shame, guilt, and self-hatred that comes with disordered eating, and how that can be affected by the added stress of being a passionate animal advocate. J & K discuss how difficult it can be to implement self-care while fighting the good fight for animal welfare, especially when being pulled by sugar or restriction, dealing with weight gain or loss.
But on a brighter note, Jenny and Katya highlight how very important it is for animal lovers to prioritize their own health and well-being, and they call on the community for support. Because we can't give what we don't have so if we want to help animals, we must help ourselves. Bonus update: tune in to hear what's going on with Penny, the adorable Pitbull Jenny rescued from he streets of Cleveland, Texas!
And if you are dealing with any of the issues talked about in this episode, don’t hesitate to reach out and email theanimalthatchangedyou@gmail.com so Katya and Jenny can point you towards mental health professionals they trust. Though they are not therapists, they will hold space for you and remind you that your recovery matters.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Answering Difficult Questions Regarding Shelter Dogs and Euthanasia with Sue Sternberg Nov 16, 2022

Show notes

The one and only Sue Sternberg is on the show today so y'all might want to take a seat, grab a cocktail or a hot tea, and sink in. Get ready for a very honest talk from a renowned behaviorist with 30+ years of experience working with dogs and a keen ability to look at all sides of complicated situations. Sue is able to hold space for what is difficult or heartbreaking or even downright dangerous, and she doesn't shy away from the truth.
As you know, Katya and Jenny are major shelter dog people so this discussion was like catnip for them. It brought them front and center to many of the controversies within animal rescue, temperament testing, and the 3 general categories we can think about when we're assessing dogs. Sue shares her data, her experiences, and how she got into this line of work, and she explains why she thinks society’s definition of “good dogs” has changed over the last few decades. From nature versus nurture to why some people who work in animal shelters avoid assessing dogs overall to the polarizing decisions around euthanasia, this is an incredibly eye-opening episode for animal lovers and dog parents everywhere.
If you’ve ever wanted a close up and highly informative look at rescue dogs and behavior, this episode is for you. If you've ever wanted to hear a cutting edge dog trainer who isn't afraid to challenge and debate others as well as her own ideology, then Sue is somebody you might want to know. Jenny and Katya sure are glad they do. (Yeah, if you've ever wanted to hear two co-hosts fan girl hard then definitely tune in.)
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

What the 3-3-3 Rule Is and How it Applies to Foster Dogs Nov 09, 2022

Show notes

Katya and Jenny break down the 3-3-3 rule for y'all today. That's right, it's a day of 3's. From explaining what the 3-3-3 rule actually is to unpacking why patience, time, and understanding are necessary when a rescue dog adjusts into your home, these animal-loving ladies highlight how to set you and your adopted dog up for a lifetime of success.
Together, Jenny and Katya share stories about their own foster and rescue dogs and how they've relied upon the 3-3-3 rule time and time again. You'll hear some updates from Jenny about Glover, Katya will reveal some of her experiences with Wally, and you'll walk away with many ideas and tools to support your own dog relationships.
This is an episode chock full of special connections, insight into the process of fostering, and tips for transitioning rescue animals into your family. Because hey, it’s all about opening our minds, hearts, and homes, right? 3-3-3 for all 3.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

All Things Sanctuary and Barn Animals with Kathy Stevens Nov 02, 2022

Show notes

Kathy Stevens is in the house today! A farm girl, writer, teacher, and the founder of Catskill Animal Sanctuary, a 150-acre refuge for farm animals rescued from cruelty, neglect, and abandonment, Kathy joins us to share the behind-the-scenes look at 20+ years of running a sanctuary.
She shares stories of incredible rescues, from her most recent rescue, taking in 40 sheep at once, to what made Kathy decide to start an animal sanctuary specifically for farm animals in the first place. This episode is an inspiration for anyone who truly loves all creatures.
Kathy divulges how many of the animals end up at Catskill Animal Sanctuary, what hoarding looks like, and most importantly, the art of saying no to protect your own energy. It's amazing to hear about the activities that take up most of her time these days and how she introduces farm animals to one another in order to help them coexist peacefully. And they do. So many animals do. We humans can learn a lot from them.
If you’ve ever been curious about or have wanted to sink into barn life, then tune in to hear from one of the industry’s most prolific figures. Because Kathy makes the Catskill Animal Sanctuary thrive and survive so that countless animals can too.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

The Intuitive Nature of Our Pets with Margo Donohue Oct 26, 2022

Show notes

Today on The Animal That Changed You, we’re joined by Margo Donohue! Margo is the brain and heart behind the blog, Brooklyn Fit Chick. She's a lover of pop culture, podcasting, writing, health, and fitness as well as the author of the new “Filmed in Brooklyn,” Margo’s first book project for History Press.
Margo shares with us intimate stories about her two cats, Sarah and T, recounting how she became the lucky mom to Brooklyn’s cutest kitties. Sure, the patience she had to cultivate as she adjusted to become a new cat mama was not an easy feat. But she's so happy she did it! Margo tells us how Sarah has the innate ability to sense whenever Margo is in need of a lap snuggle, she discusses how her cats play a part in her creative process, and how, ultimately, they have immensely changed her life.
This is an uplifting conversation about how our pets are there for us through thick and thin, a reminder of animals' amazing ability to gift us creativity, comfort, and safety.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

The Astrology of Animal Relationships with Heidi Rose Robbins Oct 19, 2022

Show notes

Calling all the believers, the brave ones, the spirit seekers! Guys, today we have a truly incredible episode. We’re joined by the one and only astrologer and poet, Heidi Rose Robbins, to dive into the world of animals and astrology. Being that this is one of the most popular ways we can discover ourselves, we thought: why not explore how astrology can help us better understand animals and our relationships with them?
Enter our guest, Heidi, a professional astrologer for over 25 years. After thousands of clients, she is here to discuss animals with us in relation to our charts. She pinpoints some of the specific patterns in birth charts that may lend themselves to loving animals, whether because we're naturally nurturing or fierce protectors. Then, Heidi reaffirms the work that Katya and Jenny do together through what's reflected in their respective birth charts. Then, she identifies why their partnership is a perfect match, how their overlap makes them almost destined. Then, Katya and Jenny squeal and cry about it.
This is such a fun episode so make sure you tune in to listen and tune in to connect with the stars. Hearing Heidi describe how animals come into our lives full of intention and how our individualized missions are bolstered by their love might change your ideas about the intuitive, guiding light that astrological charts can offer all living beings.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

A Raw, Emotional Look at Making the Tough Choice of Euthanasia Oct 12, 2022

Show notes

Today we’re pulling back the curtain. Stay with us, come closer, lean in and join us in this raw, honest, and vulnerable discussion. We pride ourselves in our authenticity and ability to bare it all on The Animal That Changed You, but this is admittedly a difficult episode because we’re facing the situation in real time. Because it’s controversial. Because it deals with matters of the heart weighed against matters of the head.
Jenny shares with Katya the very hard decision she is tasked with making: euthanizing and putting down a puppy who proved to be dangerous. Who proved to bring with him a situation that could not be managed or controlled. What we share today is the tough reality that many in animal welfare have to face daily, that too many still don’t discuss. But we want to talk about it, about all of it - the guilt, the feeling like you’ve failed this animal, the shame, the relief, the strength, the crumbling, the peace. And we want to talk about it with you.
It’s an emotional episode no doubt, but we want you to know that we’re here to hold space for anyone and everyone who has ever had to make an unfair choice about a life. You’re not alone, and we’re here to support you through our experiences, our coaching, our compassion, and our friendship. Let us know what you think. Let us know what you feel. Even if this conversation makes you angry, we want to hear from you and learn from you. We are in the world of loving animals together.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

Reframing the Public View on Pitbulls with Richard Jones Oct 05, 2022

Show notes

We've got a TikTok superstar in the house today, friendos and friendas! Richard Jones is a police officer who works alongside two Pitbulls - his rescue Pitties, Ace and Jack. He has saved them, he has trained them to serve and protect, and he now shares videos of them to prove it. Not only are the videos of his dogs adorable and hilarious as well as offering behind-the-scenes insight into what it's like to be a copy, but his videos also show their off-duty lives. A dude and his dogs. Because they are also his pets, and the relationship they've built together is beautiful. Richard debunks the negative opinions about Pitbulls, demonstrating all the good they can do both as family members and as partners in fighting crime.

In this episode, Richard tells us about himself and his dogs, but let's not forget his cat! He is an animal lover through and through, even when he faced challenges with his second dog, Jack, who ultimately launched his TikTok career. Hearing Richard talk about how he creates positive behavioral changes in his dogs and why dedicating his time to their training is such a worthwhile process truly filled our hearts. Because one thing is for certain: Richard embodies the importance of never giving up on another living being, no matter how hard it gets.

This episode is all about challenging beliefs whether they're about certain breeds of dogs, police officers, or people who've made mistakes. It's about second chances and the rewards that come from doing the hard work you're called to do when you dare to care. Ace and Jack are evidence enough that caring is the right move.
Join The Animal That Changed You community on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook -- we're waiting to welcome you! Feel free to check out the website while you're at it.
Please leave a rating or review of the show. Your support matters so much!
Woof, meow, oink, moo, cheep (of course, you know that means thanks for listening.

Produced by Adode Media; a full-service podcast production agency.

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