110. No Dog Left Behind: Holistic Rescue in Action with Koco Garcia

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela is joined by Koco Garcia, founder of Handover Rover, a rescue organization dedicated to saving dogs most shelters overlook—those with behavior challenges, complex medical issues, and histories of neglect or abandonment. Koco shares the deeply personal journey that led her from dog lover to trainer to full-time rescuer, including how one misunderstood dog named Harrison changed the course of her life and became the foundation of her training philosophy. Together, Angela and Koco discuss the emotional resilience required to run a rescue, why behavioral euthanasia must be challenged, and how holistic care—including fresh food and plant-based medicine—has transformed the lives of dogs like Mary Katherine and Scarlett. Episode Recap:Koco’s unexpected journey from dog mom to behavior-focused rescue founder (1:03)Why she refuses to give up on dogs with complex behavioral needs (4:52)Koco’s life-changing bond with Harrison, the dog “experts” told her to euthanize (6:41)Embracing accountability and emotional growth through rescue work (11:19)You have to be your pet’s advocate, you have to read the labels (16:42)Why it’s vital to question veterinary protocols and take ownership of your pet’s care (20:35)The story of Mary Katherine, a senior street dog with a collapsed trachea (24:23)How a mushroom extract blend for collapsed trachea helped Mary Katherine breathe again (38:47)Why sourcing and formulation matter, when it comes to real results (47:08)How full spectrum hemp extract gave senior rescue dog Scarlett a second chance at pain-free living (51:47)Episode Resources:What Helped Mary Katherine: Mushrooms & Adaptogens for Collapsed Trachea in DogsWhat Helped Scarlett: CBD with Turmeric and Frankincense for Dogs with Joint PainCheck out Angela’s Essential Holistic Toolkit for Pets Diamond and Scarlett are still looking for their forever home, learn more or meet the other adoptables at Handover Rover. Visit Handover Rover to adopt, sponsor or donate. Follow Koco & Handover Rover on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] For Angela’s Free Educational Downloads & Resources, visit: AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsVisit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook.

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Angela is joined by renowned herbalist Greg Tilford, CEO and formulator of Animal Essentials. With over three decades of experience, Greg joins Angela to unpack the confusion around glycerin and alcohol in pet tinctures—explaining why glycerin is often misunderstood, how alcohol is sometimes necessary for proper extraction but is not the best option for finished pet products, and why palatability is key to effectiveness. Together, they explore the evolution of herbalism for pets, the importance of clean, simple formulations, and how truly holistic remedies support the body’s natural healing process. Learn why quality and intent matter when choosing herbal supplements for your pets.Episode Recap:The confusion surrounding glycerin as a preservative in pet products (1:10)Clarifying glycerin grades: pharmaceutical (USP) vs. industrial (2:36)Benefits of glycerin-based tinctures for pets over alcohol-based tinctures (7:00)Understanding herbal remedies beyond chemicals: the importance of plant energetics (9:19)Debunking tincture myths: glycerin, alcohol, and proper extraction explained (12:32)Why alcohol in tinctures can be problematic for pets (16:57)Holistic herbalism: supporting rather than forcing the body (19:28)Misunderstanding the role of fevers and symptoms in natural healing (21:57)The rise of informed, discerning pet parents in the holistic pet care market (22:50)Hidden additives and inactive ingredients sabotaging pet wellness (26:56)Synthetic additives in supplements are often for human appeal, not pet health (29:20)How misleading labeling in pet products can harm pets (30:38)Prioritizing purity and integrity over profits leads to lasting success (31:26)Episode Resources:Download Angela’s Glycerin Guide and more resources at: AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsVisit Animal EssentialsGreg Tilford’s Mentioned Book: Herbs for Pets: The Natural Way to Enhance Your Pet's LifeFollow Animal Essentials on Facebook and Instagram,Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health resources & education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we dive deep into the hidden dangers of synthetic vitamins and minerals in pet supplements and food. Angela is joined by holistic health practitioner Kara Rose, founder of Raw Paw Adventures, who shares her personal journey from critical care medicine to natural healing for both pets and people. Together, they explore how synthetic additives can wreak havoc on your pet’s health, how to recognize misleading ingredient labels, and why “complete and balanced” pet food often isn’t what it seems. Get ready to question what’s really in your pet’s bowl — and learn how to choose nutrient-rich, species-appropriate foods and supplements that truly nourish from the inside out.Episode Recap:2:50 - Why “complete and balanced” is a misleading standard in pet food 5:00 - How synthetic nutrients can overwhelm the liver, disrupt mineral balance, and even lead to toxicity6:00 - The difference between whole food nutrition vs. lab-created isolates8:19 - How synthetic vitamins can cause vitamin deficiencies10:15 - Real food sources of key nutrients like Vitamin A, D, E, and K13:00 - Vitamin D toxicity in pet food 16:10 - Why sourcing matters19:50 - How to evaluate brands, ingredients, and what companies aren’t telling you21:10 - Natural sources of Vitamin D23:00 - Why it’s important to always read the label26:35 - Sourcing organ meat, and how that influences nutrients30:25 - Why pet parents must be their own advocates in an under-regulated pet industry35:00 - Kara and Angela’s resources to help pet parents avoid synthetic additivesEpisode Resources:Want to download the Synthetic Vitamins & Minerals chart and the Additives to Avoid in Pet Supplements chart? Visit AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsVisit Kara’s Website - Raw Paw AdventuresKara’s Podcast - Raw RemediesFollow Kara & Raw Paw Adventures on FB, IG, TT, and YTHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health resources & education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, Dr. Jeff Grognet joins us to shine a light on the hidden risks of over-vaccinating our pets. Together, we explore what many conventional vets don’t talk about—how certain vaccine ingredients can accumulate in the body, why adverse reactions are underreported, and what vaccine-related conditions often get dismissed or misdiagnosed. Dr. Jeff explains the science behind titer testing, how long vaccine protection really lasts, and why one-size-fits-all vaccine schedules may do more harm than good. With over 40 years of experience in both conventional and holistic veterinary medicine, Dr. Jeff shares empowering insights to help pet parents make safer, more informed choices.Episode Recap:Why annual vaccinations are still being pushed—despite outdated scienceWhat the vaccine guidelines actually say about immunityThe risks of over-vaccination, including autoimmune reactions and tumorsHow to interpret titer tests correctlyHow to detox your pet after a required vaccineWhy more vets don’t talk about long-term immunityThe role of education (and pharma funding) in veterinary medicineDr. Grognet’s updated vaccine guidelines for 2025Episode Resources:Visit Dr. Jeff Grognet’s Website New Earth VetDr. Grognet’s Vaccine Guidelines for 2025Want to download the Synthetic Vitamins & Minerals chart and the Additives to Avoid in Pet Supplements chart? Visit AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloadsHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Visit Angela Ardolino’s website for more holistic pet health resources & education: www.AngelaArdolino.comFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Judy Morgan, renowned holistic veterinarian, best-selling author, and passionate advocate for natural pet wellness. Angela and Dr. Judy dive deep into one of the most pressing issues in both human and animal medicine: the rampant overuse of antibiotics. They discuss how this widespread problem is harming pets, the dangers of prescribing antibiotics and steroids without clear need, and what pet parents can do to protect their animals. From sharing real-life case studies to offering natural alternatives and gut healing strategies, this candid conversation is a must-listen for anyone who wants to make more informed decisions about their pet’s health.Episode Recap:Why antibiotic overprescription is a growing concern in veterinary careDr. Judy’s personal stories of advocating against unnecessary prescriptionsWhat to consider before giving your pet antibioticsUnderstanding when antibiotics and steroids are appropriateThe lasting impact of pharmaceuticals on the gut microbiomeWhy “inactive” ingredients in supplements matterThe truth about FortiFlora and other common probioticsNatural alternatives for diarrhea and gut healthUsing food energetics and TCVM to address digestive issuesCoptis, Saccharomyces Boulardii, and other natural gut helpersHow synthetic additives quietly harm sensitive petsTips for reading labels and spotting greenwashed productsEmpowering pet parents to question, research, and advocateEpisode Resources:Visit Dr. Judy Morgan’s Website Coptis for Diarrhea, Saccharomyces Boulardii & more Supplements for GI Distress Follow Dr. Judy Morgan on Facebook and Instagram Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Visit Angela Ardolino's WebsiteWant to download the Synthetic Vitamins & Minerals chart and the Additives to Avoid in Pet Supplements chart? Visit AngelaArdolino.com/podcast-downloads/Follow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Dr. Erin Holder, founder of the Veterinary Compassion Project. After experiencing compassion fatigue firsthand, Dr. Holder transitioned her career to focus on supporting veterinarians and animal care professionals struggling with burnout and compassion fatigue. A 2019 Centers for Disease Control study revealed that veterinarians are between two to four times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, highlighting a growing crisis in the veterinary community. Dr. Holder discusses the emotional toll faced by veterinarians and how her project provides resources, tools, and restorative retreats to foster well-being in this vital profession.Episode Recap:The Veterinary Compassion Project and its missionUnderstanding compassion fatigue and burnout in veterinariansWhy veterinary schools should address mental health early in educationRecognizing the signs of compassion fatigue and burnoutThe importance of having compassion for ourselves as veterinary professionalsBurnout and suicide in the veterinary community and its impact on the professionHow the veterinarian shortage affects not only pets but also food productionTools and resources from the Veterinary Compassion Project to empower veterinariansHow pet parents can support their veterinariansTips for dealing with compassion fatigue and burnoutAnnouncing the VCP Restorative Retreat 2025The critical role of boundaries in avoiding compassion fatigue and burnoutEpisode Resources:Veterinary Compassion ProjectVCP Restorative Retreat 2025VCP Resources for VeterinariansHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angela (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Michelle Thomas, an expert in animal communication and holistic pet care. Michelle, founder of Magical Mutts, has dedicated her life to understanding the deep emotional and energetic connections we share with our pets. With a background in veterinary medicine and a personal journey of healing, Michelle brings a unique perspective on the importance of communicating with our pets on a deeper level. Angela and Michelle delve into the significance of this emotional bond, how it impacts both our pets and ourselves, and why addressing these connections is crucial for overall well-being.Episode Recap: What is animal communication?Discovering her gift and how Michelle harnessed itImportance of emotional connections with petsIntegrating veterinary medicine with energetic workIntuitive biofeedback sessions and their impactAddressing skepticism and the role of evidenceHealing together: the connection between pets and their ownersNervous system resets and the importance of holistic nutritionEpisode Resources:Magical Mutts with Michelle ThomasFollow Magical Mutts with Michelle Thomas on Instagram and Facebook Follow CBD Dog Health on Facebook and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog, Angela Ardolino and Carter Easler, CBD Dog Health's Director of Education, delve into the complexities of CBD industry regulation and the role of the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC). Angela and Carter dive into the NASC’s stance on broad spectrum CBD and how their funded research is not up to date with the hemp industry, highlighting how full spectrum hemp has already been proven through long-term studies to be both safer and more potent. The conversation also covers the NASC’s attempts to change industry standard definitions, the therapeutic potential and safety of THC for pets, and the impact of rescheduling cannabis on the CBD industry. Tune in to learn about the ongoing debate over CBD standards and regulations in the pet supplement industry, and why nature’s own remedies, like full spectrum hemp, can’t be patented, and can’t be beat.Episode Recap: What is the NASC?FDA doesn’t regulate pet supplementsBroad Spectrum vs Full SpectrumNASC trying to change industry standard definitionsEntourage effectThe Problem with the NASC’s CBD ResearchNASC is far behind the hemp industry’s expertiseStudies show Full Spectrum Hemp is safer & more potentTherapeutic potential & safety of THC for petsThe impact of rescheduling cannabis on the CBD industryYou can’t patent natureCBD COAs - Certificates of AnalysisEpisode Resources:More on Full Spectrum Hemp ExtractIs THC safe for pets?NASC Broad Spectrum StudyStudies on Full Spectrum HempFollow CBD Dog Health on Facebook and InstagramHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook 

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we’re joined by Flo Mason, founder of Crude Carnivore and a passionate advocate for pet health. Flo holds a master's degree in companion animal nutrition and has helped hundreds of pet parents transform their dogs' diets and lifestyles. Angela and Flo dive into topics like the evolution of education on animal nutrition, and the benefits of locally sourced, pasture-fed ingredients and the consequences of factory farming. Flo shares her journey of creating Crude Carnivore’s herb-infused bone broths and discusses the importance of supporting local farmers over profit. They also explore managing gut health naturally, including the role of probiotics, mushrooms, CBD, and adaptogens. Tune in to learn about the many benefits of bone broth and how Crude Carnivore is revolutionizing pet nutrition.Episode Recap: Specializing in animal nutritionStability of Omega-3 fatty acids in dog foodHow education on animal nutrition has evolvedBringing her experience to natural pet storesCreating Crude Carnivore herb-infused bone brothsBenefits of locally sourced, pasture-fed Factory-farming and how it affects your petCrude Carnivore was built on supporting local farmersPrioritizing sourcing over profitDiarrhea is a necessary step in healing, managing it naturallyProbiotics for gut healthMushrooms, CBD & Adaptogens for DigestionBenefits of Bone Broths & Mushroom Broth Benefits of infusing herbs into Crude Carnivore’s bone brothsEpisode Resources:Crude Carnivore - Use Code YND10 Follow Crude Carnivore on Instagram and Facebook Have a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook

In this episode of Your Natural Dog with Angela Ardolino, we're joined by Halle Stene, Owner of Lonestar Pet Treats, specializing in single-ingredient pet treats and natural nutrition for pets. Halle and Angela delve into various topics, including the effects of Valley Fever, the benefits of mushrooms for respiratory distress, and the importance of gut health for a strong immune system. They also explore the differences between dehydrated and freeze-dried treats, the benefits of quail eggs for dogs, and the need for transparency in the pet industry. Tune in to hear Angela and Halle's insightful discussion on the journey of crafting superior treats tailored for our pet’s health.Episode Recap: What is Valley Fever?Mushrooms for respiratory distressGut health for a strong immune systemCreating better treats for dogsDehydrated vs Freeze Dried TreatsQuail eggs for dogsFreeze-drying quail eggsNutritional content & cost effectiveness of freeze-dried treats & foodFinding the best CBD & Mushrooms for her storeThe need for transparency in the pet industryBenefits of quail eggs for petsDehydrated quail feet for petsFeed Real SummitVisit Lonestar Pet Treats in AZEpisode Resources:Lonestar Pet TreatsFollow Lonestar Pet Treats on Instagram, Facebook, and TiktokFeed Real SummitHave a question about your pet that you want answered on the podcast? Email us at [email protected] Angela ArdolinoCBD Dog HealthFollow Your Natural Dog on Facebook and Instagram and if you want to see what Angie (our founder) is up to, follow her on Facebook