Can You Clone Love

In this episode  I’m joined by my co-host Dr. Heather Oxford as we chat with  Melane Rodriguez from Viagen Pets to unpack what pet cloning looks like today, why more people are hearing about it now, and what families should understand before they ever consider cloning their dog.We walk through the cloning process in clear language, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, why a small skin biopsy is usually preferred over a blood sample, and what “genetic preservation” and tissue banking mean if you’re not ready to clone right away. We also get specific about post-mortem options, because time and temperature can determine whether viable cells can be cultured, and freezing can unintentionally make cloning impossible. If you’re searching terms like dog cloning cost, pet cloning process, or where to clone a dog, this conversation gives you real numbers, realistic timelines, and the practical steps most people never hear about.Then we get into the part that makes this topic so complicated: the bond. A cloned dog is a genetic twin, not a reincarnation, and personality isn’t guaranteed because behavior is shaped by genetics, epigenetics, and environment. We talk about what can differ, what can feel eerily familiar, and why some people describe cloning as a living memorial after pet loss. We also touch on the future, including CRISPR gene editing and conservation work, and what those advances might mean for veterinary science.If this made you think of a dog you’ve loved, subscribe for more honest conversations, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who would have strong feelings about pet cloning. What’s your take, comforting option or step too far?Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

Your dog can’t tell you “I’m carrying your stress,” but they can show you in a hundred quiet ways: a change in appetite, a sudden skin flare, restless pacing, a behavior shift that feels out of character, or that heavy sense that something is off. That’s where this conversation goes, with animal communicator and energy intuitive Gillian Sacrey joining me to talk about what our dogs absorb from the people they love and how that emotional load can ripple into the body.We get into what Gillian’s work looks like in real life: creating a calm, meditative space for the human and the dog, receiving information as a deep knowing (sometimes with images or phrases), and then testing what comes through so it’s not just a guess. We talk about why many pet parents don’t come in saying “my dog has my anxiety,” they come in saying “I can’t pinpoint it, but something changed.” Gillian also shares what animals often want their humans to hear, including a message that hits hard: stop obsessing about what’s wrong, because the worry can keep the cycle spinning.We also go practical on holistic dog wellness and food sensitivity patterns, including how protein intolerance can build over time and why rotating foods may help some dogs. Then we shift into the tender stuff: grief, end-of-life decisions, and why dogs may be more at peace with death than we are. If you’ve ever wrestled with “Is it time?” or wanted reassurance that your bond is bigger than one lifetime, you’ll feel seen here.Subscribe for more conversations about dog behavior, emotional health, and the human-animal bond, and if this resonated, share it with a dog person you love and leave a review so more listeners can find us.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

In this chat I am joined by my cousin Nick Bayne to remember Juney, his beloved rescue dog, and to tell the story of what it’s like to lose a dog suddenly when you thought you had years left. We start with the beginning: a shelter adoption that turned into the easiest love, the daily rituals that made Juney feel like a true family member, and the quiet ways dogs train us to be more patient, more present, and more human.Then we move into the hard part, because pet loss grief is not tidy. Nick shares how sweet Junes' health changed fast, how a frightening diagnosis like leptospirosis can spiral despite doing “the right things,” and how brutal it feels to make end-of-life decisions at an emergency animal hospital. We talk about the aftermath too: the deafening silence at home, the muscle memory of reaching for them, and the way grief can show up in your body, from sleep to stress to blood pressure.Nick and Sunshine decide to open their hearts to a new shelter dog, Toni, and we explore that complicated mix of guilt, relief, and hope that comes with adopting again. If you’ve ever searched for comfort after losing a dog, wondered when you’ll feel ready, or needed words for how deep this bond goes, this conversation is for you. Follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves dogs.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

Burnout can sneak up on the most capable people, especially the ones who pride themselves on being the helper. I sit down with author Christine Baker to talk about Raising Artemis, her debut novel about a doctor who gives everything to her work until there’s nothing left, then begins to heal through the animals she never planned to adopt. The twist is unforgettable: the story is narrated by Lucy, a cat who has already passed on, and that perspective lets us explore grief, guidance, and the quiet truths humans miss. We also get practical and real about what it’s like to love an aging dog. Christine shares what she’s learned caring for her senior black Lab, including how doggy dementia can show up as disorientation, evening restlessness, and overwhelm when routines or environments change. We talk about how a dog’s world can get smaller, and why meeting them there with patience and structure can be an act of love, not limitation. Along the way, we dig into rejection, creativity, and the moment Christine stopped gripping her publishing dream so tightly and everything shifted. We talk about how animals seem to know where we’re stuck, why losing a pet can feel like losing a part of your own identity, and how purpose is often revealed in the smallest moments at home. If you’re navigating burnout recovery, pet loss grief, or you just want a story that gets the human animal bond right, this conversation will stay with you. Subscribe for more, share this episode with a friend who loves dogs or cats, and leave a review so more listeners can find the show.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

Most dog treats are built to sell, not to support health, and your dog’s gut usually pays the price first. I sit down with Botanical Bones founder Rachel Meyer and co-founder veterinarian Dr. Lindsay Wendt to unpack what “functional dog treats” should actually mean when you care about digestion, anxiety, allergies, and long-term wellness.Rachel shares the real origin story: a rescue puppy named Carnaby with a sensitive stomach, a pantry full of whole-food ingredients, and a pandemic-era moment that turned neighborly treat drop-offs into a fast-growing brand. We talk about the leap from kitchen batches to a values-aligned manufacturing partner, why scaling can break founders if quality systems are not in place, and what it’s like building big brand presence with a tiny, self-funded team.Dr. Lindsay brings the integrative veterinary perspective, starting with a “do no harm” standard that challenges the current pet treat industry. We get specific about the dog microbiome, ingredient quality, and why details like organic oat flour matter when glyphosate exposure can disrupt gut health. We also clarify the confusing line between treats and supplements, including what dosing is, how to read milligrams on a label, and why Botanical Bones formulates with botanicals and functional mushrooms.We even go seasonal with Pumpkin Spice, exploring Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns like “dampness” and how they can show up as recurrent ear issues, urinary trouble, or loose stool. If you want smarter options for your treat jar and a clearer framework for choosing dog supplements, you’ll get it here. Subscribe, share with a dog person, and leave a review so more pet parents can find us.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

I chat with Sona Movsesian, co-host of Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend and author of The Worlds Worst Assistant and The Worlds Worst Mom about her rescue dog Oki and the soulful, day-to-day bond that turns a poodle mix into a true first baby. We move from IVF support and raising twin boys to losing a home in the Altadena fire, and we land on the hardest truth of pet love: you sign up for goodbye the day you say hello. • growing up afraid of dogs, then raising puppies and learning care through practice • how different cultures treat dogs, plus the reality of vet costs and pet insurance • meeting Oki through a foster post on Instagram and knowing instantly • Oki as a safe space, favorite child jokes, and adjusting when twins arrive • Oki’s steady presence during IVF, egg retrieval recovery, and pregnancy • writing The World’s Worst Mom and giving Oki her own chapter and “voice” • teaching kids dog consent and gentle dog manners in public • how the Altadena fire and losing a yard affects Oki’s mood and routine • handling dog parks, overstimulation, and protecting a sensitive dog’s comfort • the life lesson of anticipatory grief, love, and learning to let go someday If you enjoyed this conversation, I'd love it if you'd follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves dogs. You can find links to everything we talked about today in the show notes. And I'd love to connect with you on Instagram at BarooPup. If you have a story you'd like to share, you can email me at [email protected]:Pick up your copy of The Worlds Worst Mom Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

I sit down with April Floyd to tell the story of Onyx, the goldendoodle she trained herself to become a service dog and steady companion through serious illness. She shares how he alerts to medical danger, keeps her grounded through multiple cancer diagnoses, and even steps into the spotlight as a future film star. • how Onyx comes into April’s life outside the shelter doors • training a service dog at home using online resources and consistent practice • therapy visits and socialization in nursing homes • medical alert behaviors including buttons, bells, and early warning signs • congestive heart failure scare and how Onyx responds in real time • kidney cancer and ovarian cancer diagnoses, hospice timeline, and the fight to stay positive • the snuggle routine that signals comfort and purpose • interest in formal cancer detection dog training and what it takes to attend • teaching Onyx to use an iPad and a programmed iPhone • moving from service work to show business with Wishbone Christmas • Onyx’s big personality, runway moment, and working preferences (treats required) If you enjoyed this conversation, I’d love it if you follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who loves dogs. I’d love to connect with you on Instagram at BarooCop. If you have a story you’d like to share, you can email me at charlotte@ thebaroo.com. Resources: https://www.instagram.com/fegaprilfloyd/https://fegroup.biz/april-floydSend us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

 I wanted a real look at life with dogs in the Netherlands, where dogs are often welcomed in more public spaces and owners are expected to help them live calmly alongside everyone else.I’m joined by Natalie Mosbach Smith, a Dutch trainer now based in Northern California (South Bay Dog Training), to talk about what feels distinctly Dutch about dog ownership. We get into the everyday realities: dogs on most beaches, more opportunities for off-leash time, and a culture where strangers typically don’t rush up to pet your dog. Natalie explains how that social norm can reduce stress and reactivity, and why early preparation matters when dogs are truly part of daily routines, from walks that prioritize sniffing to settling quietly in public.We also tackle two big system-level topics American dog owners care about: stray dogs and humane dog training. Natalie breaks down how the Netherlands dramatically reduced stray dog numbers through government-backed spay and neuter campaigns, mandatory microchipping, and incentives that discourage impulse buying. Then we talk openly about animal welfare laws and why many Northern European countries restrict or ban aversive tools like prong collars, shock collars, and choke collars, along with what that could mean for training standards in the United States. We even touch on fireworks, runaway dogs, and why alternatives like drone shows might be kinder for pets and wildlife.Resources:https://www.southbaydog.training/Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

The best way's to create a stronger bond with your dog is taking the time to learn their language. A wagging tail can mean joy, stress, or “I’m not sure about this,” and that one misunderstanding is a perfect snapshot of why dog body language is so easy to get wrong. I’m joined by Allie Bender, certified dog behavior consultant, co-founder of Pet Harmony Training, and co-author of *Canine Enrichment for the Real World*, to help us get fluent in canine communication the same way we’d learn a second language: words first, then sentences, then real-time conversation.We dig into the signals dog owners hear about most, like stress yawns and tail wagging, and then go deeper into what actually changes the meaning: context, environment, and the rest of the dog’s body. Allie explains how to spot tension versus looseness, why the mouth can be one of the most information-rich places to look, and how ears and tail carriage can indicate arousal even when wagging doesn’t tell you much. We also talk about the power of trends and “what’s normal” for the individual dog, including how subtle new behaviors in senior dogs can point to pain, anxiety, or discomfort. We unpack learned helplessness and shutdown, where fear can look like stillness, and how to tell “relaxed” from “checked out” with simple, humane observation. And of course we balance it out with what happy dogs look like: bouncy inefficient play, soft eyes, slow breathing, and that melty, safe puddle-on-the-floor relaxation.Resources:Doggy Language by Lili Chin - https://amzn.to/4raNGychttps://petharmonytraining.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.        

A note before listening: This episode includes mentions of sensitive and difficult subject matter, including murder, suicide, death, and missing persons. Please listen with care.Former FBI special agent and long time search and recovery handler Sonja Nordstrom joins me to chat about the bond between a working dog and their human. We chat about what it means to work alongside cadaver dogs when the “reward” is closure for families and critical support for investigators. Sonia shares what she’s observed in her dogs during intense deployments, how handlers balance celebration for the dog with respect for the tragedy, and why the bond feels different when your dog is also your teammate. We also dig into the stressors most people never consider: negative searches, the fear of missing something, and the pressure of calling a find when there’s no obvious forensic evidence.On the training side, Sonia breaks down her detection philosophy in plain language: make the odor valuable, make the reward system worth the effort, and use a crisp marker signal so the dog gets total clarity. She explains why she prefers a natural “lock up” indication at source, how air-scent searches work across shifting wind and terrain, and why consistency and communication are the foundation of both elite K9 work and everyday life with dogs.If you love working dogs, scent work, search and rescue, or just want a deeper understanding of what dogs are capable of, you’ll take a lot from this one. Resources: https://www.sonjasdogtraining.com/Subscribe to the show, share it with a dog person in your life, and leave a review so more listeners can find these stories.Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow The Baroo:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/baroopup/Blog- https://www.thebaroo.com/Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/baroopet/   Pet parent question or story of canine companionship  to share ? Email [email protected] .*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care  or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so.  The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.