The Pet Connection

Halloween is a blast for us, but it can be a scary, and sometimes dangerous, night for the pets in our house. On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Podcast, co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters and Lisa D. Smith sit down with veterinarian and best-selling author Dr. Gary Richter, known as America’s Favorite Veterinarian, to talk about keeping pets safe, calm and out of the candy stash. Dr. Richter explains why chocolate, xylitol and even peanut butter can be a problem. He also covers the tinsel, ribbon and string that look harmless but can cause trouble when a pet swallows them. We talk about skeleton décor and crafting projects, and about costumes and masks, including when the better choice is no costume at all. Then we get to the doorbell, the open door and the fight-or-flight moments that send pets running, and why microchips matter. We also cover why cats are safest indoors, what to do about fireworks and thunder shirts, and how to walk your dog past a yard full of decorations. Before we get to Halloween, Dr. Richter shares valuable insights about pet nutrition including allergies, overweight pets, dental health and what to look for on an ingredient label. He also tells us how to read your pet’s behavior and know when it’s time to call the vet. Whether you’re handing out candy, hosting a party or just trying to get through trick-or-treat hour with a nervous dog, this one is for you. 🔗 LINKS - Ultimate Pet Nutrition: https://ultimatepetnutrition.com/  - Dr. Gary Richter on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petvetexpert/  - Dr. Gary Richter on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petvetexpert/?hl=en  - TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  - Pet Connection Podcast: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/pet-connection 

B is for Budget! In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC’s of Horses" Podcast, world champion horse trainer Christy Wood gives an honest look at what it really costs to own a horse, and why planning ahead keeps a dream from turning into overwhelm. Christy starts with the horse itself and why the price depends on what you plan to do with it, then moves on to where your horse will live: zoning and subdivision rules, boarding stables, box stalls and turnout time, and why you should find out how a horse has been living before you bring it home. She also shares tips for shopping smart for tack, including trying used saddles on your own horse and checking used bridles for dry, cracked leather. From there, Christy digs into the ongoing expenses: blankets and shelter for winter, hay prices and buying once a year to lock in quality, switching feed gradually to protect a delicate digestive system, supplements, yearly vet checks, worming, teeth floating, farrier visits every six to seven weeks, and why a trailer is a security blanket in an emergency. Christy offers ballpark examples, but her advice is to research your own area and your own riding goals. Whether you’re dreaming of your first horse or already caring for one, this episode will help you plan ahead and avoid being caught off guard. Next month, Christy and Lisa turn to holiday shopping with a giving heart for horse lovers. 🔗 EXPLORE MORE 📚 Connect with Christy: https://wdnhorse.com/  🎧 ABC’s of Horses Podcast (the full A to Z): https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/abcs-of-horses-podcast  📖 ABC’s of Horses Magazine: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/p/abcs-of-horses-magazine  ❓ Ask Christy a question: https://www.bigblendmediahouse.com/contact-us 

September is Pet Memorial Month, and on this episode of "The Pet Connection," Lisa D. Smith and co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.com dig deep into how we remember the animals who shape our lives — personally, historically, and everywhere in between. From home memorial gardens and paw-print keepsakes to the extraordinary true stories of Old Sam (a Civil War artillery horse secretly buried at night), Cher Ami (the WWI pigeon who saved 200 soldiers), Old Abe the Civil War eagle, and Chaser the border collie who learned over 1,000 words — this episode covers the full span of how humans across history and cultures have honored their animal companions. Angela also shares insights from her pet-loss support work, including Trustedhousesitters' Pet Plaques program honoring extraordinary animals, and Lisa closes with the story of her heart-horse Cinnabar and the biggest lesson any animal ever taught her: be present. Listen to more episodes of The Pet Connection: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/  Learn more about Trusted Housesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ 

In celebration of Foster a Pet Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" podcast is part of our "Getting to Know You" series spotlighting the people behind our shows and celebrating the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com. This episode features co-host Angela Laws, Head of Charitable Partnerships and External Engagement at TrustedHousesitters, who shares her inspiring journey through pet sitting, purposeful travel, animal welfare, and community building. A lifelong animal lover, Angela discusses how pet sitting became a lifestyle that has allowed her to experience cultures around the world while caring for pets and helping pet parents travel with peace of mind.  From meaningful travel experiences and cultural discoveries to charitable work supporting animal rescue and fostering, Angela reflects on the trust, communication, and compassion that connect people through a shared love of animals. The conversation also explores the benefits of slow travel, the emotional bonds between pets and their people, favorite destinations, life lessons learned through travel, and the importance of supporting animal welfare organizations. 🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  🏡 Explore Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/  🎧 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

It's a big milestone on this share episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABCs of Horses" Podcast, where producer Lisa D. Smith and world champion horse trainer Christy Wood made it all the way to Z! And Z is for Zoomies, that joyful, full-speed burst of energy every horse owner loves to watch. Christy breaks down what zoomies really mean, how to tell the difference between a happy horse blowing off steam and a stressed or fearful one, and why your horse needs plenty of safe space to really run, stop, and roll.  She also covers the role of diet and exercise in managing your horse's energy, how to read body language (especially that tail!), and why you should never try to ride out a bucking or rearing horse — let them get it out of their system first. Plus, toys and enrichment: does your horse want a ball to play with?  This wraps up over two years of the "ABCs of Horses" — but don't worry, Lisa and Christy aren't done! Next month, they kick off round two with a special "Get to Know Christy" episode that reflects over all the equestrian lessons learned in the series. Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more: https://wdnhorse.com/  🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com  📖 Check out the NEW ABC'S of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/ 

In celebration of National Pet Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” podcast explores the lifesaving work of Helen Sanders Cat Protection & Welfare Society, a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and advocating for cats.  Along with producer and host Lisa D. Smith, co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.com welcomes special guest Deborah Phelan-Magaldi, co-founder of Helen Sanders CatPAWS for an inspiring conversation about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), fostering, rescue partnerships, and community involvement in feline welfare. The discussion highlights the importance of managing feral and community cat populations through compassionate care, veterinary partnerships, and public education. Deborah also shares the remarkable story of Benny, a rescue cat who overcame trauma and now serves as an ambassador for resilience and healing. 🐾 Learn more about Helen Sanders CatPAWS: https://helensanderscatpaws.com/  🐾 Learn about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com 

In this essential Big Blend Radio "Pet Connection" episode for Pet Poison Prevention Month, we sit down with co-host Angela Laws from TrustedHouseSitters.com, to uncover the hidden hazards lurking in our homes and gardens.  From common kitchen staples like chocolate to beautiful but deadly lilies, Angela shares expert insights on how to pet-proof your environment. Whether you are a long-time pet owner or a dedicated pet sitter, this conversation provides the practical tools and awareness needed to prevent emergencies and keep our furry friends thriving. Read more from the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=poison 

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” podcast explores the power of travel, photography, and compassion for animals, featuring co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters and special guest Cade Martin — commercial photographer and world traveler. Cade shares how a family trip to Thailand unexpectedly led to his heartwarming mini-documentary “Wheelchair Mafia,” spotlighting a sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates disabled dogs. The conversation dives into the emotional impact of animal rescue, the cultural insights gained through travel, and how storytelling through photography can inspire kindness and global awareness. Listeners will also hear about the vital work of The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation and how communities and volunteers help give vulnerable animals a second chance at life. 🔗 Learn more: • Cade Martin • The Man That Rescues Dogs Foundation • TrustedHousesitters • The Steppes of Henry Foundation 🐾 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes.

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Garden Gossip" Podcast, we chat with Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, about 2026 Backyarding Trends and how outdoor spaces are evolving into purpose-driven, high-performance landscapes. The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of backyards, parks, schoolyards, and other green spaces, predicts 2026 will be the year of intentional design, year-round use, and pet-friendly landscapes. The era of the purely aesthetic lawn is over—today’s yards are strategic investments that support wellness, biodiversity, community connection, and everyday living. Kris discusses the rise of the 365-day landscape, right-sized outdoor zones, precision tech-guided gardening, dog-friendly “barkitecture,” pocket forests, and the growing “prosumer” mindset in outdoor tools.  We also explore native plants, coexisting with wildlife, the role of parks and community green spaces, and how backyarding supports family bonding and quality of life. Learn more about Turf Mutt Foundation: https://www.turfmutt.com/  As part of our "Get a Balanced Life" programming, this episode is also featured on our "Nature Connection," "Pet Connection," "Big Daily Blend," and "Quality of Life" podcast channels. Explore the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

In recognition of Train Your Dog Month and Hug a Puppy Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” Podcast focuses on puppy care, training, and responsible ownership, featuring hosts Lisa Smith (Big Blend Radio) and Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters. The conversation explores what puppies need to thrive, from early training and socialization to clear communication, grooming, and veterinary care. Lisa and Angela discuss the importance of understanding breed traits, choosing ethical breeders or adopting from shelters, and the long-term commitment required when bringing a puppy home. The episode also addresses the dangers of backyard breeding, the rise of pandemic puppy adoption, and how positive training builds trust, confidence, and lifelong bonds. With personal stories and practical tips, this episode offers both a heartwarming and practical guide for new and future puppy parents. 🐾 See the Trustedhousesitters.com Blog for more Puppy Care & Training Tips: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/search/?q=puppies  🐾 Learn more about responsible pet care and travel solutions: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com  🎙️ This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s “Big Daily Blend” podcast channel.