28. Celebrating Pawtoberfest and The Amazing Acro-Cats

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00:00:00:04 - 00:00:13:09
Voice Over
Pets Add Life. Your guide to the latest in pet trends, products and the joy of the human animal bond, with Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati powered by the American Pet Products Association and Dog TV.

00:00:13:11 - 00:00:15:23
Chris
Oh, well. Hey there, Kristen.

00:00:16:04 - 00:00:17:02
Kristen
Hey, Chris.

00:00:17:03 - 00:00:29:22
Chris
Back and better than ever again for another podcast episode. This is the Pal podcast. Thank you everybody for listening and being here with us. We have an awesome show for you. But first, Christine, how are you feeling today?

00:00:30:01 - 00:00:41:12
Kristen
I feel great. I'm I'm pumped because I think it's officially fall now. You know, we just had Labor Day. I think summertime is over, and I fall is my favorite season.

00:00:41:13 - 00:01:00:06
Chris
I love fall as well, but I cling on to summer like a school child. Like I refuse to let it go. But then as soon as I have like that first taste of an apple cider donut, all of that melts away and I and I find myself at peace.

00:01:00:08 - 00:01:11:23
Kristen
Yeah, well, you see, when you are a former Floridian, you do not cling to summer. You are happy to say so long to the heat and humidity. So, yeah, I'm.

00:01:12:03 - 00:01:16:07
Chris
That's pretty rare. There's not many former Floridians.

00:01:16:09 - 00:01:18:02
Kristen
Yeah, that's true because.

00:01:18:04 - 00:01:23:23
Chris
You know, one of those states that once it once it gets here, it gets you.

00:01:24:01 - 00:01:37:07
Kristen
I know a lot of people think we're crazy for moving up to the mountains in North Carolina, but we've now we've got seasons. It's beautiful. We got mild winters, mild summers. It's really it's. And, it's very dog friendly. It's, it's it's just awesome. We love it so much.

00:01:37:09 - 00:01:55:18
Chris
Well, we've got we've got sort of a fall themed show coming in here. We've, we're we're going to be talking about paw Tober fest. We're going to be speaking, to the great mind behind the acro cats. So can't wait to get into that. so while we have you here, get comfortable. Lock it in. We've got a great show for you all.

00:01:55:18 - 00:02:01:18
Chris
And so, without further ado, let's get into this episode of the pow pow pow pow.

00:02:01:20 - 00:02:06:18
Voice Over
Kristen and Chris present story time.

00:02:06:20 - 00:02:11:06
Kristen
All right, Chris, it is story time. So, let's let's hear what you got today.

00:02:11:08 - 00:02:33:19
Chris
Yeah. So, we wrapped the Olympics a few weeks ago. but I'm reading through some of the news that sort of finds its way back here in America after coming across the Atlantic. And I saw this wonderful story about Beacon Team USA as an emotional support therapy dog that made the trip over there, which I thought was absolutely amazing.

00:02:33:19 - 00:03:05:03
Chris
I think a lot of people are aware of the story, surrounding Simone Biles, who obviously took home a massive amount of hardware this year and in the past, but actually taken a couple of years off, from the sport to sort of get her mental health in order. I just think it's awesome that there's so much awareness around the concept of mental health, especially from these Olympic athletes who at times, are the closest thing we get to superheroes.

00:03:05:03 - 00:03:45:16
Chris
They're infallible, they're perfect. They land their routine every time. But there's a lot of stress that comes with that kind of pressure. So, beacon is a, rescue dog that comes from Pasadena. has a story just like everybody else. and I was reading through this, and it's just so it's so amazing, like the parallels between this dog and the Olympic athletes just very low expectations when they got the animal, but then immediately recognized its skills and it sort of went through all of the training and passed with flying colors and eventually found itself in the Olympics over in Paris.

00:03:45:18 - 00:04:08:07
Chris
And it's got some weird story to so many other Olympic athletes. They don't necessarily come from, wealthier, well-off families. I mean, of course some of them do, but a lot of people just are born into regular families. find that they have these incredible skills, dedicate their entire lives to them, and are, rewarded on the biggest stage in the world.

00:04:08:07 - 00:04:20:09
Chris
So, if I could, I would give beacon a gold medal. I'm sure I'm not the only one to say that. but I guess I think it was an amazing story to come out of this year's Olympics.

00:04:20:11 - 00:04:34:02
Kristen
Yeah. That's fantastic. I don't know how beacon did it, because he must have been really busy. I mean, I forget how many athletes, from the US were there, but, I mean, he had to be really busy going from event to event.

00:04:34:04 - 00:04:59:19
Chris
absolutely. And he was quite popular. I'm flipping through some of the photos now. and I mean, he is he is just a ham. He he you could tell that he loved this. and he loved all the attention. So, yeah, he spent a lot of time with the the gymnastics and swimming teams. you know, some of our more popular, and, you know, teams with very high expectations.

00:04:59:21 - 00:05:16:22
Chris
but I guess I think, I think it's awesome that that there's even even just I mean, it's great the dog gets to do this, but the awareness of the, you know, United States Olympic Organization to say, hey, this would be a great benefit for us to have for some of our athletes. Is is an incredible step forward.

00:05:17:00 - 00:05:36:23
Kristen
Yeah, absolutely. Really smart. And and you know what? My story is something that beacon might be interested in now that he's finished his Olympic duties, he might be wanting a little bit of alone time. So I found this cool app. I don't know how new it is, but it's new to me. It's called Sniff Spot. Have you heard of this?

00:05:37:01 - 00:05:38:07
Chris
So I haven't.

00:05:38:09 - 00:05:59:03
Kristen
Okay, you dog owners can rent a safe and private dog park that is hosted by locals. So just a bit about dog parks. First you either love them or you hate them. And if you talk to a lot of pet professionals like trainers and, veterinarians, they hate dog parks because that's where dogs kind of can get into fights.

00:05:59:03 - 00:06:27:02
Kristen
They can catch, you know, diseases. you know, unfortunately, in some cases, people don't pick up after the dog. So depending on the dog park and your dog, you may love or hate dog parks, but, my sister has a reactive dog, so she cannot take him to any dog park. However, he has tons of energy and he needs a lot of exercise, so she just takes him on long hikes where she at times of the day, where she doesn't expect to encounter any people or pets.

00:06:27:04 - 00:06:56:19
Kristen
So when I discovered Sniff Spot, I sent this to her because it's basically an app where kind of like Airbnb, you can literally locate and rent a private dog park for your dog, to take them there to get the exercise they need without the interaction of other animals. And they even have like, really. I mean, some of them are people's yards, but other ones are like they have water features, or they might have a large acreage where they can do a hike.

00:06:56:21 - 00:07:21:02
Kristen
so I think this is a really great alternative for those dogs who aren't either aren't well socialized, or are reactive or just don't like other dogs. to to, you know, to go and get get their exercise. So I'm going to I sent this to her and I'm excited to find out if she found any great locations near her, because they do offer locations in Denver, which is where she lives, but it looks like they're in about eight eight cities right now.

00:07:21:06 - 00:07:38:21
Kristen
Maybe more. So yeah. So check out this spot if you have one of those dogs that prefers to be on their own at a park, or needs to be on their own at a park, and I think it would also be great for if you're vacationing with your dog, you could find a local, local, place platform.

00:07:38:23 - 00:08:08:21
Chris
Yeah. That's awesome. Or if on the flip side, if you've got, some land that you don't really use or big old backyard or, you know, you've got I've got, buddy out there, if you're listening, maybe this is good for you. They have a house right on the Appalachian Trail. so, you know, you know, unique opportunity to do hiking if you're one of those and you aren't in a position to get a dog, but you love having animals around, maybe becoming a sniff spot host is the right move for you.

00:08:08:23 - 00:08:10:00
Kristen
Yeah, that's a great idea.

00:08:10:01 - 00:08:14:21
Voice Over
Beyond the leash exploring the untold stories of pet passion and professionals.

00:08:14:23 - 00:08:32:13
Chris
Joining us now is Samantha Martin, the visionary founder and animal trainer behind the amazing Acro Cats. Emphasis on the amazing. I've seen the videos, a unique service, circus troupe that showcases the incredible talents of domestic cats and a few other small animals coming out of Griffin, Georgia.

00:08:32:13 - 00:08:52:20
Chris
Samantha and her troupe tour of the United States performing delightful shows that feature acts like the musical band the Rock cats. Samantha's innovative use of clicker training has not only entertained audiences nationwide, but also promoted cat welfare and the benefits of training. So thank you so much, Samantha, for joining us on the podcast today.

00:08:52:22 - 00:08:54:15
Samantha
Thanks for having me on.

00:08:54:17 - 00:09:05:21
Chris
Absolutely. So let's, get right into it and talk about the amazing acro cats. And maybe you could tell us a bit about the show and the inspiration behind it.

00:09:05:23 - 00:09:27:18
Samantha
what the show, actually was inspired by a cat named tuna that came into my life in the early 2000, and she was just a brilliant cat, unlike any cat I'd ever met before. She, she wasn't very affectionate, but she was so focused on learning, and she picked up on clicker training right away and was just so comfortable and and new places.

00:09:27:18 - 00:09:48:21
Samantha
And so I started taking her around to, you know, any place that I could bring a cat and I had a stroller with a bunch of props underneath. And so I would go to paddock spells and plop on a table and have a ring, a bell and a hoop and do some assorted tricks. And, and sometimes I put it, stop at a rescue booth and put a donation jar.

00:09:48:21 - 00:10:13:19
Samantha
I'd have to ring a bell, tap a donation jar for the rescue. And and people just loved the, you know, just they they were just amazed to see that I could have to do anything. So. And I initially put, you know, I put a band together, the Rock cats and, I was, touring with another group. And so I brought the Rockettes along just to kind of see, I don't know if people would be into this, and, they've never been thrall to.

00:10:13:19 - 00:10:49:22
Samantha
When I got back, I that's when I put together, you know, a whole show, which was very, a lot more complicated than I thought because, if every cat's different as far as personality and not being outgoing, it don't shut down. Yeah. This is kind of our foster kitten self. but, yeah. So, so initially I just sort of was, you know, I'd find art galleries and, and places that I could just bring the cats and, you know, work with them in front of a crowd and, you know, people just start, started showing up, like, within droves to see these cats do things or not do things.

00:10:49:22 - 00:11:14:02
Samantha
A lot of times it was not doing so. but eventually, you know, I kind of figured out what the cats needed to be comfortable. And, you know, I started adding music to the show, added a few more cats. The show decided to add a another, you know, like another, rescue kitty. and that's when I got really involved in rescue because I went to, I got involved.

00:11:14:03 - 00:11:29:11
Samantha
I got involved with the rescue who sent me to pick up my first litter, and they sent me to an intake, facility. and they said that the facility was like, well, if you don't take the day. And the kitten room was going to be so nice, I was like, what? You know? So I took all 12.

00:11:29:13 - 00:11:31:04
Kristen
Oh, and.

00:11:31:06 - 00:11:56:18
Samantha
And that was really kind of like a life changing moment because I, you know, I had no idea. I mean, I would always know that there's a pet overpopulation problem and, but, yeah, I had no idea how many people were just dumping their cats. And it's just because they don't have a bond with them. And I realized that I could help people bond with their cats and teach them how to make their cat more of a family member through clicker training and communication.

00:11:56:18 - 00:12:22:17
Samantha
And just ten minutes a day can just make a huge difference. And you know how you in the relationship that you have with your cats. So that's that's and so then since then we've found homes for 358 cats and kittens to our show. And so we have, we're traveling with, four foster kittens. One is, has a couple application as going to be going to the forever home.

00:12:22:20 - 00:12:32:17
Samantha
We had to retire some of our seniors. So we are actually auditioning to, you know, add a, a couple potential belts, just kind of like there are just.

00:12:32:19 - 00:12:40:20
Kristen
How how do you. I would love to know how do you audition the the cats to to take the places of the the show cats that are retiring.

00:12:40:22 - 00:13:02:06
Samantha
oh. I'm in. I kind of, I start putting them on stage early on was what? Simple things. I see what they like to do, what they're what they're drawn to do. Some of the cats prefer to be more elevated and do things about, you know, high end up on the bars and other cats are more comfortable doing things on the floor, and then also how they respond to crowd noise.

00:13:02:06 - 00:13:30:18
Samantha
And if they're shy, it's, you know, their energy level. So that so there's a lot of factors involved and, and, you know, adding a new kitty to the show. So right now our youngest is is about two. That's official. And then we have three kittens that we have four foster kittens, three of them that I'm kind of teaching some things and, and, you know, talking them into the show and seeing how, you know, it's going to be one of the next soccer cats.

00:13:30:20 - 00:13:56:03
Chris
That's awesome. Samantha, you've brought up, you've brought up clicker training a couple of times here. So can you explain a bit about what, clicker training is, why it works for cats and for those of, like, those of us out here like myself, who have a cat and may be interested in teaching them a couple of things, some advice on, on, how to be an effective clicker trainer.

00:13:56:05 - 00:14:24:12
Samantha
well, the clicker is, is a communication tool. So the sound of the clicker tells the cat they've just done something that's going to give them reward. So it's all positive reinforcement. You just ignore anything that you don't want and then you click and reinforce anything that you do want. So if you're trying to teach a cat to high five, you start with like maybe a target stick and, you know, you put if you put a target stick near them and they're going to look, they're going to be interested in this new object and they'll look at it.

00:14:24:12 - 00:14:42:10
Samantha
Or it might even paw at it. At that point you click and give them a treat. And then they figure out pretty quickly that this something with this target stick and this sound equals a great reward. So you can have the following, this target stick around initially. And then it might be able to get a high five pretty a spin.

00:14:42:13 - 00:15:00:00
Samantha
So some of those basic things just take minutes to teach. So sometimes I'll take foster kittens to partner with rescues across the country. And sometimes I'll take, one of their kittens that that's trying to find a home. And I'll bring them up on stage and within five minutes of them trying to do some basic things and, and that helps them get a home.

00:15:00:00 - 00:15:18:07
Samantha
And also they have a cute little parlor trick so that that's, and, and they're already trained clicker trained at this point. So, you know, nobody's going to leave behind a cat that high fives. And when they get home from work, a place an offer them. So, you know, by having them do some kind of cute little trick.

00:15:18:07 - 00:15:38:15
Samantha
And also they're all whistle train them all soluble whistle. They're all trying to run into a carrier. so that's which is great for emergency situations. If you need to get your cats out quickly or any pet actually is, you know, clicker training, whistle training works with any, any and all species. so if we blow the whistle, the kittens, this cats come running, they'll go into their crate.

00:15:38:17 - 00:15:57:07
Samantha
we take them places. It's not always the vets. A lot of people have struggles with getting their cars to the vet, because they just associate the carrier with such terrible things, but we associate the carrier with a positive things when, you know, right in the beginning with the kittens, they all the kittens are, you know, they see the carrier as a rewarding place.

00:15:57:08 - 00:16:28:01
Samantha
Place it's going, you know, because there's food in there. it's, you know, it's not sometimes we might just take them, you know, decide on a day adventure or take them to a pet store or any place that allows, you know, bring in a, a stroller with the cat, just to take, you know, give them, you know, as much relation and, and experience as possible when they're young so that they're, they're more flexible and adaptable when they're older because you, you never know when you might have to evacuate or move to a different location.

00:16:28:01 - 00:16:49:09
Samantha
And, and so you get your cat used to change early on the second. It's going to be less dramatic for them where you know things, if things go south and you end up having to evacuate and move and stay somewhere else for a while, you don't have that, you know, well, socialized carrier acceptance, you know, willing to go into the carrier, it's it's just so much healthier.

00:16:49:09 - 00:16:55:10
Samantha
And also you can identify health issues a lot earlier if you have a training routine set up with your cat as well.

00:16:55:12 - 00:17:16:05
Kristen
Yeah, that's a great point. You know, we love what you've created with this show, Samantha. You've combined entertainment with education about, you know, opening people's eyes to the fact that they can train their cats to do tricks. and, and then also, of course, shedding light on, the, the need for people to adopt, homeless and, rescue cats.

00:17:16:05 - 00:17:25:21
Kristen
So I know you're on tour and, for, for those listeners that would love to stop and see the show. where are you going? What are some of the tour dates you have coming up?

00:17:25:23 - 00:17:47:02
Samantha
We're going to be in Philadelphia September 4th to the seventh, and then we have a short break and we do a midwest tour. So in October, we're going to be in, Madison and then Madison, Wisconsin in Skokie, Illinois. And then we do our Christmas show in New Orleans every year in December.

00:17:47:04 - 00:18:00:18
Chris
It sounds like a blast. Oh, that sounds like that. That sounds like a yeah, I think I think, if I didn't have, if I wouldn't be disowned by my family for not showing up on Christmas, I think I'd find myself in New Orleans at the Rockettes show.

00:18:00:20 - 00:18:03:07
Samantha
Where they're were there for three weeks, so.

00:18:03:07 - 00:18:05:06
Chris
Oh, great. Okay, nice. Yeah.

00:18:05:07 - 00:18:19:22
Samantha
Like, yeah, it's a Christmas tradition. We've been going there for, like, over ten years. So every December we spend about three weeks, and two shows in and New Orleans. So it's, it's a, it's like a Christmas tradition. So it's not on Christmas. It's, you know.

00:18:19:22 - 00:18:20:11
Chris
Excellent.

00:18:20:11 - 00:18:26:01
Samantha
Yeah. So there's, many opportunities to see them.

00:18:26:03 - 00:18:46:10
Chris
Well, Samantha, this was an absolute joy. I've seen some of the videos on YouTube. I think that your show is amazing. It is so fun. perfect for a family outing. perfect for cat lovers, cat owners, potential cat owners. So if you're listening to the show, be sure to check them out. Samantha, thank you so much for hopping on the podcast today.

00:18:46:12 - 00:18:52:23
Samantha
Oh, and yeah, check out our website, Rock Arts rescue.org. This is all the show information to.

00:18:53:00 - 00:18:58:16
Chris
Us, and we'll put that in the show notes for everybody to rock okay. All right. Thanks again Samantha. Take care.

00:18:58:18 - 00:18:59:18
Samantha
All right. Bye bye now.

00:18:59:21 - 00:19:02:00
Voice Over
Pets Add Life.

00:19:02:02 - 00:19:22:07
Chris
Well, you hear me say this every now and again, Kristen. But if you're if, if if you guys listen to this podcast. Right, and, you know, on your commute or something, this is one that's really worth just hopping on to YouTube and checking out. Samantha had a ton of guest stars who, as cats do, sort of just go wherever they please in front of the camera.

00:19:22:09 - 00:19:29:17
Chris
If you had to shuffle them around and you could tell that she's a master handler. Oh yeah. Flustered. Yeah. Sort of shuffling all those cats around.

00:19:29:17 - 00:19:41:06
Kristen
All her foster cats were competing for, you know, camera time. And they kept walking in front of the camera, putting their nose up to the camera. It was really cute. So yeah, definitely check it out if you're only listening to the audio portion.

00:19:41:08 - 00:19:58:18
Chris
That's how you know they are ambitious divas because they were always jockeying for that camera time. So so true. check out this episode on YouTube. Check out the acro Cats on YouTube too. You can see some of their stuff. I know there were a couple of news articles that that cover them, and you could see some of that, some of that stuff previewed.

00:19:59:00 - 00:20:02:15
Chris
And if you get a chance, check them out live.

00:20:02:17 - 00:20:33:04
Kristen
Okay, Chris, let's meet Cody Koester, the public relations manager at the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region in Colorado. That's a beautiful area of the country. So with a passion for animal welfare and community engagement, Cody plays a pivotal role in promoting the Humane Society's mission to rescue and rehome homeless and abused animals. So today, Cody's here to talk to us about Paw Tober Fest and upcoming dog friendly festival featuring craft brews, pet contest, family activities and so much more.

00:20:33:07 - 00:20:51:00
Kristen
It is scheduled for, September the 14th at Union Printers Home in Colorado Springs. So if you're not in Colorado, we've got time to get you plane tickets that are not there. Part Over Fest promises to be a fun filled event and of course for a great cause. Welcome, Cody.

00:20:51:02 - 00:21:02:16
Cody
Hello. Hello. Thank you so much for having me on. I am very excited to talk about Pop Tober Fest, which is a really fun day. And you're also raising money for a good cause. So what could be, you know, a better Saturday? Well, what.

00:21:02:16 - 00:21:10:18
Kristen
Could be better than that? Tell us a little bit about the origins. I assume this is not the first year of pot tober fest. Tell us. Tell us about the history and how it's evolved.

00:21:10:19 - 00:21:34:06
Cody
Yeah. So we have been using, where we created pot tober fest, I think over 20 years ago. So it's been in the Card Springs community for a very long time. and this is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year. So, you know, this is one of the only dog friendly festivals, that I know of, at least in the state of Colorado, where you can, you know, drink craft brews.

00:21:34:08 - 00:21:49:17
Cody
just in Colorado. Our craft brews are a very, you know, big scene here. and then you can also bring out your dog and enjoy the nice weather as well. While all that money is going directly back to taking care of the homeless, the the abuse, the unwanted animals here in our communities in Colorado.

00:21:49:19 - 00:22:06:19
Chris
Yeah, that's that's absolutely awesome. I mean, already from gets an elevator pitch. I'm sold. But why don't you tell me a little bit more about some of the, unique activities, some highlights, some things that folks can expect if they plan on attending Party Fest.

00:22:06:21 - 00:22:25:12
Cody
Yeah. So we have all the vendors, of course, the beer in the spirit tastings. but it's also a family friendly activity, too. So we have, kids stations, around. like I said, you can bring your dogs, too. So we have, like, little kiddy pools for the dogs to go play in, and cool off because it's usually a hot day here in September.

00:22:25:14 - 00:22:46:19
Cody
we have music going on, and then we have tasty food trucks that are available as well. And my favorite, we have pet contests. So this year we have, we call it the Pooch Smooch, which is our kissing contest. And it's exactly what it sounds like. You have to kiss your dog in front of everybody and it's a big hit.

00:22:46:19 - 00:22:57:09
Cody
People love signing up for it. So if you have a dog that loves to give big, slobbery kisses, you can come and sign up over. Pet contests are free. they're just another way to make the day a really fun day.

00:22:57:11 - 00:23:01:19
Kristen
Hey, Cody, is it cheating if you smear peanut butter on your face for for the kissing contest?

00:23:01:19 - 00:23:07:08
Cody
Like, you know, nobody has tried it yet, but I bet you if you did, you would probably win.

00:23:07:10 - 00:23:17:19
Chris
Yeah, it sounds like like, it's like steroids, right? It's performance enhancing drugs. It's going to happen once, and then we're going to have to look back, put an asterisk in the history books and ban it from there on out.

00:23:17:21 - 00:23:22:00
Cody
And we do have legit judges for these contests. So I don't know if the judges are going to say.

00:23:22:02 - 00:23:24:14
Chris
It'll come down to them. Yeah.

00:23:24:16 - 00:23:33:13
Kristen
I would love to know what a legit kissing kind of dog kissing contest judges. What kind of credentials do you have to have to be a judge for this contest.

00:23:33:15 - 00:23:49:04
Cody
So we usually have like our president and CEO is a judge who, you know, sees a lot of dogs. And then, we normally have other people from our community as judges too. So we got a whole, wide range, you know, a diverse group of judges. So I don't know if you want to do a trick before the kiss.

00:23:49:04 - 00:23:54:10
Cody
Maybe you can win one of them over. I feel like I'm pitching dancing with the stars, but it's very similar.

00:23:54:12 - 00:24:13:15
Chris
That's awesome. And, you know, you met you've mentioned community a few times now, and I love these community events that, you know, aren't just fun. and it sounds like a lot of fun but also impactful. So can you talk a little bit about the impact that this event will have on the Humane Society and your local community?

00:24:13:17 - 00:24:36:02
Cody
Yeah. So our goal, for Potomac Fest is to raise over $210,000. which is great. I was like, we normally, you know, do pretty well to raise a lot of money for the pets in our community and kind of like we were talking about a little bit earlier, that money goes directly back to these pets. So, you know, we have oh, we have over like 25,000 pets that come through our shelter every year.

00:24:36:02 - 00:24:50:22
Cody
So that's a lot of mouths to feed. That's a lot of pets to shelter. you know, that's a lot of people coming in to look for adoptions. so all that money, I mean, we raise we raise it because it's a fun day, but we also do raise it for the pets, you know, here in our community as well.

00:24:51:00 - 00:24:58:14
Kristen
And do people buy tickets to it to attend Potter. Professor, how did those funds come in? to the event, correct.

00:24:58:14 - 00:25:16:09
Cody
Yeah. So tickets are available. they're available for purchase right now. so we have, normal tickets that are $55 will get you in the door and, you know, get you with all of the events and everything going on. And then we also sell, like, VIP tickets as well. which kind of gives you your own space.

00:25:16:09 - 00:25:39:18
Cody
That's a little bit of, like, catered food, your own bathrooms. It's an outdoor event. some shaded space. So, there's, options for everybody. And then we also do sell, merch for the event too. So we have Tobar Fest t shirts, which are a little bit of their own famous thing here in Colorado Springs. Now that, you know, I'll see people out randomly wearing them and I got a few of my own, that are available for purchase.

00:25:39:18 - 00:25:55:23
Cody
And then, we also sell, like, brewery glasses, like the nice, you know, like 16 ounce my glasses with, like, cool cat puns and dog puns and our Humane Society logo on them that all of those proceeds go back to the shelter as well.

00:25:56:00 - 00:26:19:07
Chris
That's awesome. That's, it sounds like, you know, you guys have have steeped this event in a bit of tradition, which is amazing. but with tradition comes time. So I'm wondering if you could backtrack through your memory real quick and maybe pull out a memorable story or experience or something really fun that happened at a pot tober fest that kind of open your eyes and maybe realize how awesome of an event this really is, and share it with our audience.

00:26:19:09 - 00:26:37:14
Cody
Oh, this maybe isn't going to be the best pitch, but, one year when we had October Fest, I remember it rained and it was, you know, in Colorado, the weather can be unpredictable all the way up to the event day. And even though it rained and it was all soggy, we still had the most fun at the event ever.

00:26:37:14 - 00:27:00:05
Cody
And honestly, I think the rain made it even more memorable. You know, the dogs were out there running around, jumping in the water. people were just, you know, outside having fun. We still had the music going. We still had the contest going. So it was still a really fun day. And the sun did eventually come out. But when it was raining early on, you know, it was a really fun event that made it memorable as these pets were still jumping in the pools and enjoying themselves.

00:27:00:07 - 00:27:04:12
Kristen
Yeah, a lot of wet dog smell too. I bet.

00:27:04:14 - 00:27:12:18
Chris
Like luckily it's outside. So the wet dog. Yeah, yeah, just to dissipate into just the wet Colorado smell, which is worse.

00:27:13:00 - 00:27:15:14
Cody
So yeah, we got that fresh mountain air here.

00:27:15:16 - 00:27:17:19
Chris
Yeah yeah yeah.

00:27:17:21 - 00:27:37:20
Kristen
So Cody, you mentioned that this is a family friendly event, open to, you know, kids, people of all ages. And you can bring your dogs. Are there any steps you guys have taken to kind of keep it safe? You know, we got a lot of people and a lot of dogs. And in one area, what kind of steps have you guys made taken to just keep everything safe and fun?

00:27:37:22 - 00:27:56:06
Cody
Yeah. So the festival ground is all fenced off, so it's, you know, an exclusive event, like you have to buy a ticket to enter. and then we do have security at the event as well. you know, anytime you mix, alcohol and people and day drinking, it's, it's usually smart to have security. So, yeah, we we have security there.

00:27:56:06 - 00:28:12:02
Cody
It's it's really just a fun day. It's, you know, it's usually more of a laid back day. We have so many vendors that go here that when you're waiting in line, you know you're not waiting in line very long. So it's it's a really fun day. We have, the food options and stuff too. So we got a lot of different, you know, things going on that people are always doing.

00:28:12:02 - 00:28:21:12
Cody
And, it's. You never bored. Something's always going on. And then. Yeah. So it's it's just a fun day just seeing around, going around with everybody.

00:28:21:14 - 00:28:35:11
Chris
Absolutely. so, Cody, we're coming up at the end of our time here. So I am a Colorado based listener of the podcast, and I am absolutely sold on this event. Where can I find out more? Where can I secure my tickets?

00:28:35:13 - 00:28:54:07
Cody
Yeah. So we have our own website, pat tober fest.org. so just like October test, but it's a par. So, it's a really fun way to remember it, but yeah. Pottery fest.org. We have all of our details on there. That's where you can buy your tickets. you can see videos of past years. You can kind of see the timeline of the day that's going on.

00:28:54:09 - 00:28:57:00
Cody
all of your information is going to be there.

00:28:57:02 - 00:29:03:19
Kristen
Fantastic. And I assume people can make it. Don't you can make a donation too if you can't attend, right? I assume.

00:29:03:21 - 00:29:20:10
Cody
Correct. Yeah. And you can always donate, on our website. So like I said, all the funds go back to the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak region. So, our website is h. S r, dawg. and anytime you make a donation online, that money goes, taking care of the pets here in Colorado as well.

00:29:20:12 - 00:29:40:07
Chris
Awesome, awesome. So even if you're like me and in a classless state that's consistently jealous of Colorado, you can still have a positive impact. Cody, thank you so much for spending some time with us, teaching us about this event. I had a smile on my face the entire time. It sounds like that. Us West.

00:29:40:09 - 00:29:46:16
Cody
Of course. Thank you so much for having me on. And hopefully I see a couple of the listeners out there come up and say hi at Pottery Fest.

00:29:46:18 - 00:29:51:12
Kristen
Great. Absolutely. Thanks, Cody.

00:29:51:14 - 00:30:12:09
Chris
All right. So all of you in Colorado, big brother Chris is watching. My eyes are on you. I want to see tickets purchased now because for those of us who aren't so lucky to live in that area, we have to live vicariously through you. So I'm telling you right now, get a ticket. Go to this event. I want to see some hashtags on Instagram.

00:30:12:09 - 00:30:27:10
Chris
I want to see you tagging us in your stories and stuff so that I can live through you. Selfish Chris. Yes, this is me being selfish. Do we understand, listeners? Not if you understand.

00:30:27:12 - 00:30:31:13
Kristen
Oh my gosh.

00:30:31:15 - 00:30:35:01
Voice Over
The product of the week.

00:30:35:03 - 00:30:43:05
Chris
All right, it's time for the pop up of a product of the week. Kristin, why don't you go ahead and take us away?

00:30:43:06 - 00:31:04:22
Kristen
Oh, okay. So I, this is a product that I've used in the past for my dog, and it was fantastic. And I think it's a really great tool for anyone who has a dog that pulls when they're on a walk. So this is called the Freedom No pull harness is by a company called Two Hounds Design. this company has been around for at least I think 15, 20 years.

00:31:04:22 - 00:31:22:08
Kristen
They've been making beautiful and really high quality collars and leashes. But they came out with this freedom no pull harness maybe, I don't know, maybe like ten years ago. This thing has over 10,005 star reviews. it's a great training tool for, like I said, for dogs that pull and what it does is it helps the waist design.

00:31:22:08 - 00:31:40:14
Kristen
It helps you and your dog communicate better on a walk. So there's the actual harness that goes on your dog, and then the leash clips in two different places. It clips like at the base of your at the top of your dog's chest, and then one on the back at the base of their neck. And so you're actually when you're holding the leash, you need two hands because you're kind of holding.

00:31:40:14 - 00:31:59:05
Kristen
It's almost like a loop. And the cool thing is when your dog starts to pull it, the harness system kind of pulls him in toward you to kind of facing you. So, you know, dogs kind of think, well, this is weird, you know? And I've been watching I watched a video on YouTube that kind of demonstrates how it works.

00:31:59:05 - 00:32:18:08
Kristen
And it's amazing. They had this Doberman that was dragging this guy down the down the sidewalk. He puts the no pull harness on and they're walking like perfectly normal side by side. So, and I did use this for my dog chili many years ago when when we first started doing, you know, a lot of hiking and stuff, and it worked great.

00:32:18:10 - 00:32:39:00
Kristen
So I highly recommend if you're if you have a puller or, you know, someone who has a dog that pulls, check out the freedom no pull harness. it also has this really cool velvet lining on the strap that goes under their front leg, so it prevents any chafing, really top quality. And they have some really cool colors to.

00:32:39:02 - 00:32:56:04
Chris
That's awesome. Yeah. I think, one of the most frustrating things of owning a, larger dog is when they're stronger than you and they know it. And they pull and they pull, so that that is a great product. I've seen it around in a few different places. So great recommendation.

00:32:56:06 - 00:32:58:21
Kristen
Yeah. So what do you got for us today?

00:32:58:23 - 00:33:22:23
Chris
I've got you know, I was really inspired. We had, we had Samantha on from the Acro Cats and I thought, this is great, right. Like, I think this is so fun, but there's going to be people out there that are training their cats to basically become these astounding acrobats capable of bounding over a building in a single leap.

00:33:23:01 - 00:33:44:17
Chris
Well, that could be a problem if you keep them outside, especially if they go outside and they sort of have a fenced in area. cats like to escape. and there is a sensitivity around letting your cat sort of guess, have free rein outside. I mean, it's dangerous for them, especially if you live in an area with a lot of traffic.

00:33:44:19 - 00:34:11:11
Chris
It's dangerous for the ecosystem because cats are apex predators and they tend to win. and they can also get into all sorts of scrapes and fights with, with other animals. So I found this product called ocelot and essentially what it is like you install it at the top of a fence. So if you have like a backyard patio that, you know, fenced in type situation in the top of the fence and it's just like a little rotating spinny thing.

00:34:11:11 - 00:34:31:04
Chris
So when they get to the top, they can't climb over. So it keeps the cat in. It keeps like the raccoons out. but there's all sorts of videos of different fences here and cats of honestly astounding athletic ability trying to stump it. And they all sort of get to the top, see that it starts to spin and they get down.

00:34:31:08 - 00:34:49:05
Chris
There's cats trying to bound over and land on the top, and they sort of just tumble on down. So it's a great way to keep your cat safe. So if you're out there and you're thinking, my cat would be a great acro cat, but also, I'm afraid that with any semblance of training, they're going to jump right on over my fence.

00:34:49:08 - 00:35:13:00
Chris
This is the product for you. So I went ahead. I put the, they're an Australian based company, actually, but I went ahead, put the website in the show notes so you guys could take a look and see kind of what I'm talking about. The product that's a little more difficult to describe, but I think once you see the the home page here, they kind of have this running video where like, oh, it's so it's such a simple, elegant solution to the problem.

00:35:13:00 - 00:35:14:13
Chris
So I really like that.

00:35:14:15 - 00:35:25:18
Kristen
I like that, and is this something you could use? I'm trying to envision it. Could you use it like this over the top of the refrigerator, or for places in the house where you don't want your cat to access, or is it specifically designed for.

00:35:25:18 - 00:35:57:14
Chris
Outdoor, I mean, it looks like it does look like it gets screwed in. So as long as you're okay screwing in to something, whether it's a cabinet or refrigerator, definitely. I mean, it's it's very it's very straightforward. Turns out, cats prefer to land on solid and sturdy objects. Actually, when you see them, I don't know, for those cat owners out there who might like, like, have a, like, a blanket down and see the cat and they'll be very, like, testy with the blanket before they actually talk.

00:35:57:16 - 00:36:15:05
Chris
Because cats are very careful. They want to make sure that where they're stepping is solid and sound. so this definitely throws a wrench in their plans to jump over those things. So check it out. I'm a firm believer in keeping our cats, safe and our ecosystems safe from our cats. And so this is a great solution.

00:36:15:05 - 00:36:19:23
Chris
So we could still, give our cats the opportunity to explore the outdoors a bit.

00:36:20:01 - 00:36:23:12
Kristen
Feline innovation at its finest.

00:36:23:14 - 00:36:25:18
Voice Over
Q&A’s

00:36:25:19 - 00:36:45:23
Chris
All right, folks, it's time for our favorite segment of the show where we answer two of your questions. And remember, if you have a question for Chris and Kristen, you could submit it at Petsaddlife.org/podcast. Scroll on down to the bottom of that page. If you, see the little text box there, you can submit your question.

00:36:45:23 - 00:37:10:02
Chris
Or if you are brave, brave kitty cat, you could submit your voice memo, straight through the website and you'll hear your question played on the show. And also news flash, follow us on Facebook or on Instagram at Pets Add Life. You'll see our clips popping up there all the time. If you don't feel like going to our website because the internet's confusing, but you see us on social, just pop the question in the comment box.

00:37:10:02 - 00:37:23:08
Chris
Go ahead, pop that in there. We've got our best and brightest scouring our comments to make sure we pick up on all those questions. and we'll be sure to get to those as well. But without further ado, Kristen.

00:37:23:10 - 00:37:23:18
Kristen
Yes.

00:37:23:18 - 00:37:25:05
Chris
Question for you.

00:37:25:06 - 00:37:25:20
Kristen
Okay.

00:37:25:22 - 00:37:42:03
Chris
This question comes from Carlos in Miami, Florida. thank you, Carlos, for the question. Carlos asks. My dog has been developing dry patches on his skin. What are some effective ways to treat and prevent these skin issues?

00:37:42:05 - 00:38:03:21
Kristen
Okay. Well, Carlos, thank you for the question. And as as I usually do, I'll start out by saying any type of health issue with your pet, is it probably makes sense to go talk to your veterinarian about it, but I can give you a few things that you can try to see if that clears up the dry patches.

00:38:03:23 - 00:38:20:08
Kristen
and if not, don't let it. Don't let it go on for too long before you see your vet. So dry patches could could be a result of a few different things. It could be, a diet like a some something he's lacking in his diet. it could be, that he needs, you know, more frequent grooming.

00:38:20:10 - 00:38:42:00
Kristen
it could be a hydration issue. So I would make sure that he's drinking enough water. and obviously, we're recording this at the very tail end of summertime, so it's really important that we make sure our pets are getting enough water, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors and they're active. but also it's important to make sure that your, your dog is getting enough omega threes in his diet.

00:38:42:05 - 00:39:06:12
Kristen
So, you might check the ingredient list on the bag or whatever type of food that you're feeding him. But you can also supplement with omega three oils either, in a little pump form or I think they come in the gels, too. and it also could be an allergy. So, you might he might be allergic to ragweed or just something in your environment.

00:39:06:12 - 00:39:30:08
Kristen
I know when, when we lived in Florida. Oh my gosh, there are so many different allergens, that dogs and cats can be allergic to. So that could also be the culprit. But try, try bathing and grooming a little more frequently. Try adding, more water to his diet and try the omegas. And if you don't see any improvement, definitely make an appointment to see your vet.

00:39:30:10 - 00:39:37:22
Kristen
So that is my advice for Carlos and his dry patch pooch. And now I have a question for you, Chris.

00:39:38:00 - 00:39:39:10
Chris
All right, let it rip.

00:39:39:12 - 00:39:59:03
Kristen
Do your worst. All right. I'm going to try to stop you here. All right. This comes from Jenna in Denver. So Jenna says I have a deaf cat and want to make sure his life is a is as enriched as possible despite his disability. What are some activities or tips to help enrich a deaf cat's life? It's a really good question.

00:39:59:05 - 00:40:23:15
Chris
classic trying to stump me with the cat question, though I cannot be stumped by such questions, for I am a proud, proud owner of a 21 year old Daphne named Tiger. So ace in. In all honesty, it's, not that big of a disability for cats. I think it can be frustrating at times to both the cat and the cat owner.

00:40:23:17 - 00:40:45:01
Chris
especially if they weren't born deaf. And it's something they have to become adjusted to, like. Like my cat was just lost the hearing with with old age. So you have to change the way you communicate with the cat. Right? There is there's no more calling the cat down for dinner. What I do now is simply open the can of food and guess what?

00:40:45:02 - 00:41:09:23
Chris
That sense of smell is still there. She comes running on down. And really root yourself in this understanding that I as much as it doesn't seem to change. Because at the end of the day, like, cats don't speak English. So you're sitting there and your cat, it's still like it's always fallen on deaf ears. but sometimes your cat could pick up on the mood or just be aware of the fact that you're in a room because you're speaking.

00:41:10:04 - 00:41:38:06
Chris
Be aware that your cat doesn't know where you are. I always like to say that tiger like communicates through echolocation. Like she'll stand somewhere and just meow, and and wait for us to arrive to help her with her problems. When. And that's definitely a change in behavior there. so, like, for example, when she wants us to turn on the sink, she'll just go sit in the bathroom and meow until we show up and fix the problem for her.

00:41:38:08 - 00:42:03:16
Chris
So it's just a change in the way we communicate. But as far as enrichment and activities, not much has to change at all. I mean, all, all the toys are generally instinct and and touch sensory based. You don't have to worry about the the food changing at all. I would be hesitant, though, to allow a deaf cat outside for extended periods of time.

00:42:03:18 - 00:42:27:17
Chris
anything that is going to be aggressive towards the cat cat's going to want all five senses for that to be able to defend itself or run away, or be able to anticipate any sort of a threat. So it might be time to keep that cat inside, which means you want to look for some of the toys that we I've recommended on the show in the past that sort of help tap into that, that hunter instinct a bit.

00:42:27:17 - 00:42:46:14
Chris
Some of those automatic little little balls or play mats or cat dancers, there's all sorts of different things. But the good news is life doesn't have to change that much. The cat's going to be plenty happy. and just remember that if you're yelling at the cat because they misbehaved, it's not going to do anything. It's not going to help at all.

00:42:46:16 - 00:42:48:18
Kristen
Might make you feel better.

00:42:48:20 - 00:42:53:16
Chris
Yeah, yeah, it could be therapeutic, but it falling on deaf ears.

00:42:53:18 - 00:43:13:00
Kristen
Yes. Well, thank you, Jennifer, for that question. And, as Chris reminded you all earlier, you can submit your question at Petsaddlife2.org/podcast or drop it right into the comments on our social channels. So, Chris, I think that wraps up our first fall themed show.

00:43:13:02 - 00:43:24:15
Chris
It does. I can't believe that fall is already here. It's going to take some time for me to adjust to that. the good news about fall arriving is that I go to Italy soon. Which is going to be.

00:43:24:16 - 00:43:26:00
Kristen
I know you're very excited about that.

00:43:26:01 - 00:43:55:08
Chris
All of you at home don't need to worry about that. Because through the magic of recording and the internet, the Pets Add Life podcast will continue on every Tuesday. That's right. No matter what, whether I'm in the country or not, we're going to be feeding you guys fresh episodes. So be sure to come back here next Tuesday for the, the next episode where we guarantee this is a this is a Christopher Bonifati guarantee that you're going to have enough fun with that one.

00:43:55:10 - 00:44:16:15
Chris
My my producer. Shaking his head, he said, I'm not allowed to give guarantees. I'm never I'm never allowed to promise anything. So what I'm going to do is instead promise you this. I promise to never promise. And that's a Christopher about it, I guarantee. So until next week is, stay comfortable. Be good to yourselves. Be good to your pets, and we'll see you back here on Tuesday.

00:44:16:17 - 00:44:17:16
Kristen
Meow for now.