45. The Power of Pet Energy Healing and Wellness for the New Year

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00:00:00:04 - 00:00:14:22
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.

00:00:15:00 - 00:00:23:20
Kristen
Well, happy New Year, everybody. It is New Year's Eve, and we're coming to you with a very special episode of the Pets Add Life podcast. How are you doing, Chris? Are you excited about tonight?

00:00:24:01 - 00:00:50:16
Chris
I am, listen, I love New Year's Eve. It's one of my favorite holidays. And, you know, anybody listening out there, whether you're in party mode or personal reflection mode, mode or relaxation mode, however you choose to celebrate, I hope you're enjoying it with your loved ones and your pets. Me personally, I'm I'm a big, you know, meditation person reflection guy around this time of year, which I think we're in luck for.

00:00:50:16 - 00:00:51:19
Chris
Right, Kristin?

00:00:51:21 - 00:01:09:07
Kristen
Yeah. You're going to love this show, then. And really, today's episode is all about starting the new year off on our right paw for our pets. So we've got a calm, balanced and positive buzzy. Yeah. Calm balance and positive theme for the show. That's that's what makes sense of that.

00:01:09:07 - 00:01:32:12
Chris
Yeah. No, I'm picking up where you're putting down. And you know, for any APA folks who may be listening to me, they know that I every New Year's, I don't just do I don't do like hard resolutions. What I do is I theme each year in something that I'm trying to improve upon as a person. So 2024 was the year of unrelenting optimism.

00:01:32:13 - 00:01:33:10
Chris
And so.

00:01:33:10 - 00:01:34:15
Kristen
I'm headed out.

00:01:34:17 - 00:02:09:01
Chris
But that yeah, it worked out okay. It was it got a little rough at the end there. It got a little rough at the end there, but I think at the end of the day, we stuck the landing. And I'm here to announce that 2025 will be the year of radical self-care. So radical self-care. And, listen, this show is the perfect place to start because we're going to be helping you, your pets, your loved ones find peace, tranquility, and focus as we close out 2024, the year of unrelenting optimism.

00:02:09:01 - 00:02:15:13
Chris
And we welcome 2025, the Year of radical Self-care.

00:02:15:15 - 00:02:20:00
Kristen
Well, I don't know. I was just going to say I want to have more fun in 2025.

00:02:20:00 - 00:02:22:10
Chris
That's good too.

00:02:22:12 - 00:02:45:19
Kristen
Yeah, that's my bucket list stuff I want to do. And and of course that will include two up as well. So all right. So we got two incredible, incredible guests today who specialize in energy work and meditation for pets. Yep. You heard that right. We are going to meditate with our pets today. Chris,

00:02:45:21 - 00:02:46:14
Chris
I do it all the time.

00:02:46:14 - 00:02:47:19
Kristen
Is Tiger going to meditate.

00:02:47:19 - 00:03:05:15
Chris
With you while she's, you know, she's not here with me in the studio, but yeah, Tiger and I have our silent times together. You know, I work from home, and I'm the only person home with Tiger. And sometimes I'll lay down, and she likes to just sort of put her head into my forehead, which is very nice, and it is very relaxing.

00:03:05:15 - 00:03:20:11
Chris
So I don't know if that's what we'll be experiencing, but we'll be guiding your pet and you through some energy healing exercises to help you release some stress, calm those nerves, and set intentions for this positive year ahead.

00:03:20:13 - 00:03:33:19
Kristen
That's right. So grab a comfy spot and get your dog. Or your cat or both. To join you. And let's begin. It's going to be a beautiful way to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025 with open arms and open paths.

00:03:33:20 - 00:03:37:12
Chris
Let's get this year on the road.

00:03:37:14 - 00:03:41:09
Voice Over
Kristen and Chris present story time.

00:03:41:11 - 00:04:00:21
Chris
All right. My story is, it's special for two reasons. First, it's a it's a viewer submitted story. Mister, Mister Matt. From New York. Thank you for for sending me over, this link. And second, it will be the last time we see Chris be the science guy.

00:04:00:23 - 00:04:36:08
Chris
For 2024, as we wish him a happy New Year as well. So this is a really cool study that was actually done in 2020, but it's picking up press now because sometimes that's how science works. They write these articles, they get published, and, you know, nobody really sees them for a few years. But there's a, a professor out of Japan, professor, Miyazaki, who, graduated from University of Tokyo, had a professorship in, the at the University of Texas Southwestern.

00:04:36:10 - 00:04:59:14
Chris
And his goal and this is this is how he puts it. His goal is to double cats lifespan, which, yeah, I mean, that is an eye eye catching thing. And and, for those of you who's had, cats, like I have and have, had several generations of cats, you know, that it's typically the kidneys, that gives gives out before anything else.

00:04:59:14 - 00:05:18:18
Chris
I mean, cats will die all the time with healthy brains, healthy hearts, healthy livers. But it'll be the kidneys that give out. And listen, I'm Chris. Be the science guy, but I have no PhD. And I went to school for economics, so bear with me if I get some of this wrong. But luckily, Doctor Miyazaki, you know, fact checkers.

00:05:18:18 - 00:05:53:17
Chris
Yeah, he he put everything visually, which is great. You know, he has, like a visual chart here that I'm looking at. So my understanding is that there is this, protein called an Aim protein that our kidneys use, and in, in people and in the mice that he's studied, as our, blood goes into the kidneys, this aim protein interacts with exams, which my understanding are, basically these dead cells, and then break apart and the kidneys sort of pull them apart.

00:05:53:19 - 00:05:58:15
Chris
And that's the function of our kidneys to sort of clean our blood. Right. That's what kidneys do. Well, with.

00:05:58:15 - 00:06:00:10
Chris
Cats.

00:06:00:12 - 00:06:34:23
Chris
That aim protein bonds way too strongly to these dead cells and basically creates debris in the kidneys. The kidneys get clogged. They can't do their job anymore. There's no way for us to fix it. And that's eventually what leads to, the the renal failure. So long story short, Doctor Miyazaki is working on a way to basically have that Aim protein function the way it does in humans, in cats, which would allow cleaner passage through the kidney.

00:06:34:23 - 00:06:52:19
Chris
So I just thought this was a really cool, science based article. I think it's a great way to give us a positive intentions coming into 2025, knowing that there's really smart people, way smarter than me working on, how to extend our pets lifespan, because I think that's something we could all rally.

00:06:52:19 - 00:07:01:00
Kristen
Oh, my gosh, that's what we all want. We all wish that they lived longer. So that's a great story. Mine is completely unscientific.

00:07:01:05 - 00:07:02:08
Chris
Great, great.

00:07:02:10 - 00:07:07:12
Chris
But I think I think two sides are I think two sides stories. People would turn off the show.

00:07:07:17 - 00:07:08:18
Chris
Maybe a little bit, just a little.

00:07:08:18 - 00:07:31:11
Kristen
Much. Yeah. And and I have to say, I think I chose this story because it's, it's it's about a dog who received a hero award right here in North Carolina, where I live in a town called Gastonia, not too far from here. This is a bloodhound named Bo. And every year, the American Humane, Association does, the the annual Hero Dog Awards.

00:07:31:11 - 00:07:58:05
Kristen
And there's usually a category for, you know, police working dogs, sight, sight and hearing dogs, therapy dogs, etc. and Bo got the award, for, police dog and listen to this. This is really cool. He started working at only eight months of age for the police department there. He, was chosen by his handler and his owner, out of a litter of puppies.

00:07:58:05 - 00:08:19:23
Kristen
And they started training him right away when they got him home. And this dog, in just ten months on, the force has, rescued. Let's see. And we get. I just want to make sure I read this right. Okay. Yeah. He's 18 months old, so he's only been working for ten months, and he has rescued a seven year old child that was missing.

00:08:20:00 - 00:08:44:17
Kristen
He also rescued, an autistic boy that was 11 years old, had gone missing. And he has also located several senior citizens who, you know, there were like there was a silver alert for them. They, you know, had dementia and kind of got lost. So he's already accomplished several massive, missing persons identification, you know, tracking missing persons, in just ten months.

00:08:44:17 - 00:09:05:02
Kristen
So he got the award and, his, his, his family says he's easily frightened at home by decorations, like Halloween decorations, Christmas decorations. That doesn't make a lot of sense. But he's great at finding missing people, so that's amazing. You don't hear a lot about bloodhounds these days. You know, they used to be really popular. Yeah.

00:09:05:02 - 00:09:26:02
Chris
And I picture, like, the the handler with, like, a Sherlock Holmes hat and magnifying glass with the bloodhound sniffing around. But wow, all that at 18 months. At 18 months, I'm pretty sure I wasn't potty trained. So. So congrats to this. That's amazing. Congrats. This dog.

00:09:26:07 - 00:09:27:00
Chris
Yeah.

00:09:27:02 - 00:09:28:01
Kristen
Good job.

00:09:28:03 - 00:09:33:08
Voice Over
Beyond the leash exploring the untold stories of passion and professionalism.

00:09:33:10 - 00:09:56:03
Kristen
All right. Our first guest on this New Year's show is is here to help us and our dogs find a sense of calm and balance as we enter the new year. Now, Amanda Re is a canine wellness practitioner, a certified educator, and an ordained animal chaplain. How cool is that? Well, she's also got a background that includes working alongside wellness icon Doctor Deepak Chopra.

00:09:56:05 - 00:10:26:14
Kristen
Amanda blends spirituality meditation, and she's going to have to correct me if I don't pronounce this properly. But Arvada inspired care to nurture the well-being of dogs and their humans. Amanda is also the founder of Sama Dog Wellbeing, where she uses natural healing techniques and mindful practices to create harmony in pets lives. And today, lucky us, Amanda is going to lead us through energy work and a meditation session designed to bring peace and connection for both you and your furry friend.

00:10:26:16 - 00:10:28:10
Kristen
Welcome, Amanda.

00:10:28:12 - 00:10:31:21
Amanda
Thank you so much for having me. Great to be here with both of you. Thank you.

00:10:32:03 - 00:10:35:17
Kristen
Did I pronounce that word correctly or incorrectly? It's close.

00:10:35:17 - 00:10:43:22
Amanda
Close. There's a little trick that I teach people. It's I, your Veda, I your Veda, your Veda.

00:10:43:22 - 00:10:45:10
Kristen
Okay. All right. Now you got her.

00:10:45:10 - 00:10:47:14
Chris
That I can do that.

00:10:47:16 - 00:10:54:16
Kristen
So it's so, Amanda, tell us about the moment when you realized you wanted to dedicate your life to the well-being of dogs and people.

00:10:54:18 - 00:11:18:05
Amanda
No. Thank you for asking. Obviously, those of us that are in this realm of animal care, especially in the heart space, there's usually some story that got us there, something meaningful and rich and certainly, my story, I suppose, began when our dog, Prince, when I was three years old, I was in the backyard, slipped into the pool, and Prince saved my life.

00:11:18:05 - 00:11:40:09
Amanda
And so I think that that, you know, mom came out and I was on the side of the pool already soaking wet, both of us. And I think that that at a soul level, was a bond that will forever be there and, you know, just was a connection for me as a child that, held such weight. You know, they were my in some ways.

00:11:40:09 - 00:11:58:08
Amanda
And maybe some of our audience can relate to this. They were my family, you know, they were my sisters and brothers. They were my parents in some regards. Look, they're saving my life. And they were my the source of unconditional love. They were and still are a source of so much laughter and lightness and putting life in perspective.

00:11:58:08 - 00:12:31:19
Amanda
And so I think just growing up alongside them, you know, just sunk into my heart and soul. And I just had such deep love. And that continued on for many, many years later in life. A lot of dogs in my life, and I was working in rescue and fostering dogs along the way as I got older. And then I got into the yoga studies, yoga meditation, I your Veda, they say, in case anyone listening is not familiar with what your Veda is, it's like the third leg of the stool of that the Indian tradition of, mind body wellness.

00:12:31:19 - 00:12:56:17
Amanda
And so yoga, meditation, I you're Veda like the sister science as they call them. So I started out with the exploration of yoga, as many do, and then, opened my world to the other traditions. And then I started working for Doctor Deepak Chopra a couple of years after my initial deep dive into all of this, recognizing and knowing I would spend my life in these teachings and sharing them.

00:12:56:18 - 00:13:17:00
Amanda
And then, after about ten years with Deepak, I eventually made my way into the role of Vice President and was overseeing the center and overseeing all of our events and all of our speakers. And I learned and gained so much through all their education and people started to ask, does any of this apply to my dog? Or does my dog have a dosha, which might be a new word for people?

00:13:17:00 - 00:13:33:19
Amanda
It's the mind body constitution. So they would say, you know, and when they're in that world, oh, does my dog have a dosha? And I said, well, yeah, everything in nature has a dosha, everything has a mind body constitution. And so we started to explore it. That got me exploring online to see if there was anything out there on the topic and there really wasn't.

00:13:33:21 - 00:13:57:18
Amanda
And so I thought, somebody needs to bring this beautiful mind body science that applies to all aspects of nature into the lives of our beloved beings that are right here in our home, are so affected by our life and choices and lifestyle and, and weave together, you know, the deep heart practices and spiritual practices. So birthed some a dog.

00:13:57:18 - 00:14:02:00
Amanda
And that was now eight years ago. We just had our our anniversary.

00:14:02:02 - 00:14:04:11
Chris
Oh, congratulations on the big anniversary.

00:14:04:12 - 00:14:05:13
Amanda
Thank you.

00:14:05:15 - 00:14:28:15
Chris
So now let's let's talk about practice a little bit. So everybody listening, if you have a dog, you know that your dog knows when you're stressed out or anxious just by their behavior. I mean, it's it's tale as old as time. One of the biggest tropes of of owning a dog. Is it somehow just knowing, but it can be a little difficult for us to understand, you know, animal stress and even what to do about it.

00:14:28:15 - 00:14:45:22
Chris
I mean, for some people, it's difficult to know with, like, your partner or your family, how do I alleviate their stress? So can you walk us through a bit on how energy work or meditation can help not just alleviate stress, but strengthen that bond between, animal and person?

00:14:46:00 - 00:15:06:21
Amanda
It sure can. I think it's because we, and we don't need to be as experienced meditator to know this, that when we tap into that quiet space within and we're doing it all the time, all of us are doing it all the time, whether we're calling it meditation, whether we're sitting in a certain, position, we have a cushion, you know, we have a certain candle that we light all the things that we do.

00:15:07:01 - 00:15:32:00
Amanda
That's one aspect of meditation, but also meditation is just when you're laying there in the morning just ready to get up, and you're really feeling actually very centered and grounded and clear, and you're kind of just taking a moment to ground and to then come forth into your life and just to kind of bask in that internal space for a moment before we become very external in all the doings.

00:15:32:02 - 00:15:54:18
Amanda
And so, you know, there's that there's that aspect of meditation that's in like our, our daily routines. And then there's all kinds of things that we do that are meditative, which are a long walk with your dog, or for many people, cooking or exercise or some people, doing their gardening. You know, all of these, these practices can be very meditative.

00:15:54:18 - 00:16:16:01
Amanda
And so I just say that first, so that we know that we're not talking about just like sitting in a lotus position. You know, it's not just that it's all the time, whether we consider ourselves a meditator or not. And that's it. When we're in that space that all of us know is so deeply healing, nourishing, fulfilling.

00:16:16:01 - 00:16:47:17
Amanda
We don't even have words necessarily for why. But the real reason why is because we're going back home, right? We're touching back into that sacred space of spirit within us. So when we're doing that, our animals are very aware of it, just like them. When they're aware we're stressed out and we're running around the house and we're banging our toe on something, and now we're screaming an hour late, we can't find our keys and and our dogs and cats and other furry friends will just sit there and watch us like, oh my, but you know that they actually are taking in some of that.

00:16:47:18 - 00:17:12:00
Amanda
It's it's fascinating, actually, to hear from clients and other people that I speak with about how many, how much of their own mind body reality. So their mental health, their physical health is exactly the same as their dogs. So if they're nervous, their dog is nervous. If they're withdrawn, their dog is withdrawn. If they gain weight, their dog gains weight.

00:17:12:00 - 00:17:32:19
Amanda
If they get allergies, their dog gets allergies. You see it all the time and it's really wild. And why is that right? Why is that? And it's because of that deep connection, Chris, that you referred to like that deep loving bond that is unlike any other, whether we celebrate it, recognize it or not, we know of it, all of us know of it.

00:17:32:21 - 00:17:56:12
Amanda
And when we're in that place, we are able to connect with that place within them because they, as a live being, have that sentience as well and have that same, you know, not to get into the details of spirituality and people's faith and things like that, but that same life force that animates us and gives us life, gives them life.

00:17:56:14 - 00:18:21:05
Amanda
And when we're connected in that place and we're plugged in, they're plugged in already. They recognize that in us and they are drawn to it as we are healed from our stress, from our tension, from the overwhelm of life, they too are healed from the stress, tension and overwhelm that they're picking up from us. So it's one of the greatest things that we can do for them is take care of ourselves.

00:18:21:10 - 00:18:30:15
Amanda
Almost in some cases with animals almost more important than the way we take care of them, because they are so loyal and connected. Yeah, I've.

00:18:30:15 - 00:18:37:12
Kristen
Never heard it explained that way. That was so beautifully put. And by the way, I could listen to you for hours. You've got such a beautiful voice.

00:18:37:12 - 00:18:43:23
Chris
Yeah, you need to start reading audiobooks.

00:18:44:01 - 00:18:47:04
Amanda
Good thing the meditation voice. You know, you got to.

00:18:47:06 - 00:18:48:22
Chris
Read the part.

00:18:49:00 - 00:19:01:18
Kristen
So, I mean, I wanted to ask you about, one of your other roles. You are an animal chaplain. Which is a unique role. So what does being an animal chaplain entail, and how do you support people and pets?

00:19:01:20 - 00:19:22:15
Amanda
Thank you for asking, because it is a I wouldn't say it's a new career role out in the world. Chaplains are one of the oldest jobs in the world, actually. But animal chaplains, we were actually one of the first, classes ever trained as specifically animal chocolates. Other chaplains have that love animals certainly speak to that and and support that.

00:19:22:17 - 00:19:45:05
Amanda
But from a formal standpoint, we're the first, through Compassion Consortium, this wonderful church organization that trained us. And what animal chaplains do is I think the most obvious is supporting end of life. So any of us would have had an animal to the end of their journey. Know how difficult that decision making, knowing how to sort that out?

00:19:45:05 - 00:20:15:07
Amanda
What are the even the different options? How do I handle the circumstances and how do I handle myself after this being who's been with me for, you know, everything from a few months to many, many years, how do I live without them? And it's something that a lot of us face, and it's something that I think is less understood, or at least, weighted than the life and the loss of life of a human being.

00:20:15:09 - 00:20:36:10
Amanda
Yet studies show it for most people that especially really, really love their pet and lose that pet, it's more impactful than the humans that they've lost in their life. So animal chaplains understand that, first of all, have a lot of resources and we just have big elephant ears. We just listen, we listen, and we I always get emotional when I talk about this end of life stuff.

00:20:36:10 - 00:20:39:07
Amanda
So pardon me, I, I can't help myself.

00:20:39:09 - 00:20:40:18
Chris
But I think.

00:20:40:19 - 00:20:58:18
Amanda
I think of all of the wonderful people that I've met with and all of the powerful bonds that have been made, you know, and they're just it's it's a it's a great privilege to be in someone's life at the end and at such a sensitive space. So that's what we do. We support them through that. And then we support them after that.

00:20:58:19 - 00:21:14:21
Amanda
With my background in meditation and yoga and I have to, I also really emphasize or try to bring additional attention to the fact that it's only the body that's left, but that's only one aspect of us, and we are very much connected to those other spaces.

00:21:14:23 - 00:21:34:19
Chris
Yeah, that's a that's a great way to put it. Amanda and maybe to help out with some of the emotions that we're all feeling after talking about that, you've offered to use these last few minutes, to guide us on a, a bit of a meditation here. So lucky listeners, if you're driving, focus on driving.

00:21:34:21 - 00:21:35:13
Chris
Okay? You're listening.

00:21:35:13 - 00:21:36:05
Kristen
It's all over.

00:21:36:07 - 00:21:47:10
Chris
Driving. Skip this part. Listen to it later. But those who may be at home, get yourself comfortable. And Amanda's, going to give us the honor of guiding us through a few minutes of meditation.

00:21:47:12 - 00:22:11:19
Amanda
Beautiful. Yes, yes. And even if you are driving and unable to close your eyes, know that these teachings will permeate. They will soak right in regardless. So if you are able to close your eyes, please go ahead and do so. If you're comfortable or just have your eyes low. The idea is to minimize the distraction of the mind and sight.

00:22:11:21 - 00:22:37:19
Amanda
Allow your arms to relax down in your lap. Allow your legs to be heavy on the floor if they're maybe crossed, or they're just both feet on the ground. And then, as always with our meditations, we want to start with deep belly breaths. So breathing in through the nose, bringing that breath down into the bottom of our lungs, fill the belly.

00:22:37:21 - 00:22:43:12
Amanda
And then slowly release it.

00:22:43:14 - 00:23:00:16
Amanda
And as you continue to breathe deeply like this, you might notice already, settling down a stillness and little, little taste of tranquility.

00:23:00:18 - 00:23:06:18
Amanda
Continue moving the breath through your nose. Only.

00:23:06:20 - 00:23:15:17
Amanda
Slow, deep, easy breaths.

00:23:15:19 - 00:23:25:10
Amanda
As you continue to breathe, allow your body to relax and settle.

00:23:25:12 - 00:24:00:21
Amanda
Drawing our attention now into our heart space. So just with your imagination. With your mind's eye. Draw your awareness into the heart. This most powerful organ that especially when it comes to the connection with others, with animals, our heart is the leader. The heart has so much capacity. The resonance of the heart is literally feet outside of our bodies and around, and so are animals.

00:24:00:23 - 00:24:31:04
Amanda
So right now you're able to merge your heart space, your energy field of the heart of the Anata Chakra. That's the Sanskrit for each of the energy centers. This energy center of the heart, the honor heart is so important. So you're allowing this energy to grow right now with green radiant light, allowing it to touch into the heart space of those around you, those beyond you.

00:24:31:06 - 00:24:41:19
Amanda
The love of the heart knows no boundaries.

00:24:41:21 - 00:24:52:23
Amanda
And for just a few more moments as we stay in our heart space, stay with a calm, easy, rested body.

00:24:53:00 - 00:25:19:12
Amanda
You can ask in our heart. What is it that I want? What do I want this year, this new year, this page that's been turned? What is it that I deeply and truly want?

00:25:19:14 - 00:25:35:06
Amanda
And now just envision that. Feel it, taste it, touch it, see it, see the manifestation of what it is that you deeply wish for.

00:25:35:08 - 00:26:09:22
Amanda
And know that you are sending this image, this message, this intention to your animal friends as well. They're so powerful, far more powerful than we probably realize. And they want to serve and love us. So let them. Let them join with you in this intention. Utilizing their power, your power, the beautiful bond that is between you both. Unlike anything else.

00:26:10:00 - 00:26:25:05
Amanda
It's quite incredible, actually. It doesn't need words. The language is far beyond that, but we know it.

00:26:25:06 - 00:26:44:11
Amanda
Here, the unity of that heart space of your loving intention. Feel the love that you come forward into a new year with. With your partner, with your friend, with your companion.

00:26:44:13 - 00:27:06:17
Amanda
Letting your love pour over them right now, no matter where they are. Send that message to them of gratitude. What angels they are in our lives.

00:27:06:19 - 00:27:46:20
Amanda
Together. Let's take one deep breath in through the nose. Sigh it out through the mouth. One more time like that. Deep breath in. Sigh it out. You can bring your hands together into your heart center. If that's comfortable. That feels natural for you. And after one more deep breath. You can very slowly open your eyes.

00:27:46:22 - 00:27:48:21
Chris


00:27:48:23 - 00:27:51:06
Kristen
That was fabulous.

00:27:51:08 - 00:27:51:23
Chris


00:27:52:01 - 00:27:55:07
Chris
So I have to go to back to work after this.

00:27:55:09 - 00:27:55:13
Chris
I have.

00:27:55:13 - 00:27:56:11
Chris
To go back to work after.

00:27:56:11 - 00:27:59:06
Chris
This. How's that going to be possible?

00:27:59:11 - 00:28:02:00
Chris
I think I'm going to go grocery shopping instead.

00:28:02:00 - 00:28:03:12
Chris
Yeah. I mean.

00:28:03:13 - 00:28:06:12
Amanda
Have you all blissed out as you move through the aisles?

00:28:06:14 - 00:28:10:09
Kristen
That was so cleansing. That just felt wonderful. Thank you. Amanda. Yes.

00:28:10:09 - 00:28:12:06
Amanda
You're welcome. You're welcome.

00:28:12:08 - 00:28:22:20
Chris
So before we let you go, Amanda, where can people learn more, find you, and experience some of the unending bliss that Kristin and.

00:28:22:20 - 00:28:24:06
Chris
I just got to experience?

00:28:24:08 - 00:28:46:23
Amanda
It's a sweet, beautiful way to say it. It's Sam adcom. Sam. Like Sam. Sam, Sam, by the way, means balance again in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the language of India and the base of yoga meditation. So Sanskrit sama means balance, equanimity, that ultimate mind, body, spirit, wholeness that we all yearn for and are, in our nature, natural sense.

00:28:47:00 - 00:29:10:02
Amanda
So Sam, adcom is where you can find a lot of resources. Also, our YouTube has tons of meditations. If it's meditation that you really liked, I have many on there that are just audio meditations that are just about 15 minutes, but all specifically to be practice with your animals so they bring out different aspects attributes, yeah, beautiful connections that we make with them.

00:29:10:02 - 00:29:24:06
Amanda
And yeah, there's great resources there. I even you'll see on the website too, I do have a program called Intentional Pause and that's like a 5 or 7 day rather, meditation series. So that's like a whole little compilation. So yeah, tons of tons more to know on there.

00:29:24:08 - 00:29:25:08
Chris
That's amazing.

00:29:25:10 - 00:29:27:16
Kristen
That's a great resource to start the new year with.

00:29:27:22 - 00:29:38:09
Amanda
Yeah, for all of us. You know, why not bring our animals in. Yeah. Why not be more mindful, present, rounded, centered and bring our animals along for the ride? We're all going to just be better for it.

00:29:38:14 - 00:29:41:22
Chris
Why not relax?

00:29:42:00 - 00:29:44:04
Chris
So just relax.

00:29:44:06 - 00:29:49:13
Kristen
Well, Amanda, thank you so much for being here with us today. Yes, it's a true gift. And happy New Year.

00:29:49:17 - 00:29:50:03
Chris
Yes.

00:29:50:03 - 00:29:55:01
Amanda
Thank you, thank you, thank you. Same to all of you and to all the listeners. Happy New Year, everyone.

00:29:55:06 - 00:30:10:22
Chris
We'll look. Oh, man, that was fun. Wow. Sheesh. Woof!

00:30:11:00 - 00:30:12:18
Kristen
Are you going to go back to work?

00:30:12:20 - 00:30:17:10
Chris
I mean, I got a I don't want to.

00:30:17:12 - 00:30:18:23
Chris
But I got it was one of those.

00:30:18:23 - 00:30:27:00
Chris
Christmas, those Christmas presents, that credit card bill. And you had some of that. Mike. But, man.

00:30:27:02 - 00:30:31:11
Kristen
Well, the good news is you can play it back over and over and over again when you need it.

00:30:31:13 - 00:30:37:18
Chris
Yes. And wow, I feel I, like I said, I'm different now.

00:30:37:20 - 00:30:38:21
Kristen
Different. Changed man.

00:30:38:21 - 00:30:53:18
Chris
Different Christian self care and coming get ready 2025 Chris. Who knows maybe this is going to become a low energy podcast. Maybe I won't be as fun. Just kidding, just kidding. Yeah, right. No amount of meditation can change me.

00:30:53:23 - 00:30:57:11
Chris
Oh my god.

00:30:57:12 - 00:31:04:14
Chris
But that was very nice. And maybe a 15 minute break from high octane Chris's. What's needed? Every now and.

00:31:04:14 - 00:31:06:03
Kristen
Again. Everybody needs that. Once in a while.

00:31:06:05 - 00:31:10:04
Voice Over
Pets add life.

00:31:10:06 - 00:31:40:03
Chris
Okay, we are now welcoming someone with a heart full of compassion for animals and an extraordinary gift for helping them heal, both physically and emotionally. Shelly Greenbaum is an animal Reiki practitioner and communicator with a deep sensitivity to the energy and needs of animals. For over a decade, Shelly has volunteered to help dogs, especially long term shelter pitbulls, find love and happiness, proving to the world that every animal is beautiful and worthy.

00:31:40:05 - 00:31:58:01
Chris
Through Reiki, she's found a way to bring peace, comfort and healing to pets even from afar. Through remote sessions. Today, Shelly will explain how Reiki can help pets feel balanced, calm, and healthy, and she'll share some powerful ways we can support our animals. Questions. So, Shelly, thank you so much.

00:31:58:01 - 00:31:59:14
Chris
For joining us.

00:31:59:16 - 00:32:04:12
Shelly
Thank you. Thank you. And just let me sort of teary when you just said, oh.

00:32:04:14 - 00:32:05:12
Chris
That's fine.

00:32:05:13 - 00:32:22:11
Chris
We could use we could use an empath on today's show. So I want to start by just asking, you know, for myself, my own edification and those listening, who may not be familiar with what Reiki is, can you give us, you know, just a quick rundown on what it means and what the practice entails?

00:32:22:13 - 00:32:45:20
Shelly
Yeah, it's it's divine love. It's just, you get induced into the, Reiki. I was induced into, the, Usui Reiki, and but then I, And I'm so interested in animals. Then I started applying it, and, have followed other, animal Reiki, practices. So it's basically that's what it is. It is divine love.

00:32:45:20 - 00:33:05:23
Shelly
You, you are able to bring through the energy of the Reiki, you do a prayer and you, you connect, you have full presence. You're, having compassion for the animal. You connect with the animal. And, but that's what it is. It's basically divine love. And animals say it feels like liquid love.

00:33:06:00 - 00:33:22:21
Kristen
Oh. That's beautiful. So, Shelley, you offer remote Reiki sessions, which I think is really amazing. So can you tell us how does healing energy work from a distance, as opposed to if you have the animal there in person with you?

00:33:22:23 - 00:33:42:22
Shelly
I think it's all energy. Yeah, it's just all energy. And I'm just, you know, aligning myself, applying my heart with the animal's heart. And, yeah, it's just, you know, we're in a big sea of energy and and, you know, and that energy is love. And it carries.

00:33:43:00 - 00:34:07:12
Chris
So, Shelley, I want to just before we get into, the actual Reiki and, you know, we had Ron send you, some pictures of, of, and pets. But before we get to that, you've spent years of your life helping shelter dogs, find you're basically giving them a second chance at life. So what inspired you to focus on, these dogs, pitbulls in particular?

00:34:07:17 - 00:34:10:05
Chris
And what makes you so passionate about their cause?

00:34:10:07 - 00:34:29:23
Shelly
Thanks. I think I've always been an animal rights, person. Ever since I was really little, and, And I was actually having lunch with someone who started actors and others for animals, and we were, at somewhat another, person came in and she said, oh, have you heard about Cookie Paw Cookie? And I was like, Who's cookie?

00:34:29:23 - 00:34:54:08
Shelly
Well, she's been in the shelter for like two years, so I'm like, I'm going to get her out. So that was my first start. And then after that, a woman, called me and she said, I because I put some posters up for cookie. She said, my dogs pulled me over to the to the poster, and I want to give you, $3,000 to help cookie.

00:34:54:10 - 00:35:15:06
Shelly
And she basically taught me how to help rehabilitate, shelter dogs. And so and over the course, you know, I'm really interested in spiritual things. And so I, she turned me on to some different meditations and things, you know, infinite. If it is spirit open the way for, this animals right home I give thanks. It manifests now into grace in a perfect way.

00:35:15:08 - 00:35:38:17
Shelly
And so I started doing the meditation. And then I would help the dogs get, get trained, get their canine good citizen certificate, get them advertised and help them find really good homes. So that's that. I mean, nothing feels better to me than helping an animal. Yeah. And for one of the dogs I remember we had a yoga event for courage to help courage find a find a wonderful home.

00:35:38:23 - 00:35:59:18
Shelly
And then there's another dog. Kiley. She, did not do well at the shelter. And, so I was able to find her a wonderful place at shadows fund, and she they created. She didn't get along with other dogs, and they created her own special place and her own people. And it was really amazing. I went for six years.

00:35:59:18 - 00:36:15:20
Shelly
Every other week I did her laundry, and I, just to help her have a really good life. And she passed away. But she's on my healing team now. And when I drive up a certain hill, I can always feel her right there with me. She's like, hi, mom. Yeah, you saved me. And I'm here and I'm going to help you.

00:36:15:21 - 00:36:18:09
Shelly
And I can feel her licking my face like that.

00:36:18:10 - 00:36:19:02
Chris


00:36:19:04 - 00:36:20:18
Kristen
Oh, that's beautiful.

00:36:20:20 - 00:36:37:15
Shelly
But but, as you asked me about the, Why the pitbulls? Because they're really super sweet. I mean, I think that's how they've gotten into trouble, because they're just so sweet. And they will do whatever you want. So, you know, we want to be feeding them positive energy. I just that anyway, that was way.

00:36:37:17 - 00:36:54:11
Kristen
Now, I believe Ron had sent you photos of Chris's cat, Tiger and of my dog tulip. And, just wanted to hear your thoughts on on, what you were feeling when you were seeing those pictures and, any, any help that you can offer Tiger and tulip.

00:36:54:12 - 00:37:02:22
Shelly
You know what I mean? I could do, like, a little Reiki session with them. I'm happy. You know, it's not, like, immediate, but, I'm. I'm happy to do that, if you like.

00:37:02:23 - 00:37:04:13
Kristen
Let's do it. Absolutely.

00:37:04:15 - 00:37:10:12
Shelly
Okay. Can I can I just read you with somebody of a dog? I've recently been working with? Said, would that be okay?

00:37:10:12 - 00:37:11:08
Kristen
Yes, sure.

00:37:11:10 - 00:37:32:18
Shelly
Okay. Absolutely. She said, I'm just so you get a feel for how it works. Okay. She said, I started working with Shelley in August of 2024 when my rescue dog Lulu was very sick. Lulu's about 13 years old, has Cushing's disease, and had a high kidney and liver values as well as a heart murmur. She lost weight rapidly and was becoming a picky eater for the first time in her life.

00:37:32:23 - 00:37:51:15
Shelly
She was also having trouble walking. We were afraid we would lose her. Shelley started to work with Lulu by sending Reiki energy and by doing some animal communication work. Not only did we have weekly sessions, but Shelley told me she was carrying a photo of Lulu Lulu with her. I cannot write in my heart and send her Reiki throughout the week.

00:37:51:17 - 00:38:11:01
Shelly
We started to notice changes rather quickly. Lulu's walking improved and after a month she started to eat a lot more. She's now gained weight and is able to move around for much longer periods of time for acupuncture. Vet says she's is asymptomatic for Cushing's, who no longer has a heart murmur and are kidney values are not as high as they were three months ago.

00:38:11:04 - 00:38:33:14
Shelly
We are still working on liver values, but after all of her improvement, I believe they're all, resolved in time as well. She's been showing her sassy beagle behavior once again. We've been working hard with a team of doctors and specialists to help Lulu regain her health, and Shelly's work has been an integral part of her recovery. I am a Reiki practitioner myself, but this has been the most amazing demonstration of the power of Reiki that I've ever seen.

00:38:33:16 - 00:38:37:02
Shelly
I'm eternally grateful to Shelley and giving Lulu a better quality of life.

00:38:37:04 - 00:38:37:22
Kristen
Oh wow.

00:38:37:22 - 00:38:39:22
Chris
What an incredible story.

00:38:40:00 - 00:38:46:17
Shelly
So I'm happy to tune in. But I just to say, you know, takes a little time, but sure. Hey, I'm sick.

00:38:46:18 - 00:38:57:18
Chris
And I'm sick.

00:38:57:20 - 00:39:00:18
Shelly
And I do a little Reiki prayer.

00:39:00:20 - 00:39:07:02
Chris
Okay. So Infinite Spirit opened the way.

00:39:07:04 - 00:39:17:15
Shelly
I take when when one pet at a time. Sure. What you want me to do? Yeah, when? Okay, I need you. I'll do Tiger first. And.

00:39:17:17 - 00:39:24:09
Chris
When?

00:39:24:11 - 00:39:45:19
Shelly
Said well, hugging in that I would be a channel for Reiki. And that Reiki only does good in that Reiki is only love in that anything less than love does not leaves. Okay, so I can feel tiger right now.

00:39:45:21 - 00:39:54:21
Shelly
And I'm just I'm feeling him in a really expansive state. So the energy of the Reiki and the love.

00:39:54:23 - 00:40:09:19
Shelly
Sometimes the dogs, like I've noticed dogs sometimes will start licking, just licking everything. They feel the energy.

00:40:09:21 - 00:40:13:06
Shelly
I just got from Tiger. What is this?

00:40:13:07 - 00:40:16:23
Chris


00:40:17:01 - 00:40:43:19
Shelly
And then it got an, I'm also seeing, like, little stars all around him. So basically, I'm. I'm tuning into. I'm just being present and just being quiet and being present and just tuning in to to his heart.

00:40:43:21 - 00:41:03:03
Shelly
And so, when you go home, you can, I see I always call for a bridge of love and light between my heart in the in the animal's heart. And then you can actually see the feel. See the love just flowing back and forth. Can we do a little bit for love. Yes please. And at some point I'm happy.

00:41:03:03 - 00:41:20:21
Shelly
If you would like me to do a full session, I'm so happy to do that. I know we have a limited time today so. With this and I'm calling for the soul buddy of tulip to stand forth in the light, calling for a bridge of light between our two souls of heart. Level.

00:41:20:23 - 00:41:34:07
Shelly
I obviously like a Superman. Kind of like opening the the, the chest here. This is a giant heart.

00:41:34:09 - 00:41:37:12
Shelly
I sort of seen her dancing around to.

00:41:37:14 - 00:41:39:15
Kristen
She's a she's a prancer.

00:41:39:17 - 00:41:54:04
Shelly
Yeah. No, no, no, I got yeah, she just said this would be good. Yeah. My mom. Yeah. Show him. Oh, yeah.

00:41:54:06 - 00:42:10:15
Shelly
On her back. I've seen her sort of on her back. Also, sometimes I'll take the animals to the quantum field where everything is totally healed. I mean, if the animal has a health issue, everything is totally healed and will will work with them in the, in the quantum field.

00:42:10:17 - 00:42:12:06
Kristen
Oh, wow. That's really.

00:42:12:06 - 00:42:14:22
Chris
Cool.

00:42:15:00 - 00:42:17:14
Shelly
I was going to add something else. So yeah.

00:42:17:17 - 00:42:19:01
Amanda
I give thanks. The energy is.

00:42:19:06 - 00:42:22:16
Chris
I want to thank you.

00:42:22:18 - 00:42:24:23
Shelly
Hope that was enough. Sorry. Yes.

00:42:25:01 - 00:42:53:05
Chris
No. Absolutely wonderful. And, Shelly, I do want to ask because I think before somebody can ask for help, or ask, you know, about Reiki, they need to understand sometimes that there's, an issue. And, our animals are not people. The way they express, stress, pain, imbalance. It it's going to be different from us. So in your experience, what are some of the signs that, Reiki could be helpful?

00:42:53:05 - 00:43:01:02
Chris
How can we as people identify, when our animal is, is feeling, off kilter a bit?

00:43:01:04 - 00:43:26:06
Shelly
I'd say if you see any change in their behavior or if they or if there's some stress, maybe they're not eating. Maybe they're, I'm thinking, like a lot of shelter dogs recently. They're so stressed. And, you know, sometimes they'll have a bite issue and then the animal gets in trouble. And then. So, but I know that with the calming energy, that would be a total key for them.

00:43:26:06 - 00:43:46:09
Shelly
So. So maybe. And I was also thinking, I want to add one other thing about thought pictures, because my dog will often say, have you thought pictures? And so I think you run into, you know, other things that people can do, really receive those thought pictures and, you know, focus on what you want, focus on the end product.

00:43:46:10 - 00:44:03:07
Shelly
Don't focus on, you know, I don't like when you do this. Focus on this is what I want because that's how you create. That's how you attract the energy. Right. Of of, you know, getting what you want. But I think those pictures are something that, you know of pet owners is something that they could they could really do.

00:44:03:09 - 00:44:26:16
Shelly
I was also going to add one more thing. You remember the, study the Japanese scientist after Emoto, this study of water, they had messages in water. I was thinking, you know, they had kids, send love to one container of water and send hate to another container of water. And then he analyzed the crystals, and he saw that the the energy of love that was sent to the water had beautiful crystals.

00:44:26:16 - 00:44:42:05
Shelly
And the energy of hate had really malformed. And I was just thinking, even when people, you know, put water in the cup for, you know, put water in for the animals, just think about that, the love. Think about the crystals. Think about, you know, that your thoughts become for sure and that anyway.

00:44:42:07 - 00:44:46:18
Kristen
Those are things that we and those are things that any pet parent can do.

00:44:46:19 - 00:45:13:17
Chris
And I think to for those out there who are listening, who may not be as spiritual, I think Tiger is an ultimate testament to how things like this work. Because when tiger came into our home and shell, you don't know this tiger's now 20 years old. They came into our home when they were 18 and had, was always around other pets, you know, always kind of in, you know, mini competitions for food and stuff like that.

00:45:13:19 - 00:45:40:13
Chris
And they're grouchy. And in fact, two Thanksgivings ago beat me to the point where I ended up in urgent care. But through just actually connecting with this animal and coming to an understanding now, Tiger will sometimes lay on my chest and put her forehead right up against mine. And, you know, my sister in law comes over and says, that's a completely different cat now because acts completely differently.

00:45:40:19 - 00:45:51:16
Chris
So I think, you know, maybe you're not out there using the word Reiki to describe it, but I think every parent has felt that unconditional love.

00:45:51:18 - 00:45:53:19
Shelly
Absolutely love. Yes.

00:45:53:19 - 00:46:17:19
Kristen
So true. Yes. And Shelly, I have I have a favor to ask of you. This is this is our New Year's Eve show, or we're, all about starting the new year fresh and healthy and and, and I know that if you're listening to the show, when we record it, I'm sorry. When it's dropped on New Year's Eve, you might also be concerned about your pets, this evening for the firework noises and things like that.

00:46:17:19 - 00:46:31:00
Kristen
So I was wondering if you can maybe send some energy to all of our listeners pets, this New Year's Eve to help them enter into the New year. In a healthy, beautiful way.

00:46:31:01 - 00:46:49:17
Shelly
Absolutely wonderful. More than happy to do that. I do a little prayer here. Okay. Yes. Just take with me. May all beings be safe, healthy, happy, and live their lives at ease. And may the minds and hearts of all beings be filled with love, appreciation, and kindness.

00:46:49:19 - 00:46:50:18
Chris


00:46:50:20 - 00:46:51:20
Shelly
That's my prayer for the world.

00:46:51:20 - 00:46:52:09
Kristen
Beautiful.

00:46:52:09 - 00:47:08:00
Chris
That's that's, Shelley, if, you know, for our listeners out there who may be interested in learning more before we let you go here, where can they find, either more information on Reiki or more information on your style of Reiki? Do you have any websites they could visit or other resources in case they want to learn some more?

00:47:08:03 - 00:47:10:05
Shelly
They could go to my website.

00:47:10:06 - 00:47:14:05
Chris
Perfect. Yeah, that's the website. We'll put it in the show notes too.

00:47:14:07 - 00:47:29:03
Shelly
Okay. So, Shelley Greenbaum, animal Reiki practitioner, and I also I had found some ebooks. There's somebody there was like 30 free ebooks. And I sent it to Ron. I thought maybe your some of your listeners might, might like that.

00:47:29:05 - 00:47:43:22
Chris
Yeah. I'm sure he's going to include that in the show notes as well. But Shelly, this has been, an incredible experience. I feel I feel different now. We've had a long record day. I think Ron and Christian will definitely say, when I walked in this morning, I was not looking happy.

00:47:44:04 - 00:47:45:00
Chris
So.

00:47:45:02 - 00:47:50:20
Chris
I was having a rough morning. And you've definitely helped turn that around today. So, thank you so much for joining.

00:47:50:20 - 00:47:52:10
Kristen
Thank you so much, Shelly.

00:47:52:12 - 00:47:53:22
Shelly
Thank you so much for having me.

00:47:53:22 - 00:47:54:23
Kristen
And happy New Year.

00:47:55:05 - 00:48:00:21
Shelly
I would ever like me to work. I'm more than happy if you send me something. I'm more than happy to work with your pets.

00:48:00:23 - 00:48:02:00
Kristen
Amazing. Thank you.

00:48:02:06 - 00:48:06:08
Shelly
Thank you so much. Bye bye.

00:48:06:10 - 00:48:27:17
Chris
So it's funny in our little post interview chat that we always have with our guests, Shelly was able to sense how stressed I was, which, I mean, I don't think it takes an empath to realize that, but she taught me this really cool technique to help, plow through some of that stress where you breathe deep breaths in through your nose and then out kind of.

00:48:27:17 - 00:48:40:19
Chris
And she said, straw breath like you're breathing through a straw. You see that a few times. And, it helps sort of reset you and get into a healthier space. So I thought that was something cool I could share with everybody before we move on.

00:48:40:21 - 00:48:41:10
Kristen
Did you try.

00:48:41:10 - 00:48:44:05
Chris
It? I did it, it was very relaxing. I felt my heart.

00:48:44:05 - 00:48:44:09
Chris
Rate.

00:48:44:14 - 00:49:08:01
Chris
Down, which, I mean, listen, there's stress on the horizon in this may be the year of radical self-care. But that's an internal thing. There's all the external stuff is still going to happen. So having some tools is always great. All right. So so here's how it works. In through the nose. We're going to do it together through the nose and then out like a straw.

00:49:08:03 - 00:49:20:12
Kristen
I have a straw.

00:49:20:14 - 00:49:23:07
Chris
Yes. Like that.

00:49:23:09 - 00:49:24:21
Chris
I already familiar.

00:49:24:23 - 00:49:28:02
Chris
In the in the brain, in the old thinker up here, so.

00:49:28:04 - 00:49:34:20
Kristen
Hey, and you know what? When I actually used my straw, it makes the exhale last a lot longer.

00:49:34:22 - 00:49:41:14
Chris
Yeah, it takes me a while. I've got big old ex runner lungs. So to expel all the air.

00:49:41:16 - 00:49:41:22
Chris
I was.

00:49:41:22 - 00:49:48:04
Chris
Breathing out for a while. But, hey, you know, I'll take any help I can get these.

00:49:48:06 - 00:49:49:14
Unknown
Over

00:49:49:16 - 00:49:53:12
Voice Over
the product of the week of the week.

00:49:53:14 - 00:49:54:12
Kristen
All right, Chris.

00:49:54:13 - 00:50:19:07
Kristen
My product of the week is, you know, it's it's the new year. And we're thinking about being healthy next year, so why not? When you're treating your pets, choose a functional treat. This is actually, one of the trends that I've seen a lot, when I've been researching like, what's what's going to be hot in 2025 for pets and functional treats comes up time, time and time again.

00:50:19:09 - 00:50:44:19
Kristen
And if you're wondering what a functional treat is, it's really just a treat that has an additional benefit besides just being a treat. So for example, they can have probiotics in them. Omega threes, glucosamine, tumeric, etc.. And I thought I'd share one in particular. It's by a company called Smart Cookie. And they offer functional dog treats.

00:50:44:21 - 00:50:57:12
Kristen
They've got one that's for skin and coat health and then one for hip and joint health. So if you're going to be treating your dog any way, you might as well combine some sub and supplement with the treats.

00:50:57:14 - 00:51:22:23
Chris
Two for one, that that's that sounds great. And I've actually got some advice for supplement folks. There's a an association called NASCAR, the National Animal Supplement Council, and you could look on products for their seal of approval. They do quality checks and things like that. So if you want to make sure that what you are giving your, dog, I think they approved products for dog, cat and equestrian horses.

00:51:23:04 - 00:51:41:17
Chris
So if you want to do a quick check on, what you are giving your animal, check out their website, they list out all the members, and, you can look at their process and things like that. They're very open about, what they're trying to accomplish. But yeah, sometimes, flavor and function married as one is great for a treat.

00:51:41:18 - 00:51:43:18
Kristen
And what's your product? Hi.

00:51:43:19 - 00:51:53:07
Chris
My pup pup pup product of the week, the first one of 2025. You know, we get all these questions, Chris, and we don't get to answer all of them, which is a real shame, right?

00:51:53:10 - 00:51:54:06
Chris
Real shame is.

00:51:54:08 - 00:52:36:15
Chris
One thing I see about is comfort in, in dogs, particularly the ears, getting inflamed and how could I, you know, part of it is maintenance, right? And making sure that the dog's ears remain, clean. So I found these, these wipes from PetMed that are all natural, aloe vera and eucalyptus. And if your dog doesn't take particularly good care of their own ears, or if you've got, dogs, especially with upright ears that stay open, kind of like a cat's ear, some of these, you know, especially French bulldogs are known to get these ear infections, taking some of these wipes once a week to just keep

00:52:36:15 - 00:53:00:15
Chris
their, their ears clean. We'll go a really long way and prevent infection, which is when your dog is going to get very uncomfortable. And in 2025, radical self-care. Unfortunately, dogs can't always take care of themselves, so they rely on us. So, PetMed has a great, great line of, products to help you take care of your animal.

00:53:00:15 - 00:53:02:05
Chris
This new year.

00:53:02:07 - 00:53:04:11
Voice Over
Q and A's.

00:53:04:13 - 00:53:26:15
Chris
All right, it's time for it. Well, I guess it's not 2025 quite yet, but it's our New Year's special, so we're going to have some New Year's special questions, including, yet again, another voice memo from a brave, brave, brave listener. And I know what you're thinking. Hey, how do I get my burning questions answered by Chris and Kristen?

00:53:26:15 - 00:53:46:17
Chris
Well, it's simple folks. You go on over to Petsaddlife.org/podcast form. Or if you're feeling as brave as I believe it's from even Denver, you could record a voice memo. We may play it back on the show, and you'll you'll hear your voice played on the podcast. That basically makes you part of the show. And while you're on that POW website, check out our other resources.

00:53:46:17 - 00:54:06:23
Chris
We do a lot of great work over there, so click around, and see what you can find. But I believe without further ado, we've got our first voice memo, and I'm gonna let Kristin answer this one, because yet again, Chris is dumb and full of lead. So we're gonna we're gonna after that meditation and activating the heart chakra.

00:54:06:23 - 00:54:16:04
Chris
But the brain chakra needs some caffeine. So we're going to go ahead and play this question. Ava from Denver. Let's hear from.

00:54:16:06 - 00:54:43:20
Kristen
Hi, Kristen. Hi, Chris. I have a question for you. My dog Leo is terrified of fireworks. And with New Year's Eve just around the corner, I'm already dreading it. So I don't know what to do. He shakes and he hides and he won't come down all night. And, I'm kind of lost. So is there anything I can do to make him feel safer and less anxious during all this noise?

00:54:43:22 - 00:54:47:22
Kristen
Please save my New Year's. Chris and Kristin.

00:54:48:00 - 00:54:50:14
Chris
Oh,

00:54:50:16 - 00:55:23:22
Kristen
Ava, thank you so much for the question. And I'm so sorry that Leo is is stressed by fireworks. You know, I'm happy to take this question because I've had two dogs now that have had severe noise, anxiety, including fear of fireworks here. Thunderstorms and things like that. And since since I'm answering this question on New Year's Eve, I can't give the first bit of advice that I would give you, and that would be to talk to your veterinarian, because this, first of all, is very common.

00:55:24:00 - 00:55:49:04
Kristen
Leo is not an oddball. About 40% of dogs do have some level of noise phobia. And normally if you had more time, I would say go see the vet, actually go see the vet anyway after New Year's, because there is help. I used to use this great product called Celio for my dog chili. That is a like an oral milk oral mucosal gel that you put in between their cheek and gum.

00:55:49:06 - 00:56:12:00
Kristen
It absorbs and in about 20 minutes it takes effect. And they're just very calm, very Zen, not goofy or, you know, loopy or knocked out, but just relaxed. But so I think you could get help for Leo after the holidays, for the next noisy event. But in the meantime, I would say, Iva, don't leave Leo home alone during the fireworks.

00:56:12:02 - 00:56:32:10
Kristen
If you can stay with him, put dog TV on. That's a great way to drown out the noise of the fireworks celebrations outside. And to distract him with some enrichment, enriching content. Just keep him involved in the family activities, before it gets dark. Take it for a nice long walk. Always got exercise.

00:56:32:10 - 00:56:56:08
Kristen
And if you do have to leave the home, make sure somebody stays with him. Or take him with you. I used to. Buck was one of my, He was my yellow lab that was terrified of fireworks. And one year's Eve, we had terrible firework noises in our neighborhood. So one New Year's Eve, my husband and I put Buck in the truck, and we just drove around for you know, 3 or 4 hours until it was, like, midnight.

00:56:56:08 - 00:57:11:17
Kristen
And then, you know, we drove home and the fireworks were over. You don't have to go to those extremes. So, yeah, definitely talk to your vet after the holiday. But in the meantime, put on some dog TV, some great music and, help him get through it.

00:57:11:18 - 00:57:14:02
Chris
That's some great advice. Bucking the truck. I want the.

00:57:14:06 - 00:57:15:03
Chris
Buck in the truck.

00:57:15:05 - 00:57:18:16
Chris
I want the children's. The children's book about bucking the truck.

00:57:18:18 - 00:57:19:23
Chris
Get on it.

00:57:20:00 - 00:57:30:20
Chris
Ron. Add that to your list of projects for 2025. Children's book, bucking the truck. I've got nothing else. Nothing else to add. So, I think you did a great job, Kristen.

00:57:30:23 - 00:57:50:02
Kristen
Well, I hope your brain chakra is awake again, because I have a question for you from Jasmine in San Diego. Okay? So she says, hey, guys, I'm thinking of adopting two cats at the same time. Good for you. You know, like a bonded pair. But my friend says I should start with just one so that I don't get overwhelmed.

00:57:50:04 - 00:57:55:22
Kristen
Is adopting two cats at once a good idea, or am I just asking for chaos?

00:57:56:00 - 00:58:22:19
Chris
That's a great question. And, first of all, tell your friend shove it. Adopting two cats at the same time. That is absolutely the way to go. So, there's quite a few reasons a, cats don't enjoy us as much as dogs. Like for a dog. You will be enough. As far as engagement goes, cats, they're they're like, yeah, that thing feeds me.

00:58:22:19 - 00:58:49:08
Chris
Keeps me cleaning, you know, picks up my poop. That's great. But they they can truly play and entertain one another. And we've had many guests on the show talk about how under stimulated and depressed cats are, typically because they're left alone into their own devices. And what I will also say is one like two cats is not that big of a step up in responsibility.

00:58:49:10 - 00:59:07:16
Chris
When you get to three, that's when you sort of need to bring in the second litter box. Feeding time becomes a nightmare and all that kind of stuff. But two as a bonded pair, they'll typically be able to eat near each other without issue. They won't have an issue using the same litter box if you get a larger one.

00:59:07:18 - 00:59:29:22
Chris
They're going to keep each other stimulated. And guess what? They're going to be best friends. They're going to be super cute. You're going to get all sorts of great pictures, for the Instagram. And listen, when, I'm ready for, another pet post. Tiger. I already talked to my wife about this. We're getting two cats. We're going to get two cats, that were siblings from a rescue somewhere.

00:59:29:23 - 00:59:50:10
Chris
When the time is right and they call to us, it's. Yes. And so if if I think that's the right idea and you're asking me the question, then that's my answer is, is I, I truly stand by that and believe it. I have a friend out there who had recently adopted, two cats, and he thinks it's great.

00:59:50:13 - 01:00:09:10
Chris
They, they, they help each other, more than they hinder each other by a lot. So just keep that in mind and listen. You're signing yourself up for a lot of responsibility regardless, by your pet and the cat. One cat is. Honestly, it's just as much chaos, especially as a kitten. They're going to find ways to entertain themselves.

01:00:09:10 - 01:00:18:10
Chris
That's going to involve your furniture. That's what I'll say. So with two, there's a chance that they just sort of play around. And yeah, I that's the way I would go.

01:00:18:12 - 01:00:25:00
Kristen
Yeah. And thanks for adopting Jasmine. That's two more kitties that we can add to home for the holidays.

01:00:25:01 - 01:00:39:04
Chris
So that's 410,002. Yeah. Thank you for the question, Jasmine. And unfortunately, that that's a wrap on Pets Add Life The podcast 2024.

01:00:39:06 - 01:00:51:22
Kristen
That's right. Thanks so much for being here. And, for listening and laughing with us. And hopefully you've been watching us also on, on YouTube or social media. And, we look forward to seeing you next year.

01:00:52:00 - 01:01:13:17
Chris
Absolutely. In 2025 is going to have all sorts of new surprises. So whether you are a, new listener and this is your first taste or you've been there since day one, 2025 is going to have all sorts of surprises. So be on the lookout for some cool announcements, some awesome content. But as always, amazing guests, great products.

01:01:13:19 - 01:01:35:22
Chris
The amazing and astounding Kristen Levine, the average and just sort of their Chris bonafide that will be here will be here every single Tuesday. We're not going anywhere. Thank you so much for all of your support. Be sure to follow us on all the socials. So you know what? Cool changes are coming. And until we hear from you, have a happy, safe New Year.

01:01:35:22 - 01:01:37:20
Chris
We'll see you next year.

01:01:37:22 - 01:01:39:18
Kristen
You know, it's happy New Year.

01:01:39:23 - 01:01:42:06
Chris
And

01:01:42:07 - 01:01:43:04
Voice Over
pets add life.