79. National Dog Day, Parade Joy & Music for Dogs

Written by Pets Add Life | Aug 26, 2025 2:42:34 PM

Episode Details

This National Dog Day episode, Kristen Levine teams up with her longtime friend and pet lifestyle pro Tori Mistick (from Wear Wag Repeat) to deliver a celebration of canine companionship and community. They share two heartwarming tales, two special guests, two pet product picks (one for dogs, one for cats!), and answer listener questions—because what better way to honor our best pals than with paws, parades, and peaceful tunes?

Special Guests:

- Fern Watt – Author, video host, and founder of the nonprofit New York Dog Parade
- Lisa Spector – Juilliard‑trained pianist, “Pet Calming Maestro,” and creator of music tailored to soothe dogs
Pet Prodcut Recommendations:
- Layr™ Dog Bed Covers
- Pet Honesty Fresh Breath Dental Bites for Cats
Story Time Highlights:
- Tori’s fond memory of a Labor Day dog swim where she first glimpsed the pup she’d adopt—Bert—who at the time hilariously hated water, despite being a Labrador.
- A valuable reminder during Clear the Shelters month: the “3‑3‑3 Rule” for rescue pets—expect adjustment over the first 3 days, personality surfacing over 3 weeks, and true bonding beginning by 3 months.

Q+A Highlights:
- For Labrador Energy: Tori's advice for Carlos in Dallas—“tough love tidy time,” short fetch sessions with a calm-down wind-down (“sit and watch the world with your dog”), and adding calming music at home to help your Lab settle.
- Considering a Bird?: Tips from avian vet Dr. Theresa Lightfoot: start with easier birds like parakeets or cockatiels, avoid high‑maintenance parrots or macaws at first, offer spacious cages, varied perches, and daily out‑of‑cage interaction.