25. Painting with Puppies & Decoding Cat Behavior

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00:00:00:03 - 00:00:15:02
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.

00:00:15:04 - 00:00:25:13
Kristen
Welcome to the Pets Add Life podcast. Chris, I think this is going to be a great show. We're airing, on the 13th. So lucky 13. I think we're gonna have a great show. What do you think?

00:00:25:15 - 00:00:43:23
Chris
I think we're gonna have a great show. Can't believe summer is coming to a close quite soon. It feels like just yesterday we were sitting here coming up with ideas on how to talk about pet care during the hot summer months. And pretty soon, we're going to have to talk about, fallen and leaves and apple cider and all that stuff.

00:00:43:23 - 00:01:04:14
Chris
But, for now, let's enjoy the rest of August while we still can. We have a most excellent show, lined up for you all. We're going to talk a little bit about art. We're going to talk a little bit about animal behavior. We're going to give you two great stories, as always, to product recommendations. And at the end of the show, we're going to answer two of your questions.

00:01:04:14 - 00:01:07:18
Chris
So stick around. You don't want to miss out.

00:01:07:20 - 00:01:10:12
Voice Over
Kristen and Chris present story time.

00:01:10:14 - 00:01:37:02
Chris
So, Kristin, my story this week, is is a fun one. A little sad and a little interesting. It's a real a a real smorgasbord. Okay. But I was, I was perusing the scientific journals as one does, especially in the especially in the animal, well-being, part of, you know, paying attention to what he does and things like that.

00:01:37:04 - 00:01:52:15
Chris
And there's a new study that's been published and the the title of this article says it all. So I'm just going to read the article title verbatim. Dogs can smell their human stress and it makes them sad. Look is the sad part.

00:01:52:17 - 00:01:53:09
Kristen
I believe that.

00:01:53:09 - 00:01:54:05
Chris
This is amazing.

00:01:54:05 - 00:01:55:18
Kristen
Smelling the stress.

00:01:55:20 - 00:02:20:11
Chris
Yeah, I mean, it's an absolutely amazing study. we've always sort of known that some of these more emotionally intelligent dogs that act as therapy dogs or service dogs, can use their sense of smell to do absolutely amazing things. You read about dogs who can predict seizures, or other, you know, physical issues. there's dogs out there that can help with diabetics.

00:02:20:11 - 00:02:45:19
Chris
There's dogs out there that can, help people with heart conditions. but it turns out dogs can actually sense our cortisol, going up. They have that sensitive of a sense of smell. And because of the bond that we have forged through 30,000 years of, changing doggy DNA, it makes them feel really sad when our stress gets high.

00:02:45:23 - 00:03:03:08
Chris
So that's why you will see dogs do whatever it takes to make us feel, better, whether that's pleasing up to us or sometimes they'll go bring you a toy. And you often think, oh, this is this is the dog, you know, wants to play with me. No, the toy makes them happy. So they're thinking, well, how do I make my person happy?

00:03:03:08 - 00:03:04:09
Chris
It's the toy.

00:03:04:11 - 00:03:25:07
Kristen
I think the most surprising thing about that study is it makes them sad. Like, it does not surprise me that, you know, they found that dogs can sense our stress, but you know that it makes them sad. That's really interesting. And I wonder how they how they determine that, you know, obviously our dogs or cats try to make us feel better.

00:03:25:09 - 00:03:30:07
Kristen
but I never really thought about it from their perspective as them being sad and wanting to make us happy.

00:03:30:09 - 00:03:54:17
Chris
Yeah, the article even references that, it sort of makes the way they, measured some of this is how much the dog's behavior changed around stressed people. and looking at some of the measurements that came in from the dogs, the dogs weren't getting more stressed, you know, because a lot of people think your dog mirrors your emotions, which is true to an extent.

00:03:54:19 - 00:04:15:23
Chris
but it turns out that they're not getting stressed. They're going into problem solving mode and trying to help you out. So, man's best friend for many reasons. Thank you to all of our amazing dogs for trying their best to keep us stressed out. or unstressed out stressed in. No, that doesn't work either. The stress helping us relax, that's helping us really go.

00:04:16:01 - 00:04:19:23
Kristen
That's a really good one. I love that. Is that on the happy website?

00:04:20:00 - 00:04:29:02
Chris
it's it is not the article will be, of course, in the show notes. And I got it directly from, Live science.com.

00:04:29:04 - 00:05:01:12
Kristen
Okay. Very good, very good. So my story today is sort of a cautionary tale. You know, we're still in the we're in the tail end of summer. And I know a lot of folks like to go hiking with their dogs. And I came across a story about, a 160 pound Great Pyrenees who was on a hike with his family out in Oregon, and he had to get carried by the, the fire district off the mountain because he could no longer walk.

00:05:01:14 - 00:05:24:03
Kristen
And what happened was this particular trail, even though it was marked as a dog friendly trail, in some of the steeper areas, they had buried wire like a mesh wire to help people, you know, maintain traction on the trail. But what happens over time is this wire kind of gets, you know, messed up and little pieces of it stick up.

00:05:24:03 - 00:05:47:02
Kristen
And so this poor dog that's 160 pound dog had little bloody paws. He couldn't walk anymore. So, I just thought that was really interesting because the trail was marked dog friendly. And in the article that I read, the fire district, was quoted as saying, yeah, this is not the first time we've had to rescue dogs off this mountain for either dehydration or or injured paws.

00:05:47:04 - 00:06:12:13
Kristen
So two things there. you know, I think it's really up to us as pet parents to know the trails that we're taking our dogs on. if you have a trails app, like all trails, there are reviews there. So I would encourage people to read reviews. even on the dog friendly trails before you head out with your pup and, and obviously to make sure they're, you know, hydrated and they have paw protection if, if it's rough terrain.

00:06:12:15 - 00:06:23:04
Kristen
So, but, there's some really cute pictures in this, article with this 160 pound Great Pyrenees being carried down the mountain by the fire department.

00:06:23:06 - 00:06:45:10
Chris
Must have been a very, very buff fireman. Mr.. Mr.. February brought it brought brought this dog down, down the hill for sure. because I would have Megan more than ten feet carrying something that, but I want to tack on. Don't, just don't just read reviews on these sites. If you're somebody who's hiking a lot with your dog and you're using the app, leave some reviews, please.

00:06:45:10 - 00:06:59:02
Chris
It's one use, please. Please, combat the bot armies. And, the idiots out there. Because for every, for every idiot with a bad opinion, there's a wise listener of the Pal podcast with a good AP,

00:06:59:04 - 00:07:03:19
Voice Over
Beyond the Leash exploring the Untold stories of pet passion and professionals.

00:07:03:21 - 00:07:10:14
Chris
And joining us now is Doctor Rachel Geller, who's a renowned cat behavior specialist right up my alley.

00:07:10:14 - 00:07:44:05
Chris
And the president and founder of All Cats All the Time, Inc., based in Newton, Massachusetts. Doctor Geller is dedicated to keeping cats and their owners together through free cat behavior counseling and surrender prevention services. With a rich background that includes certifications as a pet chaplain, fear free shelter professional, and cat friendly veterinarian advocate, Doctor Geller works with various organizations such as Here Today, Adopted Tomorrow, Animal Sanctuary, Bay Path Humane Society, and puppy Kitty NYC.

00:07:44:11 - 00:08:02:13
Chris
Her nonprofit organization helps low income cat owners cat ify their homes, ensuring that financial constraints don't lead to surrendering pets. What an amazing resume! I feel like you are so overqualified to be on our show, but thank you anyway for joining us today on the podcast.

00:08:02:15 - 00:08:08:09
Dr. Geller
I will always accept any invitation when I can do something that might help cats. So glad to be here.

00:08:08:11 - 00:08:35:22
Chris
I feel the same. I feel the same way as a proud cat. Dad, thank you for your service. but let's just go ahead and start right at the at the beginning, with I want to start actually with the surrender prevention because I think that's a thing that is incredibly unique. we see that unfortunate news all the time of families feeling like they just can't take proper care of the animal and with the best intentions, having to, surrender that animal.

00:08:36:02 - 00:08:42:13
Chris
So can you talk a little bit about, surrender prevention and some of the work that goes into making sure that doesn't happen?

00:08:42:15 - 00:09:05:22
Dr. Geller
Yeah. So I think a big thing with cat owners is they don't realize that most cat behaviors are actually fixable or solvable. And surrender prevention is very important to me, because when we keep a cat who already has a home in her home, this frees up shelter space to take in care to truly our homeless who are paws on the ground, so to speak.

00:09:06:00 - 00:09:51:08
Dr. Geller
So giving people those tools and helping them understand what what behaviors are happening and what why they're happening, and working with people to keep their cats in their homes really saves two lives. And, I think that what I'm really trying to do is get more and more people educated about cat behavior problems, how we can fix them, how we can work with people to keep their cats in their homes, and with the sort of vacation program that I founded that's being hosted right now, by Community Cats podcast, I've actually been able to certified thousands of people in, surrender prevention for cats.

00:09:51:10 - 00:10:18:11
Dr. Geller
And it is just so important because so many people will surrender a cat because the cats are using the litter box, or the cat is scratching on everything, except for that lovely scratching post that you brought home for her. So try to think like a cat, figure out what's going on, and then work to solve the problem. A big thing is people will say to me, you know, my cat's a brat, or my cat's behaving badly, or my cat's behaving out of spite.

00:10:18:13 - 00:10:37:18
Dr. Geller
And it's really important for people to understand that cats don't do things to spiders or to get revenge. Cats, behave in ways to meet their needs. So when we figure out what need isn't being met, that's usually. That usually puts us on the on the road to solve the problem.

00:10:37:19 - 00:11:05:17
Kristen
Well, doctor caller, I love what you're doing because I actually started my pet career working at an animal shelter. And so I saw all those kitties being surrendered for, you know, mostly behavior issues. and preventing the surrender is so important. So thank you for this incredible work you're doing. Can you talk to us a little bit about what are the most common, behavior challenges that cat parents are struggling with, that potentially.

00:11:05:19 - 00:11:11:01
Kristen
You know, we're trying to avoid them ending up in and becoming a surrender.

00:11:11:03 - 00:11:38:01
Dr. Geller
So hands down, by far the most problem I get, contacted for is not using the litter box. it's such a big deal. And realistically, you know, cat is really smelly and it's hazardous, you know, so it's usually like a no go for people. The cat thing around the house, the cat's already peed on seven different couches or pieces of furniture and their their wits end.

00:11:38:05 - 00:12:04:14
Dr. Geller
So. Yeah. I mean, believe it or not, sometimes this problem can be solved with like within five minutes. So, for example, if they're using a covered litter box, most cats don't like covered litter boxes because they, they, both predator and prey to other animals. So they always want to know what's going on. And a covered litter box completely blocks their visual field.

00:12:04:19 - 00:12:29:14
Dr. Geller
So cats don't want a covered box. They actually want the opposite. They want to be able to see all the way around them. They want to know they're going to have ample visual warning time should an opponent appear and they want to, they have potential for escape. So the covered litter box prevents, the cat from eating all of those needs from what she needs, in the litter box.

00:12:29:14 - 00:12:51:22
Dr. Geller
The worst thing about a covered litter box or putting them in a closet or a cabinet is should an opponent or invader appear, the only means of escape is right into that cat's face. So that's not going to be very, reassuring for your cat. So sometimes something very simple remove the cover, sometimes it's a little more complicated.

00:12:51:22 - 00:13:07:12
Dr. Geller
They don't like the litter or they don't like the location. But I kind of go through I'm a little bit of a Sherlock Holmes and kind of asking all these questions. Get an idea of what's going on, have people send me pictures of the litter box set up, and then we go from there.

00:13:07:14 - 00:13:12:04
Chris
it's great using your powers of deduction to solve the litter box. Crime, crimes.

00:13:12:04 - 00:13:15:10
Dr. Geller
Absolutely wonderful of Turlock Homes.

00:13:15:12 - 00:13:39:10
Chris
I'm sorry, guy, I love that. so I mentioned briefly the, cat ification of the home and getting your your home ready and comfortable to have a feline companion. So can you quickly go over some of those steps on for some of our listeners out there who may be considering adopting a cat, what some of those steps are like, real quick to make sure that house is nice and ready.

00:13:39:12 - 00:14:02:18
Dr. Geller
So the first thing is the litter box. And I always recommend one more box than the number of cats you have. So even if you're only adopting one cat, I want you to have two boxes because these opponents can be real or imagined. And the idea of resources can also be real or imagined. So we want to make sure that you have two litter boxes, even for one cat.

00:14:02:20 - 00:14:25:12
Dr. Geller
Then think in terms of your cat's natural need to climb and to be elevated again to protect yourself. So we have plenty of areas that have vertical space. A catering is great, but if you don't have room for a bulky cat tree, you know a window perch or repurpose the back of a sofa with a quilt on it as vertical space.

00:14:25:14 - 00:14:50:01
Dr. Geller
Types of containers can be repurposed for the vertical space and so forth. Of course, food and water and, last but definitely not least, because this is very important, is cats need a really good scratching post. That's the right texture for a cat. And that's, high enough and and sturdy enough for a cat.

00:14:50:03 - 00:14:51:07
Kristen
That's that's great advice.

00:14:51:07 - 00:14:53:18
Chris
All great advice. Yeah.

00:14:53:20 - 00:15:04:23
Kristen
I had I had once heard a tell me if this is true or not that some cats prefer, a scratching surface that is horizontal and some have prefer vertical. Is that true?

00:15:05:00 - 00:15:25:13
Dr. Geller
This is true. So if your cat is scratching items or places you don't want her to scratch, look and see where she's scratching. So if she's going on the rug, that's a horizontal scratch, or if she's going up the back of the sofa, then you have yourself a vertical scratcher. So yes, that that's a that is a very true phenomenon among cats.

00:15:25:18 - 00:15:45:05
Chris
And I would I would add on to that if you were, if you bought a cat scratching post and your cat is still scratching at your furniture, try to find a scratching post that matches that furniture's texture, because there's something about the furniture that's very satisfying, to them. And it's something they have to do. It makes keeps their nails clean.

00:15:45:09 - 00:15:54:13
Chris
It keeps their, it also helps with their, their nails as they grow, helps them mark their territory. They're going to scratch. So give them the type of surface that they want, right?

00:15:54:15 - 00:16:14:11
Dr. Geller
Yes. I mean, when someone says to me, how can I stop my cat from scratching and it to reframe that question because we're not going to stop the carpet scratching, we just don't want you're doing it on your couch or your rugs. But I do find that looking at the scratching posts, a lot of them are tall enough, so it needs to be at least three feet tall.

00:16:14:11 - 00:16:35:06
Dr. Geller
Your cat wants to get that full extension to like, approach over to use the post. And you know, sometimes you see the pet store. They're they're skinny. The base is not really that wide. So a lot of the reason your cat might go to the couch is because think of what your cat would do outdoors. She would scratch on a tree.

00:16:35:08 - 00:16:51:20
Dr. Geller
So trees are very, very sturdy. So if you're scratching post this kind of thing, it's not that big, this small base. It doesn't have the texture to, to be able to withstand all that pushing and pulling. Then that scratching post will sit there unused.

00:16:51:23 - 00:17:06:18
Kristen
So, doc, you started a nonprofit called All Cats All the time. I love that name. That's great. what can you first of all, tell us a little bit about the nonprofit and also any any, challenges, in running a nonprofit, the experience.

00:17:06:23 - 00:17:28:13
Dr. Geller
And so I started my nonprofit because I started doing this whole cat behavior thing. And my personal mission in life is that there's never a financial barrier preventing somebody from keeping their cat if the issue is behavior. So my idea is I'm going to solve this cat behavior problem. It's going to be really great and really rewarding. And that was that was good.

00:17:28:17 - 00:17:52:12
Dr. Geller
But then and an unintended consequence was people would say to me, thank you so much. You solve my problem. I can keep your cat. How can I pay you? I want to pay you. Or if I didn't accept payment, oh, then I want to donate to causes important to you. So, as I got to thinking about it, sometimes my advice is not only advice.

00:17:52:14 - 00:18:16:10
Dr. Geller
Sometimes people need stuff. They need a cat food in a window, perch in a different litter box and try a different type of litter. And this can be a burden for low income people. So my idea was, what if instead of telling people to, donate to this other organization, how would they donate to my organization? And I use that and then help low income people keep their cats.

00:18:16:12 - 00:18:37:20
Dr. Geller
So it's really been I mean, I just think it's lovely for people and keeping their cats in their homes. They do then then they donate to help other people keep their cats in their homes. And I help people who need a medical assist, who need to buy cat stuff to satisfy their homes, who maybe need to buy prescription food.

00:18:37:22 - 00:18:44:22
Dr. Geller
All this stuff is pretty expensive. I've been able to buy for people so they can keep their cat.

00:18:45:00 - 00:19:09:01
Chris
So that's absolutely amazing. because, yeah, you think, one thing you never want to see is, somebody either decide not to get a pet or give up their pet because of financial reasons, especially all the benefits that you get from having a pet, that companionship. and the the sort of stress relief and things like that are really good benefits when you're strapped for cash, right?

00:19:09:01 - 00:19:26:22
Chris
When you're when you have a lower income and life comes at you really fast and hard, it's really great to have a companion around. And I cannot imagine the heartbreak of having to say goodbye, because you simply don't make enough money. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for that. That work that you're doing.

00:19:27:00 - 00:19:29:17
Dr. Geller
Thank you. Yeah. And I think to me.

00:19:29:18 - 00:19:35:04
Kristen
I think we need to add another title to your, your resume, and that is you are a cat angel.

00:19:35:06 - 00:19:35:12
Dr. Geller
Yes.

00:19:35:16 - 00:19:37:15
Chris
Heard the cat guarding angel.

00:19:37:18 - 00:19:51:22
Kristen
Cat guardian angel supporting cats and their people. Yes. Well, how can, how can folks reach you, Doctor Geller, if they would like to either donate to our cats all the time, or if they need your help?

00:19:52:00 - 00:20:12:14
Dr. Geller
So if someone needs my help or wants to donate, they can go to my website which is Doctor Rachel Cat behavior.com and I have a donate button and they have all kinds of videos on there as well as my contact information. So if you are having a cat behavior problem, I do provide all of my services completely free of charge.

00:20:12:18 - 00:20:16:04
Dr. Geller
So send me an email and we can get started.

00:20:16:06 - 00:20:31:00
Chris
That's absolutely phenomenal. hopefully hopefully you get a couple of donations and a couple of great emails coming in from our listeners. so head on over to that website, folks, if you have a problem or if you have a few extra dollars to help Doctor Geller out. but thank you so much for for spending some time with us.

00:20:31:00 - 00:20:35:02
Chris
This is a great interview. thanks again for coming on the podcast.

00:20:35:04 - 00:20:43:23
Dr. Geller
I really appreciate the opportunity to reach more people and software cat behavior problems. So thank you too. Great. Absolutely.

00:20:44:01 - 00:20:45:19
Chris
What an amazing human being.

00:20:45:23 - 00:20:52:09
Kristen
She she's doing all of this at no cost to people. I love that that's you just never hear about that.

00:20:52:11 - 00:21:11:08
Chris
Yeah. I mean, this is America. You don't do you don't do stuff for you can't do. You don't do stuff for free. You don't get anything for free. unless you're Doctor Geller. and, you know, that woman really knows her stuff. She's a great resource. hopefully we can continue to find some ways to support the work that she's doing.

00:21:11:11 - 00:21:24:01
Chris
And again, if you're out there and, you want to give up, a Starbucks order today and throw your $5 towards Doctor Geller, you may end up helping somebody who wouldn't ordinarily be able to keep their cat

00:21:24:03 - 00:21:26:05
Voice Over
Pets Add Life

00:21:26:07 - 00:21:34:19
Chris
Joining us now is Natalie Decker, the creative mind behind Watercolor and Whiskers, which is a stupendous idea, if I do say so myself.

00:21:34:19 - 00:22:01:08
Chris
It's a unique workshop that combines her love for art and dogs. Born in Dayton, Ohio, Natalie pursued her passion for fine arts at London Wood University, where she completed her bachelor's degree. Her work is characterized by vibrant scenes from her travels, often featuring playful canine companions. Through her painting with puppies workshops, Natalie not only provides a therapeutic and creative experience, but also fosters a sense of community among participants.

00:22:01:10 - 00:22:10:14
Chris
thank you, Natalie, so much for joining us. I had a little sneak preview of the website. and I'm absolutely stoked to talk about these workshops. How are you doing today?

00:22:10:16 - 00:22:13:19
Natalie
Awesome. Thank you so much. I'm doing great. How are you.

00:22:13:21 - 00:22:31:07
Chris
Hanging in there? Hanging in there? Doing better now that you're here? Actually, so let's just get right into it. Let's talk a little bit about watercolor and whiskers and just about tell us a little bit about the program and maybe the inspiration behind it. What caused you to really started it up?

00:22:31:09 - 00:22:34:08
Natalie
Yeah. So, you know, during Covid.

00:22:34:12 - 00:22:36:23
Natalie
I felt like there was kind of a lack of.

00:22:36:23 - 00:23:08:17
Natalie
Community. everyone was isolated for so long and kind of getting back into the swing of things. I don't know. I didn't see as many events out there that were, unique and interesting where people could just get together and have fun. So, I really wanted to do that and, feature art and, puppies, obviously, and kind of hopefully also alleviate a lot of anxiety because, both of those do that.

00:23:08:19 - 00:23:12:09
Natalie
so, yeah, that's kind of where the idea got started.

00:23:12:11 - 00:23:32:22
Kristen
That's I love that perfect combination of stress reduction to puppies and art. Can you, can you tell us a little bit, maybe have some stories or feedback from some of your participants, how the combination of the art and the presence of the puppies has helped to reduce stress, or to make them, you know, to give them creative inspiration?

00:23:33:00 - 00:24:01:20
Natalie
Yeah. So the puppies, obviously there's nothing cuter than a puppy, right? So, just getting to sit or sit around dogs, any, you know, any age really, it just it helps people relax and just be in the moment and enjoy, you know, what the world has to offer. And then, the other part to it is the watercolors.

00:24:01:22 - 00:24:23:04
Natalie
and again, like, art therapy is such a big thing to me. I grew up obviously, like, learning how to paint and just getting the, the colors to paper and, getting to design anything that you want is just such a calming aspect to life. So, yeah.

00:24:23:06 - 00:24:38:10
Kristen
So I have a clarifying question. Are the puppies are do people bring their own dogs to the session, or are these are these dogs that are that you're bringing in to foster that? You know, that sense of, calm? Yeah.

00:24:38:12 - 00:24:59:08
Natalie
So, the puppies we bring in from breeders, a lot of people might not know this, but in order for puppies to get acclimate to being around humans, they need to be socialized. So we're helping the breeders out as well, so they can get used to being around human contact and get ready for their forever home.

00:24:59:10 - 00:25:04:20
Kristen
That's great. So it's a win win. The puppies are getting socialization and the people are getting relaxation.

00:25:04:22 - 00:25:14:09
Chris
And and then maybe it crosses and the puppies are learning how to do a little art. Is there ever any fun little part happening from the puppies getting to curious?

00:25:14:11 - 00:25:16:17
Natalie
We we haven't done that yet.

00:25:16:19 - 00:25:48:11
Chris
So one day awaits you. Curious and energetic like retriever puppy is going to send them to the art room, and it's going to create a dramatic piece for everybody. but but speaking of dramatic pieces and some of your inspiration as an artist, you talk a lot about, travel and how travel is influenced your art. So how do you sort of incorporate that type of experience that you have as an artist to some of the folks who come in and maybe lack that creative inspiration?

00:25:48:12 - 00:26:17:04
Natalie
Yeah. So, a lot of times I will bring in like photographs from travels that I've been on, like my, so little background. My mom worked for the airlines for 42 years, and she's also. Yeah, she's also huge into photography. So she's I mean, she's my inspiration. so she's gone all over the world, really, and taken some amazing photographs.

00:26:17:04 - 00:26:22:12
Natalie
And I use a lot of her work to help people get inspired.

00:26:22:14 - 00:26:47:09
Kristen
That is. That's really cool. so what you've done, Natalie, is really cool how you've taken something that you love, that you're passionate about. And you do multiple things and you combine them together. What what advice would you have for, other aspiring artists who are looking to integrate their passion for something like, like you did with puppies into their creative work?

00:26:47:11 - 00:27:05:21
Natalie
I would just say, you know, you don't have to look too hard. Like, just figure out what it is you're passionate about. whether it's art, music, it could, you know, combine those two, even, Yeah. And just create your own.

00:27:06:00 - 00:27:07:06
Kristen
Don't don't overthink it.

00:27:07:10 - 00:27:08:13
Natalie
Just put those.

00:27:08:13 - 00:27:11:07
Kristen
Ones you love together and make it happen.

00:27:11:09 - 00:27:38:17
Chris
Okay. I'm firmly in the overthink camp. I'll tell you that much. My feet are firmly planted in the overthink it and then do nothing about it. so maybe some maybe some puppy watercolors are in my in my in my future, to help loosen me up a little bit. I do want to talk a little bit about what you touched on at the top of the interview around this sense of, community, especially coming out of the pandemic.

00:27:38:19 - 00:27:41:05
Chris
everything's based in New York City, correct?

00:27:41:07 - 00:27:42:02
Natalie
Right now. Yes.

00:27:42:05 - 00:28:03:16
Chris
So. So New York City was hit pretty hard. You know, the city that never sleeps got turned into the city that's always sleeping quite quickly. and now coming out of it, people are really looking for that, that sense of community. So can you talk a little bit about the types of relationships, and connections that are being forged in these workshops every day?

00:28:03:18 - 00:28:30:20
Natalie
Yeah. so we have people from all walks of life, whether, you know, they're a kid or, you know, a little bit more experienced. and they come in a lot of people don't even know each other at all. And we'll just start talking about life and what what got them started are interested in watercolors and, you know, it just form an organic conversation off of that.

00:28:30:20 - 00:28:50:05
Natalie
And, yeah, people have become friends. They've gone off to I know my last class, there is a lady that, was really, and a great conversation with the girl sitting next to her, and they're actually doing a jewelry class, next month together, so that's cool.

00:28:50:06 - 00:29:08:13
Chris
Yeah, yeah. That's great. I mean, who would have thunk that going to a place and, talking to people will get you friends? It's actually mind blowing to an endorsement like myself that if you just go and express your hobbies and groups of people, you're going to find like minded individuals.

00:29:08:15 - 00:29:11:02
Natalie
And. Exactly. Yeah.

00:29:11:04 - 00:29:20:23
Kristen
So Natalie will definitely, put a link to your website in the show notes, but what what does the future look like for for watercolors and whiskers?

00:29:21:01 - 00:29:34:18
Natalie
so I want to have multiple locations. I'm going to try one, in Houston and September. So, yeah, my mom lives down there. So I'm going to get a bunch of her friends and we're going to do one down there.

00:29:34:19 - 00:29:36:11
Kristen
Mom to work.

00:29:36:13 - 00:29:38:12
Natalie
Yeah. Yeah, exactly.

00:29:38:13 - 00:29:44:17
Chris
I know you did 42 years in the airlines, mom, but we're busting you out of retirement.

00:29:44:18 - 00:29:45:13
Natalie
So.

00:29:45:15 - 00:29:45:18
Chris
Please.

00:29:45:20 - 00:29:47:00
Natalie
It's more fun, though.

00:29:47:02 - 00:29:57:21
Chris
Yeah, yeah, yeah, I think this is going to be a little less stressful. Yeah. I'm flying. but, Natalie, where can people find out more? Or sign up for classes if they're interested?

00:29:57:23 - 00:30:13:15
Natalie
Yeah. So we have a website. It's called Watercolor Whiskers. Dot com, and, we always have our events, posted on there, with the location, time and everything. So and we also have we also have an Instagram and a TikTok as well.

00:30:13:17 - 00:30:27:18
Chris
All right. So go ahead and follow, Natalie and her amazing projects. Check out the website. If you're in the greater New York area and you want to take a class, go ahead and sign up. I think, I'm going to try and find some free time and maybe you'll be.

00:30:27:18 - 00:30:29:22
Kristen
Yeah, you're down there in the city. Oh, right.

00:30:30:00 - 00:30:52:15
Chris
Chris, you know I'm not I'm near I'm near the city. I'm right over in Connecticut. And I can always get there, but I never do. yeah. I'm more I'm more of a suburban dad than an urban gunslinger. So, I tend to shy away from the streets of New York. But for something as wonderful as watercolor whiskers, I may have to make an exception.

00:30:52:17 - 00:30:54:19
Natalie
Well, you're welcome anytime.

00:30:54:21 - 00:31:03:20
Chris
Well, thank you so much for joining us. and, again, everybody check out the website, the Instagram, the TikTok. And thanks again for coming on the podcast.

00:31:03:22 - 00:31:06:00
Natalie
Thanks, Natalie. Thanks.

00:31:06:02 - 00:31:08:12
Voice Over
Pets Add Life.

00:31:08:14 - 00:31:20:19
Kristen
That was cool. I love that, that breeders are using the watercolor and whiskers to socialize the puppies. I know we had a guest several weeks back, that had puppy parties.

00:31:20:21 - 00:31:40:04
Chris
That was. Yeah, puppy parties. We did puppy yoga. Yeah. yeah. It's a nice symbiotic relationship there where everybody wins. I, I really wish I was more artistically inclined. I never really evolved past stick figures. And even then. And like, you would think, a straight line is easy. And it's like when I want to draw a straight line, it gets all wobbly.

00:31:40:04 - 00:31:44:05
Chris
When I want to draw a wobbly line, it's perfectly straight. so.

00:31:44:06 - 00:31:45:21
Kristen
Other talents, Chris,

00:31:45:23 - 00:32:01:01
Chris
Do I I'd be interested in hearing what those are outside of bloviating and BSing, but, Sure. Yeah. Other other other talents, other towns. But maybe, maybe Natalie could help me out with my watercolor strokes.

00:32:01:03 - 00:32:03:23
Voice Over
The product of the week.

00:32:04:01 - 00:32:13:07
Chris
Okay, it's time for our pop up product of the week. Kristen, I did the first story, so I am telling you to go first.

00:32:13:09 - 00:32:15:09
Kristen
Volun telling me. Okay, I'm.

00:32:15:11 - 00:32:16:03
Chris
Telling you.

00:32:16:03 - 00:32:16:17
Dr. Geller
I will.

00:32:16:17 - 00:32:42:14
Kristen
Go first. And if you listen, if you heard my story, my product goes along with the story. So, I my product today is dog boots. Dog booties, in particular, the grip checks dog boots by rough wear. Now, I'm a huge fan of rough, where I've been buying their gear for my dogs for years. the just the quality is great and they've always got really cool looking colors.

00:32:42:16 - 00:33:04:22
Kristen
And, they have several dog boots available, but I this one had a ton of reviews, ton of five star reviews. So, I haven't personally bought these boots for my dog, but, I think I, I think I would, let's see, they are, they're the standard in power for dogs who hike, bike, run or explore.

00:33:05:03 - 00:33:34:11
Kristen
And I think it's important to think about, in the summertime, even though we're heading out of the summertime, you know, that pavement can get very, very hot. So even if you're just walking your dog on pavement or sidewalk, that's a good reason to have boots on them. As well as the hiking. Like we discussed earlier. But then as winter time rolls in, boots can protect your dog's paws from, ice and salt that, that you know, cities use to melt the ice or that some of us use to melt ice in our driveways.

00:33:34:13 - 00:33:53:13
Kristen
So, yeah. And usually, companies sell boots in pairs of two, not four, which might seem odd, but it's because your dog's paws in the front are usually smaller than the paws in the back. So, you you have to measure both the front and the back paws to order them. So there you go.

00:33:53:15 - 00:33:54:04
Dr. Geller
Yeah.

00:33:54:08 - 00:34:00:15
Chris
Are they are they in there claiming that the dogs are biking? That's the right answer.

00:34:00:20 - 00:34:08:14
Kristen
Yeah, that was weird. It did say biking. I'm going to assume the person's biking with the dog running alongside, which I'm not. No, I don't know that I'm a fan of that.

00:34:08:14 - 00:34:21:20
Chris
And I'm going to assume that this is like a Donald and Daisy duck situation, like a Scooby Doo type thing where where the dog is in the second seat, pedaling away, and you gotta get in the booties because you know how rough those pedals can be. Yeah.

00:34:22:01 - 00:34:25:23
Kristen
Or maybe you're in a Flintstone. Maybe you're in a Flintstone car with your dog and you're.

00:34:25:23 - 00:34:26:17
Chris
Yeah, yeah, yeah.

00:34:26:18 - 00:34:27:10
Kristen
I definitely.

00:34:27:10 - 00:34:37:08
Chris
I could definitely see, like like a big old Great Dane operating a Flintstone car that is that that's just seared into my mind at this point. look.

00:34:37:08 - 00:34:39:02
Kristen
What's your point, Chris?

00:34:39:04 - 00:35:03:23
Chris
Moving moving on to my product. this is this is a product that I use quite often because Tiger tends to eat a little quickly, especially her, dry food. And then she throws up on the carpet. Never the hard one she always uses. Of course. Yes. You can see her stomach starting to do weird things downstairs on on the really easily cleanable like fake vinyl hardwood that we have.

00:35:04:04 - 00:35:13:19
Chris
And then she'll bring herself upstairs to where it's entirely carpeted to, to throw up. Because, I mean, you got to be comfortable when you're, selling a Buick as as you want a.

00:35:13:19 - 00:35:15:01
Kristen
Soft landing for that.

00:35:15:07 - 00:35:16:06
Chris
Yeah. Right.

00:35:16:06 - 00:35:17:05
Kristen
Upshot.

00:35:17:07 - 00:35:38:01
Chris
so, in fact, even this morning, Tiger had a little bit of sick, but, this is this is, the pet Stain and Odor Pro eliminator spray. and this stuff is amazing. We have a really light colored carpeting upstairs, like a sort of a sand color. And, this takes it right out every single time.

00:35:38:06 - 00:36:00:02
Chris
It smells a little weird. I'll be honest. It does. But what it does is completely eliminate the bad odor. And then I usually get sort of, you use a paper towel to pick up the the solid and spray this on there. Wait, like a minute, dab it up with some, some more paper towel and then spray a little febreeze.

00:36:00:02 - 00:36:24:23
Chris
And it's honestly like it never happened. honestly, like it never happened. It's great. There's a lot of other, odor removers out there. Scout's honor. Makes a lot of really great stuff. if you if you sort of just go to the grocery store where they don't have a lot of these specialty products, there's a product called resolve that you can just grab at, you know, CVS, that they have it everywhere.

00:36:25:05 - 00:36:47:01
Chris
But all of these are great options. you what you don't want to be doing is like using, like, Windex or something. Like a mold, you know, cleaner. because basically what all these products do is they have this specialty mix of enzymes that basically break down the bacteria that cause odor. so you really want to look for a specific product?

00:36:47:03 - 00:36:59:13
Chris
you can find soup on Amazon retails for about 1750 a bottle. I really can't beat that for knowing that whatever mess your pet manages to make on your carpet, they'll be able to take care.

00:36:59:15 - 00:37:01:22
Voice Over
Q and A's.

00:37:02:00 - 00:37:10:02
Chris
All right, Kristen, it's time for our favorite segment. that's right. We're going to answer two questions from our wonderful audience.

00:37:10:04 - 00:37:39:13
Chris
and remember, wonderful audience. You can submit your questions by going to Petsaddlife.org/podcast. Scroll on down to the bottom of that page. Go past all of the wonderful episodes of the podcast, and while you're there, why not peruse some of the videos? Take a look at what we look like in real life. as we have our hilarious moments, our moments of shame, and our moments of glory, you can catch all of the reactions live in 4K and or sometimes no.

00:37:39:15 - 00:38:00:08
Chris
It's like seven 2720 on the old camera, 1080 on the new one. But hey, who am I to judge? who passed all those videos? You're going to see a place where you could submit your question quick and easy form or or and I'm I'm calling you out. Audience. I want to see. Leave a voice memo. I want you to record your own voice, record your questioning.

00:38:00:08 - 00:38:03:01
Chris
You will hear it played back to you on this show.

00:38:03:03 - 00:38:08:04
Kristen
Chris, I think we need to incentivize the voice question because we haven't gotten one.

00:38:08:06 - 00:38:27:19
Chris
So here we go. I'm I'm letting you all know right now if you leave a voice memo, if you if there is a voice memo left for question, I will I will do my best to answer the question in rhyme. Oh, the whole question about Shakespeare. It it'll be a whole limb.

00:38:27:20 - 00:38:32:04
Kristen
Love it. So just improv style?

00:38:32:06 - 00:38:37:21
Chris
Well, yeah. Definitely not improv. I'm gonna need. We're gonna need that one in advance. Right.

00:38:37:23 - 00:38:39:00
Dr. Geller
Okay. Give me at.

00:38:39:00 - 00:38:42:17
Chris
Least give me at least 24 hours with it.

00:38:42:19 - 00:38:43:23
Kristen
I love that.

00:38:44:01 - 00:38:59:08
Chris
I know Shakespearean improv. Although if you are in the LA area, check out the, the improv Shakespearean theater with, Ross Bryant. It's very good. He's very funny. but, alas. But alas, we have questions. Let's get back to that before, I make.

00:38:59:08 - 00:39:01:04
Kristen
More if we get deep thirds or derails.

00:39:01:04 - 00:39:20:06
Chris
Myself. Yeah, yeah. Before we're derailed. So, we've got a great question here from Alex in Denver. Alex asks. My dog has been scratching a lot and has developed some red irritated patches on his skin. What are some common causes of skin issues in dogs and how can I help him?

00:39:20:08 - 00:39:53:19
Kristen
Okay, so I have a little bit of experience with this because my previous dog chili, had a lot of skin challenges. and obviously I'm not a veterinarian, and this is probably ultimately something you'll want to talk to your veterinarian about. However, I can tell you that the common causes of skin issues that would cause your dog to scratch them a lot would be either you know, a bug bite or a flea bite, some type of, you know, or even an injury could cause, you know, irritation and could lead to scratching and licking.

00:39:53:21 - 00:40:16:05
Kristen
but what's what's can compound the problem is that oftentimes all that scratching and licking leads to a secondary bacterial infection. So then you have then you're going to need to see the vet and you know, probably get some antibiotics. and then also, you'll need to find a way to prevent your dog from getting to that spot so that it can actually heal.

00:40:16:07 - 00:40:37:15
Kristen
I would say, some dogs are actually allergic to flea bites. So even if your dog is on flea protection, it's possible that they can be bitten by a flea and have an allergic reaction that causes them to bite and scratch away. but, yeah, those are probably the most common, you know, a bite or an injury.

00:40:37:17 - 00:40:41:19
Kristen
So let's get your dog some help and some comfort.

00:40:41:21 - 00:41:11:17
Chris
Yeah, I've got I've got a little I've got a little, sprinkle a little cherry on top. Yeah. To throw into that, this is something that we experience with my parents dog. sometimes your dog can be allergic to the shampoo or soap that you use to wash them. Or it could just irritate their skin. so, that is just something to consider, especially if you notice a trend of, like, they get irritated, like a day after the the day after they have a bath.

00:41:11:18 - 00:41:32:17
Chris
you might want to switch products when you do. So look at the ingredient list and what's going into that product and try to find, and do some investigation to, you know, figure out what exactly is causing, the allergy. but that's just, you know, something from my past that may you may find helpful there. Alex.

00:41:32:18 - 00:41:51:11
Kristen
Yeah. Thanks for the question, Alex. So, our second question is a cat question. So I'm going to toss this one to you, Chris. it is from Lisa in Seattle, and she says, I have a very shy cat who hides whenever guests come over. What are some effective ways to help her become more comfortable around new people?

00:41:51:13 - 00:42:14:20
Chris
That's a great question. And I love me a shy cat. I consider myself to be the shy cat whisperer. when I go into somebody's home and they're like, oh, don't mind the cat. She probably won't come out. I'm there, I'm there, and I'm bringing I'm finding a way to connect with that beautiful animal. the cats are usually shy because they have anxiety over the situation.

00:42:14:22 - 00:42:38:06
Chris
and they're probably just not used to, having strangers in what they consider to be their zone. especially indoor. a lot of shy cats are indoor. Only cats. I can't remember the last time I met, either an outdoor cat or an indoor outdoor cat that was particularly shy. and it's because this home is kind of all they know.

00:42:38:08 - 00:42:59:07
Chris
And now there are mysteries afoot inside their home. and so put yourself in the mind of that cat. If you never really left the confines of your home. And some strangers were walking in and out, and you really had no good way to communicate with them, it would put you at, a bit of a peculiar situation as well.

00:42:59:07 - 00:43:25:07
Chris
So here's what I'll say. You want to sort of train the cat to get more comfortable when there's people around. So when you're having friends over, this is where the people food gets busted out. And when I say people food, let's say I'm having a dinner party and I'm a shy cat, and I'm going to be making some chicken, just playing chicken breast, no oil, no salt, anything cooked to the same temperature.

00:43:25:07 - 00:43:47:06
Chris
People eat just maybe a half a chicken breast, cut up and serve the cat that food while you're eating dinner. And now it's becoming like there's not a single cat. I know that would turn down actual human food prepared properly. And now the cat's going to realize, oh, they're eating, I'm eating. Nobody's trying to take this from me.

00:43:47:08 - 00:44:08:17
Chris
This is good. you could do it with treats, too. you could do it with catnip. You could do it with their favorite toy. but I've always found that people food is, like, the greatest incentive for for most animals, they they they love. Yeah. You just want to make sure you're feeding them something that's safe. I think in a previous episode, we went through a lot of the different, safe, people foods for, for cats.

00:44:08:19 - 00:44:15:16
Chris
so look back on that episode if you need more, but it's all about incentivizing giving time and exposing them often.

00:44:15:18 - 00:44:36:22
Kristen
Yeah, yeah. And you're associating that that tasty chicken treat with, visitors. So ultimately, your cat might be more comfortable around visitors. However, I would just add to that one thing, Chris, never force your cat to come out and socialize. it has to be on their own terms. otherwise you'll just be making the the situation worse.

00:44:37:00 - 00:44:53:13
Chris
That's that's so true. We've been trying to get Tiger to drink out of a water fountain, and we've been going to war with her. and especially with her. She went to Miami. She, No. Oh, my goodness, she's a princess. She will only drink out of the sink. she will meow near the sink until you pick her up and turn it on for.

00:44:53:17 - 00:45:13:13
Chris
And then she'll meow. Oh, to bring it off and to turn it off. It's a whole thing. And. And that's why I don't mind. Listen, I'm a good cat, dad. I'll take care of my little princess. But at the end of the day, when we're leaving, like, for example, just went to Miami. We're gone for four days. somebody has to now come watch the cat because she needs to be watered.

00:45:13:13 - 00:45:15:00
Chris
I always say we got to water the cat.

00:45:15:00 - 00:45:17:11
Kristen
They need to come turn on the faucet.

00:45:17:13 - 00:45:34:22
Chris
Yeah, exactly. So this was the first time we managed, during a trip to capture on the camera, drinking out of the fountain. And all I did was that whole entire week, every time she'd ask to be lifted onto the sink, I bring her to the water fountain, put her in front of it, and then she'd leave, and I bring her to the sink.

00:45:34:22 - 00:45:53:16
Chris
I wouldn't force it, but I'd be like, there's water here, there's water here. And so when she got desperate and thirsty because we were gone, she finally bit the bullet and had this, this, this other kind of water that was, you know, I guess it's just mediocre. It's just peasant water when it comes out of the fountain. Yeah.

00:45:53:18 - 00:45:58:01
Chris
but when she got thirsty, she didn't know to go up there and drink. So we very.

00:45:58:01 - 00:45:59:12
Kristen
I love that that's just another a.

00:45:59:13 - 00:46:00:08
Chris
Lot better.

00:46:00:10 - 00:46:14:04
Kristen
It's another example of how our pets train us. And yes, we fall for it. So she's trained you to to be her. You know, her water carrier, our faucet. Turn her on.

00:46:14:04 - 00:46:30:05
Chris
Her and yeah, I'm a faucet. Turn her. If she could do it herself, she would. but she can't. And therefore I am important. and now moving away from that, tangential story, I think, Christian, that is the end of our episode.

00:46:30:07 - 00:46:41:16
Kristen
Wow, that went fast. And that just means that just means summer's coming to an end even sooner. You know, I saw Halloween costumes in target the other day, and I was disgusted.

00:46:41:18 - 00:47:10:05
Chris
You should have arrested the manager. Citizen's arrest. Citizen's arrest? Yeah. If the trees haven't even thought about changing color yet, like they're not even these trees, they're not even considering changing their color yet. You should get under until until your your local empty retail store has the hiring sign for Spirit of Halloween. Target cannot be putting. Target cannot be putting, Halloween decorations and costumes out.

00:47:10:07 - 00:47:22:18
Chris
That is illegal. I'm going to find that target. I'm going to put the manager under a citizen's arrest. because I I'm upset. I don't know if you see me in this way. I'm upset. And that is. I think we need that is.

00:47:22:19 - 00:47:28:17
Kristen
I think we need to talk to Ryan about sending a camera crew with you into target. I'd like to. I'd like to see.

00:47:28:18 - 00:47:38:22
Chris
Where we're at. Chris the bounty hunter. Chris the bounty hunter has found his quarry at the. At the target in North Carolina.

00:47:39:00 - 00:47:40:01
Dr. Geller


00:47:40:03 - 00:47:49:09
Chris
I think it's it's a new show for it. Dog the bounty Hunter TV. There we go. that's a good one. High five. Chris.

00:47:49:11 - 00:47:53:01
Kristen
Chris, we need we need to wrap this up. I've got to go pack for Vegas.

00:47:53:03 - 00:48:09:07
Chris
I know. Oh, my goodness, you're right. We're going to. We're going to Las Vegas for Super Zoo. That's happening. Like you now in the future. Now in the present. No. In the future. Yes. We're going to be in Las Vegas for two. Pursue I can't wait. We're going to be together in person.

00:48:09:09 - 00:48:10:01
Kristen
I know.

00:48:10:04 - 00:48:11:19
Chris
There's zoom stuff.

00:48:11:21 - 00:48:21:18
Kristen
And I have I had no one told us. We have to remember to pack these microphones, which, by the way, is going to put my suitcase over 50 pounds and cost me $60.

00:48:21:20 - 00:48:44:16
Chris
I invoice it to Ron, send him a bill, send him a bill. but I believe the rumor, the word on the street is that we'll be doing a episode in front of a live studio audience like Nickelodeon in the 90s. I can't wait. It's going to be super exciting. So if you are listening and are going to be at Super Zoo, stop on by.

00:48:44:16 - 00:48:55:19
Chris
Be part of the audience, ask your questions. we're going to have some great guests. We're going to be telling some great jokes. so if you're going to be in town for the Super Zoo event, come find us and we'll see you there.

00:48:55:21 - 00:48:56:08
Kristen
Bye now.