Closer To Dog

This years Wolf Hollow's Family Fun Fest went off without a hitch! I'm happy to say that Closer To Dog came out of of their summer hiatus to catch some very thoughtful and insightful questions from some young and curious guest. Enjoy!

Hello Listener! Closer To Dog is going to be on a bit of a hiatus for the next month or so. Until then please enjoy the Wolf Hollow Monthly updates as well as passed episodes. If you'd like to meet the wolves of Wolf Hollow please consider attending the Free Family Fun Fest 2017 on Sunday May 28th. FREE tickets go on sale May 8th: https://www.facebook.com/events/281581432297848/ Be back soon! - Jaclyn --- Every month I check in with the staff of Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, Massachusetts to see what's new at the facility, each individual wolf, political changes, and answer listener questions. Wolf Hollow Website http://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/

In this weeks episode Jaclyn is joined by Co-Host Rose Chipman as they interview The University of Washington's Dr. Matt Kaeberlein Co-Director of the Dog Aging Project. The Dog Aging Project is focused on increasing the healthy lifespan of pet dogs by targeting the aging process directly. Like serious science. But, don't worry - Matt does an amazing job explaining this to us non-biologist folks. If successful this study may help increase the future healthy years of our dogs (and who wouldn't want that?!). The Dog Aging Project - http://dogagingproject.com/ Phase One - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11357-017-9972-z   

I know I know.. this episode is late. I apologize! But, it's a good episode I promise. Like needing to know CPR you need to know what to do if your dog goes missing!  Missing Dogs Massachusetts's step by step guide has you covered. Please, please, please, DO NOT follow what you see in the movies! This non-profit knows what they are doing and is reuniting more and more dogs each year. (I should know, I'm one of their volunteers.) To learn more about Missing Dogs Massachusetts visit their website: http://www.missingdogsmass.com/ Or follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missingdogsmass

Every month I check in with the staff of Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, Massachusetts to see what's new at the facility, each individual wolf, political changes, and answer listener questions. Here are some reference links in regards to our March 2017 Report: Wolf Hollow Website: http://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/ Project Coyote / Coyote Chronicles Event -  An Educational Presentation Regarding Coyotes with Emphasis on Community Hazing. Sponsored by Beverly Animal Control. To be held at Beverly City Hall (address above), City Council Chambers 3rd floor. Thursday, March 30 at 6:30 PM 191 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915-5800 https://www.facebook.com/events/255159554933915/ H.R.424 is the bill in Congress to remove the Grey Wolf from the endangered species list -https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/424?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22hr+424%22%5D%7D&r=1 S.164 is companion bill in the Senate to remove the Gray Wolf listing -https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/164?q=%7B%22search%22%

Now this isn't a discussion of who's best at identifying dogs, or a battle of pure breed vs. mutt so don't judge before you listen in! This is all about helping adoption rates, moving away from mis-identification, and accepting a dogs traits for who they are not who they are suppose to be.  With that please welcome co-authored of ANIMAL FARM FOUNDATION, INC.'s  Removing Breed Labels eBook - Kristen Auerbach, Deputy Chief Animal Services Officer at the Austin Animal Center! --- Download the eBook - http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/files/Breed_Labels_Ebook_Full_-_WEB_VERSION.pdf Maddies Fund Webinar - http://www.maddiesfund.org/removing-breed-labels.htm Animal Farm Foundation, Inc. - http://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/ Kristen's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fernandotter/ Kristen's Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kristen.auerbach.12  

You've got to go out of town. But, you have pets. You're either lucky and have a friend or family member that's ready to take in your dog or, live in your home. Or, you're on the hunt for a pet sitting service, kennel, or doggy day spa. In this episode I sit down with Stephanie Hall, owner of Lucky Lucy's Pets, and Amanda DiBenedetto, her Social Media and Events Manager, to discuss the different options owners have for boarding there pets. And how to pick the right option for you and your pet so that you both have an safe, happy, and anxiety free "vacation". Lucky Lucy's Pets: http://luckylucyspets.com/ - Mention this episode for 10% off!

A few weeks back the USDA's Animal Welfare Database disappeared. This database listed animal abusers, labs that use animals for testing, breeders who had been fined, and more. This was a resource used daily by rescues, animal control officers, students, journalist, and more. Jeremy Beckham, Beagle Freedom Project's Research Specialist, fills us in on what this all means. And, how organizations have banned together to take this issue to court in hopes to get this database back online.  To learn more about Beagle Freedom Project: https://bfp.org To download the Cruelty Cutter App for Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cruelty-cutter/id794639918?mt=8# To download the Cruelty Cutter App for Google: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.beagle.crueltycutter  

A lot of people are under the impression that animal testing only includes small rodents like mice and rats. And, that now a days it's only for necessary medical testing. This is what I thought too.  But a number of animals including dogs, cats, and even horses, are still used today. Popular brands that are under our kitchen sinks, in our showers, or tucked in our purses are more likely than not involved in animal testing.  But, if these animals are healthy (and lucky) they may get a chance at a forever home with the help of Beagle Freedom Project.   Beagle Freedom Project negotiates with laboratories across the world to secure the release of dogs and other animals and give them a chance at a normal home life after everything they have endured for vanity and scientific curiosity. With an ambitious immediate and long-term agenda that is both political and pragmatic. The organization is working toward the release of more animals and an end to animal testing altogether. To learn more about Beagle

This episode is our first with three guest - all who are volunteers at Wolf Hollow in Ipswich, Massachusetts. (To learn more about Wolf Hollow check out episode 3: Working with Wolves in Massachusetts ) And, we're discussing Wolf Hybrids or "Wolf Dogs" which is when a breed of dog is crossed with a wolf. 

 Wolf Hollow's Hybrid - Bear -  is such an interesting animal (photo above). We'll be discussing the differences in low, medium, and high content hybrids, how to spot a hybrid (physical and behavioral), what it takes to keep a hybrid in your home, and how you're basically better off with a dog. 

 If you're interested in learning more about hybrids feel free to check out the links below or visit Wolf Hollow in person!  

Wolf Hollow: http://www.wolfhollowipswich.org/
 Wolf Park: http://wolfpark.org/ International Wolf Center: http://www.wolf.org/ Howling Woods: http://www.howlingwoods.org/  

This weeks guest is Lauren Burbridge Executive Director of Operation Delta Dog. This Non-Profit organization is known for connecting service dogs to Veterans in need who are suffering from either Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  But, unlike most service dogs who are bred and raised for these specific task - These dogs are rescued from local shelters and then trained with their new Veteran patterns to create an even stronger bond.  Find Operation Delta Dog Online: http://www.operationdeltadog.org/

700 U.S. cities enforce Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL). BSL Laws are said to be put in place to keep us safe from "dangerous dogs" but, are BSL laws statistically working? Are cities who are now "pit-bull free" safer? Or have these efforts ripped family pets away from their homes in an effort to ease unnecessary fears built by stereotypes, and media hype?  This week we talk to the very knowledgeable Lindsay LaRocca Co Owner of WAGS Charlestown on what these BSL laws mean for dogs, their owners, and the communities they live in. WAGS Charlestown: http://www.wagscharlestown.com/ 

If you haven't seen The Super Collies I recommend you head on over to YouTube real quick and check out their video that went viral! (Video:https://youtu.be/1GPC-XvPV4o)  Don't feel bad my dog can't do any of that either.  Sara Carson, owner of The Super Collies, is currently traveling around North America with her amazing stunt dogs and was even featured on The Late Show with David Letterman! Sara, you're our first celebrity! Thanks for coming on and giving us some insight into the life of you and your dogs.  Find The Super Collies Online at:  http://www.thesupercollies.com/  https://www.facebook.com/TheSuperCollies  https://twitter.com/thesupercollies  https://www.instagram.com/thesupercollies/ 

When talking about real-estate it rarely relates to pet ownership... until you learn that it does. Owning a home comes with a lot of responsibility but, it also brings in the responsibility of pet ownership.  This weeks guest Realtor Ellie Botshon and her Marketing Director Rebecca Taplin - talk about the challenges pet owners face when buying, or renting a home.  From liability insurance to building your pets resume we cover all ins and outs of pet friendly real-estate procedures.  Ellie Botshon: http://www.ellieboston.com/

This week I got to visit Everydog Training Center in Danvers, Mass. where Melissa McCue-McGrath's showed me what "Disc Dog" (disc=frisbee but shhh that's trademarked!) classes were all about.  Now I thought a disc dog was a Border Collie or Australian Shepherd with a super high drive to chase! And as always, my assumptions were wrong. Who's Melissa's top disc dog student? A Boston Terrier. No joke.  Could your dog be a disc dog? Listen along to find out!  Learn more about Melissa: https://melissamccuemcgrath.com Everyday Training Center: https://www.everydogtrainingcenter.com/  Donate: https://www.gofundme.com/CloserTodog 

After graduating from Cornell Jordan Ross found himself homeless on the streets of Boston with his loyal companion, Jazz. Jordan found he had options for housing but non that allowed his dog... Listen in to how Jordan got back on his feet and eventually founded Pets Empower so that victims of domestic abuse would no longer have to make a choice between their safety, and the safety of their pets.  Website: http://www.petsempower.org/

Welcome to our final episode of 2016! We're closing out the year with Adam Goldberg Lead Pet Photographer and Storyteller for Tampa's AGoldPhoto. Now this isn't just an episode on getting the best shots of your pet - though we do cover some tips.  Adam has an interesting back story and, it doesn't start with photography (yeah, I made that assumption already). Adam's innovated ideas, drive, and attitude is bringing the idea of shelter dogs into peoples lives in not the most common ways while still building his brand. This is a must listen for anyone looking to improve their pet photography skills, market their brand, or even improve shelters adoption rates.  AGoldPhoto Website: https://agoldphoto.com/ AGoldPhoto Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agoldphoto

This weeks episode is all about the development of the the phone applications - Slobbr. An app built by, and for, dog owners, Slobbr use geo-locating to help you find dog friendly hiking trails, restaurants, and more. With locations being added by dog-lovers like yourself there's always something new to check out. And, every time you check in a 1/2 a cup of kibble is donated to a local shelter - Everyone's a winner with Slobbr! But, there were points in time that even after raising $65,000 in Kickstarter campaign funds that Slobbr almost did not come to be. Keeping up with our impromptu mini-series of entrepreneur, marketers, inventors - (Basically dog lovers who are wearing many, many hats) I hope that Michelle's story inspires you to push through even the roughest breaks on your path to success.  Slobbr's Website: http://www.slobbr.com/ Slobbry on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slobbr/ 

Meet Mike McMahon a former Army Ranger and avid dog owner in Natick, Massachusetts and inventor of the Winter Leash! Mike, had a problem - He'd walk his dog in the winters around town but, even with a glove or mitten on his leash hand would still get cold.  So Mike set out to find a solution and with a background in textile purchasing the Winter Leash was born! Right? Well, that would be a bit too easy.  Take a moment and listen in on how Mike brought his product from concept, to sale. P.S. There's a discount code in this episode! With cold weather on the way for most of the U.S. you may want to order yours today! Winter Leash Website - http://winterleash.com/ Polartec  - Lawrence, MA - http://polartec.com/  Tweave - Norton, MA - http://www.gehring-tricot.com/tweave/  Murdock Webbing - Central Falls, RI - http://www.murdockwebbing.com/   

This episode comes from one of my most interesting recording spaces - outdoors on a cement block. Listen in as I speak with John Maguranis who's the Massachusetts representative for Project Coyote - a national non-profit organization based in Northern California. John and I discuss what to do when you spot a coyote, how their family structures work, and how they've evolved and adapted to the coyotes we know today. John also has a great story about a coyote rescue on... the Zakim Bridge?! Yeah. For real.  Education trumps fear so please pass this along to someone who may feel threatened by coyotes in their area.  If you have any questions about coyotes please pass them along and I'll make sure to get them answered! Project Coyote: http://www.projectcoyote.org/ Project Coyote - Coyote Chronicles: http://www.projectcoyote.org/mediaroom/coyote-chronicles/  Further Reading: Suburban Howls: Tracking the Eastern Coyote in Urban Massachusetts - http://www.eastern