When things are going badly, it sometimes helps to remind ourselves that “this, too, shall pass.” The flip side of that, of course, is that the good times pass as well. That can seem depressing at first, but what if instead it was simply a reminder to really soak up those good times while they’re there?

That’s the philosophy of dog trainer Morgan Jenkins, who finds encouragement from remembering that everything—good or bad—passes. She came on the show today to talk, not just about the temporary nature of things, but also the importance of recognizing what we don’t know, the nature of grace, and learning to love people.

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“Be kind” is the kind of advice we hear so often that it seems almost trite. But what does it really mean to be kind and why does kindness suddenly seem so much more important than ever? How does kindness look- to others, to animals, to ourselves?

Dog trainer Kim Brophey believes in the power of kindness and giving people grace. Not only does she believe in it, she’s developed a whole system designed to help people look at themselves and their pets holistically, to figure out where the problem is and where kindness is needed. Taking into account everything from genetics to environment to learnings, the LEGS framework can help us relate better to each other and our pets in difficult moments. Come join us for a conversation about kindness, “evolutionary mismatch,” and the healing power of nature.

https://colleenpelar.com/161

Lili Chin didn’t set out to be an animal artist—she set out to be an animator. But a crisis with her own dog drew her into the world of dog training and animal behavior. From there, one thing led to another and suddenly she found that she was the “go to” person for illustrations of animal body language.

Now, her adorable drawings can be found in books, posters, and brochures, helping people understand what their pets are telling them.

One thing she always strives for in her illustrations is simplicity- creating images that are clear, accessible, and easy to understand. Tune in today to hear about Lili’s journey from animator to animal artist, and what she’s learned along the way about animals, herself, and the importance of keeping things simple.

https://colleenpelar.com/160

“Have fun!” These are words we say fairly often, especially to kids. But do we ever say it to ourselves? Do we ever give ourselves permission to “have fun?” And as we get older and assume more responsibilities, what does it even mean to “have fun?” Do we even remember how? Not to mention, who will take care of all the Stuff That Needs Doing if we leave to “have fun?”

My guest today is well aware of all the problems that need to be solved and things that need to be dealt with. And for her, that makes it all the more important to give ourselves time to have fun and enjoy life. Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen London joined me today to chat about the importance of having fun, combatting compassion fatigue, and the strange ways of social insects. Don’t miss it!

Full show notes at https://colleenpelar.com/159

It’s never too late for old dogs—or humans—to learn new tricks. At 77, animal behaviorist and best-selling non-fiction author Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, has shifted gears and is now publishing her first-ever novel. A murder mystery set amid the world of competitive sheepdog trials, Away to Me features plenty of suspense but rest assured—all the dogs make it out safely!

Patricia came on the show to chat with me about her book, the art of storytelling, and making the most of our "one wild and precious” life.

https://colleenpelar.com/158

The benefits of play therapy and animal-assisted therapy are both well established. Engaging in play and spending time with or learning to care for animals can be valuable interventions for children and adults alike. It makes sense, then, that combining these two approaches can be doubly magical.

This is exactly what my guest today discovered—entirely by accident—twenty years ago. In the two decades since, Tara Moser has combined her love of animals with her work as a play therapist to help children struggling with a variety of issues. She joined me today to talk about how she stumbled into animal play therapy, how kids make great dog trainers, and the importance of play for all of us.

Show notes and transcript at https://colleenpelar.com/157

Psychotherapist and dog professional Ann Howie built her professional life around doing animal-assisted therapy with her own dogs. Then for years, none of her dogs wanted to do that work. She had to adjust her entire vision around what was actually true.

We explore the difference between listening to yourself and actually following through—two separate permissions. Ann shares her wisdom about shifting loads rather than just carrying them, about mental nutrition mattering as much as physical nutrition, and about the delicate balance she calls "the selfishness versus self-care conundrum."

https://colleenpelar.com/156

My guest today always thought she’d be a teacher when she grew up- and in a way she is, but not how she thought! Instead of teaching children, Ellen Yoakum trains dogs and mentors dog trainers in her work with Pet Harmony Training. She joined me today to discuss how self-knowledge makes her a better behaviorist, the importance of knowing and understanding systems, and remembering that the answer to your problem might be something you already know. Come join us!

https://colleenpelar.com/155