Pets Add Life
 

Pets Add Life

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Welcome to the Pets Add Life Podcast dedicated to pet parents and enthusiasts looking to learn more about the world of pets and pet ownership! Each week, your hosts, Certified Cat Dad Chris Bonifati and Pet Living Expert Kristen Levine, explore the many ways Pets Add Life – diving into the latest trends in pet care, sharing heartwarming stories of animal companionship, and more – with special guests that include pet industry experts and passionate pet owners. Each episode features two pet stories, two special guests, two product recommendations and two questions from the audience. Tune in to the Pets Add Life Podcast on Tuesdays for new episodes! Presented by: American Pet Products Association & DOGTV

Episodes

85. Real Talks, Greyhound Love & Service Dogs Making a Difference

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025

Tuesday Oct 07, 2025

In this inspiring episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, Kristen is joined by special guest co-host Chloe Divita, executive producer and storytelling coach behind Real Talks, the short-form video series spotlighting pet champions. Chloe shares the story of adopting her Greyhound, Silke, and how misconceptions about the breed give way to surprising truths about their gentle, couch-potato nature. We also hear from Tracy Malcolmson, COO of Purple Cat Café in Glasgow, a community hub blending rescue cat welfare with café culture. Finally, Sue Petronella of Canine Companions joins us to celebrate the organization’s 50th anniversary and discuss how their expertly trained service dogs transform lives for people with disabilities—completely free of charge.

Special Guests:

  • Chloe Divita, Executive Producer of Real Talks

  • Tracy Malcolmson, Chief Operating Officer of Purrple Cat Café, Glasgow

  • Sue Petronella, Northeast Region Volunteer Manager, Canine Companions

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • Vaccination schedules for outdoor cats (Submitted by Julia from San Jose, CA)

  • Managing nuisance barking while respecting both dogs and neighbors (Submitted by Mike from Orlando, FL)

Related Links:

  • Real Talks: https://realtalk.pet

  • Purple Cat Café (Glasgow): https://purrplecatcafe.com

  • Canine Companions: https://canine.org

Social Channels:

Submit a question to the podcast:
 https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV

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84. Happy Healthy Cats Finale, Dog Longevity & Surfing Stars

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025

Tuesday Sep 30, 2025

In this fall‑kickoff episode of Pets Add Life, Kristin Levine is joined by guest co‑host Carol Bryant to wrap up Happy Healthy Cat Month with stories, science, and surf. They explore emergency bonds between pets and people, walk through cutting‑edge biotech for extending dog wellness, and share inspiration from Faith, the world‑famous surfing pit bull. Two product picks and audience questions round out this heartfelt, forward‑looking show.

Special Guests

  • Dr. Ellen Ratcliffe, DVM — Head of Clinical Development at Loyal, a biotech company pushing to create FDA‑approved drugs to extend healthy lifespan in dogs. Loyal+2Business Wire+2

  • James Wall — Owner of Faith the Surfing Pitbull, an athletic, iconic rescue dog who has competed for years, inspiring thousands and redefining what it means to ride the waves together.

Story Time

  • A rescue vacation mishap & dog love in emergencies
     Carol shares a dramatic moment when she was injured while traveling with her cocker spaniel Alvin—caught in a travel bag, hurting herself, and moved by Alvin’s soft howls and comforting behavior. A vivid reminder how deeply our pets sense and respond to our emotions.

  • Top Cat‑Loving Cities & Growing Feline Fandom
     Kristin reports on a recent PetSmart survey naming the top 25 cat‑loving cities in the U.S., ranked not just by adoptions but by how much cat‑specific pampering (toys, grooming products) is purchased. The top five: Lexington, KY; Green Bay, WI; Mount Juliet, TN; Spokane, WA; Falls Church, VA. Also noted: significant growth in male cat owners among younger generations.

 

Pet Health & Longevity Science

  • Loyal’s FDA‑Bound Research
     Loyal is developing a drug called LOY‑002 for senior dogs (≥10 years, ≥14 lbs), which targets metabolic dysfunction associated with aging. The company has cleared a key milestone (RXE—“reasonable expectation of effectiveness”) with the FDA and is running a pivotal trial involving ~1,300 dogs across ~70 clinics. Loyal+2Business Wire+2

  • Faith the Surfing Pitbull’s Journey & Retirement
     James Wall reflects on Faith’s long surfing career, including memories like first competitions and bond moments, and discusses her final competitive season. Though retiring from contests, she still surfs for fun and continues to inspire. Her Instagram etc. continue to follow her adventures. https://www.instagram.com/faithsurfs/?hl=en

Pet Product Recommendations

  • Blue‑9 Climb Platform — A raised platform used for training, grooming, “place”‑work, or as a special spot for your dog. Carol’s been using this heavily with Alvin.

  • Chef PAW Dog Food Maker — A countertop appliance that mixes & cooks homemade dog food in ~40 minutes with vet‑approved recipes; billed as a “fresh food maker” option. Not recommended as full diet replacement without vet oversight, but fun and educational.

Q&A Topics

  1. Enrichment at Home (Rene, Boise)
     Carol’s tips: Brain games (puzzle feeders, snuffle mats), rotating new experiences or smells (walk new routes), dog TV / audio stimuli during busy work times, low‑calorie treat options.

  2. High‑Energy Dog Sports & Fun Activities (Jason, Tampa)
     Suggestions: Flyball for ball‑loving breeds; Canine agility classes even for fun (not competition); Nose work / scent work as mental exercise; Finding local groups / starter or “try it” classes to begin without pressure.

Related Links

https://www.instagram.com/faithsurfs/?hl=en

Social & Viewing Info

 

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83. Nature, TV & Tail‑Wagging Wellness

Tuesday Sep 23, 2025

Tuesday Sep 23, 2025

In this refreshingly joyful episode of Pets Add Life, Kristin Levine is joined by guest co‑host Dr. Ross Henderson. Together they explore canine cognition and the wild call of nature—digging into how dogs interact with screens, environments, and their own wellbeing. With science, stories, and playful cheat codes for better pet days, it's a show designed to help you tune in to your pet’s needs and full expression.

Story Time

  • Dr. Ross’s Miraculous Basset Rescue
    At Fox Hollow Animal Hospital, Ross shares the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of a basset hound puppy, named “Gracie,” who arrived with symptoms like parvo but ultimately turned out to have intestinal telescoping (intussusception). Following risky specialist surgery, Gracie made a full recovery—playing, eating, and thriving. A reminder: sometimes hope + action = miracles.

  • Sip & Sniff: Dog‑Friendly Winery Tours Rising
    Kristin reports on the growing trend of winery and vineyard tours designed for dogs—think wine tastings, vineyard walks, pup treats, and even dog‑sitting or dog‑friendly bus tours. A leisure pursuit that blends human indulgence with canine joy.

Special Guests

  • Dr. Jeffrey S. Katz, PhD
    Comparative cognition psychologist at Auburn University. Co‑author of the recent open‑access Scientific Reports study “Characterizing TV Viewing Habits in Companion Dogs”, which found that ~88% of dogs in surveyed households attend to TV and that excitement and anxiety levels predict how they respond to content. Nature+1

  • Tiffany Jones
    Founder of Forest Tails Doggy Day Camp, a 12‑acre nature‑based adventure camp just outside Goderich, Ontario. Designed for dog wellness through forest trails, pond swims, scent exploration, and nature immersion. Forest Tails Doggy Day Camp+1

Pet Product Recommendations

  • “Chuck It” Launcher + High‑Bounce Balls Combo
    Ross’s high‑energy option: a launcher + balls (safe material), for far‑flung throws and fetch games that burn energy and build engagement outdoors.

  • Pizza Party Treat Puzzle
    Kristin’s pick: a beginner’s puzzle feeder shaped like pizza. Ideal for dogs new to puzzles or slower to engage. Slows eating + offers mental enrichment. Under $20, great reviews.

Q&A from Listeners

  1. How often should pets get exams & vaccinations?
    Ross recommends annual visits for healthy younger dogs. Puppies require more frequent veterinary visits following vaccine schedules. Senior or medically compromised pets may benefit from semiannual wellness check‑ups. Preventative care and monitoring vital signs & body condition score make a difference.

  2. Is my dog overweight? How do I know, and what should I do?
    Tips:
    • Use body condition score rather than scale weight alone.
    • Ribs should be easily felt; waist‑tuck should be visible when viewed from above.
    • Adjust food type, quantity, treat intake; increase play & exercise.
    • Rule out medical causes (e.g. thyroid issues).

Related Links

Social & Viewing Info

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82. Honoring, Healing & Holding On

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025

Tuesday Sep 16, 2025

In this gentle, heart-opening episode of Pets Add Life, Kristin Levine is joined by guest co-host Jamie Popper to guide us through moments of love, loss, and memory. With end‑of‑life conversations, tools for grief, and ways to honor our pets, this show is all about preparing, remembering, and celebrating the strength of the human‑animal bond.

Story Time

  • Jamie’s Wearable for Competition Dogs & Their Longevity
     Jamie shares about a project by the AKC Canine Health Foundation developing a wearable sensor + app that tracks small changes in agility and performance—movement in jumps or wave poles—to detect early strain or fatigue. It’s for competitive dogs, but it could help all dogs stay healthier longer.

  • Kristin’s Pet Memorial Practices
     To mark National Pet Memorial Day, Kristin describes how she built a small home memorial for Chili: favorite toys, photos, a candle, and a place you walk by each day. She also suggests how friends can help—sympathy cards, shared memories, small donations—all to honor a pet’s life.

 

Special Guests

  • Adam Greenbaum, Founder of Love, Baxter
     A tech‑and‑empathy entrepreneur who built Love, Baxter—an end‑of‑life pet platform offering support, content, & tools for pet parents navigating grief, loss, and legacy. Love, Baxter

  • Dr. Monica Mansfield, D.V.M.
     Veterinarian & author of When You Have to Say Goodbye: Loving and Letting Go of Your Pet, a fully illustrated children’s book written to help kids and families understand pet loss with compassion. whenyouhavetosaygoodbye.com+1

Pet Product Recommendations

  • Respondix Animal Therapeutics PEMF Bed
     (Jamie’s pick) A bed equipped with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Jamie uses it with her senior Australian Shepherd and her sport dog to reduce inflammation, boost circulation, ease pain and help with recovery. Gentle, restorative, non-invasive.

  • Sable & Sage Sympathy & Pet Greeting Cards
     (Kristin’s pick) Beautiful, pet‑themed cards, including sympathy cards specific to different pets (dogs, cats, horses, etc.). Having them on hand means you can quickly send something heartfelt when someone is grieving.

Q&A from Audience

  1. “How do I know if my current dog is ready for a second dog—and how to introduce them well?”
     Tips: assess your dog’s temperament & social behavior; match energy & play styles; arrange a neutral meet & greet; proceed slowly with introductions. (Answered by Kristin & Jamie.)

  2. “My 4‑month‑old puppy still has accidents at night, even with crate training. What’s an effective potty training method?”
     Advice: rule out medical issues first (UTI, parasites, loose stool); use enzyme cleaners to remove odor; schedule feedings and bathroom breaks; teach signals and supervise; take puppy out after naps, after drinkings, before bedtime. (Answered by Jamie.)

Related Links

Social & Where to Watch

 

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81. AI Savings, Sanctuary Heroes & Pet First Aid Power

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025

Tuesday Sep 09, 2025

As autumn leaves begin to fall, Kristen Levine welcomes guest co-host Walter Brown (a.k.a. Skinni Go Live) for a spirited episode filled with cozy vibes, cutting-edge pet tech, and two remarkable guests. The duo keeps the energy high with heart, humor, and heartfelt pet wisdom destined to inspire and delight!

Story Time Spark

  • Walter’s Wake-Up Call
     After pushing through body-wide inflammation, Walter reminds us that mental health matters just as much as physical. His story—a health scare that led him to the doctor—shines a light on the importance of listening to your body and seeking care early.

  • Kristen’s Smart Find: Pet Box App
     Kristen shares her discovery of Pet Box, an AI-powered cashback app for pet parents. Snap a photo of your receipt—the app scans it and rewards you 2–5% cashback on partner-brand pet purchases. Easy, tech-savvy, and budget-friendly.

Special Guests

  • Lee Asher
     Founder of The Asher House, a sprawling Oregon sanctuary providing a forever home to over 140 rescue animals across 240 acres. Once traveling the nation in an RV promoting shelter adoptions, he’s now a viral force for rescue awareness and compassionate care.

  • Arden Moore
     Known as America’s Pet Health & Safety Coach, Arden is the founder of Pet First Aid 4U and Director of Education for Pro Pet Hero. She offers veterinarian-approved first aid & CPR courses—online, live via Zoom, and in-person—with certification and real pet teaching partners like Kona (dog) and Casey (cat). 

Products of the Week

  • Final® Automatic Ball Launcher
     The ultimate throw-free fetch solution—just drop in the ball and watch it launch across the yard. Perfect for pups who never get enough or tiring arm days.

  • Sleepypod® Clickit Sport Harness
     Dual-function crash-tested harness for car safety and walks. This five-star-rated safety gear ($100 value) keeps your pup secure—whether belted in or on the move. (link)
  • Pet Bux App (Budget saver!)
     As introduced earlier—snap receipts, earn 2–5% cashback, use with everyday pet essentials—smart, simple, and seamless.

  • Portable Pet Oxygen Cage by Paw Print Oxygen
     A collapsible oxygen unit for emergencies—especially handy if your pet suffers injury, heatstroke, or breathing distress. Great for rescues and pet parents needing emergency readiness.(link)

Q&A Time

  1. Help a Fearful Rescue Dog (Michael from Miami)
     Krist en and Walter advise creating a safe zone, having guests drop treats (no eye contact, no reaching), and gently letting the dog observe from a distance. No forced interactions—slowly build positive associations and confidence.

  2. Home First Aid Steps? (Answered by Arden Moore)

  • Ensure everyone's safe—remove other pets or children from the area.

  • Film a quick video and capture critical surroundings—it helps the vet prepare.

  • Check your pet’s gums: pink = good, bright red may signal overheating or toxicity; pale could mean shock or internal bleeding.

  • Call the vet ahead and stay calm—your pet needs your steady presence now. Freak out later, after delivery.

Related Links & Where to Find Guests

Social & Viewing Info

 

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80. National Dog Day - Live from NYC!

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025

Tuesday Sep 02, 2025

In a special live episode on National Dog Day, Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati celebrate the show’s 80th episode with high energy and a flurry of exciting announcements. They spotlight four talented guests, debut two new DOGTV shows, and unwrap an unbelievable 24‑hour sale bundle—plus unexpected live moments with fans and the DOGTV celebs. It’s a pawsome blend of community, celebration, and canine culture happening right in NYC’s buzzing heart.

Special Guests & New Shows:

  • Amber Aquart – Co‑host of The Dog Moms (season 2 launches today) and host of The Adoption Show on DOGTV.

  • Amanda Ree – Founder of Sama Dog Wellbeing, ordained animal chaplain, and host of Mindful Moments, a new DOGTV series healing the human‑animal bond through targeted mindfulness and touch. 
  • Matt Hobbs (“Puppy Songs”) – Award‑winning musician behind “Cheese Tax” and other viral pup‑centric originals living in Atlanta, now serenading the Pets Add Life audience live.

  • Carol Krakowski – Co‑founder of Boris & Horton, NYC’s first health‑code‑approved dog‑friendly café, sharing her community‑centered mission from the East Village.

  • Plus, live cameos from DOGTV’s Chief Dog Officer Willy and Chief Nap Officer Jax from Times Square’s live event.

Pet Product Recommendations:

  1. A 24‑hour “National Dog Day” bundle deal from Dog TV: 1‑year subscription, VIP gift pack (Buddy ID tag, virtual vet access, etc.), all for $24—available today only.



Related Links & Guest Profiles:

  • Sama Dog Wellbeing (Amanda Ree) – Holistic canine care rooted in Ayurveda, mindfulness, and spiritual healing: https://www.samadog.com Sama Dog Wellbeing+1

  • Boris & Horton – Dog-inclusive café and event hub in NYC’s East Village (location: 195 Avenue A at East 12th St). 

  • Puppy Songs (Matt Hobbs) – Viral, heart‑driven dog songs on Spotify/Apple Music and social platforms. 

Social & Viewing Info:

 

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

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025

Tuesday Aug 26, 2025

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 Product Recommendations:

Story Time Highlights:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

Related Links & How to Follow:

Tori Mistick / Wear Wag Repeat

Fern Watt / New York Dog Parade

Lisa Spector / Canine Classical Music for Dogs

• https://CanineClassical.com
• https://www.instagram.com/my_zen_pet/
• https://www.facebook.com/CanineClassical
• https://www.youtube.com/@LisaSpector
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaspector/
• https://www.tiktok.com/@canineclassical

Social & Viewing Info:

 

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78. Vet-Tech Comedy, Animal Trainers & DEI in Vet Med

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025

Tuesday Aug 19, 2025

This week, guest co‑host Walter Brown—better known as “Skinni Go Live,” a licensed veterinary technologist and the hilariously insightful content creator—joins Kristen Levine to deliver laughs and real‑talk from the veterinary world. First, they sit down with celebrity dog trainer Nicole Ellis, founder of Tails with Nicole and author of Working Like a Dog, to explore the journey from exotic animal training to teaching rescue pets tricks with heart. Then, Dr. Nicole Bruno shares how she founded Blend Vet, a groundbreaking diversity, equity, and inclusion certification and youth‑pathway program in veterinary medicine. Plus: cool pet product picks from both hosts and two cheers–worthy listener questions answered.

Special Guests:

Pet Product Recommendations:

Q&A Topics:

  • A common training dilemma: “Basic obedience vs. behavior modifications—what's the best place to begin?”

  • Vet-tech confessionals: “What's one of the most unusual exotics you've treated—and what did it teach you?”

Related Links:



Social Channels & Guest Handles:

 

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Meet the hosts

Chris Bonifati, CEM, boasts an extensive career within the Pet Industry, notably serving as a key Trade Show organizer for APPA/Global Pet Expo. Renowned for his adeptness in data-driven decision-making, Chris leverages his skills to craft compelling narratives that resonate with his audience, ensuring optimal experiences at events. Beyond his pivotal role in shaping the success of Global Pet Expo, Chris indulges his passions, whether immersed in the pages of comic books, embarking on thrilling adventures in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons, or enjoying a round of golf on the course.

 

Kristen Levine is a nationally acclaimed pet expert, influencer, and author with over 30 years of experience working with pets. Through her Pet Living blog and over 1,000 media appearances, Kristen has helped millions of pet parents solve problems and provide the best care for their dogs and cats. Her current furry "pal" is Tulip, her adopted min-pin, chihuahua mix.

 

 

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