The simple idea behind the show is how the selfless act of caring for a dog transforms who we are as people.
This responsibility often awakens in us a greater understanding that all people, all creatures, are connected as one.
It helps us learn to love ourselves, connect with one another, and treat all living beings with empathy and respect.
Ellen Furlong specializes in the study of canine cognition, including a focus on dogs’ sense of smell. With her background in helping found Yale University’s Canine Cognition Center and now an Associate Professor of Psychology at Illinois Wesleyan University, including directing their Dog Cognition Lab, Ellen has an extensive history in studying our canine companions.
Read MoreSylvia Heisel is an award-winning fashion designer and current co-founder of DogPark Production, a company she started with her husband Scott Taylor in an effort to revitalize the dog park for both dogs and their humans with a more engaging design. Sylvia talks about the ways they are implementing their ideas to create new experiences.
Read MoreAfter leaving his corporate job, Nick’s new puppy Otto made him realize he’d been lost in the daily work cycle, not open to the small details of the world anymore. Through that experience, Nick was willing to try out a Men’s mental health wellness group he came across, Dudes & Dogs, around guys going for walks with their dogs and opening up about their feelings. It turned out to be extremely cathartic, and so much so that he’s now become one of the dog walk hosts with Otto by his side.
Read MoreKate Leaver is a journalist, book author, and speaker. Her new book, Good Dog, draws on science and real-life examples to show how much a dog can help with dealing with life hardships. This includes her own story of navigating her lifelong battle with mental health and how much of a difference her dog, Bert, made after coming into her life. He's brought her companionship, got her outside and embracing of nature, and managed to provide comfort during even the most stressful times.
Read MoreAfter learning about dog sensitivity and how his own actions were being reflected through his first dog, Cooper, Michael Burke decided to gain a better understanding of dog behavior and psychology. He became certified in the field and trained with Cesar Milan and today helps clients around the world to communicate with their dogs better, helping the relationship for both sides.
Read MorePhilip Tedeschi co-founded the first program to offer specialization in human-animal interactions alongside a graduate-level social science degree. In studying those relationships, he's become an expert on the dog-human relationship in particular – and how crucial they are to each stage of our lives, especially with a child's social development.
Read MoreBefore getting his dog Rosenberg, Topher Brophy had been going through the motions in life, feeling like he had an emotional void and was too self-absorbed. It was only after becoming a Dog Dad that he started putting others first, which also prepared for his later step into family and fatherhood. He now has multiple kids with his wife and co-creator, Chantal Adair, The Dog Styler.
Read MoreWhile certain Western countries like the United States emphasize an individualized responsibility for dogs, some places like Istanbul are proving an independent dog bond with multiple humans may successfully exist - supported by legal protections for dogs.
Read MoreAs a kid, George Hahn felt bad about not being as appreciative and loving of his childhood dog who went to live on a farm when his parents felt he wasn't being responsible enough. He vowed to one day get a dog as an adult, and when he finally did he was ready. But they gave back more to him than he was even expecting.
Read MoreWhen Dr. Robert Garofalo learned of his own HIV diagnosis, he found it impossible to follow the same advice he had been giving his patients on how to cope. It wasn't until he adopted a Yorkie that balance and joy were restored in his life. Later he started a non-profit charity in honor called Fred Says - which supports organizations across the U.S that care for HIV+ youth. Now, Rob and our former guest, photographer Jesse Freidin, have launched a new book When Dogs Heal that looks at how dogs have helped people with HIV across the country.
Read MoreWhile she grew up with dogs as part of her family, Lara Bazelon grew bitter and discouraging of dogs after some negative incidents. As a single mother, her kids were always asking for a dog but she was adamant that the answer was “No.” Then, the pandemic came, and she was forced to reconsider. Her mind changed as she desired to be able to provide a sense of connection, unconditional love, structure, and responsibility for her children in an uncertain time. Little did she know, however, it was her who needed a furry companion most of all.
Read MorePeter Bogyo got great feedback from friends after writing a tribute to his late dog, Bilbo. Soon he found himself collecting stories about dogs from all sorts of people to write a book filled with happy, humorous obituaries that celebrate the life of our canine companions.
Read MoreTo celebrate Joe Biden's dog, Major, being the first rescue in the White House, author Joy McCullough wrote the new children's book "Champ and Major: First Dogs" about the great feat. As someone who's been impacted by rescue dogs herself, Joy knew how important this moment was to celebrate and share.
Read MoreWe are re-issuing our interview with book author Dean Koontz as it was the most popular episode of Dog Save The People during 2020. With the circumstances this past year of the pandemic, many found comfort and normalcy in the simple act of taking their dog for a walk every day. With Dean, observing his dog’s curiosity during walks helped him to re-look at the world, he started being more observant of his immediate surroundings, more appreciative of everyday natural life outside. We thought it would be fitting to share his episode again, as it's so representative of many dog owners around the world are feeling – now, more than ever.
Read MoreFor the last day of the year, we thought it would be a good time to look back on the many guests we’ve had the pleasure of hosting on the podcast throughout 2020. During this crazy year, our dogs have kept us sane: whether helping provide normalcy during daily walks in the wild outdoors, keeping us company during an isolated time, or just giving us something to chuckle about during sobering moments.
Read MorePorochista Khakpour was struggling with an undiagnosed case of late-stage Lyme Disease, having to go through medical treatments every day. As a suggestion to help Porochista get through her disease recovery, her doctor encouraged her to consider an emotional support dog. She got a poodle puppy and never looked back. That dog, Cosmo, has been her inseparable furry soulmate ever since.
Read MoreKristen Kidd is a photographer who launched the Woman’s Best Friend Project to share the dynamic bond between women and their canine companions as a riff on the traditional “Man’s Best Friend” idea. With it, she wanted to create a community of inclusion and understanding. Kristen has photographed dozens of women and their dogs as part of the project, covering important stories of the furry and female relationship.
Read MoreAmy Shelle is the Founder of Dogs for GRETA, which trains service dogs for survivors of sexual assault diagnosed with PTSD. Usually, civilians have few options for service dog training as it is typically reserved for veterans. As a sexual assault survivor, Amy recognized an unmet need for service dogs for people with similar situations to hers and started her own specialized service dog training program.
Read MoreJenni Williams was moving around with her husband, who was serving in the British Army, and wasn’t able to work when they came to the U.S. on assignment. She wanted to do volunteer work instead, and landed on fostering. It turned out to be one of the most important decisions she ever made. When she later had her daughter, Eve, who has a very rare chromosome condition and epilepsy, Jenni was able to understand how Eve showed love in a nontraditional and nonverbal manner thanks to her canine soulmate, Jess, and the other dogs she had fostered.
Read MoreJake Windell is an LA county firefighter who has a therapy dog, named Echo, who he brought into his fire station to help make a difference in the ongoing mental health crisis of the military, police, and firemen. Through the Peer Support Team that Jake is involved with, they are trying to make actionable changes to address mental health issues. One of the successful efforts so far has been with Echo, where having a dog around provides comfort to the firefighters and allows them to feel more comfortable to talk about how they may be handling job related stress.
Read More
