Hello everyone and welcome to this spotlight episode of Val Talk’s Pets. For this spotlight episode I thought I would have a look at the gentle giant of the cat world. Who would this be? Any guesses? Ever heard of the Maine Coon? If not, let me introduce you! Thanks for listening! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. You can support the podcast by purchasing a coffee, or two at our ko-fi page . All proceeds go towards the running of Val Talks Pets. Ple...
Nov 26, 2021•10 min•Ep. 43
Welcome to this special episode of Val Talk’s Pets. On this episode I’m very excited to have with me, returning guest, Danielle Forbes, co-founder and Executive Director of National Service Dogs. Danielle has joined me to walk us through how specially trained service dogs have become vital to the well-being of many who live day to day managing their PTSD. Together, we'll also take a look at the services other National Service Dogs provide. You'll be amazed at the incredible work these dogs provi...
Nov 12, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 42
Welcome to this spooky Halloween episode of Val Talk’s Pets. It’s almost Halloween and what goes with Halloween but ghouls, witches and cats!! How on earth did cats, particularly black cats, get associated with Halloween? Well let’s crawl onto a broomstick and swoosh into the folklore surrounding cats. Thanks for listening! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. You can support the podcast by purchasing a coffee, or two at our ko-fi page . All proceeds g...
Oct 29, 2021•15 min•Ep. 41
Hi everyone, and welcome to another spotlight episode. On this spotlight I will be taking a look at a simply gorgeous breed of cat, and one that I often hear people saying they have or are looking for. Prepare to have your heart melted, as I talk about the Ragdoll Cat. You can also visit my website for pictures of these cuties! Thanks for listening! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. You can support the podcast by purchasing a coffee, or two at our k...
Oct 15, 2021•11 min•Ep. 40
Hi everyone, and welcome to this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. Have you ever had a situation with your pet where they appear to be in pain, or they are eating grass or you know they have just ingested a large amount of something they shouldn’t? It is such a horrible feeling for a pet parent when something is happening and you just do not know what to do. And I’m focusing here on the scenario where your vet is closed, it’s off hours! Thanks for listening! Please remember to follow or subscribe to e...
Oct 01, 2021•20 min•Ep. 39
Hi everyone and welcome to this spotlight episode on Val Talk’s Pets. In this spotlight episode I’ve chosen to highlight one of my favourite breeds of dogs, and no I’ve never actually had one, but I love them and they are the West Highland White Terriers or Westies. Westies are so cute and rugged wee things. I’m sure all my Scottish friends just loved Wee Jock from the TV series Hamish MacBeth, or in the comic Oor Wullie, his wee dug, Harry! The westie is quintessentially Scotland, so let’s have...
Sep 17, 2021•10 min•Ep. 38
Hi everyone, and welcome to this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. As we all know, things are a bit different right now, and our time off and vacation plans are also quite different. Many people are travelling within their own area or their own country, and this actually opens up a type of travel that many people have not done before and that is travelling with your pet. So in this episode, we'll take a look at what exactly "pet friendly" means when it comes to accommodation, and the common courtesies...
Sep 03, 2021•25 min•Ep. 37
Hi everyone, and welcome to this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. This is a super exciting episode because my guest today is Dr. Rob Hillerby from Caledon Mountain Veterinary Hospital in Caledon Ontario Canada. It’s a busy life for most veterinarians and they are relied upon so greatly by pet parents. In the human world there are specialists for just about every condition but vets have to be able to diagnose within a vast array of ailments and conditions our pets can have. Plus, they are the ones we ...
Aug 20, 2021•27 min•Ep. 36
Hi everyone, and welcome to the first of a new spotlight on different breeds of cats and dogs. Every few episodes I’m going to spotlight a type of cat or dog and explore some of their history and traits and maybe answer some questions you may have about these furry, or in some cases, not so furry companions. And I would love if any listeners could visit the website for suggestions for cat breeds or with some stories to relate about owning a certain breed. So, I’m going to kick off this spotlight...
Aug 06, 2021•11 min•Ep. 35
Hi everyone, and welcome to this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. Well the puppy craze continues and many, many people are getting a puppy for the first time or getting a puppy after many years without a dog, and some are adding to their canine family. With these new pups coming into the family we are finding quite a few questions that are cropping up, so I thought I would go over the most popular questions we get on a regular basis and perhaps some of these are just the same questions you may have. ...
Jul 23, 2021•20 min•Ep. 34
Hi Everyone! Well it’s that time of year again when the weather is warm or hot and our pets are spending a lot more time outside, going on hikes, visiting parks or lying in the grass or dirt as the case may be. So, since I've had a rise in questions about fleas and ticks which is understandable, I thought it would be a good idea to reprise my episode "Fleas, Ticks and Worms Oh My!" It's hard to believe that it is over a year since this episode went out. I have updated some info, but other than t...
Jul 09, 2021•33 min•Ep. 33
Does your cat or dog have bad breath, but you find that maintaining their dental hygiene through teeth cleaning and regular check-ups is cost prohibitive. Well, I may have a solution for you! Or at least Jill Thompson has. On this episode I chat with Jill who is the owner of Kissable K9 Care. Kissable K9 Care is a successful and affordable cosmetic teeth cleaning service that includes brushing and scaling above the gum line with the use of hand instruments to gently remove tartar. Jill talks in-...
Jun 25, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 32
Hello everyone, and welcome to this episode of Val Talks Pets. Well, the weather has finally changed and it's time to talk about summer safety and summer activities with our pets. There are definitely some summer do's and don'ts for pets, and some equipment that you might want to have on hand for activities on hot days. So let's find a place in the shade, and get to it! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show, please don't forget t...
Jun 11, 2021•22 min•Ep. 31
Hi Everyone and welcome to Val Talks Pets! In this episode I continue with my exploration into the world of alternative medicines for pets, this time with an interview with Wendie Patrick. Wendie is a Biochemic, a Quantum Practitioner, the host of Quantumly Yours podcast, and is the Founder of Dogs of Pride and the holistic health brand Finnessiam. From a lifelong passion for animals and more recently a revelation in her own health, Wendie has committed herself to sharing her energy, skills, kno...
May 28, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 30
Hi everyone and welcome to this episode of Val Talks Pets! Continuing with my exploration of alternative medicines for pets, I have on today's show Theresa Gilligan. Theresa is the owner of Neachai Equine Ayurveda, and is certified in Ayurvedic medicine and currently enrolled in the Ayurveda doctorate program. She is also a certified Animal Neuro Myofascial Practitioner and practices Cranial Osteopathy. Theresa travels throughout North America advocating for and treating horses, humans and dogs ...
May 14, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 29
Hello everyone and welcome to this episode of Val Talk’s Pets. So, in keeping with my series on natural alternatives and complementary care for our pets, I will be exploring nine different types of treatments that we can get for our pets to help with their overall health, but more specifically when they need that extra care. And don't forget my Pet Peeves section. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and R...
Apr 30, 2021•28 min•Ep. 28
In this episode I have the pleasure of speaking with Joanne Carr, R.H.N, B.A., of Omega Alpha Pharmaceuticals. Joanne is a bilingual Registered Holistic Nutritionist with 15 years experience in the holistic health field. She lectures extensively at natural health product seminars for retailers and consumers across Canada. Joanne also Contributes to natural health publications such as Vista, Alive and Healthy Directions. She is the Director of OASIS (Education Division) at Omega Alpha, supporting...
Apr 16, 2021•54 min•Ep. 27
Hello and Welcome! In this episode I discuss several alternative and complementary supplements that will enhance your pet's health and assist in areas such as: -Hip & Joint Care -Aging -Health Recovery -Yeast Infections -Flea & Tick -Worming -Anxiety and Fear. And don't forget my Pet Peeves section. As always, you'll have to listen to find out what that's all about. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iT...
Apr 02, 2021•29 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, I explore the world of cat breeding, with Himalayan cat breeder Diane Simpson. With Diane's expertise we learn all that it entails, from, quite literally, inception to purchasing and bringing kitty home. So regardless of breed, if you are thinking of purchasing a pedigree cat, or have recently purchased one, then this is the show for you! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and Rate and R...
Mar 19, 2021•43 min•Ep. 25
In this episode I answer the most common questions I receive about cats, such as: - How long should I feed my kitten kitten food? - Is okay for my adult cat to eat kitten food? - How can I stop my cat from scratching things? - Why has my cat decided to not use the litter box, and what can I do about? These are just a few of the FAQs I discuss in this episode, as well as my Pet Peeves Section. So turn up the volume and let's dive in! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never...
Mar 05, 2021•19 min•Ep. 24
In This Episode I have the pleasure of chatting with Danielle Forbes, The Co-Founder and Executive Director of National Service Dogs (NSD) here in Canada . In our conversation, we talk about the inception of NSD, it's programs, it's challenges and rewards, and of course those very special dogs and people who change the lives of so many in our communities. For more information on National Service Dogs or to make a donation please visit their website at nsd.on.ca To see pictures of Danielle and Na...
Feb 19, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 23
In This Episode I have the pleasure of interviewing Stephanie Ridley, whose son is a recipient of an Autism Response Dog, called Beaumont. So, please join me as Stephanie reveals the incredible role Beaumont plays not only in the life of her son Ewan, but in that of her family too. We'll also gain insight into the training this wonderful dog went through, as well as some of the obstacles faced when out and about in public. At the end of it all, this is a story of a boy, his dog, and the life adv...
Feb 05, 2021•50 min•Ep. 22
In this episode I talk about the various organizations that train these animals. The differences between the services provided, the legislation regarding their freedoms and accesses, and those who through deceit, shamefully pass their untrained animals off as service providers. And don't forget my Pet Peeves section. As always, you'll have to listen to find out what that's all about. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please ...
Jan 22, 2021•30 min•Ep. 21
Hi Everyone! In this episode I'll be going over some winter pet care considerations and tips, as well as discussing some of the pet winter apparel that is available, and how to shop for them. I'll also be giving a good news update relative to my previous episode about Puppy Mills. I'm so Happy!!! Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and Rate and Review each episode that you find helpful/educational. Email ...
Jan 08, 2021•23 min•Ep. 20
This story is about sadness, happiness, intervention both human and divine and the fate of a soul. This is the story of my dog Tundra, who's life was spared from a community cull and again from a deadly disease. A special dog in so may ways. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and Rate and Review each episode that you find helpful/educational. Email me at: val@valtalkspets.com with topics you think would ...
Dec 25, 2020•20 min•Ep. 19
In this episode I discuss puppy mills more specifically and tie this in to the exponential rise of puppy and dog purchases. I also discuss the other types of puppy sellers that perhaps at first glance may not be seen as puppy mills in the traditional sense, but let’s see what you think. And don't forget my Pet Peeves section. As always, you'll have to listen to find out what that's all about. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show...
Dec 11, 2020•20 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, we'll be taking a look at some of the animal heroes (such as cats, dogs, pigeons, horses and camels) that serve during wars and conflicts, and the roles they played. If you have a story to tell regarding this topic, please either email me at val@valtalkspets.com, or be on the show by filling out this form . Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and Rate and Review each episode that you find...
Nov 27, 2020•21 min•Ep. 17
Friends, The Iqaluit Humane Society is in desperate need of our assistance. Faced with a lack of funding, their solitary and much needed facility is in danger of being shut down by the Spring of 2021. Please listen to my unsolicited appeal for further information. If you are able, please donate to keep this pet life-line alive. Or if you are looking to adopt/purchase a dog, please consider a Northern Dog and contact The Iqaluit Humane Society. I'm sure your Northern Dog will be as special as min...
Nov 16, 2020•4 min•Ep. 16
We all love our pets and want to keep them safe from harm. Therefore, in this episode I'll be talking about the various ways we can do this, especially around the festive seasons, and in preparation for unforeseen emergencies. And don't forget my Pet Peeves section, which has returned in this episode. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and Rate and Review each episode that you find helpful/educational. E...
Oct 30, 2020•33 min•Ep. 15
Hello and welcome to this episode of Val Talk’s Pets! In this episode, I continue my deep dive into the disturbing and exploitive world of designer dogs . There will not be a pet peeves section this episode, but it will be back again in Episode 15. Please remember to follow or subscribe to ensure that you never miss an episode. To really help the show. please stop by iTunes and Rate and Review each episode that you find helpful/educational. Email me at: val@valtalkspets.com with topics you think...
Oct 16, 2020•17 min•Ep. 14
