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.
While studying how the sensory of animal worlds was different from humans, Ed Yong had the first dog of his life come into the home. Not only did it inform how he then interacted with his canine companion, but it gave Ed a special level of insight into understanding the hidden nature around us in a special new way.
Read MoreAs a veterinary oncologist for several decades, Dr. Renée Alsaraff often treated her canine patients with cancer. But when she herself was later diagnosed with "the c-word" (as she prefers to call it), everything changed. Thankfully, her own dog Newtie was by her side to help her make it through.
Read MoreAfter helping through different chapters of adulthood, Jenna Blum's dog Woodrow left a great parting gift of helping her through loss while connecting with the community around her.
Read MoreTopher Brophy returns to the podcast to discuss his new book Dog Dad and the valuable lessons he's learned from his canine companions. From following their example to be better to each other and to tap into the best versions of ourselves, Topher has realized how much our lives can be improved if we are receptive to the many gifts that dogs offer to teach us.
Read MoreMeredith May initially thought something was wrong with her pup. She later realized, however, he just had special needs. It led her to adopt a slower lifestyle, learn how to put someone else first, and find fulfillment in taking care of Edie.
Read MoreWhile she always felt disconnected from her mother growing up, it took a dog named Pete to bring them closer than ever and have Elissa see her mom in a new, compassionate way.
Read MoreAfter finishing his service in the Marines and working with the CARE humanitarian organization, Robert Macpherson was trying to figure out his way in the world. Eventually, he found his answer in the form of Blue the service dog.
Read More“Man’s Best Friend” has been going on longer than you may realize. Even historic men such as Charles Dickens and Darwins have found comfort and companionship in their dogs. In writing his new book, psychologist and author Dr. Chris Blazina discovered the stories of these legendary men and their furry soulmates.
Read MoreRaising her kids from a young age to when they were going off to college, while raising a dog from a puppy to a senior simultaneously, Tracy Beckerman saw many parallels in how fast life can go and how important it is to stop, smell the fire hydrants, and appreciate the humor in it all.
Read MoreAfter being inspired to write by her soulmate dog, Christine Hassing’s new book tells the stories of how service dogs make a transformative impact on veterans struggling with PTSD through their unconditional acceptance.
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 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 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 MoreIsabel Serna is the founder of Black Lamb Studio, a Miami-based design studio. She recently published a book, Dog Mom: A Love Story, that she wrote and illustrated. It was based on her experience with her dog, Charlie, a french bulldog who she got when she was 30 and who completely changed her perspective on being a nurturer and caregiver – even preparing her for eventually becoming a loving and caring Aunt to a recently born niece.
Read MoreDr. Chris Blazina is a licensed psychologist, retired professor, and award-winning author. He has been in practice for nearly 25 years, focusing in particular on men and their depression, anxiety, life transitions, grief & loss, relationship problems, and pet bereavement. In his work, Chris has found dogs to be an important companion and part of a male’s life that is not able to be found in the same way as with any human.
Read MoreDavid Toussaint is a writer, commentator, theatre critic, playwright and author. Since 1997, he has written articles for Brides magazine, Conde Nast Traveler, Gay Financial Network, Outsider Ink, Diversion magazine, and more. He was an editor at Conde Nast and a three-time guest editor for Francis Ford Coppola's online magazine Zoetrope. He has also been a full-time columnist for GayWeddings.com, HuffPost, and more. He has also written four books, including one about his dog DJ – who had a big impact on his life and helped him get out of a depression in his 40’s.
Read MoreDean Koontz is a number one bestselling author whose work spans six decades and has had both commercial and critical success. His books have sold more than 500 million copies to date. Koontz also has written about several dog characters in his work, including his new book DEVOTED. Dean has had three dogs of his own now – each of whom has had their own impact on him, but especially his first dog, Trixie.
Read MoreTedi Sarah initially fostered her dog, Pani, who came from Iran and is in a wheelchair. But despite Pani’s partially limited physical abilities, she has more energy than most dogs and her positive attitude and daily thrust for life has inspired Tedi to overcome whatever comes her way - and do it with Pani by her side, who she has now adopted as her own rescue dog.
Read MoreIsaac Mizrahi is is a fashion designer, author, and entertainer who’s best known for his work in the fashion world with his own brands. His first dog as an adult, Harry, turned his hairy soulmate. He even met his husband, Arnold, while on a walk with Harry in New York City - where the two are now based with their dogs of Dean and Kitty.
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