Pet Lifestyles Magazine Spring 2025 by New York Lifestyles Magazine

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Last year I announced that all four Pet Lifestyles Magazine issues in 2025 would be dedicated to Best Friends Animal Society and their No-Kill Nation goal. As most of you know, I re-launched this magazine in November 2023 with Best Friends’ CEO, Julie Castle, on the cover. Julie has been a friend and rescue packmate for a long time, as have most of Best Friends Animal Society.

So, I was ecstatic when Julie agreed to be on our cover for the inaugural issue of the No-Kill Nation year. In the cover story, I refer to Julie as the “Warrior Princess,” because she is all of what that conjures in the imagination and more. When Julie Castle announced that by 2025 our country would be a NoKill Nation, there were those that doubted this was possible. I never did. That is why I am so honored that she agreed to do it. We also honored one of Julie’s biggest inspirations over the last 14 years, her dog Shadow, who passed in 2023.

In this month’s issue, we also have a profile on one of my all-time favorite actresses, Carrie Preston, and her dog Chumley. And our dedicated celebrity writer, Ilysssa Panitz, also brought us two incredible stories about Stefanie Powers and Laura Baglioli. Our columnists Kate Perry and Stephen Quandt put together some content to help you get things in order for your pets as we head into the later Spring and then Summer months from their respective expertise while there are also some pawesome health stories to help keep your furrever one safe in the coming months too! It’s a brilliant issue all around and I hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed putting it together.

The June issue is already being created and will focus on summer celebrations as well as what events are taking place across the country to support adoption and rescue. The June issue will also feature some fun content around pet fashion and fun ideas to help you get the most out of the warmest months of the year with your furrever one.

Until then, stay pawesome,

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman Editor-in-Chief & Co-Publisher

Vol. 8 #1 | Spring 2025

President / Publisher BILL MASON

Editor in Chief & Co -Publisher

Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Art Director Scott Cuollo

Editor Jonathan Kent

Chief Photographer Annie Watt

Contributors

Ilyssa Panitz • John Dake • Rita Hogan

Dr. Kelly Fishman • Chantelle Cook

Natalie Perkins • John Polis • Alison Cocchiara

Columnists

Kate Perry • Stephen Quandt

Sales

Bill Mason Sr. - Director of New Business Development

Internet Presence Michael McKenzie

Magazine Distribution

The Garrido Group For subscriptions, address changes or back issues, call: (646) 259-2651

JULIE CASTLE AND THE NO-KILL NATION

ONE WOMAN’S MISSION TO SAVE THEM ALL

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

In the world of animal welfare, few names resonate with as much urgency and hope as Julie Castle. As CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, Julie has become the face of a movement that many once deemed impossible: a No-Kill Nation — where every healthy and treatable animal is given a chance at life.

So how did Julie become this force to be reckoned with? How did she become the face of the future of animal welfare? Besides the decades of rising through the ranks at Best Friends Animal Society, the handson hard work, creating an endless stream of adoption campaigns and programs, it was a line in the sand that she drew for the entire country that catapulted Julie into the stratosphere.

In 2016, Julie stood on stage at a Best Friends conference and declared a national goal that America would become a “No-Kill Nation” by the year 2025. It was a watershed moment in animal welfare that no one saw coming. People who weren’t close to Julie or were outside of the animal welfare and rescue community scoffed. Those inside the community felt it was an unattainable goal given the gauntlet of laws requiring euthanization to address overcrowding at municipal shelters across the country. They were all wrong. Julie Castle, who I can only describe as a maverick, a modern-day “Warrior Princess” if you will, has defied every odd and will achieve her goal for our nation. A goal that has saved millions of animals’ lives and enriched many more millions of humans’ lives at the same time.

What began as a radical idea is now a near reality.

Let’s tackle the elephant in the room first, the term “no-kill.” It is often misunderstood, but in this context, it means that at least 90% of shelter animals are saved — the remaining 10% accounting for those too ill or dangerous to be rehomed. Don’t get me wrong, I wish no-kill actually meant 100% of all animals are saved, but we live in reality. Technically, this is Julie’s reality: one where honest, real statistics and data inform decisions and positioning for the community to rally behind. The truth of the matter is, just like humans, not all animals can be saved. There are those that suffer from disease or illness that we just do not have a cure for. It’s not like you can explain to an animal that they have cancer and are going to have to endure months of agony with no guarantee of being cured. Why would you want them to suffer? The answer is you don’t. And this is coming from a pet parent who in the last decade lost two of his own furbabies to cancer. So please understand I am speaking from experience across the board. And then there are those who are so dangerous, either because of a mental deficiency, disease or even potential severe abuse they have suffered at the hands of a human. In these instances, there is literally nothing anyone can do. So, the only solution, or rather the only humane solution, is to end their suffering. While you or I may not like it, that is a very stark truth. And it takes someone like Julie Castle and Best Friends Animal Society to take the data they have mined from thousands of organizations across our great land to understand that, communicate it and provide the rationale for why 90% is the minimum to be considered a no-kill shelter. All the while striving to get every homeless animal possible into a new, loving and responsible home.

A BOLD VISION

At the time of Julie’s announcement, the scope of the challenge was daunting. There was no master list of shelters. No reliable national data on how many animals were entering—and tragically, how many were dying—in the system.

Since then, the landscape has changed dramatically. “When I started in this field, 17 million animals were dying in shelters. Today, that number is down to around 415,000,” Julie said in our discussion. “It’s a whole different world.”

That change wasn’t accidental. It was the result of strategic planning, grassroots mobilization, and an unyielding belief that the system could be reformed. Julie and her team worked to build coalitions and partnerships, invest in data infrastructure, and launch national campaigns that elevated both awareness and action.

THE POWER OF DATA—AND PEOPLE

A key driver of this change is the advancement of both technology and analytics as well as the access to data. With tools that connect shelters, rescues, and advocates in real-time, the movement now operates with unprecedented insight. But Julie is quick to point out that data alone isn’t enough. It’s the people behind the numbers—the volunteers, shelter staff, and community advocates—who are making the difference.

That became especially clear during a tragedy in early 2025. A massive fire engulfed part of Los Angeles, threatening its alreadyoverwhelmed shelter system. Within days, Best Friends’ national network activated. In an awe-inspiring show of solidarity, partner organizations helped move more than 1,700 animals out of LA to free up space for emergency rescues. “It was the first time I’ve really seen the network activate on a dime,” Castle said. “It was powerful. It reminded me just how far we’ve come.”

The network’s activation wasn’t just logistical; it was emotional. It reinforced the idea that rescue work isn’t isolated—it’s interconnected. That ethos has been a cornerstone of Castle’s leadership: that collaboration beats competition, and that collective impact outweighs individual recognition.

A NETWORK OF HOPE

That network is central to Julie Castle’s strategy. Best Friends’ approach isn’t to go it alone but to empower others—especially small, rural shelters— with the resources, support, and knowledge they need to succeed.

When analyzing which shelters had yet to reach no-kill status, Julie’s team made a striking discovery: nearly half of those shelters had only 100 animals or fewer to save in order to hit the 90% lifesaving benchmark.

“That was our lightbulb moment,” Julie explained. “We realized we needed to shift from focusing just on the big cities to also empowering small shelters. That’s where the momentum could really build.”

In places like rural Texas and Louisiana, Best Friends staff and volunteers began knocking on doors—literally. “We’d show up and say, ‘Hey, we’re here. How can we help?’” Julie said. “For many of these shelters, they had never experienced that kind of support.”

One particularly inspiring story involved a tiny Texas town taking in 800 animals with just one employee. Through Best Friends’ Shelter Collaborative Program, a no-kill partner organization was given a grant to help bring that shelter across the finish line. When asked how that has impacted shelters whose resources are limited, Julie responded, “The ripple effect is immense.”

That program has since become a model for scale and sustainability—one where success breeds more success. By tapping into experienced, nokill shelters and giving them resources to mentor their struggling peers, the movement has created an engine of innovation and compassion that reaches into every corner of the country.

ADOPTION VS. BUYING: A SETBACK REVISITED

Despite the enormous progress, Julie acknowledged that challenges remain. One of the most frustrating is the resurgence of pet purchases from breeders and online marketplaces, a trend she attributes in part to pandemic-era shifts in behavior and perception.

“The plain truth is that the pandemic gave way to internet breeders that are creating even more problems. People are going back to buying pets, and we’re getting beat out by internet breeders and virtual pet stores,” she said.

But there’s good news too. In cities like Nashville and Chicago, Julie noted a new trend: shelters can’t keep cats on the adoption floor—because they’re flying out the door. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” she said. “That’s a trend I’ll take.”

Best Friends is working to address these adoption challenges through renewed community engagement, social media campaigns, and a return to grassroots tactics like mobile adoptions and public pop-ups—tried-and-true strategies that had faded because of the lockdowns but are now resurging with fresh momentum.

MORE THAN A GOAL — A MOVEMENT THAT IS GROWING

Julie is more confident than ever that the NoKill Nation goal will be achieved this year. And with 2025 more than 25% underway, she and her team know with all of the work already in place, as well as national programs to help larger city facilities that have not crossed the no-kill threshold, success is in sight. But the deeper mission, for all of Best Friends Animal Society, is to build a lasting cultural shift. That means rethinking shelter architecture, investing in community-based care, and moving from a system of crisis response to one of preventive care and education. “We can’t get to that enlightened space if we’re still killing healthy, treatable animals,” Julie said. “Ending that is the baseline.”

She envisions a future where every community is an extension of Best Friends’ flagship sanctuary in Utah—an environment where animals are embraced as family, not discarded as burdens. “We have the wealth, we have the capacity, and we have the heart,” Julie said. “We just have to finish the job.”

To that end, Best Friends has begun working with urban planners, architects, and behavioral scientists to redesign shelters of the future—spaces that prioritize mental stimulation, natural light, and humananimal connection. It’s part of a broader goal to elevate the sheltering experience for both pets and people.

RETIRING THE JERSEY

One of the most poignant questions I asked in the interview was whether achieving the no-kill goal would put Julie and Best Friends “out of business.” Her answer was clear: “That’s exactly the point.”

“We’re not in the business of self-preservation. We’re in the business of saving lives,” she said. “The minute we start focusing more on building an organization than building a movement, we’ve lost the plot.”

In a world driven by competition and legacy, Julie’s humility stands out. “If every shelter in every community becomes no-kill, that’s our legacy. That’s the dream.”

Julie Castle knows that even if every shelter hits the goal, the need for compassion won’t vanish. Animals will still be born. People will still face hardships. Communities will still require infrastructure to care for their most vulnerable creatures. “The work will just look different,” she says. “It will be less about reaction—and more about prevention.”

CONCLUSION: A BLUEPRINT FOR COMPASSION

As the movement reaches its critical year, Julie remains a steady force—a leader who speaks with both data and deep empathy. She’s built something bigger than a nonprofit. She’s cultivated a national community that refuses to accept unnecessary loss as the norm.

The road to a No-Kill Nation is paved not only with best practices and programs but with a belief: that every life matters, and together, we can save them all. And if Julie Castle has anything to do with it—we will.

I interviewed Julie two years ago when I relaunched Pet Lifestyles Magazine. It is one of my fondest memories of the last few years. In November 2023, I stated, “If there is one key takeaway from this interview, it is that Julie Castle firmly believes in everything Best Friends Animal Society is and does, ‘At the end of the day, what this place embodies is just true grit. It is about the impossible becoming possible.’ Quite frankly, even as much as I know Julie, after this interview, these are the ways I can describe Julie Castle, the CEO of Best Friends Animal Society: Maverick. Brilliant. Humane. Compassionate Leader. Modest.” I believe in that statement even more so today.

I have a profound love and respect for Julie, not because of what she has achieved, but because of who she is. At the beginning of this article, I called this incredible woman a “Warrior Princess.” Some would ask why. My affinity for the pop culture lexicon aside, the reality is that Julie Castle embodies everything that a modern-day woman is; intelligent, strong, independent, beautiful and compassionate. But there is also something regal about her. Not in a snobby or stuffy way. But more something about her soul and the way she looks at life. Julie has defied odds that most would crater under in both her personal journey as well as in her many roles over her career at Best Friends Animal Society. So, it is with the balance of both being a fierce advocate and achieving impossible goals most can only dream of while possessing a compassionate compass, Julie Castle becomes the literal definition of Warrior Princess. And it is because of that fortitude, dedication and compassion that she will achieve her goal – the United States of America will become a No-Kill Nation this year. And I, for one, cannot wait to celebrate!

To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society, please visit bestfriends.org

IN MEMORIAM: SHADOW

THE BEST EXAMPLE OF WHY JULIE IS WHO SHE IS

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

For Julie Castle, saving animals’ lives isn’t just a mission — it’s personal. Her leadership has ignited a movement toward a No-Kill Nation, but at the heart of that movement is a very special companion that we lost in 2023 – her furrever one, Shadow.

Shadow wasn’t just a pet. He was a symbol of Julie’s journey, a reminder of the stakes in the fight for animal welfare, and her quiet anchor through years of travel, transformation, and tireless work. A sleek, soulful rescue with intelligent eyes and an unshakable devotion, Shadow represented everything Julie Castle believes in: compassion, resilience, and the transformative power of second chances.

Their story began at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah — where countless tales of redemption and rescue unfold. Shadow had been overlooked, passed by again and again, until Julie saw something in him. It wasn’t just his calm energy or quiet strength—it was his story.

Shadow needed someone to believe in him. As she has done with thousands of animals and shelters nationwide, Julie stepped in.

Since that day, they were inseparable. Shadow traveled the country alongside Julie, from the red rocks of Utah to bustling cities like New York and Los Angeles. He sat quietly during strategy meetings, curled up beside her during interviews, and walked beside her at adoption events, shelter visits, and fundraising galas.

More than just a companion, Shadow had become a symbol within the Best Friends community—a reminder of why the work matters. In a world of shifting priorities, numbers, and national goals, Shadow was the ever-present heartbeat of Julie Castle’s cause: Save Them All.

Julie has often said, “To me, Shadow is why we do this. Every life we save, every shelter we help—there’s a Shadow waiting for someone. He reminds me daily of the power of showing up, believing in someone, and giving them a shot.”

As Best Friends Animal Society inches closer and closer to bringing our country to being a No-Kill Nation, Julie Castle leads with heart and hope. Her bond with Shadow is more than a personal love story—it’s a reflection of a broader belief: that when given the chance, animals can heal, thrive, and change our lives for the better.

We chose to feature a photo of Julie and Shadow on the cover as Julie, even two years later, still looks to Shadow’s spirit for inspiration. And in the year that Best Friends’ No-Kill Nation goal is upon us, we wanted to honor that. So, to give you some context as to why I am writing this memoriam as well, Julie wrote this in a story about Shadow after his passing:

“I knew him more deeply than I know most humans, and I'm eternally grateful for a love of that depth. Our pets are family. They accompany us through our highs and lows, celebrating with us and consoling us. Shadow’s passing leaves a canyon of sorrow that today feels as though it can never be filled… His final day was sudden, tragic, and painful. One day he was bright and lively; the next he was gone. But it would be a disservice to his memory to taint it with regret rather than to remember him for all the joy we shared together.”

From all of the Pet Lifestyles Magazine pack, thank you for inspiring and helping the “Warrior Princess of Rescue” to Save Them All. Rest in peace, Shadow.

SWEET CHUMLEY

ACTORS CARRIE PRESTON & MICHAEL EMERSON’S

FURBABY

IBy Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

have spent virtually my entire life surrounded by famous actors and actresses. They are literally no different than you and me, despite their fame. And, yes, there are those that start to believe their own press agents and the “ego” that comes with it. But, if there is one thing I can say about award winning actress Carrie Preston, star of CBS’ hit show, Elsbeth, she is anything but egodriven. I recently interviewed Carrie for the cover story of the April issue of our sister publication New York Lifestyles Magazine. Fun, talented, approachable, and beautiful are the adjectives I use to describe such a dynamic woman. But the word I chose for the cover story title was “charismatic,” because she is all of the above and more. However, when she started talking about her dog, Chumley, who she co-parents with fellow actor and husband Michael Emerson, all of a sudden my respect for this amazing couple hit a new height.

So, of course I had to inquire further given the glimmer in Carrie’s eyes as she spoke of Chumley. From what we discussed, it sounds like he is literally the center of both Carrie and Michael’s universe. And rightly so given how adorable this pawesome pup is!

Now bear in mind, I have been a fan of both Carrie and Michael for a long time. But hearing that they adopted sweet Chumley at nine months old cemented me as a lifetime fan.

Chumley came up in our conversation because I had asked Carrie how she and her husband stay so close after 30 years. We had talked about the fact that when my wife is in Australia visiting her family for three months at a time, we stay close by FaceTime and using SharePlay on our Apple devices to continue to watch shows together through the season they air. During those FaceTime moments, we try to have play sessions with our dog, Brioreo, who is also the spokesdog for Pet Lifestyles Magazine, so that she can stay connected to her.

Interestingly enough, that prompted Carrie to talk about Chumley. We also found out that she and Michael have a very specific rule for when they are traveling, “You know, Michael and I are pretty old school. We make sure we talk to each other every day. But, when we started travelling a lot in different places, we had this six-week rule. At least once out of every six weeks, we had to see each other. Even if it was just one day, and if somebody had to fly it didn’t matter. Then it was four weeks. And now it’s two and we really do make that work. So, you have Brioreo, and we have Chumley. He’s the thing Michael and I share most. There’s just not a moment that goes by that we aren’t talking about the dog.” ©

Shawn Blair www.headshotsbyshawn.com

I became curious about his name as Chumley is a pretty uncommon name. Carrie responded, “We picked the name way before we even picked the dog. We used to enjoy Chumley’s, a famous speakeasy that was in NYC’s West Village. It is gone now, but it was an incredibly popular home for some of the most famous writers, poets and playwrights in history. It held a special meaning for us, and we always thought it would make a great name for a dog!”

Chumley was adopted by the talented couple at the age of nine months from A Dog’s Life Rescue in Los Angeles. He is now 15 years old and spends his spare time in the Hudson Valley of New York State. Well, that is when Carrie isn’t shooting Elsbeth in New York.

Opened in 2005, A Dog’s Life Rescue (ADLR), is a non-profit, all volunteer organization dedicated to saving the lives of animals abandoned on the streets of Los Angeles as well as those most likely to be overlooked in the shelter system due to illness, injuries or fearfulness. According to their website, ADLR has always focused on rescuing the “underdog” because they feel those are the ones who need them the most. To learn more about ADLR, please visit adogsliferescue.org.

The couple, both celebrated for their character-driven performances, have shared the screen on multiple occasions (including in Season 2 of Elsbeth), showcasing their undeniable chemistry and mutual admiration for each other’s work. And clearly their mutual love of such an adorable little boy is just one of the many bonds they share.

Elsbeth airs on the CBS Television Network and streams on Paramount+. Season 3 will premiere in the 2025-2026 season, but no official air date has been released yet.

WHO RESCUED WHO?

A Q&A WITH ACTRESS LAUREN BUGLIOLI

By Ilyssa Panitz

When Lauren Buglioli isn’t busy portraying Vanessa McBride on the new CBS daytime series, Beyond The Gates, the actress likes to spend her downtime with her two dogs, Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II; and volunteering at the Chastain Horse Park in Atlanta, Georgia where she resides.

Not only has surrounding herself with animals kept this Hollywood star, who shared the screen with Vince Vaughn on Apple TV’s Bad Monkey and Damon Wayans in the 2023 film Cinnamon grounded, but Lauren says, being with her four-legged besties serves as a constant reminder of what’s important and how the simple things equal the greatest value. Pet Lifestyles Magazine caught up with the gifted performer who revealed why she credits a dog for saving her life and instilling the importance of paying it forward.

PLM: When you are not starring in the CBS series, Beyond The Gates you’re busy tending to your two dogs and proudly wearing the title of dog mommy.

Lauren Buglioli (LB): I am very proud of that title.

PLM: Instead of going to a breeder to find your dogs you wanted to adopt. Why was this important to you?

LB: It’s funny because I have a very core memory of when I was living in New York and I saw a guy with his dog, and this was the happiest dog I have ever seen. I walked over to tell him that his dog was the most precious thing in the world and his reply was, “I think he knows I saved him, and he saved me. I adopted him.” Those words really stuck with me and watching that dog exhibit pure joy never left me. It made me think, I can’t wait to adopt. When I moved to Atlanta, I met some great people from Drama, Inc., a local drama studio, and they talked a lot about adoption. They inspired me to check out LifeLine Animal Project in Atlanta, Georgia who I am now partnering with.

PLM: You must be excited about this new collaboration?

LB: Yes, I am so excited because that is where I got my two dogs, Vixen and Beverly Hills Cop II. I saw the power of adoption, what happens when we talk about it and the importance of bringing awareness to shelters such as LifeLine Animal Project. The experience was so positive, I was inspired to talk it with my cast and colleagues and one of them adopted a dog from the organization.

PLM: When did you adopt your dogs?

LB: I adopted Vixen, an Australian Shepherd mix puppy, at the height of the pandemic in 2020 and then I adopted Beverly Hills Cop II, a three to six month old Shepherd mix I call Beverly for short, in 2021, one-year later.

PLM: With so many dogs to choose from, how did you know your little pooches were the ones for you?

LB: When I walked into the shelter, Vixen locked eyes with me. She was shaking and alone in a corner. I turned to my friend and said, “That’s my baby. I am getting her out of here and taking her home with me.” When I took her out to meet her and held her for the first time, she was so sweet, cuddly and was pure love. With Beverly, I was playing a character on Florida Man on Netflix, and I saw her online. I knew I had to meet her and when I did, she was just so precious, and I knew she was mine.

PLM: Tell me about when you introduced Beverly to Vixen and began to blend your happy family.

LB: They got along well from the start and my gut told me they were going to be sisters. I got very lucky because they really love each other and are very attached.

PLM: You mentioned Vixen was scared and vulnerable when you met her and brought her home. How did you help Vixen overcome those challenges?

LB: I worked with a trainer. When I brought them both home, Beverly too, I experienced a little aggression. I also remember they were scared of everything and those moments bonded us so much more. By going through that difficult period, it allowed us to gain a trust with one another and build a deep connection.

PLM: What was the turning point where your dogs realized you were their protector?

LB: When they started letting me rock them to sleep. Having that time has become so meaningful.

PLM: When you are not filming Beyond the Gates, what do you like to do with your dogs?

LB: I love to take them hiking. One of the great things about Atlanta is there are so many great trails to explore. I also like to go to the park, and they go with me to get coffee. We also love taking trips to get-away cabins a couple of times a year where there is no cellphone reception, and it’s the perfect way to unplug and rewind. The resort is also super dog friendly, so we spend our days walking, enjoying nature and I spoil them when we do movie night.

PLM: How has being a dog mom changed you or made an impact on your life?

LB: When I was living in New York I was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. I was in the I-C-U because I had a near death experience. The Good Dog Foundation brought in a therapy dog to cheer me up and when I made contact with the dog it was the first time I smiled. I remember saying, when I get out of here, I am going to do this with my dog.

PLM: How scary. That must have changed your perspective on everything?

LB: My 20’s was all about getting my health back. Now, when my to-do list is a mile long and I’m stressing about having abundance in my life, my dogs help me reframe my thought process and center myself. I see everything through their eyes, meaning when they wake up, they are happy. My dogs are my constant reminders of what is important in life.

PLM: How did you come up with their names, especially Beverly’s?

LB: (laughs) The shelter did, and I kept them. Vixen looks like a little fox and Beverly Hills Cop II? I don’t know why they chose that name, but it makes me laugh every time I say it. I use the name is Beverly on a day-to-day basis but if she is being a little bit naughty, I always say, “Beverly Hills Cop II” and it always gets her attention.

PLM: Aside from your love for your dogs, you also have a big space in your heart for horses?

LB: Yes, I do! I grew up riding horses and I have a degree in early childhood education and special education. While my dream was always to act, I also knew I wanted to continue my work with children of all abilities. There is an incredible facility in Atlanta called, Chastain Horse Park and they provide volunteers the opportunity to work with riders of all abilities in horse therapy. The organization’s mission is to give adaptive horse-riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities. It is an incredible way to bring all my passions together. People can go to www.chastainhorsepark.org to learn more about it.

* Beyond The Gates airs weekdays at 2pm ET on CBS, and is also available to stream on Paramount+

STEFANIE POWERS HAS A BIG HART

AND LOVE FOR ANIMALS WORLDWIDE

By Ilyssa Panitz

Stefanie Powers loves to trot around globe. Not only does each location represent a special significance, but no matter where the Hart to Hart star plants herself, she always surrounds herself with many of her four-legged besties.

For instance, when Powers is in California, she lives with her five dogs: Sunny, a 76-pound Golden Doodle. BB, short for Bridget Bardot, because according to Powers, she thinks she is. There is Ozzy, who Powers says is mostly terrier. Bailey, who Powers describes as a mix of terrier and schnauzer, and finally Luna, the newest member of the family who is a rescue.

During this exclusive interview for New York Lifestyles Magazine and Pet Lifestyles Magazine from her West Coast residence, Powers was chuckling as her dogs were vying for her attention or barking at the squirrels running outside. “There is no such thing as a quiet night at home,” Powers said, “and if I walk around the house, I always have an entourage.”

While juggling five dogs may seem like a lot for some people, it’s not for this Hollywood icon because she says her dogs are her priority. In fact, Powers has a simple trick to keeping all the moving parts running smoothly. “I developed a system,” Powers confesses. “The key is, to stay calm especially during mealtime. For example, I make sure to separate the big dogs from the little dogs and not let them steal each other’s food.”

Another habit Powers constantly enforces is making sure every dog follows the rules and routines she sets forth. “I really believe structure has a positive effect on my dogs, and they feel more comfortable with the familiarity of the environment and their surroundings.” Take for example the SUV Powers purchased specifically to shuttle her furry troop around. “I replaced the back seat with little beds,” Powers tells us, “So when I go somewhere with the dogs, they each have a place to sit and know which space is theirs.

When Powers jets overseas to visit The William Holden Wildlife Foundation in Kenya, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization the TV star founded in 1983, she soaks up the love from three of her other dogs: Simba, Chui and Kali. Powers tells us, “They are a combination of street and rescue dogs and when I saw them, I knew they needed my help.”

The mission of the 501(c)(3) is wildlife conservation through education and alternatives to habitat destruction.

© Charlie Nunn Photography

The organization’s main education center serves nearly 11,000 Kenyan students every year beginning at age nine, by offering education programs, lectures, field trips, camping, practical displays of sustainable farming, cooking, composting, and bio-energy.

The William Holden Wildlife Foundation’s rural outreach program is available in seven different remote areas of central Kenya, for an additional 6,000 students and their parents. According to the website, it has fully equipped libraries, visits from speakers to support environmental protection, and renewable farming techniques. Powers notes, “This is not a tourist facility or attraction but rather a place for the people of the land to learn about their environment.”

In addition to being a mommy to eight dogs, Powers also owns 14 horses. They reside in three different countries: the United States, England and Kenya. Not only does Powers see her horses on a regular basis, but she also schedules ample time to go riding every week.

Powers’ passion for animals began when she was just a kid. She recalls fond memories of how much of her childhood was spent around racehorses, dogs, and a sun-bear she purchased from a pet shop named Eugene. “He lived for 12-years,” Powers tells us, “And he loved to eat peanut butter and climb trees.”

Despite her many years of advocacy work and being able to reach many different generations, the tone in her voice drastically changes when Powers explains how it deeply upset her to discover how the kill rate in Los Angeles shelters has reportedly gone up 30% due to the individuals who allegedly got a pet during the pandemic and then returned them after they went back to the office because they were no longer able to care for them on a full-time basis.

“That is why” Powers adds, “there is still so much more work to be done and love to provide to animals everywhere.”

THE CANINE CONNECTION

LIVING LONGER AND STRONGER TOGETHER

By Dr. Kelly Fishman, DVM, CVA, CRRT

Life with a dog is full of joy, love, and companionship. But did you know that your furry friend might just be the key to a longer, healthier life for both of you? As research into longevity science continues to grow, one surprising discovery that has emerged is that the simple act of sharing your life with a dog can improve your health and extend your lifespan.

LONGEVITY: A SIMILAR CONNECTION

Humans and dogs share more in common than many people may realize, especially when it comes to aging. The growing field of longevity science is revealing that the bond between people and dogs goes beyond emotional support, it’s also about biological benefits. Dogs age similarly to us, so studying their life spans gives scientists valuable insights into human aging as well. Research shows that dog owners tend to live longer, recover faster from heart attacks, and even enjoy better brain health. One study even suggests that having a dog could reduce brain age by up to 15 years.

But the benefits don’t stop there. From encouraging daily exercise to providing emotional support, dogs naturally promote healthier lifestyles. Their boundless energy and need for routine walks keep owners physically active, while their unconditional love helps lower stress and anxiety, key factors in heart health and longevity. Given all these health perks, it’s no surprise that having a dog as your wellness partner can make a huge difference in both physical and mental fitness. But just as dogs enhance our lives, we owe it to them to ensure they stay healthy, too. That’s why prioritizing proper nutrition, regular exercise, and overall well-being for both you and your pup is essential.

NUTRITION: SUPPLEMENTATION IS KEY

A healthy diet is essential for longevity for you and your canine companion. The right food and supplements can help both of you live healthier lives, deter age-related illnesses, and keep you feeling energized. We can’t always get all the nutrition we need from food. It’s even more difficult sometimes for pets to get the nutrition they need, especially if their diet consists mainly of kibble. Some supplements I recommend for pets may sound familiar because they are also beneficial for people. If you are just getting started on a supplement plan, here’s the top three nutrients I recommend:

1. Probiotics for Gut: The gut plays a role in your overall health and your dog’s, too. A balanced gut microbiome supports everything from digestion to immune function and even mental health. Probiotics are a great way to improve gut health for both you and your dog, reducing inflammation and boosting immunity.

Make sure to choose a probiotic that’s formulated for your dog’s digestive system as human probiotics are great for us, they’re not suitable for dogs.

2. Fortetropin for Muscle: One powerful supplement that’s gaining attention in veterinarian and sports medicine circles is Fortetropin, a natural bioactive compound derived from raw fertilized egg yolk. This ingredient is also beneficial for humans as research has also shown that Fortetropin increases muscle protein synthesis by 18% in aging adults, even without adding exercise to their routines. When it comes to pets, studies show Fortetropin is a game-changer as it promotes muscle health, speeds up recovery after surgery, and helps delay muscle aging. For older dogs or those recovering from an injury, Fortetropin can help them regain their strength and vitality quickly. To get the benefits of Fortetropin look for this studied ingredient in MYOS PET for dogs and cats, and MYOS MD for humans.

3. Collagen for Joint and Skin: Collagen is the protein that keeps joints flexible and skinglowing for humans but also provides the same benefits for dogs. Regardless of if you are a dog or a human, our bodies produce less collagen, the older we get, which can lead to joint stiffness, reduced mobility, and a duller appearance.

For dogs, collagen also supports the skin, reducing irritation and dryness, which is especially important for senior pets. For people, it strengthens skin elasticity, reduces wrinkles, and supports joint health, which is important as you age.

EXERCISE: TAKING IT UP A NOTCH

Exercise is the most accessible and simplest ingredient to living a longer, healthier life. Partnering with your dog as your fitness buddy not only helps both of you stay fit but also deepens your bond, and boosts your mood, so you can enjoy a healthier life. Walks are a great start, but they are not enough to really move the longevity needle. Here are some of my go-to exercises that can take your routine to the next level:

• Water activities like swimming and paddleboarding are perfect low-impact exercises that build muscle strength and support joint health, making them perfect for dogs of all ages, especially seniors or those with arthritis. Swimming is gentle on the joints, while paddleboarding challenges your balance and strengthens your core, all while offering stress-relieving and cardiovascular benefits.

• “Doga” is a unique twist on your standard yoga class that engages your dog. Incorporate it after a walk by taking a few minutes to stretch and relax with your dog. It improves flexibility and reduces stress for both of you. Plus, stretching together strengthens your bond and promotes relaxation.

• “Doggy Ninja Warrior,” as I’ve coined it, is a fun and engaging training workout. Simply set up an agility course at home using household objects like cones and cushions. Then guide your dog through the course. This type of exercise builds physical strength, coordination, and mental focus. The teamwork involved enhances your relationship while improving cognitive function for both you and your pet.

Engaging in these activities together will help keep you and your dog strong, active, and connected.

AGE IS JUST A NUMBER: BE PROACTIVE IN PREVENTING DECLINE

Aging isn’t something anyone likes to think about, but the good news is that you can do something about it. By focusing on exercise, nutrition, and mental stimulation, both you and your canine companion can stay strong and active well into your golden years. If your dog seems to be slowing down, don’t just assume it’s due to aging. Pain, arthritis, or muscle weakness could be the cause, but with the right exercise and nutrition, these issues can often be improved. By staying consistent with supplements and proactive with exercise routines, you can help your furry friend stay mobile, happy, and healthy.

To learn more about Dr. Fishman, please visit strutanimal.com

THE MAGIC OF MUSHROOMS

FOR YOUR PUP’S MICROBIOME

By Rita Hogan, C.H.

Adog’s gut (intestines, stomach, and beneficial bacteria (microbiome) is the foundation of their overall health, influencing everything from digestion to immune function, skin health, and behavior.

When a dog has a sensitive gut, it can show up as chronic diarrhea, gas, food intolerances, or even anxiety. While many pet parents turn to prescription diets and probiotics, an often-overlooked solution comes from the world of medicinal mushrooms.

The combination of Tremella (tremella fuciformis) and Lion’s Mane (hericium erinaceus), stands out for their ability to soothe, repair, and protect the digestive tract in ways that go beyond basic probiotics. Whether your dog suffers from chronic digestive upset or occasional sensitivities, this combination can be incredibly healing.

WHY MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS FOR GUT HEALTH?

When looking at medicinal mushrooms, research focuses on the actions of bioavailable polysaccharides including beta-glucans, antioxidants, and prebiotic (food for good bacteria) compounds that nourish the gut lining, regulate inflammation, and promote beneficial gut bacteria.

Polysaccharides help hydrate and soothe the gut lining while supporting immune function. Beta-glucans act as immune modulators, helping to regulate inflammation and promote gut microbiome balance. Antioxidants reduce inflammation and protect your dog’s body from cellular damage. Enzymes and fiber aid digestion and support beneficial bacteria in the large intestine.

TREMELLA: HYDRATE, SOOTHE, REPAIR

Tremella has a damp texture made of dense polysaccharides that help retain moisture in the gut lining, prevent dryness and soothe irritations that often lead to weakness in your dog’s gut lining, allowing undigested food particles to make their way into the bloodstream. When this happens, your dog can get food sensitivities.

The gut lining has a mucosal barrier that protects against harmful pathogens. This jelly-like mushroom strengthens this barrier, reducing gut permeability and improves nutrient absorption. All these actions reduce inflammation helping settle chronic digestive upset, calm and eliminate food sensitivities, allergies and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Promoting beneficial gut bacteria, Tremella mushroom acts as a prebiotic, encouraging microbial balance. A thriving gut microbiome is crucial for digestion, immune function, and your dog’s overall well-being.

LION’S MANE: HEALING GUT-BASED NERVE TISSUE

Lion’s Mane looks like a white, rubbery, pom-pom. Revered for its ability to regenerate nerve tissue and support brain function, it also plays a vital role in gut health by containing two unique compounds, hericenones and erinacines, that stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF). These two substances help regenerate damaged nerve endings in the gut lining and support the gut-brain axis which is an integral component of a resilient immune system.

The gut-brain axis in dogs is the communication system between their digestive system and brain. The gut has its own network of nerves and bacteria that send signals to the brain, affecting mood, digestion, and overall health.

When the gut is unhealthy it can lead to digestive issues, anxiety, stressed-based indigestion and behavioral changes. This connection explains why a healthy gut supports both physical and mental well-being. Lion’s Mane is truly an excellent choice for nervous or high-strung dogs. It also helps support balanced digestion and gut motility improving chronic constipation and digestive upset by increasing nerve signaling in the gut.

COMBINING TREMELLA & LION’S MANE FOR MAXIMUM GUT SUPPORT

When used together, Tremella and Lion’s Mane mushroom create an amplifying effect by hydrating and repairing the gut lining, supporting nerve regeneration and gut motility, reducing inflammation and balancing your dog’s gut microbiome.

HOW TO USE TREMELLA AND LION’S MANE FOR DOGS

When using mushrooms for the gut, one of the best forms for dogs are hot-water extracted powders using organic fruiting bodies (cap and stem). Use 1/8 tsp per 15 lbs of body weight, once or twice daily in a small amount of food.

You can also make a mushroom broth with simmered fresh or dried Lion’s Mane and Tremella mushrooms.

GUT-HEALING MUSHROOM BROTH RECIPE

Here’s a nutritious, gut-healing Lion’s Mane and Tremella Mushroom Broth recipe using whole fruiting body mushrooms for dogs.

Ingredients:

1 cup fresh or ½ cup dried Lion’s Mane mushrooms

1 cup fresh or ½ cup dried Tremella mushrooms

4 cups filtered water

Instructions:

1. Prepare the mushrooms: For dried mushrooms, chop any large pieces and soak them in warm water for 20 minutes to rehydrate. For fresh mushrooms, simply cut them into small pieces

2. Simmer the broth: In a pot, add 4 cups of water to mushrooms and bring to a simmer (not a rolling boil) and cook for 90 minutes.

3. Strain and cool: Strain mushrooms and save broth. Let cool and pour into glass storage jars. Place in the refrigerator or freezer in an ice cube tray. Tip: Chop the spent mushrooms and add small amounts to your dog’s food for beneficial prebiotic fiber.

4. Dosages:

Small dogs (under 20 lbs): 1–2 teaspoons per day

Medium dogs (20–50 lbs): 1–2 tablespoons per day\ Large dogs (50–80 lbs): 1/4 cup per day

Extra-large dogs (80+ lbs): 1/2 cup per day

A sensitive gut can be a struggle for many dogs, but synergistic combinations like Tremella and Lion’s Mane offer a gentle yet powerful way to support digestion, heal the gut lining, and improve your dog’s overall well-being.

Rita Hogan is a clinical canine herbalist with more than twenty years of experience specializing in holistic canine herbalism. Her book, The Herbal Dog is available everywhere books are sold.

(Editor’s Note: The suggestions in this article are solely that of the writer and not Pet Lifestyles Magazine

SPRING PET CARE

TIPS & TRICKS FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY SEASON

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

As the chill of winter gives way to blooming flowers and longer days, pet parents everywhere are excited to spend more time outdoors with their furrever ones. But just like humans, pets face seasonal changes that can affect their health and comfort. Spring brings new opportunities for fun, but also new risks and responsibilities.

To help you and your pet enjoy the season safely and happily, here are top tips and tricks for springtime pet care.

TACKLE SHEDDING WITH A SOLID GROOMING ROUTINE

Spring is shedding season for many pets, especially dogs and cats with thick or double coats. As they lose their winter fur, it’s crucial to brush them regularly to prevent mats, reduce hair around your home, and keep their skin healthy.

Tips:

Try using a de-shedding brush or grooming glove designed for your pet’s coat type. Brush outside when possible, to keep the loose fur out of your home. And remember to bathe your pet occasionally with a mild pet shampoo to loosen excess fur and reduce dander.

GET AHEAD OF FLEAS, TICKS, AND MOSQUITOES

Warmer weather means the return of pests. Fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes aren’t just irritating—they carry serious diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and heartworm.

Tips:

Start or continue flea, tick, and heartworm prevention as early in the season as possible. You have to check your pet daily, especially after walks in wooded or grassy areas. And remember to keep your yard trimmed and remove debris where ticks and fleas thrive. You should ask your vet about the best preventative treatment for your pet’s size, age, and breed.

PET-SAFE SPRING CLEANING

WATCH FOR SEASONAL ALLERGIES

Springtime pollen doesn’t just affect people—many pets develop seasonal allergies too. My parents’ pugs suffer from allergies, as does our very own Spokesdog, Brioreo. Common symptoms include itchy skin, red or watery eyes, sneezing, and excessive paw licking or chewing.

Tips:

Wipe your pet’s paws and coat with a damp cloth after outdoor play to remove pollen. To ensure you keep pollen out of the house as much as possible, keep windows closed during high pollen days and use air purifiers indoors. Talk to your vet if your pet shows signs of allergies; treatments range from antihistamines to special diets.

Spring cleaning is great for refreshing your space, but it can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Many household cleaners contain chemicals that are harmful to pets if inhaled or ingested.

Tips:

It’s always best to use pet-safe or natural cleaning products whenever possible. You need to make sure you are keeping pets out of rooms where strong chemicals are being used until they’re fully dry and ventilated and store all cleaning supplies out of your pet’s reach, even if they’re labeled “green” or “natural.

PROTECT AGAINST SUN EXPOSURE

GARDEN AND YARD SAFETY

Spring gardening is therapeutic for humans but can pose hidden dangers to pets. Fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, and even common plants can be toxic if ingested.

Tips:

Plant pet-safe flowers and plants such as marigolds, snapdragons, and zinnias. Avoid cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs. Keep pets away from areas treated with chemicals until they’re dry and safe. Fence off areas with known toxic plants like tulips, lilies, daffodils, and azaleas.

STAY HYDRATED DURING OUTDOOR PLAY

As the weather warms up, your pet may become more active, but the risk of dehydration also rises. Even mild spring temperatures can cause overheating, especially in thick-coated or short-nosed breeds like bulldogs or pugs.

Tips:

Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl on walks, hikes, or trips to the park. Take frequent breaks in shaded areas and avoid outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day (typically noon to 4 p.m.).

Just like people, pets can get sunburned—especially those with light-colored fur, thin coats, or exposed skin on the nose and ears.

Tips:

Apply pet-safe sunscreen to vulnerable areas if your pet is outdoors for extended periods. You need to always provide access to shade when outdoors. And, if you have long-haired dogs, avoid shaving them completely, as their coat helps regulate temperature and protects from UV rays.

UPDATE ID TAGS AND MICROCHIPS

With open windows, backyard play, and more walks, the chance of pets slipping out or getting lost increases in spring.

Tips:

Make sure your pet’s ID tag is legible and securely attached to their collar. Also, check that your contact information on their microchip registration is up to date. You could also consider a GPS tracking collar for adventurous pets.

GET MOVING THE HEALTHY WAY

Spring is the perfect time to get your pet back into an active routine after a sedentary winter. However, just like people, pets need to ease back into exercise.

Tips:

Start with short walks and gradually increase duration. Watch out for signs of fatigue or overheating. You can also use toys, agility training, or interactive games to keep your pet physically and mentally stimulated.

SCHEDULE A SPRING VET CHECK-UP

Spring is a natural checkpoint for your pet’s health. Use the new season as a reminder to schedule a wellness exam.

Tips:

Ask your vet about any necessary vaccinations, especially if you’ll be visiting dog parks, boarding facilities, or going on trips. Remember to get your pet’s dental health checked and cleaned if needed. And discuss any behavior or dietary changes you’ve noticed over the winter months with your vet.

Spring is a time of renewal and joy for both pets and their parents. With a few thoughtful precautions and consistent care, you can make sure your pet enjoys everything this season has to offer—from fresh air and outdoor play to long naps in the sunshine.

Whether it’s brushing away winter fur, guarding against bugs, or planning safe adventures together, these spring pet care tips ensure your four-legged companion thrives.

So, get outside, soak up the sunshine, and spring into action—your pet will thank you with wagging tails, happy purrs, and lots of love.

The ABCs of Aging Start with... NAD+!

A B C

Your pup’s body has a molecule called NAD+ that supports cellular function, energy, and repair mechanisms in the body.

But... Your pup’s NAD+ levels naturally decline throughout the aging process. So, that’s where we come in!

Our Healthy Aging products feature NAD+ precursor to support cellular function, energy, and bodily repair mechanisms for your Bestie.

NAD+ Declines with Age in All Animals Age Healthy, Live Zesty!

ENHANCING LIVES

THE TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE OF SERVICE DOGS

By Chantelle Cook

In the Pacific Northwest, an extraordinary bond is being forged between veterans and their service dogs, a connection that transcends mere companionship and transforms lives. At the forefront of this movement is Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB), an organization dedicated to pairing expertly trained service dogs with veterans grappling with the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship between service dogs and veterans is a testament to the healing power of animals, offering not only support but also hope, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Founded in 2012 by Shannon Walker, NWBB was born from a heartfelt desire to address the unique challenges that veterans face after serving in the armed forces. Many veterans struggle with issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which can profoundly impact their quality of life. NWBB aims to match these veterans with service dogs that are specially trained to provide support and comfort, promoting a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.

Shannon’s journey into this vital work is deeply personal. Her extensive experience as a dog trainer, combined with her rich understanding of canine behavior, ignited her passion for using dogs as a source of healing. Inspired by her father, Glenn Walker, who served as an Airman 2nd Class in the Korean War, she carries forward a message of patriotism and duty in her work. Her father instilled in her the values of God, family, and love for her country, teaching her to honor Veterans. This ingrained belief led her to found Northwest Battle Buddies in 2012. She says, “It is our hope that the day before you meet your service dog is your last worst day, and the day you meet your service dog, it’s your best first day.”

To date, NWBB has positively impacted the lives of over 270 veterans battling PTSD, providing them with a loyal companion in their Northwest Battle Buddy service dog. Veterans are empowered to regain their purpose and independence, demonstrating the life-changing difference that service dogs can have. This mission is especially crucial given the heartbreaking statistic that 20 veterans in the United States die by suicide each day, often due to the severe impacts of PTSD.

Battle Buddy dogs are not just your average canine; each dog has 5 months of specialized training, and each Veteran/dog team has 160 hours behind them. They are trained to significantly impact the quality of life of their Veteran handlers in these specific ways:

• Interrupt Nightmares

• Signal and interrupt anxiety attacks

• Redirect flashbacks

• Perform pressure therapy

• Provide a feeling of safety

• Provide a social barrier in public

There are many inspiring success stories of Veterans who courageously live their lives to the fullest with their dog companion. These stories are a testament to the program’s effectiveness and its positive impact on the lives of Veterans.

Adjusting to civilian life after military service can be challenging for many veterans, including Nick, an Army Veteran who served in Iraq. Struggling with PTSD, he turned to medication and alcohol to cope, which led to significant personal losses. However, Nick’s life took a transformative turn when he discovered Northwest Battle Buddies and received his professionally trained service dog, Jazz. Through Jazz, Nick has reclaimed his independence and purpose, finding joy and laughter in his home once again. Jazz not only helps him manage his PTSD symptoms but also encourages him to engage with the world around him. Nick emphasizes the profound bond shared with service dogs, stating that having Jazz by his side during tough moments has made a significant difference in his healing journey. Inspired by his experience, he urges other veterans to consider service dogs as a pathway to a fulfilling life, declaring, “If you’re ready to start living and stop just trying to survive, do it.” For veterans like Nick, these loyal companions are truly “leading the way home”.

Says Veteran handler DL about his dog, Atlas: “Service dogs can be the difference between life and death. I’ve listened to stories from other Veterans, and I hear the pain in their voices and see it in their eyes. As an empathetic person, I feel their pain almost like it’s my own. And having the presence of a service dog to help buffer those feelings of pain - it’s powerful.”

As organizations like Northwest Battle Buddies continue to grow, the impact of service dogs on veterans becomes increasingly evident. The stories of transformation are heartwarming; veterans who once struggled with social anxiety now confidently share their journeys with others, often crediting their service dogs as the catalyst for change.

To celebrate and further their impactful work, NWBB encourages community involvement. Whether through donations, volunteer opportunities, or fostering service dogs, there are numerous ways to support this vital mission.

Professionally trained PTSD service dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks (like interrupt a panic attack, redirect a flashback, and perform pressure therapy) have a high price tag. At NWBB, it costs a total of $35,000 to raise a dog from a puppy to a trained service dog working with a Veteran handler.

For more information about Northwest Battle Buddies, please visit their website at northwestbattlebuddies.org. Join in supporting our veterans and the dedicated service dogs that play a crucial role in their healing journey.

PAWS ON THE ROAD

A BEHAVIOR CONSULTANT’S GUIDE TO TRAVELING

By Stephen Quandt, CFTBS, FFCP

Spring is here and wanderlust often sets in for us. Sometimes for our cats too. So, I decided to devote this column to travelling with your cat, whether it’s for vacation or a vet visit. Our two cats, Cricket and our blind-from-birth girl Jenny, both have very different approaches to travel. Cricket will sneak into the suitcase and expect us to take her along. Jenny however, without even waiting for the carrier to come out of the closet, will just sense a change to our routine and knows we’re all leaving and quietly disappears under the bed.

If your cat is like Jenny, I suggest you read my blog post on how to train your cat not only to go in the carrier, but to like going in it! I have a client who when she shakes the treat bag her cat Felix now runs into the carrier (and often then takes a nap!). If you want a cat who acts like Felix, read my blog post I’m Feline Fine! Conquering Carrier Aversion When Traveling with Your Cat at catbehaviorhelp.com/carrier-aversion.

TRAINS, PLANES & AUTOMOBILES

If you’re travelling by car, whether it’s a short distance or a longer one, it’s good to have disposable gloves, unscented baby wipes, paper towels and bags to dispose of vomit or stool if there is an accident. The inside of the carrier should have a towel that smells like your kitty, and for some cats it will be helpful to line the kennel with a wee-wee pad. You may also want to drape a towel which has your cat’s scent on it over the carrier. The towel and the inside of the carrier should be sprayed with Feliway, a calming social pheromone. Make sure to give the Feliway time to dry before travelling. For longer trips, an expandable carrier like one by Petcute can accommodate a small litter box. Some cats may benefit from either calming medications or anti-nausea meds – but please discuss this with your vet. Never let your cat loose in the car. If you’re going to give your cat breaks outside the car, they should be fully trained with a well-fitting harness. But understand that even with a harness there are risks in unfamiliar places with cats. If you need to stay overnight in a hotel, there are several chains that allow cats like Motel 6, Best Western, La Quinta and Red Roof Inn as examples. Research it and call first to learn each hotel’s policies, and costs. Always have a leash, collar, and ID on your cat.

For trains, Amtrak now allows pets, but there are rules/ restrictions and paperwork. Check their website or call for details and get to the station early to file your forms. It’s a bargain at $26 per pet (5 pets per train allowed).

For domestic air travel in the cabin (I don’t recommend putting your cat in the hold) make sure your carrier is airline approved, and it must fit under the seat. You will need to call the airline to get a reservation which you pay for at the airport, so your online ticket will not say anything about the cat. Because of this, I urge you after making the reservation, to call the airline back and have them verify that your cat is on the reservation. The first time I flew with our cats I didn’t do this, and the agent failed to push the right button, thus there was no reservation when I got to the airport. Fortunately, we got lucky, and we were able to board with them. Remember, you will have to take them out of the carrier at security and walk them through the metal detector. Make sure you don’t beep! And just in case, put your cell number on the outside of the carrier.

Are you bringing your cat on vacation? If you’re going to take them outside make sure you use a harness and leash with ID, or if you know the environment very well, use a good pet tracker but understand there are risks. We take both our cats to an island in Maine, and we supervise them outside – the tracker is a backup. Happy and safe travels!

BREAKING DOWN COVID MYTHS

FIVE YEARS LATER

By Natalie Perkins

As we approach the 5-year anniversary of the start of COVID, many will be reflecting on the lasting implications of the pandemic. One common theme that rose from 2020 was the phenomenon of the pandemic pet, and its subsequent fall from popularity due to factors including the return to the office.

But how much of this is actually true? Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters, is setting the record straight - using data collected from over 7,900 shelters and rescue groups - when it comes to these common misconceptions:

Myth #1: Everyone adopted a COVID pet

False: Adoptions from U.S. animal shelters actually declined during COVID, and still have not returned to pre-pandemic levels. In 2019, approximately 2.6 million dogs and cats were adopted from shelters, but since 2020 adoption numbers have dropped to 2.2-2.3 million per year.

Myth #2: All those pandemic pets were surrendered after COVID

False: The proportion of pets entering shelters as owner surrenders has remained stable since before 2019, with owner surrenders making up about 19-21% of all pets that entered shelters from 2019-2024.

Myth #3: Shelters are more overwhelmed now than ever before due to COVID pet surrenders

False: Shelters have been overcrowded since before COVID and continue to be. However, the number of pets entering shelters has remained below 2019 numbers for the last five years – in 2019, approximately 5.5 million dogs and cats entered shelters, and in 2023 that number had dropped to 4.8 million. As a result, fewer pets are being killed in shelters – in fact, Best Friends’ data shows the number of pets killed in shelters actually fell by over 25% since 2019. While owner surrenders aren’t the biggest challenge for shelters right now, municipal budget constraints, staffing shortages, and housing and economic issues continue to create barriers to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters.

“There’s no doubt that pets played a crucial role in helping many of us get through the loneliness and stress of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society.

“But contrary to popular belief, pet owners in the U.S. have continued to love and care for their dogs and cats even as the world evolves and recovers from the pandemic, and we’re happy to be able to share the data to prove it. However, there is still plenty of work to be done, and Best Friends is working with our Best Friends Network of over 5,000 shelters and rescue groups as well as legislators, animal welfare advocates, and communities around the country to address these challenges and take the country no-kill.”

The Best Friends Network is comprised of thousands of public and private shelters, rescue groups, spay/neuter organizations and other animal welfare organizations in all 50 states. They are a community committed to saving the lives of dogs and cats through collaboration, information-sharing and implementation of proven lifesaving strategies. The network partners support each other and inspire their own communities to increase lifesaving across the country. To learn more about Best Friends Network, please visit bestfriends.org/network

Founded in 1984, Best Friends Animal Society is a pioneer in the nokill movement and has helped reduce the number of animals killed in shelters from an estimated 17 million per year to 415,000 last year. Best Friends runs lifesaving programs across the country, as well as the nation’s largest no-kill animal sanctuary. Working collaboratively with a network of more than 5,000 animal welfare and shelter partners, and community members nationwide, Best Friends is working to Save Them All®. For more information, visit bestfriends.org

SPRING TRAINING TIPS & TRICKS FOR YOUR DOG

HOW TO TRANSITION TRAINING DURING THE SPRING

By Kate Perry

Here we are, embarking on Spring which can bring the most unpredictable weather. Seasonal changes can be tough for us dog owners, especially when transitioning from salt and snow to warm, spring days. If you have a pooch that hates the winter weather and is hesitant to venture outside, here are some nifty training tools to help turn your apartment into a playground for your dog!

Beat the winter weather struggle with toys, occupiers and games that will stimulate and exercise your dog inside the home. Play that is more structured and has rules can encourage “canine manners” and build a stronger bond between owner and dog. Think outside of the box (beyond the usual bully stick or game of fetch) to create ways to mentally and physically exercise a pooch that does not want to go outside.

Think like a trainer! One fantastic way to work your pupper’s brain without being able to actually go anywhere is to teach them something. Most dogs LOVE to work...for the right reward! The following are some examples of commands that can be turned into a game on a rainy or snowy day, with a little creativity: CHASE, DIG, DROP IT, FIND IT, FETCH, PAW, HIDE AND SEEK, ROLL OVER, SPIN, CRAWL UNDER, JUMP OVER/ THROUGH.

Here are some of my favorite “Brain Games” for your pups:

• FIND THE TOY or TREAT - Fill a basket with toys, placing the dog’s favorite at the bottom where they’ll have to search for it and dig it out… OR…place a treat under a towel or beneath the dog’s bed so they’ll have to dig it out. This simulates the nose and brain to search and hunt for the item or treat. Snuffle mats are good for this too.

• HIDE AND SEEK - Put your dog in a SIT and STAY command, then walk into another room while hiding behind a door or piece of furniture, then call your dog’s name and have them search for you. If they don’t have a strong STAY command, alternatively you can toss a treat away from you for your dog to find and then run into another room and hide and call them. This also helps build in the COME/ RECALL behavior.

• SPIN - is a command that teaches your dog to go round in circles and this is especially good for high energy party animal dogs. It is also a functional command for dogs with dirty or wet feet. Spin performed on top of a towel helps clean off their feet. Place a high value treat in front of the dog’s nose and move it around to the side of the dog’s body in a slow and exaggerated movement. They will follow the lure with their head and nose and then the body should follow to complete the circle. Some dogs favor one direction over another so try both and see which they prefer. Maybe your pup can do both!

You could also pick up a few High IQ Occupiers such as interactive puzzle games, snuffle mats, licky mats, and Busy Buddy’s Twist n’ Treat or Tug-a-Jug. Indoor tunnels, hula hoops and small agility courses can be fun for pups AND humans if you’ve got the space!

Genetics, early socialization, and environment all impact and shape a dog’s playstyle. Certain breeds are more inclined toward running, jumping and chasing while others may love to dig and chew…so don’t be afraid to get innovative and have fun exploring your pup’s talents based on their natural instincts…so play on :)

In addition to indoor play training, don’t forget to turn cold-weather walks into innovative ‘command training’ opportunities. Instead of just grabbing that leash and harness and shuffling out the door, pick up your energy and make it fun! Bring your dog’s favorite treats along and let class begin. Here are some tips and tricks for turning humdrum into a fun walk!!

On a training walk, any pause is a moment for practice. The elevator is the ideal opportunity to work on LOOK, SIT and STAY. If you’re still building self-control in your dog, step on their leash with enough room for them to comfortably complete the commands but not enough to jump on fellow occupants.

Another way to occupy your time in the elevator is to do Doggy Push-ups, alternating the SIT and DOWN commands repeatedly. This is very useful for the high energy pooch that lives on the 34th floor. Impress your neighbors by showing them that your dog works out AND is well-behaved while doing it!

Using moments of downtime to engage your dog’s focus helps to engage their brain positively…and where there’s positive engagement, there’s no room for negative energy.

If your dog is a worker bee, why not view the city or town as their personal parkour course? That park bench isn’t just a place to sit, it’s a platform to teach ON and OFF commands and to GO UNDER, making this a full exercise routine.

If your dog isn’t much of a worker, you can implement the Red light, Green Light game. Walking fast, (green light). Then STOP abruptly (red light). See if they stop alongside you. This is an exhilarating game to make the act of simply moving forward more exciting, and it teaches your dog to be in sync with you. Use the LET’S GO command to cue your dog to begin walking alongside you. Take care of the potty business, then the work can begin.

When you stop, say STOP. Pooch should stop with you and look at you. If they don’t, use your LOOK AT ME command to get your pup’s focus. They will eventually learn to stop and look at you automatically when you stop.

Halted at a red light? There’s another opportunity for practice. While you wait for the light to change, use that time to work on your SIT and WAIT command. Then say OK to release.

Every part of your outing is an opportunity to engage with your dog further building your bond. The more fun you make the training process for your dog, the easier it is to reduce challenges and find mutual respect. What I like to call “Cooperation Training.”

This is especially useful once you have passed the training benchmarks and want your dog to continue learning. Play training also reduces stress, fear and aggression in both people and dogs.

As a Dog Trainer, my goal is to build a bond between you and your dog with fun and innovative ways that are aligned and designed for both ends of the leash.

FROM TEXAS TO PENNSYLVANIA

HOW TRANSPORT SAVES LIVES

By John Polis

Texas may be a long way from Pennsylvania, but a 23-hour drive was but a mere inconvenience for 102 pets tucked into travel crates for the journey. Forty-eight cats and kittens from three crowded shelters near Houston — along with 54 dogs from nearby Montgomery County Animal Services & Adoption Center (MCAS) — got a free ride northward to the Delaware Valley, where they’d get a fresh start in an area where adoptable animals are in constant demand.

Their final destination: the Brandywine Valley SPCA, based in West Chester, Pennsylvania, which each year adopts out about 18,000 dogs and cats. Brandywine and MCAS have cooperated in recent years to bring adoptable pets to the area. This time, MCAS had plenty of dogs to send but no cats because, thankfully, they had already placed their cats locally. So, they turned to the Best Friends team in Houston.

Best Friends works with a wide variety of shelters in the Houston area, but three shelters in particular welcomed the opportunity to send some of their cats and kittens on the trip. So Best Friends brought them into the local foster program to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and provided with basic medical care. Best Friends paid stipends to MCAS to handle the cats’ health certificates and other items associated with the trip and provided a van for the cats’ transportation.

Sophia Proler, Best Friends South Central regional director, says: “We were happy to collaborate with Montgomery County in an effort to help save the lives of more cats and kittens. While cat lifesaving has increased in Texas, cats are still needlessly dying in shelters across the state, including here in Houston.”

Sending cats to Brandywine would guarantee them a fresh start and provide the best chances for adoption. “It would also give staff at the three shelters a chance to focus on dogs, which remain a significant challenge at overcapacity shelters here,” Sophia says. “And it would give them a chance to work on enrichment, customer service, and other important activities.”

STORY BOOK ENDING

FOR A SENIOR DOG

By Alison Cocchiara

Once upon a time, in a land of red rocks and desert sunsets, there lived a silvery-haired dog named Jessa. With her wise eyes and gentle soul, she had become enchanted by life at her home-between-homes, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary’s Dogtown. Her days were filled with kindness — caregivers who adored her, friends who walked beside her, and a place where she was truly known. Yet somewhere out there awaited a castle she could call all her own.

This story is a part of our Faces of No-Kill series, highlighting the journey of pets who lost their place to call home. These pets are thriving today thanks to animal shelters that said yes to lifesaving and found a way to save them. Best Friends’ goal is for every shelter and every community to reach no-kill in 2025, and this story shows why that’s so important.

At 11 years old, Jessa had settled into the beauty of her life at the Sanctuary. She had soft beds to rest in, warm sunbeams to nap under, and a chorus of familiar voices that greeted her each morning. She delighted in her slow strolls, the way the desert breeze carried scents of sage and juniper, the rustling of leaves as critters darted about. She had her favorite caregivers, the ones who knew just how she liked her ears scratched. She even helped them with their daily tasks.

“One of the funniest things about Jessa was that after she had finished each meal, she would take her bowl in her mouth and carry it to her bed and lick it clean,” laughs caregiver Tom Williams. “We called this the prewash cycle, and we definitely appreciated the help getting the dishes done.”

Life at the Sanctuary was good. It was safe. It was full of love. But for all the love that surrounded her, there was still room in her heart for something more: a family of her own.

Then, like a thread of fate weaving through time, Jessa met Tari Crema. Tari was visiting the Sanctuary and took Jessa on an overnight stay, a special program that allows visitors to take dogs for an adventure outside of Dogtown.

It was during this time — watching Jessa settle in beside her, feeling the warmth of her presence — that Tari fell in love. But life has a way of complicating things. Tari’s home situation at the time just wasn’t right for Jessa. And so, with a heavy heart, she had to say goodbye. That might have been the end of the story. But love has a way of finding its way back.

Tari lost her beloved senior dog, Howard, a few months later. His passing left an ache in her heart but sparked a new purpose. “My husband, John, and I started thinking about adopting another dog to pass along Howard’s love,” she explains. “I just knew Jessa would be a great fit for our home.”

The couple embarked on an epic journey from their home in Illinois, traveling 1,600 miles — one way — through valleys and forests, over rivers and hills, so John could meet Jessa. She stole his heart instantly. Her gentle soul and wise eyes spoke of countless tales, and in that moment, they knew she belonged with them. “There’s something about senior dogs that tugs at our heartstrings,” Tari says.

Jessa stepped into her new home like a queen into her castle. Now she has daily walks, cozy naps, and all the couch snuggles she could ever want. And, as she curls up in her new bed, Jessa hasn’t said goodbye to the Sanctuary — she’s just carried its love forward into the next chapter of her happily-ever-after.

THE FINAL WORD

WHY

ADOPTION

IS VITAL TO OUR SOCIETY

By Sean-Patrick M. Hillman

Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Truer words were never spoken when it came to the realities of animal welfare.

Let that quote set in for a moment when I tell you this was said over 100 years ago. Yes, a century has passed since these words were uttered by a brilliant man in a then third world nation who fought Colonial oppression his entire life against a people who claimed to be moral and righteous. Now, we all have a way of being correct when talking about the moral and ethical vacuum history possesses.

After all, hindsight is 20/20. But Gandhi made this statement in real time. It also wasn’t a statement he made once or twice. He said it many times throughout his life. In other words, he was not reflecting on anything other than the current philosophy of what a great nation should be, versus what he and his people were told was a great empire, living under British Colonial rule.

While we fancy ourselves to be a modern, caring and inclusive society, we sure don’t act like it when it comes to animal welfare. Now, to be fair, as per Best Friends Animal Society statistics, in 1984 there were 17,000,000 shelter animals dying in this country. Today that number hovers around 400,000. Yes, that is a marked difference. But, as far as I am concerned, there are still far too many innocent lives being euthanized for the most absurd reasons known to humankind.

Think about this: in major urban metro areas, in one of the largest countries on Earth, dogs and cats are being euthanized for space. SPACE. If that doesn’t make a dent in your soul, I don’t know what will. Especially when you consider that the United States is largely considered to be the wealthiest, overall, on the planet. Our priorities are completely backward.

Here is another crime we are guilty of: animals are viewed as property. Okay, now in the 1970’s and 1980’s, I could understand this still being the situation. But in 2025 when the majority of pet parents refer to their pets as part of the family? How has the law not caught up? How are animals still being treated like an accessory or a car? Shouldn’t that be a crime?

More importantly, how are internet and backyard breeders still even allowed to function legally? Think about this: if you had a human breeding operation in Small Town USA, don’t you think the riots would be of record proportion? The most basic definition of a sentient being is that of one who is self-aware. Dogs and cats clearly show emotion. They show self-awareness. So how are they still property? Is that not a form of slavery? In the United States, dogs and cats are not part of the food chain, so please don’t start talking at me about farm animals which have fed our population since 1776. It is illegal in this country to treat dogs and cats as food. But we are allowed to treat them like a Chevy just purchased off dealership lot. How does that make sense?

The one thing I don’t understand right now, especially in light of what I have said above is how Hollywood hasn’t pushed for more. It seems in recent years, studios and networks are actually doing nothing to help. When I was a child, Bob Barker always closed out The Price is Right with “Remember to neuter and spay your pet.” We had re-runs of Lassie. Dogs and cats littered pop culture across the board. Hell, even the brilliant Brent Spiner’s android character on Star Trek: The Next Generation, Data, had a cat named Spot. Granted Tim Gunn has pushed Krypto the dog back into the mix in this summer’s revival of Superman. But that’s it.

Herein lies my point; in 2025 in the United States we owe it to our furrever ones to treat them with more dignity and respect. We owe it to the millions of animals that care for and comfort us when we are sad. We owe it to the nearly 200 million American dogs and cats that bring such joy and happiness to over 66% of this country’s population every day. We need to stop senseless euthanization and illegal breeders right now. And EVERYONE needs to chip in including politicians and celebrities.

THE FINAL WORD:

I am ashamed that animal euthanization takes place in this country. And you should be too. We are far better than this. And in the spirit of the holiest time of year, please help by making a commitment to do better. I wish all of you a Happy Easter, Happy Passover, or, for those who do not celebrate, peace and good health in life.