Health Power: The OG Health Podcast & Dog-Eared Podcast

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Lisa is joined by Carmen Leal the author of I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans.

Lisa starts the interview by sharing something her dogs do and asks if your dog or dogs do it too. She also asks Carmen the same first question she always asks which is, "When did you love of dogs begin?"

Carmen came to dogs in a unique way. After a horrible accident, her doctor recommended an emotional support dog which she said no to multiple times. Eventually she changed her mind and not only did she get a dog, she did work for a shelter and has helped thousands of dogs find homes.

Carmen's book is an anthology so not only does she share her own stories, there are others as well who share stories about their dogs.

For more details, see the transcript. 
Book description: I Chose You: Imperfectly Perfect Rescue Dogs and Their Humans. 

For every pet parent who knows there's no such thing as 'just a dog,' this collection of uplifting glimpses into the lives of ordinary-turned-extraordinary dogs and the people who love them is a tail-wagging good read.

Thanks to the rescue dog who saved her life after a traumatic brain injury, Carmen Leal went from saying she'd never have a dog to becoming an advocate for man's best friend. Carmen volunteered at the local rescue shelter by writing bios and social media posts, applying for grants, and helping to save and re-home over 6,500 dogs from a high-kill shelter. This endearing anthology includes stories that celebrate the bond between canines and humans including:

Buddy the beagle who went from living chained under a porch to becoming the town's only therapy dog
Heavenly Joy, the frightened Chihuahua who changed the life of a grumpy old man
Bogey, an abandoned mixed-breed trained by prison inmates and adopted by his forever family

I Chose You is a collection of memorable, beautifully written stories of dogs rescued by people and, ultimately, people rescued by dogs. If you like four-legged friends and happy endings, you'll love Carmen Leal's touching collection of heart-warming stories.

Fetch a copy of I Chose You, the feel-good book that resonates with anyone who has ever loved a dog.

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Could you go vegan for one month?Many people make the choice to go vegan or vegetarian for their health, but some individuals also make that decision based on a love for animals or to help protect the planet. 

Launched in the UK in January 2014, Veganuary (pronounced vee-gan-uary) is a global campaign that encourages people to try vegan for January. 

Veganuary aims to reduce the suffering of animals by inspiring and supporting people across the globe to go vegan.

As a non-profit organization, Veganuary is dedicated to changing public attitudes, while providing all the information and practical support required to make the transition to veganism as easy and enjoyable as possible. Veganuary has had an incredible degree of success in a very short time and is changing lives all over the world.

Clea Grady is Veganuary’s Marketing Manager. A vegetarian since the age of 12, she became a vegan after participating in Veganuary. Describing herself as “an unconscious vegetarian, but a very conscious vegan,” Clea is passionate about sharing information and ideas, and inspiring others to take part in Veganuary.

Clea joins Andrea and Lisa to share more about the organization, as well as how you can get involved.

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Summary

Elanco Animal Health launched a national campaign to spread awareness about the start of the deadly season for canine parvovirus, one of the most contagious and deadly dog viruses. Dr. Jen Miller explains that parvovirus primarily affects young puppies that are either not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series. The virus is spread through contaminated feces and can live in the environment for a long time. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool, and if left untreated, the death rate can be as high as 91%. Elanco's Parvo is Poop campaign aims to increase awareness about parvovirus and provide resources for pet owners to find vets and treatment options.

Keywordscanine parvovirus, dog virus, deadly virus, contagious, puppies, vaccination, symptoms, treatment, awareness campaign

Takeaways
Canine parvovirus primarily affects young puppies that are not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series.
The virus is spread through contaminated feces and can live in the environment for a long time.
Symptoms of parvovirus include vomiting, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.
Early intervention and treatment are crucial for a better outcome.
Elanco's Parvo is Poop campaign aims to increase awareness about parvovirus and provide resources for pet owners.

Sound Bites
"Canine parvovirus, one of the most contagious and deadly dog viruses"
"Parvovirus primarily affects young puppies that are either not vaccinated or not completely through their vaccine series"
"Parvovirus is spread from contaminated feces or poop"

Chapters00:00Introduction and the Start of the Parvovirus Season
08:24The Parvo is Poop Campaign
15:53Elanco's Mission to Save Puppies from Parvovirus

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While some individuals can follow through with New Year's resolutions, research shows that certain people are more susceptible to failure.The new year is a time when many people make promises to "do better" or "work harder."

While some individuals can follow through with these resolutions, research shows that certain people are more susceptible to failure. For instance, people who don't like exercising or eating healthy and who may be in recovery from an addiction will fall off the wagon when they've had a close encounter with someone who gives them grief. 

Mark Goulston, MD, author of Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life, says there are ways to combat both the negative people and the tendency to fail.

It's a very simple plan. Take a sheet of paper and put a line down the middle. On the left side, list the people who drain the life out of you. On the right side, list all the people who give you energy. Then, make a commitment for 30 days (and eventually for a lifetime) to minimize your exposure to the people on the left and maximize the time you spend with the people on the right. 

A key part of the success of this plan is to thank the people on the right. 

Dr. Goulston explains the three parts of a "power thank you." When you contact the recipient, take these steps:
"You did this for me." (be specific)
"You went out of your way."
Explain what it personally means to you. 

Listen in as Dr. Goulston shares more ideas for keeping those resolutions and minimizing the negative people in your life.

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Have you ever wondered if your pet is trying to teach you something about love and healing?
Many people adopt pets hoping for companionship and love, but sometimes, those pets come with unexpected challenges. This episode delves into a story about a dog with severe anxiety and the profound impact she has on her owner's journey of self-discovery.
In this episode, you'll discover: 
How a challenging pet relationship can lead to unexpected personal growth and healing.
Learn about the lengths one person will go to for their beloved animal, from unconventional treatments to emotional exploration.
Explore the powerful lessons of selflessness and unconditional love that can be found in the bond between humans and their pets.
Press play to hear a heartwarming story of how a golden retriever named Edie helped her owner, Meredith, open her heart and heal her past.