In this deeply meaningful episode, The Amys sit down with Sue Alexander, founder of Losing Lulu, to talk about one of the most painful and misunderstood decisions in companion animal care: behavioral euthanasia.

Together, we explore the emotional weight carried by families and professionals when love isn’t enough to keep everyone safe. Sue shares her behavioral euthanasia stories, and the origin story behind Losing Lulu, how the community has become a lifeline for grieving pet guardians, and why shame and silence so often surround this topic. We discuss the moral injury experienced by veterinarians, trainers, and behavior teams, and how creating space for honest, compassionate dialogue can change outcomes for everyone involved.

We also preview the upcoming Losing Lulu Summit — a gathering dedicated to education, support, and reducing stigma around complex behavioral cases. If you work in veterinary medicine, training, or behavior — or if you’ve ever loved a “complicated” pet — this episode offers validation, nuance, and hope in the midst of heartbreak.

This is a tender, courageous conversation about grief, ethics, responsibility, and the profound love we carry for the animals who challenge and change us 🌈.

Grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

• Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for more information about Losing Lulu and our very special guest, Sue Alexander. Thanks, Sue!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
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Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

Some pets don’t fit neatly into a single diagnosis – and neither do their treatment plans. Join the Amys and their dynamic guests, Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. E’Lise Christensen and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant Ursa Acree, to discuss their innovative Complex Pets Program, which is designed to support animals with interwoven medical and behavioral needs. They discuss what makes a case “complex,” why collaborative care is essential, and how bridging behavior and medicine can change outcomes for pets and their people.

Dr. Christensen and Ursa share how their program creates a structured, compassionate approach for families who may feel overwhelmed, unheard, or stuck. This conversation is a thoughtful look at truly wholistic pet care – where behavior, pain, chronic disease, stress, and environment all matter. And a reminder that even the most complicated cases deserve clarity, teamwork, and hope.

Whether you’re a veterinary professional or a deeply devoted pet parent, this episode offers insight, validation, and practical takeaways for navigating complexity with confidence. It’s time to grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

• Follow Dr. C on Facebook & Instagram
• Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our brilliant guests. Thanks, E’Lise! Thanks, Ursa!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
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Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

Come for the mystery... stay for the buzzzzzz 🥂! And now... the suspenseful conclusion of this two-part series featuring world renowned animal behaviorist and author, Dr. Patricia McConnell.

CHEERS! from your favorite VBees 🐝🐝 and the team at Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast. Thanks for sticking with us! 🍯

• Follow Dr. McConnell on Facebook & Instagram
• Dr. McConnell's website: patriciamcconnell.com
• Away to Me website: patriciamcconnell.com/away-to-me/
• Dr. McConnell's blog: The Other End of The Leash

Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our mysterious guest, Dr. Patricia McConnell. Thanks, Tricia!!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

In this two-part series, the Amys are joined by world renowned animal behaviorist and author, Dr. Patricia McConnell, to discuss her new mystery novel, Away to Me. Known for her decades of work in animal behavior and her gift for storytelling, Dr. McConnell shares how her own love of reading, and her deep understanding of behavior, relationships, and emotional nuance shapes her fiction.

We explore the inspiration behind Away to Me, the themes woven throughout the story, and how her background in behavior influences the way she develops characters—human and animal alike. The conversation also touches on creativity, empathy, and the unexpected ways science and storytelling intersect.

This episode is a thoughtful, engaging departure from the exam room—proof that great stories, like good behavior work, start with curiosity and compassion. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Dr. McConnell or discovering her work for the first time, this is a buzzzzzz-worthy listen.

It’s time to get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

• Follow Dr. McConnell on Facebook & Instagram
• Dr. McConnell's website: patriciamcconnell.com
• Away to Me website: patriciamcconnell.com/away-to-me/
• Dr. McConnell's blog: The Other End of The Leash

Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for additional episode references and more information about our mysterious guest, Dr. Patricia McConnell. Thanks, Tricia!!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

Join The Amys and their extraordinary guest, Lily Hargis, a dog trainer whose work spans both animal behavior consulting and a human medical teaching hospital, where they teach young doctors to lead with empathy in clinical practice.

The skills used to support animals and their caregivers—listening, emotional awareness, clear communication, and compassion—translate directly into human medicine. Discover how Lily’s degree in Theater led them down this uniquely important path.

Is empathy a clinical skill? Or a personality trait? How does empathy play a critical role in patient outcomes, team dynamics, and burnout prevention? Can we learn to lead more effectively, communicate more thoughtfully, and care more deeply—without losing ourselves in the process?

Grab a cocktail and a snuggle buddy, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

• Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our friend and guest, Lily Hargis. Thanks, Lily!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

Step behind the scenes and into the heartbeat of a veterinary clinic. Join the Amys and their guest, Kanada Oliver, Practice Manager of Main Street Veterinary Hospital in Flower Mound, Texas, as they pull back the curtain on everything clients don’t see — from staff management, to emotional support for the team, and the controlled chaos of keeping a hospital running smoothly. Our guest shares candid insights, surprising stories, and practical wisdom about what it really takes to balance patient care, client expectations, and the well-being of a veterinary team.

Whether you're a veterinary professional or a curious pet parent, you'll appreciate the essential, unsung work that keeps a clinic thriving. So grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our special guest, Kanada Oliver. Thanks, Kanada!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

Welcome to the fascinating world of pheromones, where research and innovation have refined our understanding of chemical messaging, and revolutionized its’ impact on pet welfare. Join the Amys and their very special guest, Dr. Beth Strickler, board-certified veterinary behaviorist and proud member of the team at Signs Laboratory, a company pioneering new approaches to pheromone science. Explore the science of pheromones and how they influence emotional states in dogs, cats, and rabbits. And, step behind the scenes for a closer look at the latest biomimetic research supporting the use of these groundbreaking tools in veterinary behavior.

How do pheromone products reduce stress, support training, and improve welfare? What makes Signs Laboratory's approach to veterinary behavior so unique, and what potential does it hold for the future?

Whether you’re a pet parent, veterinary professional, or trainer, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of how olfactory communication can help our best friends adapt and flourish. It’s time to grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

• Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our scent-sational guest, Dr. Beth Strickler. Thanks, Beth!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor

Animal well-being starts with HUMAN well-being. Parenting a reactive dog can be emotionally exhausting — not just for the dog, but for the humans who love and train them. In this episode, The Amys welcome licensed professional counselor and founder of Handlers and Humans, Jess Adam, who specializes in coaching and supporting trainers and guardians of reactive dogs. They discuss the significant stigma and emotional strain guardians often face, and, tools and strategies for promoting self-care while helping reactive dogs thrive.

It’s time to shake off the stigma, grab a cocktail, and get up to speed on the latest buzzzzzz, courtesy of your favorite VBees 🐝🐝, on the latest episode of Behavior Buzzzzzz with 2 Amys veterinary behavior podcast.

• Visit The Honey Pot at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com for episode resources and more information about our gracious guest, Jess Adam. Thanks, Jess!

Bee Positive. Bee Informed.

JOIN US and the HIVE MIND at behaviorbuzzzzzz.com
Facebook behaviorbuzzzzzz
Instagram @behaviorbuzzzzzz

Thank you to our amazing sponsors:
PRN Pharmacal, makers of Reconcile®
Nestlé Purina PetCare, makers of Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Diets & Purina Pro Plan® Veterinary Supplements
Malena DeMartini, Inc. founder, Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) & Mission POSSIBLE
Ceva Animal Health, makers of ThunderEase® & FELIWAY® products

Amy L. Pike, DVM, DACVB, IAABC-CDBC - Co-Host
Amy Learn, VMD, DACVB, IAABC-CABC - Co-Host
Teryn Blais, Executive Producer
John LaSala, Podcast Editor