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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:

1. "You did this for me." (be specific)
2. "You went out of your way."
3. 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.

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Instead of resolutions this year, perhaps you can take a hard look at some of your lifestyle choices.Immediately after the clock strikes midnight on January 1, many people are geared up for their New Year's resolutions.

It's evidenced mostly at your now-busy gym. If you're a regular gym-goer, have no fear... it's predicted to be back to "normal" as soon as January 17.

Why do so many people fail at resolutions?

For one, resolutions present a great deal of pressure. If you're not ready to actually make adjustments in your life, you're not going to change.

If you're resistant to change, you need to discover why you're experiencing that resistance. Are others sabotaging your health goals? Are you fearful of change? Are your goals just a bit too lofty?

Instead of resolutions this year, perhaps you can take a hard look at some of your lifestyle choices. You don't have to wait for January 1 to start, either. You can take note of certain behaviors at any time, and then make the decision to work on them.

Listen in as Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea Donsky and Lisa Davis present some tips for making better lifestyle choices this year and beyond.

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A regular listener Ray brought to my attention that Cara's sound was much lower than mine. I have no idea how that happened. I put together every show and I must have hit something just before bouncing the file. Anyway, I evened out the sound and it's a MUST LISTEN. Cara is phenomenal and so is her book!

Lisa is joined by Cara Sue Achterberg who talks with Lisa about her book, "Another Good Dog: Our Family and Fifty Foster Dogs."

Cara shares her experience fostering fifty dogs and in this interview you will get to hear about quite a few of them. In addition Cara's book and this interview touches on mothering older children who don't need you quite as much and the challenges that comes with that.

Cara Achterberg is the author of seven books, a creative writing teacher, and a shelter dog advocate. Her memoir, Another Good Dog: One Family and Fifty Foster Dogs was a People magazine ‘people’s pick’ and featured on the Hallmark Channel’s Home & Family Show. Her book, One Hundred Dogs & Counting: One Woman, Ten Thousand Miles, and a Journey Into the Heart of Shelters and Rescues led to Cara cofound Who Will Let the Dogs Out, a nonprofit initiative to raise awareness and resources for shelter dogs. Cara lives in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia with her husband, three rescue dogs, and a rotating cast of foster dogs and cats. For more information visit CaraWrites.com.BOOK DESCRIPTION:

In 2015, Cara Achterberg’s Pennsylvania farm became a haven for Operation Paws for Homes, which rescues dogs from high-kill shelters in the rural south and shuttles them north to foster homes. Nine puppies arrived with less than a day’s notice; a heart-worm positive dog; a deeply traumatized stray pup from Iraq; and countless others who just needed a gentle touch and a warm place to sleep. The stories of these remarkable dogs—including an eighty-pound bloodhound who sang arias for the neighbors—and the joy they bring to Cara and her family (along with a few chewed sofa cushions) fill the pages of this touching and inspiring book.When asked how she can possibly say goodbye to that many lovable pups, Cara says, “If I don’t give this one away, I can’t possibly save another.” Filled with humanity and hope, Another Good Dog will take the reader on a journey of smiles, laughs, and tears—and lead us to wonder how many other good dogs are out there and what we can do to help.

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How can you make the most out of the coming year?With the new year comes exciting possibilities.

How can you make the most out of the coming year?

A big part of that is discovering what you love and how to make more time for that.

Oftentimes, it can be as simple as one word, such as "balance."

Another tactic is to identify your old belief systems and work on changing them.

For example, if you're constantly berating yourself with negative self-talk, try listening to yourself like you are your own best friend.

Would you say to a friend, "You're worthless" or "You can't do anything right"? Not likely. You need to learn how to speak to yourself in a loving way.

Shaman Isabella Stoloff, founder of the Orange County Healing Center in Southern California, joins Naturally Savvy hosts Andrea and Lisa to share more about how you can make the most out of this year, as well as specific ways you can leave the negative behind.