In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Jill Nelson, pet care entrepreneur, systems strategist, and founder of WunderPetz. As the Director of Operations at Hot Diggity Pet Care, Jill shares her unexpected journey from business coaching to running and scaling a multi-location dog walking and pet sitting franchise.

Jill opens up about acquiring her first Hot Diggity location, surviving COVID-era challenges, and how she used downtime to build out robust systems and SOPs that became the foundation for franchising. From leash handling and emergency protocols to building client trust and training staff, Jill's work proves that pet care is both a heart-driven service and a smart, scalable business.

This episode also explores the emotional side of the industry—from long-term client bonds to the heartbreak and honor of end-of-life care. And yes, Jill’s senior pup Lucky gets some love too, with Rooted Owl supplements and CBD oils sent his way for comfort and joint support.

When Business Strategy Meets Pet Passion:

Jill shares how her coaching background helped her transition into pet care entrepreneurship with the tools to build, streamline, and eventually scale.

Caring for Pets in a Virtual-First World:

Explore how Hot Diggity operates fully in-home and tech-enabled, with safety, communication, and client trust at the forefront.

Scaling with Systems, Not Stress:

Jill explains how proper documentation, clear workflows, and strong hiring values made franchising not only possible, but sustainable.

The Emotional Realities of Pet Care Work:

From walking reactive dogs to sitting with aging pets in their final days, Jill gets real about the depth of connection—and emotional labor—behind professional pet sitting.

Safety is Sacred:

Hiring for values, handling dogs safely on leash, and building emergency protocols are just some of the topics Jill and Jeffrey unpack to show the serious side of daily walks.

Rooted Owl Support in Action:

Jeffrey introduces Rooted Owl supplements and CBD to help Jill’s dog Lucky manage aging and joint issues—with positive, calming results.

✅ Pet care is a real profession—and deserves real systems

✅ Safety, values, and compassion are the cornerstones of great service

✅ Long-term pet care means deep bonds—and deep responsibility

✅ Thoughtful franchising can help scale ethical, high-touch care

✅ Holistic supplements and calming tools like CBD can enhance quality of life for aging pets

Listen Now:

Whether you’re in the pet industry or just love a great founder story, Jill’s journey is a masterclass in scaling with heart. From system-building to soul-serving, this episode will leave you inspired.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with Jill Nelson & Wunder Petz:

• Profile: wunderpetz.com
• Jill’s Profile linkedin.com/in/jilllnelsonwunderpetz
• Website HotDiggitypetsitting.com (Company)

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In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Ryan Wimpey, master dog trainer and founder of Tip Top K9. Together, they explore the emotional and behavioral transformation of rescue dogs—from traumatized, reactive animals to trusting, well-balanced companions. Ryan shares hard-earned wisdom from years in the field, including one unforgettable case of a feral dog named Frazee who went from street survival to sleeping on a child’s bed.

Throughout the episode, Ryan emphasizes the deep emotional intelligence of dogs, their ability to sense everything from human pregnancy to danger, and the importance of structured training to bring out their best selves. From the proper use of e-collars to the critical role of empathy in dog rehabilitation, this conversation offers a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of behavioral work in rescue dogs.

You’ll also hear how CBD oil helped one highly anxious dog tolerate grooming and avoid sedation—an approach that can offer breakthroughs for both trainers and pet parents. Whether you're working with a difficult rescue or just want to understand your dog more deeply, this episode is filled with insight, science, and heart.

Why Love Isn’t Enough (But It’s Where You Start): Ryan explains how many well-meaning adopters struggle because love alone can't undo trauma—consistent structure and communication are key to helping dogs heal.

The Science Behind E-Collars (When Used Right): Learn how Ryan uses e-collars not for punishment, but as a clear, humane way to communicate with dogs at a distance—and why timing and tone matter most.

Understanding a Dog's Emotional Blueprint: Rescue dogs often carry trauma from neglect, fighting, or abandonment. Ryan shares how to read behavior cues and earn a dog’s trust over time.

The Hidden Gifts of Reactive Dogs: Some of the most challenging dogs become the most loyal and sensitive companions. Ryan recounts powerful stories of dogs who went from aggressive to affectionate.

CBD as a Training Ally: Hear how Rooted Owl’s CBD oil helped calm an anxious dog enough to be groomed—without sedation. Ryan and Jeff break down when and how to use it for best results.

Why Structure Sets Dogs Free: Dogs thrive with boundaries. Ryan unpacks how consistent routines, leash work, and crate training create the safety dogs need to succeed in the human world.

When Rescues Go Wrong (and How to Turn Them Around): From failed adoptions to desperate last-chance calls, Ryan shares what it takes to transform a dog no one else can handle.

Behavior is Information, Not Defiance: Ryan urges owners to reframe "bad behavior" as communication—highlighting how listening and adjusting training approaches can unlock a breakthrough.

Dogs Who Save Lives—Literally: Whether it’s alerting to pregnancy, danger, or emotional distress, Ryan shares jaw-dropping stories of dogs acting as protectors and emotional mirrors for their humans.

The Journey Is the Reward: Transforming a rescue dog isn’t quick—but the trust and loyalty you build is worth every challenge. This episode is a love letter to resilience, both human and canine.

✅ Rescue dogs need structure, not just affection

✅ E-collars can be humane, effective tools when used properly

✅ CBD oil can ease anxiety and support behavioral success

✅ Training is about communication, not control

✅ Every dog has the potential to heal and thrive with the right approach

Listen Now:

If you want to go beyond training and truly understand your dog—emotionally, physically, and energetically—this...

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with David Merrick, wellness strategist, behavioral researcher, and passionate advocate for senior dogs. Together, they dive into the science of aging canine brains, the misunderstood link between weight and behavior, and how targeted nutritional support can unlock a new quality of life for older pets.

With a background that spans military service and functional health research, David shares his journey into pet wellness and explains how supplements like MCT oil, functional mushrooms, turmeric, and joint support blends are helping dogs stay sharper, longer. The episode blends personal stories, evidence-based advice, and a heartfelt mission to help senior pets age with dignity.

From epilepsy management to the power of smell in memory recall, David makes complex science accessible and inspiring—while giving listeners practical tools to support their furry family members.

What is Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CDS)? David unpacks this doggy version of Alzheimer’s—how to recognize it, why it’s often misdiagnosed, and what pet parents can do.

The Power of MCTs for the Aging Brain: Learn how medium-chain triglycerides offer a clean fuel source for older dogs’ brains—and how the right blend can improve energy, memory, and behavior.

Why Weight Isn’t Just About Diet: Discover the overlooked connections between obesity, inflammation, anxiety, and aging—and how simple shifts in nutrition and lifestyle make a difference.

Functional Ingredients That Matter: From turmeric to reishi, David explains how anti-inflammatory compounds and medicinal mushrooms are improving quality of life in aging pets.

The Human-Animal Epilepsy Connection: Hear David’s personal story of epilepsy and how both human and canine treatments—like Epidiolex and CBD—are reshaping seizure management.

From Lab to Living Room: David talks about how formulations like ToeGrips MCT blend were designed by vets, tested by real dogs, and tailored for aging pets with cognitive or mobility issues.

✅ Senior dogs can thrive with the right nutritional support

✅ CDS is more common than you think—and it’s treatable

✅ Weight gain may be a symptom, not the cause

✅ Functional ingredients like mushrooms and turmeric have real clinical benefits

✅ Targeted supplementation can improve quality of life—for both pets and their people

Listen Now:

If you want to go beyond training and truly understand your dog—emotionally, physically, and energetically—this episode is essential. Elizabeth Ann Johnson’s approach offers a revolutionary way to build healthier, longer-lasting connections with your furry companions.

Spotify | Apple Podcasts

Connect with David Merrick:

• 🔗 LinkedIn:linkedin.com/in/david-merrick-994a144
• 🔗 Email: dmerrick@merrickwellness.com

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