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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Share this episode and help more pet owners connect with and care for their animals in the most natural, intuitive way possible.

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Jessica Almquist veterinary nurse, wellness advocate, and founder of The Cosmic Barbie. Together, they explore the hidden emotional toll of veterinary work and how one woman’s path through burnout, grief, and loss led her to a new calling grounded in spirituality and healing.

Jessica opens up about her personal experience in the veterinary field, where compassion fatigue, overwork, and the emotional weight of patient loss began to take a toll. Through that pain, she found a lifeline in yoga, astrology, tarot, and deep inner work—tools that not only helped her heal but now serve as the foundation of her new path supporting both pets and people.

From confronting toxic clinic culture to finding peace through the stars, this conversation dives into what it means to rediscover purpose when you’re no longer willing to sacrifice your soul for your job.

The Hidden Burnout Epidemic in Veterinary Care: Jessica reveals the emotional weight that many veterinary professionals carry in silence—and how the pressure to perform often comes at the cost of mental health and fulfillment.

Grieving in a High-Stakes Profession: Jessica shares how losing patients and experiencing personal grief became a turning point—and how the industry often lacks the emotional infrastructure to support that pain.

The Spiritual Tools That Helped Her Heal: From astrology to tarot to yoga, Jessica explains how she built a new wellness practice rooted in self-trust, intuition, and a connection to something larger than herself.

How The Cosmic Barbie Was Born: What started as a personal healing journey became a brand and community—where Jessica now offers spiritual guidance, cosmic insights, and soulful support.

Reading Energy for Pets and Their People: Jessica talks about the possibility of connecting to animals on an energetic level—and how metaphysical practices can complement clinical care.

The Rise of Integrative Pet Care: Jessica speaks on the generational shift she’s witnessing in animal wellness, where younger practitioners are embracing both science and soul.

✅ Burnout is real—and we need better support systems in vet care

✅ Grief can be a gateway to growth and reinvention

✅ Spiritual tools can offer real healing alongside clinical care

✅ Pets are deeply intuitive beings—and they benefit when their humans are well

✅ The future of animal care includes heart, healing, and holistic wisdom

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

• Website:thecosmicbarbie.com
• LinkedIn: Jessica Olmquist

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Share this episode and help more pet owners connect with and care for their animals in the most natural, intuitive way possible.

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Pennye Jones Napier—holistic pet health coach and co-founder of The Big Bad Wolf, a trusted raw and lightly cooked pet food supplier in Washington, D.C. Together, they explore how nutrition is directly tied to pet health, longevity, and even behavior—and why so many pet owners are rethinking kibble.

Penny shares the powerful origin story behind launching The Big Bad Wolf and how her own pets’ health challenges inspired a mission to educate pet parents. She explains why recalls are far more common in processed dry food, and how raw diets, when done right, can provide the biological and nutritional foundation pets need to thrive.

From the truth about taurine and grain-free formulas to how multinational corporations are changing the pet food industry behind the scenes, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about helping their pets live longer, healthier lives.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

Why Raw and Lightly Cooked Diets Matter: Penny breaks down the biological and nutritional reasons why raw and gently cooked food can support digestion, immunity, and joint health—especially in aging or sensitive pets.

The Kibble Recall Crisis: Learn why kibble recalls are so frequent and how manufacturing shortcuts, heat processing, and poor sourcing impact the quality and safety of pet food.

Behind the Label: Penny discusses how once-premium brands are being acquired by major corporations—and what that means for ingredient quality, sourcing, and transparency.

What’s Really Causing DCM (It’s Not Just Grain-Free): Get clarity on the taurine debate, the truth about legumes in pet food, and how to choose a heart-smart diet that supports long-term wellness.

Personalized Feeding for Every Dog: Understand why there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to feeding—and how pet owners can observe, adjust, and improve their pet’s diet with simple changes.

When the Diet IS the Medicine: Hear how switching to raw diets has helped pets with allergies, skin conditions, chronic ear infections, and even behavioral issues.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Not all pet foods are created equal—watch who owns the brand

✅ Raw and lightly cooked diets can offer major health benefits

✅ Recalls are common with kibble—education is key

✅ Reading ingredient labels isn't enough—learn the sourcing story

✅ Tailored nutrition can help pets live longer, healthier lives

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 Pennye Jones Napier:

🔗 The Big Bad Wolf: bbwoofinc.com, thebigbadwoof.com (Company) triratna.com (Company)

🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pennyejn

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Share this episode and help more pet owners connect with and care for their animals in the most natural, intuitive way possible.

In this episode of Rooted Tales by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Mickey McDermott—Director of Content and Research at Nurture, and Head of Content and Engagement Strategy at Circa Healthcare. Together, they explore how communication training is transforming veterinary care from the inside out.

Through avatar-based simulation tools and immersive team experiences developed with DialogueTrainer and Saint Anna Advice, Mickey reveals how communication is not just a soft skill—but a clinical necessity that deeply affects pet outcomes, client trust, and veterinary team well-being.

From preventing burnout and miscommunication to building safer, more empathetic veterinary workplaces, this conversation dives into the emotional engine that drives every exam room interaction.

Why Communication is a Clinical Skill:

Mickey explains how even the most skilled clinicians can struggle without emotional safety or communication training—and how this gap affects diagnosis, treatment compliance, and client experience.

Understanding the “Second Patient”:

Veterinary teams don’t just treat pets—they support grieving, stressed, or overwhelmed humans. Learn how better dialogue leads to better outcomes on both sides of the exam table.

Preventing Burnout through Better Talk:

Explore how emotionally intelligent communication helps reduce team fatigue, foster psychological safety, and create healthier clinic culture.

Avatar-Based Training That Works:

Mickey walks us through how his team is using AI-powered, role-play simulations to help vet teams handle sensitive conversations with confidence and compassion.

Empathy as a Team Sport:

Discover how improving communication isn’t just about the doctor—it includes receptionists, vet techs, and managers. Everyone plays a role in setting the tone.

Culture Shifts That Stick:

Mickey shares examples of clinics that moved from high turnover to high trust—and how a shift in how people talk can transform how they work.

✅ Communication isn’t optional in clinical care—it’s foundational

✅ Pet owners are emotionally vulnerable clients who need clarity, not confusion

✅ Miscommunication leads to burnout, mistakes, and client mistrust

✅ Empathy and team cohesion can be trained—not just hoped for

✅ Clinics thrive when communication is prioritized, practiced, and made safe

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

🔗 Learn more at Circa Healthcare

🔗 Visit Nurture Veterinary Solutions

🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: Mickey McDermott

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Share this episode and help more pet owners connect with and care for their animals in the most natural, intuitive way possible.

In this episode of Rooted Tails by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with dog trainer, rescue advocate, and mom, Colleen Steckloff an International Dog Behaviorist, for a raw and revealing conversation about what truly makes a dog and a human ready for rescue life.

From chaotic film sets to quiet family mornings, Colleen shares the unforgettable story of Buckley, her “soul dog” who transformed her career, reshaped her understanding of trust and training, and taught her what dogs—and people—really need to thrive.

Whether you’re deep in rescue work or just dreaming of a calmer home with your pet, this episode is full of hard-won wisdom, hilarious moments, and tender insights.

Trust Over Training: Learn how Buckley, a last-minute rescue, outshone trained dogs on a commercial set—not because of commands, but because of his deep bond with Colleen.

The Shift to Sustainable Rescue: Colleen opens up about the emotional burnout of constant rescues, and why she started prioritizing lifestyle-aligned dogs over adrenaline-fueled cases.

Motherhood Changes Everything: Discover how having a child changed Colleen’s outlook on the types of dogs she brings into her home—and why that shift matters for every pet parent.

Not Every Dog is “The One”: Why “soul dogs” like Buckley are rare—and how letting go of that myth helped Colleen find joy in simpler, lower-drama relationships with dogs like Dan.

Family Compatibility Matters: Honest talk about what kind of dog actually fits into a busy household—and how choosing well can bring peace to both pets and people.

When Rescue Hurts More Than It Helps: Colleen shares how well-meaning rescue decisions affected her daughter’s emotional wellbeing, and what she’d do differently now.

✅ A dog’s potential blooms when built on trust—not just obedience

✅ Adopting the “right fit” matters more than rescuing for the wrong reasons

✅ Children in rescue households need emotional support too

✅ Calm, compatible dogs can bring more joy than chaos-fueled hero stories

✅ Saying no to certain dogs is an act of love—for them and for your family

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 Elizabeth Ann Johnson:

• Learn more at LAk9s.com
• Connect with Colleen on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/colleen-steckloff-8012b146

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Share this episode and help more pet owners connect with and care for their animals in the most natural, intuitive way possible.

In this episode of Rooted Tails by Rooted Owl, host Jeffrey Mendelson sits down with Elizabeth Ann Johnson—holistic animal healer, wildlife biologist, and author of Know Your Dog’s True Nature. They explore how the ancient Five Element theory from Traditional Chinese Medicine can help pet owners understand their dog’s personality, health imbalances, and healing needs on a much deeper level.

From emotional healing and preventative care to how nature-based approaches can transform your pet’s wellbeing, Elizabeth brings decades of experience and heartfelt stories to this insightful conversation.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

• What the Five Elements Say About Your Dog: Discover how the Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water elements explain your dog’s core personality and health tendencies—and how this knowledge can guide both care and training.
• Holistic Healing Explained: Elizabeth breaks down what it truly means to be a holistic healer and why animals respond more effectively to nature-centered treatments than humans often do.
• The Emotional-Physical Connection: Learn why behavior issues are often rooted in physical imbalances, and how understanding your dog’s element can prevent and correct long-term health problems.
• How the Five Elements Help Humans Too: Elizabeth shares how identifying your pet’s element not only improves pet-parent relationships but also helps us better understand ourselves and those around us.
• Practical Tools for Every Element: From anxiety in Fire dogs to weight gain in Earth dogs, Elizabeth offers personalized wellness insights—and shows how Rooted Owl’s supplements pair perfectly with each dog’s energetic profile.
• The Heart of Rescue Work: Elizabeth shares her mission to help rescue organizations match dogs and families more intentionally using elemental typing—reducing rehoming rates and improving adoption success.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Every dog has a core personality tied to one of the Five Elements

✅ Imbalance in organs and emotions often leads to behavior issues

✅ Early intervention using holistic tools leads to better outcomes

✅ Your dog’s element can reveal how to best care for and connect with them

✅ The Five Element framework helps humans build deeper relationships—with pets and people alike

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 Elizabeth Ann Johnson:

• Learn more at https://www.elizabethannejohnson.com/
• Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/4leggedwellness/

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Share this episode and help more pet owners connect with and care for their animals in the most natural, intuitive way possible.