In celebration of Foster a Pet Month, this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" podcast is part of our "Getting to Know You" series spotlighting the people behind our shows and celebrating the launch of BigBlendMediaHouse.com.

This episode features co-host Angela Laws, Head of Charitable Partnerships and External Engagement at TrustedHousesitters, who shares her inspiring journey through pet sitting, purposeful travel, animal welfare, and community building.

A lifelong animal lover, Angela discusses how pet sitting became a lifestyle that has allowed her to experience cultures around the world while caring for pets and helping pet parents travel with peace of mind.

From meaningful travel experiences and cultural discoveries to charitable work supporting animal rescue and fostering, Angela reflects on the trust, communication, and compassion that connect people through a shared love of animals.

The conversation also explores the benefits of slow travel, the emotional bonds between pets and their people, favorite destinations, life lessons learned through travel, and the importance of supporting animal welfare organizations.

🐾 Learn more about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

🏡 Explore Big Blend Media House: https://bigblendmediahouse.com/

🎧 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

It's a big milestone on this share episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABCs of Horses" Podcast, where producer Lisa D. Smith and world champion horse trainer Christy Wood made it all the way to Z! And Z is for Zoomies, that joyful, full-speed burst of energy every horse owner loves to watch.

Christy breaks down what zoomies really mean, how to tell the difference between a happy horse blowing off steam and a stressed or fearful one, and why your horse needs plenty of safe space to really run, stop, and roll.

She also covers the role of diet and exercise in managing your horse's energy, how to read body language (especially that tail!), and why you should never try to ride out a bucking or rearing horse — let them get it out of their system first. Plus, toys and enrichment: does your horse want a ball to play with?

This wraps up over two years of the "ABCs of Horses" — but don't worry, Lisa and Christy aren't done! Next month, they kick off round two with a special "Get to Know Christy" episode that reflects over all the equestrian lessons learned in the series.

Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, extreme trail obstacle champion, author, instructor, and owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more: https://wdnhorse.com/

🎧 Listen to more episodes: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com

📖 Check out the NEW ABC'S of Horses Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/ABCS-OF-HORSES/

In celebration of National Pet Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” podcast explores the lifesaving work of Helen Sanders Cat Protection & Welfare Society, a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, protecting, and advocating for cats.

Along with producer and host Lisa D. Smith, co-host Angela Laws of TrustedHousesitters.com welcomes special guest Deborah Phelan-Magaldi, co-founder of Helen Sanders CatPAWS for an inspiring conversation about TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return), fostering, rescue partnerships, and community involvement in feline welfare.

The discussion highlights the importance of managing feral and community cat populations through compassionate care, veterinary partnerships, and public education. Deborah also shares the remarkable story of Benny, a rescue cat who overcame trauma and now serves as an ambassador for resilience and healing.

🐾 Learn more about Helen Sanders CatPAWS: https://helensanderscatpaws.com/

🐾 Learn about TrustedHousesitters: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/

🎧 Listen to more “Pet Connection” episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com