Welcome back to Your Family...Tarantula? That's right- in today's Very Unusual Episode, we're joined by Shamekia Wray, a former arachnophobe who now shares her home with 50+ pet spiders (and some bearded dragons as well). Most of us feel a definite sense of ick when confronted with an eight-legged creepy crawly, but these low-maintenance (and suprisingly colorful!) animals can actually make ideal pets, particularly for kids who want an animal companion but aren't ready for the intensity of a dog. Tune in to learn about Shamekia's journey from arachnophobe to arachnofiend and find out how much there is to appreciate about these leggy little beasts.

For show notes and more (including our new merch!) please go to Your Family Dog.

As much as we might wish differently, we all know that our dogs, no matter how much we love them, can't live forever. But that doesn't mean we can't help them live as long as possible. When it comes to helping your dog live the longest, healthiest life they can, preventative care is a huge part of the equation- but one that's often overlooked in the world of mainstream veterinary medicine. Now, one company is out to change that. Perpetual offers a simple, innovative way to monitor your dog's health- one that relies on regular, thorough testing to determine where your pup is healthy and where they need some help, so that you can detect problems early, or even prevent them in the first place. The founder of Perpetual, health coach John Crissy, joined the podcast today to talk about his company, the issues currently facing veterinary medicine, and how he hopes Perpetual can change that.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

It may sound like something out of science fiction, but laser therapy is a very real way to ease aches and pains and speed up healing from wounds and surgery. It isn't just for human either- as you've probably guessed by now, cold laser therapy can also work wonders for your dog. Today, registered vet technician and cold laser therapist Nancy Clark joins the show to talk about her work and the benefits of laser therapy for our furry friends.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

We talk a lot about "ethical breeding" on Your Family Dog, but what does that actually mean and what does it look like in practice? Here today to give us a look behind the curtain is mini golden retriever breeder Heather Gibson. Tune in to learn firsthand about ethical breeding practices, choosing a breeder, and the differences between cat and dog breeding (Heather's done both!).

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

In past episodes, dog trainer Aishlyn Garcia has shared her journey learning to manage dogs and babies simultaneously. Now she's back with a new addition to the family- a Belgian Malinois, a breed that often comes with a stigma attached. Join us today as she shares the ups and downs of living with a high-drive dog while also parenting a toddler and running a business.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

There's been plenty of talk recently about the possible health benefits and therapeutic uses of hemp and mushrooms for people- but did you know that these alternative treatments could also benefit your dog? Holistic wellness advocate Angela Ardonlino's three favorite things are "hemp, mushrooms, and dogs," and she came on the podcast today to talk about all of those. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about the surprising ways these unconventional medicines can benefit your pup.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.

There are subscription boxes for kids. There are subscription boxes for dogs. But there isn't a subscription box for kids *and* dogs- or at least, there hasn't been until now! Brian Manni is the founder and CEO of Pup O'Clock, a subscription box aimed at helping kids care for and develop a relationship with their dogs. With trading cards, activities, toys, and recipes, the boxes are designed to bring enrichment to both two- and four-legged children. Brian came on the show today to share the inspiration behind his company and how each box gives back to the community.

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog. To check out the Pup O'Clock box, click here. Don't forget to use code YOURFAMILYDOGPOD10 at checkout to save 10% every month!

It's okay to be okay! In fact, our guest today takes pride in it. Melissa McCue-McGrath is the self-proclaimed "World's Okayest Dog Trainer," who went from alpha-rolling retired sled dogs in her backyard to using positive reinforcement techniques to help improve family-dog dynamics. Join us today for a definitely more-than-okay conversation about kids, dogs, body language, and everything in between!

For show notes and more, please go to Your Family Dog.