UNLEASHED (at work & home) with Colleen Pelar

160. Lili Chin

Lili Chin didn’t set out to be an animal artist—she set out to be an animator. But a crisis with her own dog drew her into the world of dog training and animal behavior. From there, one thing led to another and suddenly she found that she was the “go to” person for illustrations of animal body language.

Now, her adorable drawings can be found in books, posters, and brochures, helping people understand what their pets are telling them. 

One thing she always strives for in her illustrations is simplicity- creating images that are clear, accessible, and easy to understand. Tune in today to hear about Lili’s journey from animator to animal artist, and what she’s learned along the way about animals, herself, and the importance of keeping things simple.

https://colleenpelar.com/160

159. Karen London, PhD, CAAB, CPDT-KA

“Have fun!” These are words we say fairly often, especially to kids. But do we ever say it to ourselves? Do we ever give ourselves permission to “have fun?” And as we get older and assume more responsibilities, what does it even mean to “have fun?” Do we even remember how? Not to mention, who will take care of all the Stuff That Needs Doing if we leave to “have fun?”

My guest today is well aware of all the problems that need to be solved and things that need to be dealt with. And for her, that makes it all the more important to give ourselves time to have fun and enjoy life. Animal behaviorist Dr. Karen London joined me today to chat about the importance of having fun, combatting compassion fatigue, and the strange ways of social insects. Don’t miss it!

Full show notes at https://colleenpelar.com/159

158. Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB

It’s never too late for old dogs—or humans—to learn new tricks. At 77, animal behaviorist and best-selling non-fiction author Patricia McConnell, PhD, CAAB, has shifted gears and is now publishing her first-ever novel. A murder mystery set amid the world of competitive sheepdog trials, Away to Me features plenty of suspense but rest assured—all the dogs make it out safely!

Patricia came on the show to chat with me about her book, the art of storytelling, and making the most of our "one wild and precious” life. 

https://colleenpelar.com/158

157. Tara Moser, LCSW, RPT-S, CAAIS

The benefits of play therapy and animal-assisted therapy are both well established. Engaging in play and spending time with or learning to care for animals can be valuable interventions for children and adults alike. It makes sense, then, that combining these two approaches can be doubly magical.

This is exactly what my guest today discovered—entirely by accident—twenty years ago. In the two decades since, Tara Moser has combined her love of animals with her work as a play therapist to help children struggling with a variety of issues. She joined me today to talk about how she stumbled into animal play therapy, how kids make great dog trainers, and the importance of play for all of us.

Show notes and transcript at https://colleenpelar.com/157

156. Ann Howie, ACSW, CCA, CCFT

Psychotherapist and dog professional Ann Howie built her professional life around doing animal-assisted therapy with her own dogs. Then for years, none of her dogs wanted to do that work. She had to adjust her entire vision around what was actually true.

We explore the difference between listening to yourself and actually following through—two separate permissions. Ann shares her wisdom about shifting loads rather than just carrying them, about mental nutrition mattering as much as physical nutrition, and about the delicate balance she calls "the selfishness versus self-care conundrum."

https://colleenpelar.com/156

155. Ellen Yoakum, KPA-CTP, SAPBC

My guest today always thought she’d be a teacher when she grew up- and in a way she is, but not how she thought! Instead of teaching children, Ellen Yoakum trains dogs and mentors dog trainers in her work with Pet Harmony Training. She joined me today to discuss how self-knowledge makes her a better behaviorist, the importance of knowing and understanding systems, and remembering that the answer to your problem might be something you already know. Come join us!

https://colleenpelar.com/155

154. Melissa Trevathan-Minnis, PhD

Dr. Melissa Trevatan-Minnis is not a pet professional, at least not in the way we traditionally think of them. However, as both a psychologist and a shelter volunteer, she’s familiar with the burnout and mental health strain common among those who work with animals. Now, she’s on a mission to change that through a new research program specifically designed to provide pet professionals with support, guidance, and counseling. Tune in to hear about the amazing work she’s doing and how you can get involved.

https://colleenpelar.com/154

Click here to learn more about the free support groups.

153. Francine Coughlin, CDBC, CPDT-KA

"Don't give up." It's advice we hear all the time, seemingly from everybody, about everything. We hear it so often that it can cease to have any real meaning, and become just a kind of feel-good motivational poster quote that we repeat without thinking. It’s something that’s easy to say and to tell ourselves, but that becomes a lot harder when you actually stop to think about what it means and try to put it into practice.

My guest today, however, knows all about not giving up- both how hard it can be and what rewards it can bring. Dog behavior consultant Francine Coughlin has persevered through multiple careers, cancer, and mental health struggles without ever giving up. Now she runs a dog rescue and training business, dedicated to helping others not give up—on themselves or on their dogs. Join us today for a conversation about determination, dog training, and Pirates of the Caribbean.

https://colleenpelar.com/153

152. Heide Maglott

We often hear that life is short, but dog trainer Heide Maglott knows from personal experience just how true that is, and just how quickly things can get turned upside down. After losing both her husband and her best friend in the span of just five years, she responded by embracing her single life, spending time with her animals, and building up her training business.

She came on the show today to discuss her childhood desire to be a dog trainer, the twists and turns that eventually brought her there, the importance of self-trust, and starting life over in an RV.

https://colleenpelar.com/152

151. Jeni Grant, CPDT-KA

 “It’s not about you!”

So often, we hear those words used as a rebuke or as something said sharply to snap us out of a fit of self-centeredness. Certainly, most of us don’t necessarily like being reminded that it’s not about us…but what if, instead of making us feel bad or ashamed of our selfishness, those words could be liberating? What if the realization that it is not about us actually made us freer to live our lives?

My guest today believes that it is not, in fact, about her. Jeni Grant has been training dogs for over two decades and in that time she has definitely learned that most things aren’t about her—and that’s a good thing! She joined me today to talk about what that means to her, the importance of self-care, what good support for pet professionals would look like, and the difficulties of being a beginner. 

https://colleenpelar.com/151