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Honest conversations with pet professionals about real life and how to show up for yourself with grace and compassion.
If you worry that you aren't doing enough for the animals and clients you serve—yet what you're already doing feels exhausting and unsustainable—you're not alone. In each episode, I talk with fellow pet professionals about what drew them to this work, what keeps them going, and what drains them. We explore the meaningful words, quotes, or mantras that guide them, and discover what they wish they could magically change for all of us in this field.
These aren't quick-fix solutions or surface-level pep talks. Whether you're a dog trainer, veterinary professional, pet sitter, or shelter worker, these conversations offer practical insights into navigating this demanding but deeply meaningful work—and remembering that taking care of yourself isn't just allowed, it's essential.
Episodes
Thursday Aug 16, 2018
Thursday Aug 16, 2018
Kim Imel, CPDT-KA, talked with Colleen Pelar about the incredible power of second chances, which she’s seen in action through the Pawsitive Dog Prison Training Program at Airway Heights Corrections Center. www.colleenpelar.com/22
Thursday Aug 02, 2018
Thursday Aug 02, 2018
Fiia Jokela, DVM, talked with Colleen Pelar about how our capacity for empathy can be a double-edged sword. www.colleenpelar.com/21
Thursday Jul 19, 2018
Thursday Jul 19, 2018
Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, talked with Colleen Pelar about how important it is to define and celebrate everyday wins. What is awesome for you right now? www.colleenpelar.com/20
Thursday Jul 05, 2018
Thursday Jul 05, 2018
Sally Foote, DVM, talked with Colleen Pelar about how vets and other animal-care professionals can reduce the risk of self-injury and suicide. Many dangerous habits, including cutting, alcoholism, and drug abuse, start as self-soothing behaviors gone awry. Learn healthy methods for coping with compassion fatigue and burnout. www.colleenpelar.com/19
Thursday Jun 21, 2018
Thursday Jun 21, 2018
Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, talked with Colleen Pelar about setting yourself up for success. How can introspection and preplanning improve your results? Learn more at www.colleenpelar.com/18
Thursday May 24, 2018
Thursday May 24, 2018
Jaclyn Rudebeck talked with Colleen Pelar about choice. You make hundreds of choices every day. How do you explore and own your decisions? www.colleenpelar.com/17
Wednesday May 09, 2018
Wednesday May 09, 2018
Laurie Schulze, DVM, talked with Colleen Pelar about listening. Showing curiosity and withholding judgment help people feel safe to share their reality with you. www.colleenpelar.com/16
Thursday Apr 26, 2018
Thursday Apr 26, 2018
Rise VanFleet, PhD, talked with Colleen Pelar about play. Play loosens us up, adds to our flexibility, and actually helps us function in our work better. www.colleenpelar.com/15
Thursday Apr 12, 2018
Thursday Apr 12, 2018
Neika Smessaert talked with Colleen Pelar about personality traits and how knowing a bit about your own personality and that of your coworkers can help make the workday go more smoothly. www.colleenpelar.com/14
Thursday Mar 29, 2018
Thursday Mar 29, 2018
April Kung, DVM, talked with Colleen Pelar about dedication—specifically how pursuing resilience skills requires the same kind of focus and dedication as academic achievement (or a dog trying to get the last bit of peanut butter out of a Kong). www.colleenpelar.com/13