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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 27, 2020
Thursday Aug 27, 2020
Jenny Blake is the author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters is Your Next One. I invited her to come on UNLEASHED (at work & home) because we're all in state of flux these days. Every pet professional is being asked to change standard ways of doing business, and it's stressful. But it can also be exciting.
Jenny likes to think of this as "radical reimagining." What possibilities do you see when you lean into your intuition and judgment?
Gavin de Becker's book, The Gift of Fear, does a great job of explaining how your senses are always communicating with you to keep you safe--when you don't override them with logic or a need to be perceived as nice or polite.
You know the power of these gifts. You need to rely them daily in your work with animals. But do you trust them to guide you in your interactions with other people? With yourself?
Sometimes you'll get caught in a frustrating loop, wondering "What is wrong with me? Shouldn't I be happy?" You may even get sucked into a spiral of guilt or feel powerless to make changes.
You don't need to feel guilty. And you aren't powerless.
During this time of tremendous change, take this opportunity to explore what you want for your life ... and what's getting in the way.
Jenny and I discussed the power of Byron Katie's books, including Loving What Is and A Mind at Home with Itself. Byron Katie is most known for her four pivotal questions that can help you shift your mindset and discover new options:
- Is it true?
- Can you absolutely know that it’s true?
- How do you react when you believe that thought?
- Who would you be without the thought?
Becoming more aware of your thoughts (whew, so many thoughts!!!!) and learning to broaden your perspective are two of the most valuable life skills anyone can develop. If you'd like some support with this, let's talk!
Thursday Jul 30, 2020
Thursday Jul 30, 2020
You are not alone; it just feels that way.
Have you ever received a complaint that undermined your confidence? Ever gotten a bad review that made you doubt your skill? It's a terrible experience, isn't it?
Complaints are a common occurrence these days. And in most cases, the complaint says more about the complainer than the complainee. But when you're the focus on the compliant, it's scary, unsettling, and, often, lonely.
In this episode, Marci Kirk, DVM, shares her experience with a Board licensure complaint and how developing the courage to share her experience made the whole situation better.
Community is a big piece of resilience. Finding your people--the ones who will cheer your wins and remind you of your strength when you struggle--is key. There's incredible power in working together. Great groups make it easier for each person to make changes and grow.
If you are a pet pro looking for a safe, supportive community that will help you grow into your best self, check out the Positive Changes small-group coaching program. You are not alone. Together we are stronger. https://colleenpelar.com/positive-changes
Thursday Jul 16, 2020
Thursday Jul 16, 2020
"You love dogs. I love dogs. Let's talk about that."
There's incredible power in finding common ground and using that to build a foundation for growth.
Laurie Williams, owner of Pup N' Iron Canine Enrichment Center, joined me to talk about the power of relationships for improving results. She shared her ideas of how pet professionals can improve their communication with clients--and also with other pet professionals.
What would the world look like if we put the same care and attention toward our fellow humans as we give to animals?
It requires effort and intention, but the benefits are profound.You'll get new ideas, fresh perspectives, and a healthy dose of reality when you spend time truly connecting with others.
You win. They win. We all win. Together.
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
Thursday Jun 11, 2020
THERE'S NO LIMIT ON COMPASSION ... This is the recording of a live interview recorded on May 21, 2020. It predates George Floyd's death and the dramatic events that have followed. And yet the theme and discussion are timely and resonate deeply in this moment.
Laura Dorfman, CPDT-KA, PMCT, and Leslie McDevitt, MLA, CPDT-KA, CDBC, are both meditation leaders and I invited them to discuss the broad concept of spirituality from a non-religious perspective.
They shared thoughts about how having a sense of connection to others, to the world at large, to nature, to movement, to life allows you to bear witness, be present, and help ease the pain of others while simultaneously allowing you to experience greater peace and joy. https://colleenpelar.com/78
Thursday May 28, 2020
Thursday May 28, 2020
Who better to give advice on beginnings than a beginner?
Just a year ago, Ali Evanson started her dog training business, I Got This Sit.
Many things have changed since then, and now, like the rest of us, Ali is working to adapt and begin anew.
Beginnings ask you to imagine a new future and then commit to making it the best it can possibly be.
Often it’s scary.
Okay, usually it’s scary to begin something new.
You can’t control the outcome. There are no guarantees. But when you’re clear about what you want, you’ll find your personal balance of control and acceptance.
You’ll feel empowered to move forward and take empowered action.
What helps you feel ready to begin, ready to take action, ready to move toward your goals?
Thursday May 14, 2020
Thursday May 14, 2020
Lauren Heath, CPPS, talked with Colleen Pelar about how she's navigating the changes coronavirus has brought to her pet-sitting business. Without discounting the very real worries she has for her business, she also said she feels more free and has learned some valuable lessons about self-care that she'll carry with her into the future. She's finding clarity about what really matters to her. https://colleenpelar.com/76
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
Thursday Apr 30, 2020
This is a rebroadcast of one of our first UNLEASHED (at work & home) episodes. Patricia McConnell, PhD, joined me to talk about the importance of emotions and, as always happens when talking with her, the conversation veered out into larger life lessons as well.
https://colleenpelar.com/7
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
Thursday Apr 16, 2020
When every day feels the same, how do you find your footing? What helps you feel grounded and centered?
Pet professionals are caretakers. They're known for showing up in service of others, for working themselves to the point of exhaustion, and for giving until it hurts.
This is your time to explore what really matters to you and what changes you'd like to make moving forward. https://colleenpelar.com/74
Thursday Apr 09, 2020
Thursday Apr 09, 2020
Ryan Cartlidge, the founder of Animal Training Academy joined me to talk about celebrating approximations, those tiny forward movements that add up to significant change.
Thursday Apr 02, 2020
Thursday Apr 02, 2020
The top question pet pros have been asking me lately is, "How can I help other people feel more resilient?"
This is not surprising. Pet pros are caretakers. They watch others carefully and do what they can to help.
So here's my best advice for how you can help others.
https://colleenpelar.com