Connect with Kari:

• Website
• LinkedIn

More About Kari:

Kari Morin is a master-certified transformational coach, retreat leader, and podcast co-host who helps women navigate life's unexpected transitions without losing themselves in the process. Inspired by her own journey caring for an adult son with multiple disabilities, she helps women facing major life changes rediscover joy, reclaim purpose, and create lives that honor both the people they love and themselves.

Willow Springs Cozy Mystery Series:

1. Murdered by the Books
2. Murdered by the Blooms

Connect with Jodi:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

More About Jodi:

Jodi Casstevens-Short is the award-winning author of the Willow Springs Cozy Mystery series, including Murdered by the Books and Murdered by the Blooms and a lifelong miniature schnauzer lover. Her pups, Abbey and Hayley were her muses and writing buddies while she penned her first two novels. They’ve since crossed the Rainbow Bridge, but are immortalized forever as her main character’s own dogs. You can check them out on both book covers. She lives in her hometown in Central Illinois with her firefighter husband (also the inspiration for a character) and her two four-year-old minis, Riley and Finley. There’s never a dull moment in her house with her high-spirited, curious girls.

Connect with Randi:

• Website (Chronically Cozy Life)
• Instagram
• Podcast (Spotify)

I also chatted with Randi on her podcast (Chronically Cozy Business Chats) about "How Pets Help Our Mental Health While Working From Home". Listen to that episode on Spotify via this link!

More About Randi:

Randi Pullar is a Cozy Content Marketing Mentor who helps chronically ill and neurodivergent entrepreneurs create content and strategies that help them market and grow - while they rest - or play around with one of the other 253 ideas they have! She believes there’s a low-energy workaround for almost any business task. Randi also considers herself a proud ‘spoonie’ and an advocate for the slow-living movement, rejecting anything that smells of performative hustle culture, glorified burnout, and business advice that assumes you wake up every day with 100% battery.

We talked about the incredible story of how Murphy came into Ellen’s life after appearing on her porch in the countryside and how he quickly became an irreplaceable part of her work at Sacred Grove. Her retreat centre is truly dog-friendly, without limitations on how many dogs can join you for this relaxing, nature-based getaway.

Connect with Ellen:

• Website (Sacred Grove Retreat)
• Facebook (Ellen Whiteside)

Ellen Whiteside is a DreamBuilder Coach, speaker, retreat leader, and has been the owner of Sacred Grove Retreat Center in Gold Hill, NC, for 20 years. A lifelong student of personal growth and metaphysical principles, she helps others reconnect with their dreams and create lives they truly love. As she enters a new chapter, Ellen is exploring selling Sacred Grove so she can pursue her passion for travel and walk the Camino de Santiago in Europe.

We talked about the incredible story behind the Miracle Bus—a 15-passenger bus that Tina transformed into a mobile hospital so her son, Cole, could continue traveling while receiving life-sustaining medical care. After his passing, the Miracle Bus embarked on a new journey, allowing Tina to travel the country helping women navigate grief and life after loss.

Along the way, we explored the extraordinary bond between people and their dogs, and why Cleopatra has become such an important part of Tina's work.

Connect with Tina:

• Website (Journey with Good Things)
• Facebook (The Miracle Bus)
• LinkedIn (Tina Weller)

Tina Weller is a Grief Educator and Master Practitioner who helps individuals navigate life after loss. She guides others in reconnecting with purpose, regaining clarity, and cultivating the courage to move forward. Tina's gentle approach empowers the grieving to embrace resilience and step into what comes next—while still honoring the love that remains.

We chatted about the many, many requirements that come with travelling internationally with a dog (including why Soca has a French pet passport), before the conversation shifted to Heather's many career pivots and how Soca has shaped the way she's built both her career and her lifestyle.

We talk about building a life that makes you happy, pivoting when life doesn't go according to plan, and why Heather believes the key is being "relentlessly flexible."

As someone who's about to move across the Atlantic with three dogs, this conversation gave me a lot to think about. And I can honestly say that it's largely thanks to Heather that you'll be able to read my first published book later this year.

Connect with Heather:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Heather's FREE Resource: The Authority Advantage Assessment

Heather Dolland Tamam is a five-time author, keynote speaker, entrepreneur, and transition strategist whose work helps professionals redefine success and create purpose-driven careers and businesses.

Connect with Donna Knutson

• Write Journeys Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• donnaknutson@ymail.com

Assemble a Team for Success

A free guide to help authors understand the team, support, and strategy needed to write, publish, and market a book successfully.

Donna Knutson is a Writing Coach, Book Strategist, and speaker who helps coaches and entrepreneurs turn their lived experience into powerful books that grow their business and expand their impact.

With over 30 years of experience as a news writer, producer, and educator, she brings structure, accountability, and clarity to the writing process. Donna speaks on topics including the three keys to writing a book, building a mission-driven marketing plan, and using a book to increase visibility, authority, and client growth.

We talk about the adoption stories of her two dogs, Bochi and Cookie, how they inspired the creation of Paw Pixie, and why supporting local dog rescues is a cause so close to her heart.

We also chat about fostering, the challenges rescue organizations face behind the scenes, and the many ways you can help, whether that's adopting, donating, volunteering, or simply sharing a dog's story on social media.

If you've ever adopted a rescue dog, thought about fostering, or are looking for ways to support rescue organizations in your community, this episode is for you.

Rescues Mentioned (Las Vegas)

• PAWsitive Difference
• Crazy4Pawz

Connect with Molly

• Instagram
• Website

In this episode, Marie and I chat about her elderly beagle-mix foster dog, Angel. This sweet girl is still available for adoption through the York County SPCA in Pennsylvania, USA. See her profile for more information about Angel and how to adopt her. This snuggly senior hound is looking for her furever retirement home. 

Meet Angel: https://ycspca.org/animals/angel/

Canine Behaviour & Care Topics Discussed: foster dogs, elderly beagles, velcro shelter dogs, canine matchmaking, and working from home with dogs.

Takeaways

• There are parallels between fostering rescue dogs and guiding humans through life changes—and the key to both is having a good understanding of the individual you are working with. Once again the reoccurring themes of “finding the right fit” and compatibility continue to make their way to the forefront of these kinds of discussions.
• Burned-out professionals and overwhelmed, stressed out shelter dogs can have a lot in common. It is important to get these individuals to their baseline operating levels before any true progress can be made. 

Connect with Marie Clark:

• FREEBIE: Three Simple Ways to Move to Joy in 15 Minutes
• FREEBIE: Burned out — or bored out?
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Marie Clark is a business coach, speaker, entrepreneur, and founder of Move to Joy Coaching. With more than 15 years of experience leading transformation projects across industries, she helps high-achieving women move from burnout and overwhelm to clarity, purpose, and joy. Her practical, honest approach blends leadership development, communication, and change management with a deep commitment to helping women build work and lives that feel as good as they look.

Find out more about Marie and her work here: 

http://www.movetojoycoaching.com

Our guest today tells me all about her rescue hound, Roscoe. He came into her life due to unusual circumstances (he was originally her neighbour's dog). And even a year after joining her household, he still has some unusual behaviours (though it sounds like he has made some great strides).

Canine Behaviour & Care Topics Discussed: Separation Anxiety or Difficulty Being Alone, Demand Barking, Attention-Seeking Barking, Overstimulation, Possible Unmet Exercise Needs, and Anxiousness with Human-Human Affection.

Takeaways

• If your dog is showing outsized reactions to being touched it is wise to consult your vet to rule out any medical issues that can be causing pain. Pain can be a strong motivating factor for certain behaviours.
• Behaviour is often influenced by context, especially routines, guests, and moments when people come home. It is clear that Roscoe likely has some form of underlying anxiety or stress (making the vet visit very important).
• It is perfectly reasonable and responsible to outsource your dog's exercise needs. What matters is that you are ensuring their needs are being met consistently.

Connect with Gini Trask:

• FREEBIE: How to Make a Simple Lead Magnet
• Speakers Playhouse
• Facebook

Gini Trask is a lifelong entrepreneur who started her first business at 16 and has built multiple successful companies over the years. Today, she helps entrepreneurs create businesses that support freedom and fulfillment while enjoying life with her beloved dog, Roscoe, who is often her favourite coworker during remote workdays.

Find out more about Gini and her work here: https://ginitrask.com/

In this episode, I speak with Shelly McClintock, a life coach and dog mom, about how overgiving impacts dog owners and their relationships. And since I enjoy a good Reddit story, I read some on the following theme: couples can resent one another for not picking up the slack when it comes to the dog.

Unsure if you are meeting your dog's daily needs? Grab this free checklist and find out: The Dog Owner's Daily Checklist

Takeaways

• How meeting your dog's needs reduces behavioural issues and enhances connection.
• The impact of overgiving and neglecting self-care on dog and owner health.
• Unclear and/or unequal division of responsibilities in dog ownership can lead to resentment in relationships.
• The role of communication in co-parenting dogs with partners or roommates.

Connect with Shelly McClintock:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Get your free Next Step Assessment.

Shelly is a life coach who supports high-achieving women to shift from over-giving and over-performing to making their own well-being a priority - nothing to prove or earn to take up space and be our authentic selves. She guides her clients to unlearn the patterns keeping them stuck, establish boundaries that actually hold, and step into a life that is authentically, unapologetically theirs.

Reddit Stories:

• Boyfriend doesn't think walking the dog is important, said "If it matters so much to you, you should do it"
• AITA for yelling at my husband for not walking our dog?

Recognize the signs of overgiving, communicate effectively with your partners or co-guardians, and always remember that your mental health directly influences your dog's happiness.

Thank you for tuning in! Be sure to give your dog some extra love today and reflect on how you can better meet both your needs and theirs.

In this mini episode, I share some of the insights I have collected from The 2026 International Remote Workers with Dogs Survey. I created this survey because I wanted to your input on what it is like working from home with your dog. If you have 5 minutes, please click the link below and share your own experience.

Survey: https://forms.gle/zBYJS7eo1MRA53hcA

The data collected will be turned into a report about what challenges are being faced by remote-working, dog-owning professionals. Please share this with other dog owners you know who also work from home! Thank you. :)

Takeaways

• Building effective morning routines is crucial for remote workers with dogs.
• It is necessary to create strategies to keep dogs occupied and calm during work calls in order to be successful when working from home.
• Some dog owners working from home address separation anxiety with a combination of training and medication.
• Some Redditors have great suggestions of tools for noise reduction and soundproofing in home offices.
• The first step whenever your dog is demonstrating unwanted behaviour generally should be to ask yourself whether or not you are adequately meeting your dog's needs on a regular basis. Adjust exercise and enrichment routines to reduce barking and stress.

I would really appreciate it if you would take 5 minutes to fill out The 2026 International Remote Workers with Dogs Survey! Your responses will contribute to a wider report on what remote dog owners are actually dealing with right now.

Survey Link: https://forms.gle/G19BGisboYyqTTYf6

Reddit Stories

• How do you manage your WFH mornings with a dog?
• Remote work with dogs at home
• Switching back to fully remote work
• Got offered a WFH gig, but it will require quite work space. I HAVE DOGS. any tips on a good nose cancelling headset in case they bark?
• Starting a remote job with a dog who barks all the time

Have a dog question of your own? Connect with K: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

Content Warnings: Dog Attacks.

Resources

• Meet Your Dog by Kim Brophey: A book that provides insights into dog behaviour based on learning, environment, genetics, and self.
• Handlers and Humans with Jess Adam: A mental health resource for dog trainers and owners focusing on the human end of the leash.
• Sniffspot: The AirBnB for private dog parks. This service gives you access to private, rentable dog parks and yards. Use this discount code: thecaninedetective5off, which gives new users $5 off their first booking.

Takeaways

• How understanding a dog's unique needs can help you with balancing enrichment and rest for a sensitive dog.
• Decompression and rest are essential for dogs after stressful experiences.
• Creating a routine and plan for decompression can help manage a dog's reactivity and anxiety.

Submit Your Dog Question Here:  https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

Content Warnings: Senior Dog Medical Challenges, Euthanasia, and Palliative Care.

Resources

• Quality of Life Assessment
• Bear’s Buddies Animal Foundation (Geriatric & Hospice Sanctuary)

Donate Here:

Fundraising Campaign

Make a donation of $125 and receive a FREE virtual dog training consultation. Feel free to message me for more information!

“Securing the Soil for the Souls We Save: A Permanent Home and a Peaceful Ending For the Animals Who Have Nowhere Else to Go”

Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

Content Warnings: Senior Dog Medical Challenges.

Takeaways

• With senior dogs, notice if your dog loses interest in activities; it might mean they need extra care.
• Excessive licking can be due to medical issues, the dog's diet, or boredom/anxiety/stress.
• Choose a dog breed that fits your lifestyle to avoid long-term frustration (on both ends).

Listener Questions

1. "Have you covered the topic of caring for a senior/elderly dog? I'm just trying to ensure a good quality of life for my elderly greyhound who is 11 years old."
2. "My dog licks the floor like it's her JOB. Not one spot where something interesting was spilled, the whole thing like she's mopping the house. Anxiety? Something else?"
3. "What does someone’s breed preferences say about their personality or, the inverse - what sort of people tend to be best suited for different breed groups, and what they should stay away from?"

Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

Takeaways

• Breaking habits requires addressing root causes, not just symptoms (and this applies to dogs too).
• Before we can change a dog's behaviour, we need to stop them from continuing to practice the habit.
• Introducing a puppy into a household with an adult dog requires both careful planning and ongoing management.
• The misconception that puppies "choose" their owners ignores the influence of genetics and early socialization.

Listener Questions

• “Is there any holistic approach to dealing with coprophagia? Bull terrier eats poop emoji.”
• “What should I do to properly introduce my dog to a puppy? We lost our second dog last May and our girl is depressed so we’re becoming that stat - we are getting a dog for our dog, but I’m not confident in how I should introduce my 6 year old dog to her new puppy sister”

Submit Your Dog Question Here: https://linktr.ee/thecaninedetective

Takeaways

• Always have a session zero when playing TTRPGs (they aren't just for character creation).
• "Friends" who don't offer condolences when your dog dies are probably not folks you want to play with.
• DMs who actively try to kill off player character's pets are massive red flags and need to learn to use safety tools.
• Murder hobos are not fun to play with, but especially so when they kill puppies.

Reddit Stories

• "You always pick a dog or wolf! Pick something different! ...why...why are you crying? Oh...oh no."
• How my old group handed my dog dying.
• DM was obsessed with killing my character's dog
• Murder Hobo Bard Kills Puppies

Takeaways

• A professional dog wedding attendant or someone designated to watch your dog is a smart move if your dog is attending your wedding.
• Your dog can attend part of the wedding and not stay for the whole thing if you so choose. This is not an all or nothing scenario.
• Some dogs would prefer to not be involved in events with large, loud crowds. This includes weddings.
• If having your dog their would cause you anxiety, maybe leaving your pup at home is the wiser option.
• If you want your dog to be present at your marriage ceremony more than the humans in your life, consider eloping!

Reddit Stories

• Did you have your dog at your elopement?
• Including dogs in the elopement: yes or no?
• Tips and tricks to having your dog be a part of your ceremony, per request!!
• 27 days away. Here are the dog favors! * Crowd is all seriously devoted dog lovers.
• Did you have your dog at your wedding? Would you do it again?

Takeaways

• If you wish to fly commercial, your two options are to have your dog in-cabin (if they are under 20 lbs) or in cargo (if they are over that).
• Other transatlantic transportation options include booking kennels on the Queen Mary 2 or using a canine private jet company.
• Some countries, like Australia and New Zealand have strict biosecurity laws which require dogs to be quarantined upon arrival.
• There are pet relocation services companies. It may be worth it to hire them to help you with all the paperwork or you may prefer to DIY the bookings yourself (destination permitting).
• Many brachycephalic dogs, like pugs and french bulldogs, cannot fly commercial.

Reddit Stories

• Moving overseas with medium/large dog
• Moving to New Zealand (from U.S.A.). Seeking advice on moving family dog.
• We just moved our dog from the U.S. to Europe without paying a $6,000 pet relocation company — sharing what we learned
• Relocation of dog from UK to Australia
• Flying pug from U.S. to EU for permanent move

Takeaways

• If you love dogs, it is unwise to date someone who does not. This rarely ends well.
• An abundance of caution is always needed between dogs and kids.
• Some dogs take time to warm up to new people. And some does don't really like people, except their people.
• It is important to socialize your dog to prevent future anxieties and behavioural challenges.
• Teach blind dogs using touch training so that you can still communicate with them down the road once their hearing goes.

Reddit Stories

• My boyfriend hates my dog. Is my dog that bad?
• Bitten by new rescue dog after she took food off the table
• Why does my dog who loved me and my partner right away hate everyone else?
• 1 year ago I adopted my eyeless dog and it was the best decision I ever made. AMA!

Takeaways

• Dogs peeing on lawns is a hot topic. And some folks may prefer for your dog to pee on the sidewalk instead of their lawn?
• Pick up the dog poop in your yard before hosting a party.
• Please don't yell at or call the cops on your neighbours (ie. don't escalate) unnecessarily.
• If your neighbour has beef with you and your dog, it may be safer to just ignore them and walk away.
• If your dog is barking in your yard, the polite thing to do is to call them inside.
• Walking your dog is good for their mental health (and yours). And find a way to let them sniff!

Reddit Stories

• AITA if I drop off a note and baked goods to my neighbor who made me pick up somebody else’s dog poop?
• AITA for letting my dogs pee outside?
• AITA for chasing someone down to stop letting their dog use my yard as a bathroom?
• AITA for letting my dog poop in my front yard before I go to work?
• AITA Fuss About Dog Poop in the Yard

Takeaways

• Dogs are a lot of work! Be clear from the beginning who's responsible for the dog.
• Don't watch someone's dog if you don't want to.
• Please, no kidnapping dogs and leaving them in shelters. Also, you need to disclose bite histories where relevant.
• It's better to let a dog go too early, rather than too late.

Reddit Stories

• My dog made me realize I can’t be a mom.
• I dropped my MILs dog off as a stray at a shelter. I don't feel bad.
• I wish my girlfriend’s dog died
• my family dog is ruining our family
• I think my mom euthanised our dog before her time, but I’ll never tell her that.

Takeaways

• Bigger dogs can cost more than little dogs... for many reasons.
• The grief one has when losing a dog is intense. Don't feel the need to get a new dog right away if you are not ready.
• The quality of life at the end of a dog's life is important to consider when making efforts to prolong it.
• There are many valid reasons to NOT want a dog. Even if you love dogs!

Reddit Stories

• How expensive do you think it is to take care of Clifford, the big red dog?
• How difficult was it for you when your dog passed away? Did getting a puppy after really help the grieving process?
• Dog owners of Reddit: Would you cut of 5 years of your own life and give these to your dog? If so, why?
• People of Reddit, why do you NOT want to have a dog?

Takeaways

• Couples should discuss the financial implications of having a dog before bringing one home.
• Be on the same page as your partner. What does having a dog mean to you? Not everyone views this responsibility the same way.
• Separation anxiety and canine behavioural issues can lead to significant stress and strain in relationships.
• Responsible rehoming is always an option! But make sure you work with a professional beforehand to explore your options.
• Also, consider hiring a canine matchmaker to ensure that you are choosing a dog who is compatible with you and your lifestyle.

Reddit Stories

• My Fiancée isn’t speaking to me after I used “our” money to help my dog. Not sure not to fix this?
• My fiancé is calling of the wedding if I don't get rid of my dog
• My fiance (27M) basically chose our dog over me (27F). What a waste of 5 and a half years...
• I 21M and my fiancé 21F’s relationship is being ruined by our dog

Thinking about bringing home a dog? Checkout my Dog Matchmaking Consultation services! Whether you are considering adoption, buying from a breeder, or choosing between breeds, I’ll guide you through the decision so you can set your future dog (and your family) up for success.

Allows for quicker, more sustainable training progress.
Enables clients to ask questions between sessions.
The Daily Method.
More accountability for dog owners.
More room for education for the dogs and the humans.
Better able to accommodate multiple stakeholders (humans and dogs).
Delivering step-by-step training recommendations.
Timely feedback on homework exercises.
Opportunities for daily Q&A via private chat.
Easier to provide a record of past training sessions.


Frodo's Story & Podcast Guesting

She Coaches Coaches - Life Coaching for Dog Moms
Dog Training Bytes - Episode 35: Kirsten Matthews (The Canine Detective)

Takeaways

• All party members get attached to player character pets.
• If someone goes to unalive a dog in-game, just do yourself a favour and boot them immediately.
• Blink dogs vs mundane dogs (and how the mechanics don't make sense from a canine behaviour perspective).
• Every game should have a session zero!
• Let your players have canine companions; it's fun.

Reddit Stories

• The Damned Dog
• Player Distracted Entire Game with Dogs and Neighbors
• "Pacifist" character killed my characters dog!
• Player tried to hurt The Dog
• Mr. Sprinkles, the Dog who would become God

References & ShoutOuts

• Leather Dog Armour - Arcane Armory & Relics
• Rolling With Reddit - RPG Familiar

Takeaways

• Canine welfare is more important to some people than to others.
• If your friend is mad at you for potentially missing their wedding because your dog had a medical emergency, are they really your friend?
• Don't let people take advantage of you. This goes double for people who hate your dog.
• Bringing a fake service dog to a wedding is both unethical and ill-advised.

Reddit Stories

• Is it me? Or her? Or both?
• AITA for cancelling my brothers wedding?
• AITA for leaving the engagement dinner due to my fiance's obsession with the dog?
• AITA for not allowing my mom's "service dog" at my wedding?

Takeaways

• Partners need to communicate before marriage or kids, whether or not they want dogs.
• The parent is the one who decides whether or not to get a dog, not the child.
• It's not enough to decide that you both want a dog, partners need to decide how they will raise that dog.
• Who keeps the dog in the event of a relationship breakdown? And does this inform who pays the dog's bills?
• The person who decides to get the dog is the person who is ultimately responsible for said dog.

Reddit Stories

• WIBTA for choosing my dogs over my kids?
• AITA for not getting another dog?
• AITA for refusing to have any pets inside our house due to my allergies and how I was raised?
• AITA for not wanting to split dog ownership costs and responsibility 50/50?
• AITA for telling my family that we have to get rid of the dog?