In this lively episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, recorded live from Global Pet Expo, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore heroic animal rescue, growing Gen X pet ownership trends, practical veterinary wisdom, and the joyful world of corgi racing. From pets rescued by drones in Ukraine to Dr. Jan Pol’s decades of real-world veterinary experience and Ziggy the Corgi’s rise in sports entertainment, this episode celebrates the many ways pets bring purpose, connection, and joy into our lives.
Story Time features:
Kristen shares the incredible story of Ukrainian soldiers who used a military drone to rescue a stranded dog and cat from the front lines, helping bring the animals to safety during an active war zone.
Chris highlights new APPA research showing that Gen X pet owners are driving significant growth across multiple pet categories, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and freshwater fish.
Special Guests:
Dr. Jan Pol, Veterinarian & Star of The Incredible Dr. Pol
Jess Ramberg, Creator of Ziggy the Corgi & Founder of Little Stumps Racing
Pet Product Recommendations:
Playology Scented Dog Toys – https://playologypets.com
The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Pup-PIE® & Birthday Treats – https://lazydogcookies.com
Q&A Topics:
There’s so much conflicting information online about dog food. How can pet parents tell if their dog is actually thriving on a certain diet? (Submitted by Andrew from Phoenix, AZ)
My cat hides every time someone new comes into the house. Is there a safe way to help shy cats become more social and confident around people? (Submitted by Emily from Portland, OR)
Related Links:
The Incredible Dr. Pol: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/the-incredible-dr-pol
Dr. Pol Clinical Nutrition: https://thedrpol.com/dr-pol-launches-non-prescription-clinical-nutrition-dog-food-line-available-exclusively-at-walmart/
Dr. Pol at Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/brand/drpol/10026293
Ziggy the Corgi: https://www.instagram.com/ziggy_thecorgi
Little Stumps Racing: https://littlestumpsracing.com
Little Stumps Racing (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/littlestumpsracing
American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org
DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed
Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org
Social Channels:
Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife
Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife
Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife
Subscribe & Listen:
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Submit a question to the podcast:
https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast
Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV