138. Second Chances, Healing After Pet Loss & Finding the Perfect Family Pet

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine celebrate the extraordinary bonds between people and animals, from shelter dogs getting another chance at happiness to the healing power of love and community after losing a beloved pet. Plus, they share an incredible reunion story, explore the growing influence of celebrity pets, and recommend two innovative products for dogs and cats.

Story Time features:

Kristen shares the remarkable story of Floor, a Chihuahua who disappeared from her owner’s car in Illinois and was reunited with her family 12 years later. Thanks to a microchip and the dedication of a volunteer group called Microchip Hunters, Floor finally made her way home. The story is a powerful reminder of why every pet should be microchipped—and why keeping registration information updated is so important.

Chris highlights the newest four-legged celebrity making headlines: Wendy, the Samoyed shared by Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Wendy recently appeared alongside Travis in a Tommy Hilfiger advertising campaign, joining a growing list of celebrity pets stepping into the spotlight.

Special Guests:

Jess Borda, Longtime Volunteer, Dog Trainer & Animal Advocate at Austin Pets Alive!

Jess Borda shares her experiences helping shelter dogs who need extra time, training and support before finding their forever homes. She discusses why some wonderful dogs remain in shelters longer than others, how behavioral training and foster programs can transform their lives, and the importance of supporting adopters even after they bring a pet home.

Jess also introduces listeners to Austin Pets Alive!’s compassionate Phospice program, which helps terminally ill dogs spend their remaining time in loving foster homes rather than shelters. Through stories of remarkable dogs and dedicated volunteers, she reminds us that every animal deserves comfort, dignity and a chance to experience love.

Matthew Sigman, Award-Winning Writer & Author of Because of a Dog: How an Enchanted Italian Village Mended a Broken Heart

Matthew Sigman shares the deeply personal story behind his new memoir, inspired by the loss of his beloved dog, Augie, after 18 years together.

Heartbroken and searching for a way forward, Matthew embarked on an unexpected journey from New York City to Quarna, a tiny mountain village in northern Italy. There, an unlikely friendship and the warmth of a welcoming community helped him rediscover connection, hope and a new perspective on life.

Matthew reflects on the extraordinary ways dogs shape our lives, the challenges of navigating grief, and how the love of an animal can continue guiding us long after they are gone.

Pet Product Recommendations:

Handmade Fall Dog Sweaters from Lanusia Store on Etsy – https://www.etsy.com/search?q=Lanusia%20dog%20sweater

Lady N Pheromone Tofu Cat Litter – https://ladynpet.com/us/product/pheromone-tofu-cat-litter/

Q&A Topics:

My cat can be incredibly sweet, and then suddenly she’ll swat, scratch or even bite me with what seems like no warning. Is she just a feisty cat, or could this behavior be her way of telling me she’s stressed, overstimulated or uncomfortable? (Submitted by Jennifer from Boston, MA)

We’re thinking about adopting a dog, but we have two young kids, and this would be our first family dog. When we visit a shelter, what should we look for to find a dog whose personality and energy level will actually be a good fit for our family? (Submitted by Rachel from Denver, CO)

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