Soul Touched by Dogs

Anke Herrmann
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Pets & Animals
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.

  1. Assistant Dogs Transform Wheelchair Life: Daily Tasks and Freedom | with Claudia Hendrix

    4d ago

    Assistant Dogs Transform Wheelchair Life: Daily Tasks and Freedom | with Claudia Hendrix

    Assistance dogs do far more than most people realise — not just guiding, but helping their humans shower, get dressed, and move through the world with dignity and independence. This conversation with Claudia Hendrix reveals what life with an assistance dog actually looks like when you're a wheelchair user living alone, and how a Labrador named Katya (yes, Cat) became the reason Claudia doesn't need round-the-clock care. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How assistance dogs are trained from puppyhood through foster families, school, and personalised instruction — and why only about 80% graduate What daily tasks an assistance dog performs that most people never think about, from pulling wheelchair users upright in bed to pushing a shower chair out of spray range How the matching process works between dog and handler, and why it's more like dating than a waiting list What retirement looks like for working dogs, including how families are chosen and why handlers don't always get to keep their dogs How to navigate public spaces when not everyone understands the law around assistance dogs — and the creative ways Claudia educates as she goes Why assistance dogs wear specific harnesses and what's being developed across Europe to make identification clearer What happens during the transition period when a handler says goodbye to one dog and begins training with another A FAVOURITE MOMENT "Do you expect me to leave my wheelchair outside also? Because that's what you're asking me to do." — Claudia ABOUT CLAUDIA HENDRIX Claudia Hendrix is a connector, speaker, and advocate living with chronic illness and using a wheelchair in Alkmaar, Netherlands. She's an ambassador for KNGF Guide Dogs, where she speaks openly about how her assistance dog Katya makes independent living possible. Claudia also works as a coordinator at Stichting Still, supporting families navigating the loss of a child or parent. She previously founded JouwTransformatie and made her online academy freely available. Her writing and speaking bring warmth, gentleness, and a touch of humour to difficult topics, creating space for real conversation and hope. CONNECT WITH CLAUDIA HENDRIX Website: https://claudiahendrix.nl Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HulphondKatya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/positiviteitshotje and https://www.instagram.com/claudiahdrx Become a puppy foster family: https://geleidehond.nl/word-puppypleeggezin/ Free online academy: https://academy.claudiahendrix.nl/courses CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    39 min
  2. Holistic Dog Health Beyond Symptoms and Pills with Dr. Jeff Feinman

    May 12

    Holistic Dog Health Beyond Symptoms and Pills with Dr. Jeff Feinman

    Holistic veterinary medicine isn't about rejecting science—it's about expanding it to include what we already know works: energy, joy, and the body's innate ability to heal. In this episode, Dr. Jeff Feinman shares how shifting focus from symptoms to something he calls BEAM (Behavior, Energy, Appetite, and Mood) can transform how we support our dogs' health and happiness. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why symptoms are clues, not problems—and what your dog's body is really trying to tell you when something feels offHow energy balance at the cellular level affects everything from red ears to excessive water drinking, and why these "normal" things might not be normal at allWhat BEAM stands for and why tracking these four simple things matters more than focusing on individual symptomsHow micro-engagements—short bursts of joy like sniff walks or play—can support healing and improve quality of life in measurable waysWhy prescribing happiness (yes, really) might be more effective than reaching for medication firstWhat the "happiness protocol" is and how it upgrades mitochondrial function through what your dog loves mostHow to start making holistic, informed decisions that work alongside—not against—your regular vet careA FAVOURITE MOMENT "We ignore the most accomplished doctor in the room, and that is Doctor Mother Nature." — Jeff ABOUT DR. JEFF FEINMAN Dr. Jeff Feinman has been a veterinarian since 1985 and is the founder of Holistic Actions!, a movement bringing compassionate communication and practical veterinary spirituality to pet care. With over 30 years of experience, his mission is to bridge the gap between holistic and conventional veterinary medicine through nature-inspired, energy-driven actions. He empowers pet parents with resources, webinars, and a supportive community, and is the author of a new book that merges molecular biology with indigenous wisdom to help animals live healthier, happier lives. CONNECT WITH DR. JEFF FEINMAN Website: https://www.holisticactions.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticActions Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticactions/ Free Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/holisticactions/ Free Self-Care Package: https://www.holisticactions.com/self-care-package-signup/ — Three inspiring webinars to guide you to a more connected place within yourself so you can be the best guardian for your animal. CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    33 min
  3. Herding Dogs & Rotational Grazing: Building Connection Over Control | with Seth Thompson

    May 11

    Herding Dogs & Rotational Grazing: Building Connection Over Control | with Seth Thompson

    Herding goats with a working dog isn't about force or control—it's about partnership, patience, and understanding what your dog was bred to do. In this episode, we meet a farmer who traded in his old life three years ago to become a goat herder in Wisconsin, bringing regenerative agriculture to his land with the help of his English Shepherd, Dutch. Their work together is a beautiful reminder of what happens when we honour a dog's natural instincts and let them do what they were born for. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why goats need a different kind of herding dog than sheep, and how "loose-eyed" breeds like English Shepherds work up close and personal with stubborn livestockWhat it takes to train a herding dog from scratch when you've never trained a dog before, including why you have to wait a full year before introducing a puppy to stockHow rotational grazing with a working dog can heal degraded soil while producing high-quality goat milk for soap makingThe importance of always backing up your dog around livestock, even when things don't go to plan—and how discouragement can ruin a working dog's confidenceWhat a typical day looks like moving goats from barn to pasture, and how farmer and dog work as a team to guide the herdHow working dogs stay engaged during winter months when there's no grazing, and why skills like "steady" help a dog learn to respect the bubble of space around stockWhy early socialisation between young dogs and livestock matters, and how encouragement builds a dog's ability to be the calm, confident leader of the herdA FAVOURITE MOMENT "I feel bad that I'm the only person here. I think more people should be able to see this." — Seth ABOUT SETH Seth is a farmer and goat herder at New Plymouth Farm in Wisconsin, where he produces goat milk soap using regenerative agriculture practices. Three years ago, he left his previous life behind to work the land with his English Shepherd, Dutch, who helps move the herd from barn to pasture and back again. Seth is passionate about improving soil health and sharing the peaceful, purposeful work of grazing with others. CONNECT WITH SETH Website: newplymouthfarm.com Facebook: New Plymouth Farm Special offer: Use code Soul10 for 10% off goat milk soap at newplymouthfarm.com. Sign up for emails to be notified when live herding videos launch this spring. CONNECT WITH SOUL TOUCHED BY DOGS To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    30 min
  4. Veterinary burnout and mental health: Why vets leave the profession | Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

    May 10

    Veterinary burnout and mental health: Why vets leave the profession | Dr. Marie Holowaychuk

    Veterinary burnout is reaching crisis levels — but most vets don't see it coming until they hit the wall. If you've ever wondered why your vet seems stretched thin, or why practices feel different than they used to, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what's really happening behind the exam room door. What You'll Learn Why burnout in veterinary medicine often goes unnoticed until it's too late, and what signs to watch for in yourself or someone you care aboutHow the demands of modern veterinary practice have shifted dramatically from previous generations, and why that matters for both vets and pet ownersWhat makes emergency and critical care both the most rewarding and most emotionally taxing area of veterinary medicineWhy euthanasia can be both deeply honoring and profoundly difficult, depending on the circumstances surrounding the decisionHow crushing student debt and lower-than-expected salaries contribute to mental health challenges in the professionWhat pet owners often misunderstand about veterinary care, costs, and the realities vets face dailyWhy so many veterinarians feel trapped in their career path, and what options actually exist beyond traditional clinical practiceA Favourite Moment 'It was never really communicated to me how hard it was.' — Marie About Dr. Marie Holowaychuk Dr. Marie Holowaychuk is a veterinarian and board-certified emergency and critical care specialist with over 20 years of practice experience. After experiencing severe burnout while working at a veterinary college, she founded Reviving Veterinary Medicine to address mental health and wellness in the profession through evidence-based programs and resources. A certified coach, yoga teacher, and author of A Compassionate Calling: What It Really Means to Be a Veterinarian, Marie now speaks globally about sustainable veterinary careers while still practicing the emergency medicine she loves. Connect with Dr. Marie Holowaychuk Website: www.marieholowaychuk.com Free Resource: 10 Things Your Veterinarian Wishes You Knew Facebook: @drmarieholowaychukInstagram: @marieholowaychukLinkedIn: @drmarieholowaychukYouTube: @marieholowaychukdvm Connect with Soul Touched by Dogs To find out more about Soul Touched by Dogs, visit https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    32 min
  5. Resource Guarding in Dogs: Sonia Fetherling on Trust Over Control

    Mar 24

    Resource Guarding in Dogs: Sonia Fetherling on Trust Over Control

    What do you do when your dog turns into a tiny (or not-so-tiny) dragon over… a sock? This conversation with Sonia Fetherling goes far beyond “how to fix it.” Because what looks like stubbornness, dominance, or “bad behavior” is often something much more vulnerable underneath. We talk about resource guarding in a way that feels… human. The fear.The tension.The pressure it creates in a home. And what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the behavior, and start understanding what’s driving it. Sonia shares not just her professional experience, but the journey with her own dog, who pushed her to question everything she thought she knew. This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about trust, patience… and seeing your dog (and yourself) differently. 🐾 Key Takeaways 👉 The one mistake even experienced dog guardians make with resource guardingTrying to stop the behavior instead of understanding what’s underneath it. 👉 Why the “quick fix” approach to dog behavior will get you stuckBecause lasting change doesn’t come from control, it comes from shifting emotions, trust, and safety. 👉 The truth behind resource guardingIt’s not about your dog being difficult.It’s often about insecurity, unpredictability, and a need to feel safe. 👉 How to avoid the biggest mistake when your dog guards objectsTaking things away without building trust first… which can make the behavior worse. 👉 Why it’s actually more simple (and more powerful) to think in terms of “recovery”Not fixing your dog, but supporting them in an ongoing process of feeling safer. 👉 How a simple shift - from conflict to collaboration - can change everythingA dog bringing you a stolen shoe to trade?That’s not failure. That’s communication. 👉 The often-overlooked factor that changes behavior faster than training techniquesThe relationship. The trust. The predictability. 💬 A Favorite Moment “It’s a marathon, not a sprint…Sometimes you’re running, sometimes you’re hobbling.But you just keep putting one foot in front of the other.” 00:00 Podcast Welcome00:38 Meet Sonya Best of Behavior02:16 Training Without Owning03:56 Mentors and Dolphin Lessons05:09 Marathon Not Sprint10:38 Patience and Family Dynamics12:30 In Person and Virtual Work13:55 Cats and Referrals14:50 Finding Her Niche14:58 Adopting Kismet After Loss17:59 Shelter Surprise Resource Guarding18:39 Living With A Thief19:20 Dogs As Teachers20:29 Beyond Counterconditioning21:28 Socks Shoes And Swallows22:26 Root Causes Of Guarding23:04 When Trading Backfires24:05 Decompression And Deprivation27:15 Board And Train Reset29:27 Recovery Not Cure31:31 Reward The Swap33:41 Where To Find Sonia35:27 Closing Thanks And Outro Find out more and connect with Sonia Sonia is the owner of Best of Behavior, a dog training and behavior consulting business based near Chicago, Illinois. With over 25 years of experience, she works with dogs and their humans on everything from reactivity and aggression to everyday training—with a deeply compassionate, relationship-focused approach. What makes Sonia’s work stand out is her willingness to go beyond surface-level solutions and explore the emotional roots of behavior—both in dogs and their humans. She also works professionally with cats (yes, really 😉), helping with complex household dynamics and behavior challenges. 🔗 Connect with Sonia 🌐 Website: https://www.bestofbehavior.com 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bobdogtraining 📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bestofbehavior/?hl=en As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    36 min
  6. When Dogs Choose Their Own Medicine - With With Animal Healer Lisa Tully

    Mar 16

    When Dogs Choose Their Own Medicine - With With Animal Healer Lisa Tully

    What if your dog already knows exactly what they need to heal? In this fascinating conversation, I’m joined by Irish animal healer and communicator Lisa Tully, who works with dogs and cats around the world using a deeply intuitive and holistic approach. Lisa combines animal communication, Chinese medicine principles, and plant-based healing to uncover the root causes of emotional and physical imbalance in animals. And sometimes… the answers point right back to us. We explore how animals can mirror their guardians’ emotions, why some dogs seem “misunderstood,” how animals instinctively choose their own botanicals for healing, and what happens when we start listening to them in a whole new way. If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog understands more than we give them credit for… this episode may change the way you see them forever. In This Episode 🐾 Why the “standard” approach to behaviour problems often misses the real issueAnd how understanding a dog’s unique constitution can change everything. 🐾 How dogs instinctively know which plants help them healLisa explains the concept of animal self-medication and botanical selection. 🐾 The surprising ways dogs mirror their humans’ emotionsEspecially fear, grief, and unresolved stress. 🐾 Why some dogs are labeled “difficult” when they’re actually deeply sensitiveIncluding a fascinating example of the “water element” dog in Chinese medicine. 🐾 How healing can flow both directions on the leadWhen the human shifts, the dog often does too. 🐾 What happens during an animal communication sessionIncluding the powerful question Lisa always asks first. 🐾 Why many people only find holistic healing after trying everything else A Favourite Moment “Have you asked the dog what it is they need to heal?” Sometimes the answers we’re searching for aren’t in another training method… but in learning how to listen. 00:00 Welcome to the Podcast00:38 Meet Lisa in Ireland03:16 Her Path to Healing07:21 Why Clients Seek Help08:11 Five Elements Water Dog12:33 Dogs Mirror Their Humans15:23 Pandemic Puppies and Grief20:26 How Dogs Choose Essences22:28 How Lisa Receives Messages25:10 Animals She Works With27:26 Meditation Gift and Programs30:22 Website and Farewell30:48 Subscribe and Outro About Lisa Tully Lisa Tully is a professional animal healer and communicator from Ireland with an international practice supporting dogs and cats. Her work blends animal communication with botanical healing and holistic approaches to uncover the emotional, physical, and energetic root causes of imbalance in animals. Lisa believes animals are active participants in their own healing process. Through her work, animals can guide the selection of natural remedies, helping them return to balance so they can live longer, healthier lives alongside the people who love them. She collaborates with holistic veterinarians worldwide and supports animals dealing with emotional challenges, behavioural issues, and chronic health conditions. Connect with Lisa Websitehttps://animalhealing.ie Free Guided Meditation (Start Healing Your Animals Today)https://animalhealing.ie/guided-meditation/ Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/animalhealinglisatully/ TikTokhttps://www.tiktok.com/@animalhealinglisatully Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/animalhealinglisatully As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go tohttps://soultouchedbydogs.com

    32 min
  7. Adam Spencer - Furlanthropy: A New Model for Helping Pets in Crisis

    Feb 2

    Adam Spencer - Furlanthropy: A New Model for Helping Pets in Crisis

    When Love Meets Innovation: Helping Pets Get the Care They Deserve Some dogs simply arrive one day… and change everything. In this episode of Soul Touched by Dogs, I’m joined by Adam Spencer, founder of Furlanthropy — an innovative nonprofit that’s reimagining how pet parents can access life-saving veterinary care when money stands in the way. Adam’s journey into animal welfare didn’t begin with a lifelong love of dogs. In fact, it started with reluctance… and a rescue dog named Hazelnut who quietly cracked his heart wide open. What followed was the creation of the first nonprofit-owned crowdfunding platform designed specifically for pets — one that protects donors, supports veterinarians, and keeps families together during their most vulnerable moments. This is a conversation about compassion, dignity, and what becomes possible when we stop accepting “that’s just how it is.” 🐾 Key Takeaways 🐾 The truth behind “I can’t afford treatment”Why financial barriers are now one of the leading reasons pets don’t receive care — and how this crisis is quietly growing. 🐾 The one basic secret of ethical crowdfundingHow trust, verification, and transparency change everything for donors, vets, and pet parents alike. 🐾 Why even loving, responsible guardians get stuck:  How rising veterinary costs and debt traps leave families with impossible choices — and why this isn’t a personal failure. 🐾 How a single rescue dog can ripple outward:Hazelnut’s story — and how one soul-deep connection inspired help for hundreds of pets across the country. 🐾 The overlooked support system behind the scenes: Why veterinarians are often carrying emotional and financial burdens we rarely talk about — and why they matter here too. 💬 Favourite Quote “When you touch someone’s heart, you don’t have to convince them to care.” 00:00 Introduction to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast00:24 Meet Adam and His Journey with Furlanthropy01:40 The Heartwarming Story of Adopting Hazelnut06:25 The Birth of Furlanthropy: A Mission to Help Pets09:37 Challenges in Pet Care and the Role of Furlanthropy14:28 How Furlanthropy Operates and Its Impact17:54 Fundraising Tips and Reaching Potential Donors28:11 How Furlanthropy Supports Various Pet Needs30:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts About the Guest: Adam Spencer Adam Spencer is the Founder and President of Furlanthropy, an innovative nonprofit charity created to help pet parents raise funds for veterinary expenses — from emergency surgeries to long-term treatment and recovery. With over 20 years of experience as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), Adam has raised millions of dollars for causes close to the heart. Furlanthropy was inspired by the rescue of his dog Hazelnut — a moment that transformed Adam’s life and redirected his professional mission toward animal welfare. Adam is a passionate advocate for ethical giving, transparency in fundraising, and innovative solutions that keep pets with the people who love them. He lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia with his wife Erica, their five children, and two rescue dogs — enjoying pickleball, e-bike rides, and imported lobster rolls. 🔗 Connect with Adam & Furlanthropy Website: https://www.furlanthropy.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/furlanthropycharityInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/furlanthropycharity As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to👉 https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    31 min
  8. Miranda Wimbush - Dogs as Mirrors: Healing at the Human End of the Leash

    Jan 11

    Miranda Wimbush - Dogs as Mirrors: Healing at the Human End of the Leash

    What if your dog’s behaviour isn’t something to fix… but something to listen to? In this beautifully grounding conversation, I’m joined by Miranda Wimbush, founder of The Mindful Canine, to explore what becomes possible when we slow down, soften our nervous systems, and reconnect with the wisdom that lives beneath the noise. Miranda brings together science, intuition, and embodied awareness in a way that feels both practical and profound. We talk about dogs as mirrors, grief as an initiator, and why true change so often begins at the human end of the leash. This is an episode for dog guardians and professionals who feel the pull toward a quieter, more connected way of being with their dogs - and with themselves. 🐾 Key Takeaways The truth behind “fixing the dog”Why behaviour often shifts when the human nervous system finds regulation first. The one basic secret of intuitive connectionSlowing down enough to feel - not analyse - what’s happening between you and your dog. Why most well-meaning dog guardians are exhaustedAnd how emotional release can restore capacity, clarity, and compassion. How a simple heart-centred practice can change everythingFrom daily stress… to how safe and supported your dog feels with you. The often-overlooked cost of caring deeplyEspecially for pet professionals, and why boundaries and self-connection matter more than technique. 💬 Favourite Quote “When we release some of what we’re carrying, our dogs don’t just feel it, they soften with us.” 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:24 Welcoming Miranda Rubush00:54 Miranda's Background and Business02:33 The Shift to Focusing on Dog Owners04:26 Personal Journey and Emotional Healing05:45 Intuitive Connection and Energy Healing07:03 Impact of COVID on Dog Owners08:36 Challenges Faced by Dog Professionals11:45 Meditation and Visualization Techniques16:08 Emotional Connection with Dogs23:40 Conclusion and Resources 🌿 About the Guest – Miranda Wimbush Miranda Wimbush is the founder of The Mindful Canine, where she supports dog guardians and pet professionals through holistic canine coaching and intuitive healing. With a background as a certified professional dog trainer, veterinary technician, and HeartMath Certified Mentor, Miranda bridges practical, science-based understanding with deep inner work. Her approach helps people regulate their nervous systems, heal unconscious patterns, and reconnect with their own inner wisdom — so their dogs don’t have to carry what isn’t theirs. Miranda’s work is especially powerful for pet professionals experiencing burnout or compassion fatigue, offering a heart-centred path toward sustainability, clarity, and trust — on both ends of the leash. 🔗 Connect with Miranda 🌐 Website: https://www.mindfulcanine.ca 🎁 Free Workshop + Call: Deepening Your Intuitive Connection Workshop & Call(A beautiful entry point into Miranda’s work and lived experience of intuitive connection)https://program.mindfulcanine.ca/intuitiveUse code FREEBIE As always, to find out all about Soul Touched by Dogs, go to👉 https://soultouchedbydogs.com

    26 min
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About

Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who see dogs not as toys or tools, but as wise souls worth our respect and care. The 30-minute interviews with "Pawsome Humans", people who do great work for dogs and their people, you're listening to here on the podcast are one of the ways we celebrate the human-canine connection and advocate for holistic approaches to canine health and well-being.

Information

  • Creator
    Anke Herrmann
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    120
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2024 Soul Touched by Dogs
  • Show Website
    Soul Touched by Dogs

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