Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.

Debra Hamilton, Esq.
Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.

Pet expert Debra Hamilton interviews other pet lovers on this delightful podcast about pet custody, pet drama, pet problems and pet solutions. Why Do Pets Matter? is a heartfelt podcast dedicated to pets, hosted by pet-focused attorney Debra Hamilton, Esq.

  1. JUN 19

    Creating Mentally Healthy Veterinary Workplaces With Terri Stockdreher, LCSW, MPH

    On this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I’m joined by the insightful Terri Stockdreher, LCSW, MPH — a trauma-informed therapist and fellow NAMV Blueprint advisor — for a powerful conversation about mental health in the veterinary field. Terri specializes in helping high-achieving veterinary and healthcare professionals who are burned out, emotionally exhausted, and struggling to keep up the appearance that everything is “fine.” Together, we discuss the deep emotional connections we have with animals, why communication in clinics can break down, and how unresolved trauma can surface in moments of stress — both for clients and veterinary teams. We also dive into practical strategies for conflict resolution, boundaries, and creating workplaces that are emotionally supportive from top to bottom. Whether you're a veterinarian, veterinary technician, practice manager, or client, this conversation will leave you thinking about how empathy, preparation, and breathing (yes, breathing!) can shift the dynamic for everyone involved. 🎧 Tune in, reflect, and let us know what you think: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgDUZgYW9uk #WhyDoPetsMatter #VeterinaryMentalHealth #NAMV #VetMed #ClearBlueprint #WorkplaceWellness #TraumaInformedCare   Guest Links: https://bravelivingcenter.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-stockdreher/   Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

    34 min
  2. MAY 22

    Mentors, Medicine, and the Magic of Meeting People With Dr. Kate Boatright

    I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Kate Boatright on this week’s episode of Why Do Pets Matter — and let me tell you, what a powerful conversation! 💙 Kate is an incredible advocate for mentorship and the importance of spectrum of care in veterinary medicine. She shares so beautifully about the lessons she’s learned (the wins and the wobbles!), and how she’s created a much-needed space to support both new grads and the mentors guiding them. We also talked about the deep, emotional ways pets have shaped our lives — including the dog that helped her mom through breast cancer and my own story about a pup who carried a family through a scary diagnosis. These are the reasons pets matter. 💫 If you're in vet med, this episode will speak to your heart. And if you’re a pet parent, it’ll give you a whole new appreciation for the people who care for your animals. 🎧 Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts 📺 Or watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Rv7BQ6xVck Let me know what part of Kate’s story resonated most with you!   Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateboatrightvmd/ https://writetheboat.com/   Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

    37 min
  3. MAY 8

    Finding the Third Way: Conflict, Compassion, and Why Pets Matter with Amanda Ripley

    I’m beyond thrilled to welcome my friend Amanda Ripley to the Why Do Pets Matter podcast! Amanda is a brilliant journalist and the author of one of my all-time favorite books, High Conflict. In this episode, we talk all about what happens when we stop digging in our heels and start leaning into connection—yes, even in the middle of a disagreement (or two).   Amanda and I dive into how good conflict—the kind that challenges and stretches us without tearing us apart—can show up in all areas of life, from Capitol Hill to our own backyards. And you know I had to bring it back to pets! We talk about how animals can become both the heart of a dispute and the key to healing, and why conversations about pets often open the door to deeper understanding.   You’ll also hear Amanda share how a former gang leader inspired her to think differently about political violence (and dog sharing, believe it or not!), and we reflect on what it means to regulate our emotions, listen actively, and choose curiosity over conflict. Listen and Download: Watch the video version: https://youtu.be/gl3YVlWpQ5E   Guest Links: https://www.thegoodconflict.com/ https://www.amandaripley.com/high-conflict   Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

    48 min
  4. APR 10

    Pets & Perspectives: A Conversation with Natalie Armstrong-Motin and Debra Hamilton

    In todays episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I spoke with my good friend, Natalie Armstrong-Motin, Founder of Will Work For Food who also does Social Media Marketing Creation and Management for Mediators and Arbitrators Around the World. From the emotional benefits of having a furry companion while working alone to comparing pet care infrastructure across countries like the Netherlands, France, and the United States, our conversation offers practical insights and thoughtful reflections. We also challenge common assumptions about American exceptionalism, discuss the concerning parallels between media control in different countries, and share a surprisingly effective librarian's response to book-banning efforts. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that weaves together the personal and the political, reminding us all of our responsibility to engage respectfully with different perspectives while staying true to our values. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zEXuHPP_Xkk   Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingresolution/ https://www.willworkforfood.news/   Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

    35 min
  5. MAR 27

    Protecting Pets in Domestic Abuse with Christina Warner

    In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I had the honor of speaking with Christina Warner, a family barrister in the UK and the incredible force behind Ruby’s Law. Christina is working hard to change the law in the UK to make sure pets are protected in cases of domestic abuse. As someone who’s spent years helping people navigate conflicts over animals, I know just how important this is. Too often, pets are caught in the middle—or worse, used as tools of control. Christina shares real stories from her work, the heartbreaking reality for many pets and their people, and how Ruby’s Law could change that. We also talked about how the human-animal bond plays such a big role in people's lives, especially in moments of crisis. This conversation really opened my heart, and I think it will for you too. Listen now and help us spread the word—because pets are family, and they deserve protection too. 🎧 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/BcE7xJsQH7Q   Guest Links:  📩 contact@rubyslaw.co.uk 🔗 RubysLaw.co.uk 🫶 Donate today: https://donate.stripe.com/bIY15L7rqfwQ6dOfYZ 🙌 Join the movement: https://www.change.org/p/support-ruby-s-law-for-the-protection-of-pets-in-domestic-abuse-cases📸 Instagram: rubyslaw2025 🎶 TikTok: rubys_law 💼 LinkedIn: rubyslaw   Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation

    35 min
4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Pet expert Debra Hamilton interviews other pet lovers on this delightful podcast about pet custody, pet drama, pet problems and pet solutions. Why Do Pets Matter? is a heartfelt podcast dedicated to pets, hosted by pet-focused attorney Debra Hamilton, Esq.

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