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

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. قبل يومين

    Why Pets Make Us More Human: A Conversation on Animal-Assisted Therapy with Dr. Aubrey Fine

    Listen to this episode of Why Do Pets Matter for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Aubrey Fine, Professor Emeritus at California State Polytechnic University and an internationally recognized pioneer in animal-assisted therapy. Dr. Fine takes us on his journey from growing up in a pet-free home to becoming one of the foremost advocates for the human-animal bond, a path that began with an unexpected friendship with a gerbil named Sasha.   In this heartfelt discussion, Dr. Fine shares the therapeutic benefits of animals for children with learning disabilities, autism, and ADHD, while emphasizing why animal welfare must always come first in therapy settings. He reflects on more than four decades of groundbreaking work, his deep relationships with animals from therapy dogs to his horse’s foal “Fine-tastic,” and the profound lessons animals teach us about empathy, resilience, and responsibility.   Dr. Fine’s contributions to the field are immense. He served 42 years as a professor at Cal Poly, is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in children with ADHD, learning disabilities, and developmental disorders, and has been recognized with the William F. McCulloch Award for Excellence in Human-Animal Interaction Education and Practice as well as the CSU Wang Award for Distinguished Professor. His publications include Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy (6th Edition, 2024), Afternoons with Puppy: Inspirations from a Therapist and His Animals, and Our Faithful Companions: Exploring the Essence of Our Kinship with Animals. Watch It: https://youtu.be/UzkTmHJO6S8   Guest Links: Dr. Fine's website: www.aubreyhfine.com Cal Poly faculty profile: www.cpp.edu/faculty/ahfine/ Clinical practice: www.aubreyhfine.com (Claremont, CA)   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

    ٣٩ من الدقائق
  2. ١٧ يوليو

    From Litigation to Collaboration: Transforming Animal Law Through Empathy

    In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I talk with industrial organizational psychologist Taeler Hammond about the growing connection between animal law, veterinary conflict, and the human-animal bond. We explore why treating pets as property in court often falls short, and how empathy and communication can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. Taeler shares personal stories that show how small moments can turn into big conflicts—or real solutions—depending on how we respond. We also talk about de-escalation techniques, the role of social media in disputes, and why including clients in the problem-solving process builds trust. If you work with animals or care about the people who do, this conversation is full of helpful tools and perspective. Watch Now: https://youtu.be/Qs1CqBQzy7Y   Guest Links: Website: https://www.deiprofinder.com/california/los-angeles/diversity-equity-and-inclusion-consultant/nouveau-paige-consulting Instagram: @nouveau_paige_consulting Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taelerhammond/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWC4p9h06_s   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

    ٥٠ من الدقائق
  3. ١٩ يونيو

    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

    ٣٤ من الدقائق
  4. ٢٢ مايو

    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

    ٣٧ من الدقائق
  5. ٨ مايو

    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

    ٤٨ من الدقائق
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‫١٢ من التقييمات‬

حول

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.