57. Honoring K-9 Heroes & Building Better Bonds with Our Pets

In this heartfelt episode of Pets Add Life, Kristen and Chris dive into the powerful stories, science, and soul behind K-9 heroes and everyday pet companionship.

First, they welcome Jason Johnson, Founder and CEO of Project K-9 Hero, who shares how his organization supports retired police and military working dogs through medical care, sanctuary, and rehoming. With over 30 years of service, Jason’s mission is to give back to the dogs who’ve served our country, and he talks about the inspiring work being done at their 177-acre rehab facility in Tennessee—and the ongoing push for the K-9 Hero Act in Congress.

Then, they’re joined by the legendary Steve Dale, CABC, a certified animal behavior consultant and longtime radio host, columnist, and pet advocate. Steve shares insights on how to strengthen the human-animal bond, debunk common behavior myths, and create fear-free experiences at the vet. He also discusses his work with the EveryCat Health Foundation and his passion for advancing behavioral science in pet care.

As always, we highlight two pup-tastic products and answer three insightful questions from listeners—ranging from excessive barking to choosing a first fish for a 4-year-old.

Pet Product Recommendations:

Bark Bowls – Portable, travel-ready dog meals that combine dry kibble and wet toppers in a compostable container. https://www.barkbowls.com

K&H Pet Products Small Animal Heating Pad – A safe, low-wattage heating pad for bunnies, guinea pigs, and other small pets—great for tile floors or chilly rooms. https://www.khpet.com/products/small-animal-heated-pad

Audience Q&A:

Rachel from Austin, TX: "My dog barks excessively whenever someone walks past our house. We’ve tried distractions and treats, but nothing seems to work. How can we teach him to be calmer without punishing him?"

Mike from Denver, CO: "I’m considering getting a dog, but I’m torn between adopting from a shelter and buying from a breeder. In general, do adopted dogs have more health or behavior challenges compared to dogs from reputable breeders?"

Emily from Chicago, IL: "My 4-year-old wants a pet, and we’re thinking about starting with fish. What’s the best beginner-friendly fish for young kids, and what should we know before setting up a tank?"

Related Links & Resources:

Project K-9 Hero https://projectk9hero.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectk9hero Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectk9hero

Steve Dale – Pet Advocate & Behavior Consultant https://www.stevedalepetworld.com Fear Free Happy Homes: https://www.fearfreehappyhomes.com EveryCat Health Foundation: https://everycat.org

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.