74. Raw Food, Rescue Dogs & Bodega Cats

In this episode of Pets Add Life, Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati dive into everything from raw pet food myths to heroic shelter dogs and streetwise New York felines. First, Brian McDonnell of Oma’s Pride shares how his fourth-generation company is redefining pet nutrition with raw food, modern marketing, and authentic personalities. Then, best-selling author and canine search-and-rescue expert Susannah Charleson recounts her extraordinary career flying planes, finding missing persons with dogs, and helping rescues discover new purpose as service animals. Plus, the duo reveals how color-changing pee pads and AI collars are revolutionizing pet health—and NYC considers finally legalizing bodega cats!

Special Guests:

• Brian McDonnell – Director of E-Commerce at Oma’s Pride & Social Media Personality Website: https://www.omaspride.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omaspride Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omaspride LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-mcdonnell-b0b782103
• Susannah Charleson – NYT Bestselling Author of Scent of the Missing Website: https://www.susannahcharleson.com Books: – Scent of the Missing: https://www.amazon.com/Scent-Missing-Dogs-Lives-Saved/dp/0547422575 – The Possibility Dogs: https://www.amazon.com/Possibility-Dogs-Rescue-Animals-Service/dp/054773493X – Where the Lost Dogs Go: https://www.amazon.com/Where-Lost-Dogs-Go-Companions/dp/0358298363

Pet Product Recommendations:

• Genius Pee Pads (color-changing to detect health issues): https://geniuslitter.com/products/genius-dog-pad
• Fi Series 3 Smart Collar (AI activity tracker & GPS): https://tryfi.com
• Virbac Epi-Otic Ear Rinse for Cats & Dogs: https://www.virbac.com/home/product-information/ear-care.html

Q&A Topics:

• Emma from Dallas, TX: “My cat has earwax buildup and scratches a lot. When should I take her to the vet?”
• Jake from Orlando, FL: “My dog pulls like crazy on walks. What tools and tips can help?”

Related Links:

• ASPCA Poison Control Hotline: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
• Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com
• NYC Bill to Legalize Bodega Cats: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/08/nyregion/bodega-cats-legal.html
• Pet Obesity Prevention Tips: https://petobesityprevention.org
• Gentle Leader Headcollar: https://www.petsafe.com/store/gentleleader
• Freedom No-Pull Harness: https://www.2houndsdesign.com/freedom-no-pull-harness/

Social Media & Submissions:

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• Submit a Question: https://petsaddlife.org/podcast

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