In this episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I continue my conversation with Adam Spencer, CFRE, founder of Furlanthropy. I shared with Adam my idea to start a 501(c)(3) for dog training. I want dog training to be accessible to everybody. Adam had a wonderful idea and informed me that I could start a fundraiser for dog training on Furlanthropy's site! Listen to his innovative ideas and enjoy, maybe you can start a philanthropy fundraiser for training pets in your city!
Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropy
https://furlanthropy.org/
#Furlanthropy #charity #501c3 #PetFundraising #fundraising #dogtraining #PetParents #dog #cat #Podcast
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Compassion Care for Those Who Care for Our Pets
In this emotional episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I continue my conversation with Adam Spencer, CFRE, founder of Furlanthropy, to confront one of the most common crises in veterinary medicine today: Compassion Fatigue. The life-saving care and the emotional support veterinarians, veterinarian technicians, assistants, and front desk staff give their clients takes a toll. Veterinarians are 2-3 times more likely to die by suicide as compared to other professionals.
We go to a veterinary office with a healthy pet for a routine checkup, or our pet in crisis who needs immediate care. In those moments, we expect compassion, understanding, and expertise—for our pets and for ourselves. But how often do we stop to think about what the people on the other side of the exam table are carrying? Veterinarians, technicians, assistants, front desk, and other staff work in a profession rooted in love and empathy. Yet it comes with an emotional cost few of us fully see. Compassion fatigue, burnout, moral distress, long hours, and repeated exposure to grief take a profound toll.
When we are in crisis with our pets, it can be nearly impossible to hold space for anything else. But consider this: the veterinarian standing in front of you may have just walked out of the exam room next door after euthanizing another family’s pet—perhaps one they’ve known since puppyhood or kittenhood. And now, they must take a breath, steady themselves, and walk into your room offering calm, care, and compassion all over again.
That emotional whiplash happens multiple times a day.
What Is Compassion Fatigue?
Compassion fatigue is the emotional and physical exhaustion that comes from prolonged caregiving and repeated exposure to trauma and grief. It doesn’t mean a lack of caring—it means too much caring for too long without enough support.
How Can We Help Our Veterinarians and Their Staff?
Small acts matter more than we realize:
• Practice patience. Delays, tough news, or difficult conversations aren’t personal—they’re often the result of someone else’s emergency or loss.
• Use kind language. Stressful moments can escalate quickly. A calm tone and respectful words can make a world of difference.
• Say thank you—and mean it. A genuine “I appreciate what you do” carries weight.
• Leave positive reviews. These help morale more than you might imagine, especially after difficult days.
• Support fair care. Veterinary teams want to help every animal, but they face financial, ethical, and emotional limits.
• Acknowledge their humanity. They are professionals—but they are also people who grieve, love, and hurt.
If you’ve ever felt supported, comforted, or guided through one of the hardest moments of pet ownership, that care came at a cost to someone who chose this profession out of love.
Mental Health Resources for Veterinarians & Veterinary Staff
If you are a veterinarian, technician, or staff member—or you love someone who is—support is available:
• Not One More Vet (NOMV)
NOMV Created by Dr. Nicole MacArthur October 1, 2014, following the suicide of world-renowned veterinary behaviorist Dr. Sophia Yin.
• AVMA Wellbeing & Peer Support Resources
The American Veterinary Medical Association provides mental health tools, wellness education, & confidential peer assistance.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/wellbeing
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.)
Call or text 988 for immediate, confidential support—24/7.
International:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_suicide_crisis_lines
• Local Veterinary Peer Support Groups
Many state and regional veterinary associations offer confidential peer-to-peer programs.
Asking for help is not a weakness. It is a sign of strength—and survival.
Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropy
https://furlanthropy.org/
#Caregivers #MentalHealth #CompassionFatigue #NotOneMoreVet #drsophiayin #sucideprevention #veterinarians
Have A Dog Gone Positive Day!
What happens when saving a beloved pet’s life comes down to money?
In this bold episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, I sit down with Adam Spencer, CFRE, founder of Furlanthropy, to confront one of the most uncomfortable conversations in veterinary medicine today: the rising cost of life-saving care and the emotional toll it takes on pet parents and veterinarians. We pull back the curtain on what veterinary teams face when clients can’t afford treatment—and why this reality is breaking hearts on both sides of the exam room.
Adam also challenges the way we think about giving. What if helping animals didn’t have to look like writing a check? From donating stock to using cryptocurrency, Furlanthropy is redefining how generosity works in a modern world—and making critical care possible for families who would otherwise have no options.
This episode is a must-listen for pet lovers, animal advocates, and anyone willing to question the system—and believe compassion can still win.
Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropy
https://furlanthropy.org/
#Furlanthropy #crypto #pets #charity #501c3 #fundraising #AnimalWelfare #Podcast #PetParents #veterinarian #dog #cat #Podcast #compassionfatigue
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
In this powerful episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, my interview with Adam Spencer CFRE, the founder of Furlanthropy, shines a light on the impact high cost of life-saving treatments for pet parents and veterinarians. We dive into the inspiration behind his mission to change the way pets receive lifesaving medical care. Adam shares how adopting his dog, who had been surrendered because her original family couldn’t afford treatment, opened his eyes to a heartbreaking reality faced by thousands of pet parents.
That moment sparked the idea for Furlanthropy, a 501 (c) (3) charity that brings communities together to fund crucial medical needs for pets in crisis. In Part One, Adam discusses openly about the moment everything shifted, the emotional journey that followed, and why he believes no animal should lose their home—or their life—because of financial hardship.
This episode is a must-listen for pet lovers, animal advocates, and anyone who loves a story born from compassion and purpose.
Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropy
https://furlanthropy.org/
#Furlanthropy #PetPodcast #AnimalRescue #PetMedicalCare #DogRescue #charity #501c3 #PetFundraising #AnimalAdvocacy #PetsInNeed #fundraising #PetHealth #AnimalWelfare #Podcast #PetParents #veterinarian #dog #cat #Podcast
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
In this powerful episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, my interview with Adam Spencer CFRE, the founder of Furlanthropy, shines a light on the impact high cost of life-saving treatments for pet parents and veterinarians. We dive into the inspiration behind his mission to change the way pets receive lifesaving medical care. Adam shares how adopting his dog, who had been surrendered because her original family couldn’t afford treatment, opened his eyes to a heartbreaking reality faced by thousands of pet parents.
That moment sparked the idea for Furlanthropy, a 501 (c) (3) charity that brings communities together to fund crucial medical needs for pets in crisis. In Part One, Adam discusses openly about the moment everything shifted, the emotional journey that followed, and why he believes no animal should lose their home—or their life—because of financial hardship.
This episode is a must-listen for pet lovers, animal advocates, and anyone who loves a story born from compassion and purpose.
Follow Furlanthropy on Social Media: @furlanthropy
https://furlanthropy.org/
#Furlanthropy #PetPodcast #AnimalRescue #PetMedicalCare #DogRescue #charity #501c3 #PetFundraising #AnimalAdvocacy #PetsInNeed #fundraising #PetHealth #AnimalWelfare #Podcast #PetParents #veterinarian #dog #cat #Podcast
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria in the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria discusses safety during the holidays or any gatherings. From feeding to crating, let’s keep our pets safe and out of the ER #dog #Dogbehavior #DogTraining #pets #anxiety #Safety #countersurfing #rawfood #gratitude #thanksgiving #holidays #crates #veterinarian
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria in the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria shows new dog socialization with your already existing dog. Maria encourages you to record your dog, watch the video, and try to decipher what your dog's body language says. We must take all the pressure off the dogs and lower expectations to what they can handle, not what we want. It is all about our pets, not us. When we take the pressure off and stop interfering, it is actually a beautiful thing to observe and learn what our dogs' bodies are really telling us. Our dogs primarily communicate with us through their body language, and of course, with one another. Of course, there is vocalization, but even before vocalization happens, there is body language. It is hardwired into us and into animals. It is part of survival. It can be so subtle that the human can’t even detect it. She shares a video of the first week of interaction with Tony, and a newly adopted dog, Love. A tail is one part of a dog’s body that is an information highway! Ever think about what happens when the is docked or the ears are cropped? What about their ears and the rest of their body? There is so much to discover just by watching dogs interact with one another without interfering, as long as it's a safe interaction, obviously. Remember, Maria encourages people to watch videos with the volume off, which gives you a new perspective on what you are seeing when you watch dogs play or what you think might be play. Join her as she in the new series on dog body language and newly adopted pets. These are some of the many questions that are answered for you in this Body Language Series. So sit back, relax, listen, and gain some more knowledge about what your dog’s tail is actually telling you. #bodylanguage #dog #Dogbehavior #dogtrainer #tails #tail #pets #introduction #newpet #multidog #Rehoming #Anxiety #wags #tailwag #Socialization #tailwagging #appeasement #dogaggression #Boundaries #Safety #ears #crop #dock #gentleleader #headcollar #dogmom #dogtraining#piloerection #tongueflick #whaleeye #communicationbreakdown
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria in the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria shows new dog socialization with your already existing dog. We must take all the pressure off the dogs and lower expectations to what they can handle, not what we want. It is all about our pets, not us. When we take the pressure off and stop interfering, it is actually a beautiful thing to observe and learn what our dogs' bodies are really telling us. Our dogs primarily communicate with us through their body language, and of course, with one another. Of course, there is vocalization, but even before vocalization happens, there is body language. It is hardwired into us and into animals. It is part of survival. It can be so subtle that the human can’t even detect it. She shares a video of the first week of interaction with Tony, and a newly adopted dog, Love. A tail is one part of a dog’s body that is an information highway! Ever think about what happens when the is docked or the ears are cropped? What about their ears and the rest of their body? There is so much to discover just by watching dogs interact with one another without interfering, as long as it's a safe interaction, obviously. Remember, Maria encourages people to watch videos with the volume off, which gives you a new perspective on what you are seeing when you watch dogs play or what you think might be play. Join her as she in the new series on dog body language and newly adopted pets. These are some of the many questions that are answered for you in this Body Language Series. So sit back, relax, listen, and gain some more knowledge about what your dog’s tail is actually telling you. #bodylanguage #dog #Dogbehavior #dogtrainer #tails #tail #pets #introduction #newpet #multidog #Rehoming #Anxiety #wags #tailwag #Socialization #tailwagging #appeasement #dogaggression #Boundaries #Safety #ears #crop #dock #gentleleader #headcollar #dogmom #dogtraining
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria in the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria shows several examples of how to introduce a new dog into the family with your already existing dog. We must take all the pressure off the dogs and lower expectations to what they can handle, not what we want. It is all about our pets, not us. When we take the pressure off and stop interfering, it is actually a beautiful thing to observe and learn about what our dogs' bodies are really telling us. Our dogs primarily communicate with us through their body language, and of course, with one another. Of course, there is vocalization, but even before vocalization happens, there is body language. It is hardwired into us and into animals. It is part of survival. It can be so subtle that the human can’t even detect it. She shares a video of the first week of interaction with Tony, and a newly adopted dogLove. A tail is one part of a dog’s body that is an information highway! Ever think about what happens when the tail is docked? What about their ears and the rest of their body? There is so much to discover by just watching dogs interact with one another and not interfering, as long as it's a safe interaction, obviously. Remember, Maria encourages people to watch videos with the volume off, which gives you a new perspective on what you are seeing when you watch dogs play or what you think might be play. Join her as she in the new series on dog body language and newly adopted pets. What are new pet parents’ expectations of a newly adopted dog, and how high are the expectations they have for the dog they already have at home? These are among the many questions that are answered for you in this Body Language Series. So sit back, relax, listen, and gain some more knowledge about what your dog’s tail is actually telling you. #bodylanguage #dog #Dogbehavior #dogtrainer #tails #tail #pets #introduction #newpet #multidog #Rehoming #Anxiety #wags #tailwag #Socialization #tailwagging #appeasement #dogaggression #Boundaries #Safety #SafeIntroductions #playbow #anxiety #survival
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria in the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria shows several examples of how to introduce a new dog into the family with your already existing dog. Baby Gates, X pens, and dog crates are a vital part of Success for new introductions. It is important that we take all the pressure off of the dogs and lower the expectations to what they can handle, and not what we want. It is all about our pets, not us. Our dogs primarily communicate with us through their body language, as well as with one another. It can be so subtle that the human can’t even detect it. She shares a video of a meet-and-greet with her dog, Tony, and a newly adopted dog named Love. A tail is one part of a dog’s body that is an information highway! Ever think about what happens when the tail is docked? Join her as she starts the new series on dog body language and newly adopted pets. What are new pet parents’ expectations of a newly adopted dog, and how high are the expectations they have for the dog they already have at home? These are among the many questions that are answered for you in this Body Language Series. So sit back, relax, listen, and gain some more knowledge about what your dog’s tail is actually telling you. #bodylanguage #dog #Dogbehavior #dogtrainer #tails #tail #pets #introduction #newpet #multidog #Rehoming #Anxiety #wags #tailwag #Socialization #tailwagging #appeasement #dogaggression #BabyGates #DogCrates #ExercisePens #Boundaries #Safety #SafeIntroductions
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria in the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria shows several examples of tail wags and no tail wags. Even some tooth displays! Have you ever asked yourself, Why did my dog bite that person? His tail was wagging the whole time? Why did my dog attack that other dog? His tail was wagging the entire time? Learn a little bit about tail wags and tail set, and what they mean. Our dogs primarily communicate with us through body language, as well as with each other. It can be so subtle that the human can’t even detect it. She shares a video of a meet-and-greet with her dog, Tony, and a newly adopted dog named Love. A tail is one part of a dog’s body that is an information highway! Ever think about what happens when the tail is docked? Join her as she starts the new series on dog body language and newly adopted pets. What are new pet parents’ expectations of a newly adopted dog, and how high are the expectations they have for the dog they already have at home? These are among the many questions that are answered for you in this Body Language Series. So sit back, relax, listen, and gain some more knowledge about what your dog’s tail is actually telling you. #bodylanguage #dog #Dogbehavior #dogtrainer #tails #tail #pets #introduction #newpet #multidog #Rehoming #Anxiety #wags #tailwag #Socialization #tailwagging #appeasement #dogaggression
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join us for the latest episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, featuring professional dog trainer Maria Ryan, as she delves even further into how our pets' food is made. Maria discusses the process by which food is made for our pets, including where the ingredients come from. Did you know that your pets are eating roadkill, euthanized animals, and diseased farm animals? Probably not if you didn’t know, now you do! She also has some health updates and dog updates! Specifically, Mr. Tony Knuffle & perhaps a new sister!
#DogFood #AAAAFCOf #MinimumStandards #Nutrition #RenderingPlants #DiseaseAnimals #Dogs #Cats #Diet #Roadkill #Adoption #TampaBay #DogTrainer #DogTraining #PetAdoption #Dog #Cat #Podcast #Sunday’sDogFood #DryDogFood #AirDryDogFood #multidoghome #dogmom
Have more questions for Maria? You can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Welcome back, THE DOGGONE POSITIVE WAY. In this latest episode, Maria shows you how to make your own yak milk dog chew treats. She shows you how to safely give this treat to your dog using a bully stick holder. Maria talks about the different types of toys that are safe to give to your pet and what's not safe to leave with your pet. Join her as she shows you what to do and what not to do when making the yak milk or should I say cow milk, treat for her fur baby and #Yak #Shoe #Kong #Dog #Dogs #Pets #DogTrainer #DogTreats #enrichment #AAFCO #MadeInUS #USA #BullyStickHolder #HomemadeDogTreat #Homemade #ADogTreat #Safety #DogToySafety #Himalayan Milk #YakMilk #SkimMilk #LimeJuice #Salt
Recipe:
1 gallon of skim milk
1 teaspoon of Himalayan or sea salt
1/2 cup of lime juice or white vinegar.
Bring milk to a slow simmer, stir frequently, remove from heat, add salt, and add lime juice or vinegar, stirring constantly. Remove cheese curds by draining through cheesecloth and squeezing out excess water. Form into a flat disc or rectangle while wrapped tightly in cheesecloth, let sit for at least six hours or until all the extra moisture stops draining. Once it has rested, you can cut it into strips size appropriate for your dog.
If you have more questions for Maria: you can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at scrattyopatty@gmail.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria today in the latest episode of the Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria continues the discussion about the dog food industry. Her puppy Tony makes an appearance with his new Kong Wobbler. She discusses several high-end, already prepared, raw dog companies that are both developed by veterinarians. She reviews the ever-so-popular, air-dried dog food, Sundays. She also discusses the different fillers that parents are being charged an incredibly high expense for. What are you, the pet parent, paying for? Does it have the same nutritional value? These are among the many questions that are answered for you in this food series. Let her do the work and research for you, so you can sit back, relax, and gain more knowledge about the dog food industry and its implications for you and your pet.
#AAFCO #DogFood #DogFoodIndustry #petFood #Kibble #Dog #DryDogFood #PetFood #RawDiet #value #cats # #Sundays #AirDry #Come #Kong #Wobbler #Enrichment #Work #Dogs #Puppies #Puppy #DogTraining #Cute
If you have more questions for Maria: you can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at maria@doggonepositivetraining.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join Maria today in the latest episode of the Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria continues the discussion about the dog food industry. She discusses several high-end, already prepared, raw dog companies that are both developed by veterinarians. See what she uncovers in one of the veterinarian's raw dog foods. She also discusses the different fillers that parents are being charged an incredibly high expense. What the hell are all these fillers for? What are you, the pet parent, paying for? Is it the correct nutrition? These are among the many questions that are answered for you in this food series. Let her do the work and research for you so you can sit back, relax, and listen, and gain some more knowledge about the dog food industry and what it means for you and your pet.
#AAFCO #DogFood #DogFoodIndustry# petFood #Kibble #Dog #DryDogFood #PetFood #RawDiet #value #cats #dogs
I have more questions for Maria: you can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at scrattyopatty@gmail.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join me today in the latest episode of the Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria continues the discussion about raw food: Is it safe? Should you buy it in the Pet store? Should you prepare yourself? Is it too high value for your pet? What the hell are all these fillers for? What am I paying for? Is it the correct nutrition? Is it 100% complete and nutritionally balanced? These are among the many questions that are answered for you in this food series. Let her do the work and research for you so you can sit back, relax, and listen, and gain some more knowledge about the dog food industry and what it means for you and your Pet. #AAFCO #DogFood #DogFoodIndustry# petFood #Kibble #Dog #DryDogFood #PetFood #RawDiet #value #cats #dogs
https://youtu.be/23DCYNqPP-U?si=2w8R6ppn2sZ9pqmQ
I have more questions for Maria: you can reach her on socials @doggonepositive or you can email her at scrattyopatty@gmail.com
Don't forget to have a Dog Gone Positive Day!
Join me in today's episode of the Dog Gone Positive Way, where Maria Ryan discusses the conversation about raw diets for dogs and the dangers of buying already prepared raw food. Over the next several weeks, we will explore the various options for feeding your dog, including a raw diet, home-prepared meals, kibble, canned food, or a combination of all. Which one is the best? How do I read a label on a dog food bag? Which brand should you feed your pet? What ingredients are bad for my pet? These are just a few of the questions that Maria is going to answer as we take a journey through the dog food industry. Maria does all the hard work for you, so you don't have to. #DOGFOOD #RAWFOOD #DOGDIET #BARF#dryFood #DogFoodIndustry #AAFCO #FDA #pets #Cats #Kibble.
Join us today in this episode of the Dog Gone Positive Way: AI & The Vagus Dog Challenge, Part 2. Maria discusses the myths and the truth about your fur baby and their vagus nerve. Does it calm them down? Is it going to resolve your reactivity issues on walks? Will your dog stop jumping aggressively on people when they walk into your house? Tune in and find out the answers to all of these questions and so much more. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe. Leave a five-star review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Find out more about Maria. She can be found on all social media @doggonepositive and on her website www.doggonepositivetraining.com.
#Training #VagusNerve #ReactiveDog #DogTrainer #Dog #Aggressive #Podcast #Clicker
Join us in today's episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, and learn how to spot AI-generated dog training videos, and ways to find out if trainers are really using positive force-free methods. In this AI world it is buyer beware! Maria reviews a new fad about vagus nerve stimulation and curing your dogs reactivity. Is it a scam or is it real? Tune in to find out as Maria breaks it down for you.
Talked to Maria about these issues @doggonepositive on social media. Or email her at scrattyopatty@gmail.com
www.doggonepositivetraining.com
#vagusnerve #Activity #DogTraining #DogBehavior #Scam #BuyerBeware #DogMassage
Join us in today's episode of The Dog Gone Positive Way, and learn about different ways you can enrich your dog mentally but also physically. Maria talks about several different enrichment toys, how to use them, and the benefits of using appropriate toys for your dog or puppy. #Summer# heat #PuppyTeeth #Puppy #dog #ChewToy#Enrichment #Podcast #bullystick #Puzzle #collagenstick #Teething
You can find out more about training with Maria @doggonepositive on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcast.
www.doggonepositivetraining.com