Episodes

  • Practical Pete Chat Episode 6 2026 - How our pets show and receive love

    Practical Pete Chat Episode 6 2026 - How our pets show and receive love
    Feb 16 2026
    On this heartfelt (and hilarious) episode of Practical Pet Chat, Rob and Lorin explore one of the most meaningful parts of sharing life with animals — the many ways our pets show love, affection, and unwavering devotion. Lorin proudly reports that she receives full-on hugs from her pups (clearly living her best life), while Rob points out that although he may not get the dramatic embrace, he absolutely gets his fair share of devoted stares, loyal shadowing, and those quiet “you’re my person” moments. Different delivery… same deep bond. But this conversation goes beyond cute stories. Rob and Lorin unpack what love actually looks like in the animal world. From the science of attachment and oxytocin release, to the subtle behaviors we often overlook, they discuss how pets communicate affection through action rather than words. You’ll hear about: The power of eye contact and the “love gaze” Why leaning, sitting on your feet, or following you from room to room is a sign of security The meaning behind check-ins during walks Happy greetings vs. calm companionship Why some pets hug… and others show devotion in quieter ways How routine, safety, and trust strengthen emotional bonds They also talk about how affection evolves over time. Puppies may express love with full-body enthusiasm, while older pets often show it through steady presence and calm connection. And sometimes the biggest sign of love? Simply choosing to be near you. Lorin and Rob remind listeners that love isn’t measured by theatrics. It’s measured by trust. It’s the dog that waits by the door. The cat that sleeps on your laptop. The gentle nudge of a nose during a hard day. The silent check-in across the room. Our pets may not say the words — but they absolutely know love, feel love, and respond in kind. If you’ve ever wondered whether your pet truly loves you, this episode will not only answer that question… it will help you see all the beautiful ways they’ve been telling you all along.
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    14 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - 2026 - Episode 5 - Valentines Day vs Every Day Is Special and More...

    Practical Pet Chat - 2026 - Episode 5 - Valentines Day vs Every Day Is Special and More...
    Feb 8 2026
    Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and on this episode, Lorin and Rob dive into what the holiday really means when your greatest loves have four legs, fur, and zero concept of personal space. The conversation starts lighthearted—and quickly escalates—when Rob learns that Lorin doesn’t just spoil her dogs… she elevates them. Pearls? Yes. Filet mignon? Also yes. Rob is left questioning his entire approach to dog parenting while Lorin casually attempts to recruit his dog to move in with her immediately, promising a lifestyle upgrade that’s hard to refuse. Between the laughs and playful banter, Lorin and Rob explore a more meaningful message about love, presence, and intentionality with our pets. Valentine’s Day can be a fun excuse to go all out, but the real magic happens in the everyday moments—the extra walk, the uninterrupted playtime, the quiet companionship on the couch, and the simple act of choosing to be fully present. They remind listeners that while special days are wonderful, our pets don’t need grand gestures to feel loved. What they truly crave is consistency, attention, and connection. Taking time each day to engage, nurture, and appreciate them builds a bond that lasts far beyond any holiday. This episode is equal parts laughter and reflection—a celebration of the joy pets bring into our lives and a gentle reminder that love isn’t seasonal. Whether you’re planning a Valentine’s feast for your pup or just committing to a few more moments of mindful togetherness, this conversation will leave you smiling and feeling inspired to love your pets a little louder every day.
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    18 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat 2026 - Episode 4 - Chunky Monkeys Unite and More

    Practical Pet Chat 2026 - Episode 4 - Chunky Monkeys Unite and More
    Feb 2 2026
    On this episode of Practical Pet, Lorin and Rob tackle a topic many pet parents quietly worry about but don’t always know how to approach: our beloved Chunky Monkeys. 🐾 With humor, honesty, and zero judgment, they explore why pets gain weight, how to spot the signs early, and how to thoughtfully assess what’s really going on beneath the fluff. The conversation digs into food choices, portion sizes, treats (yes, those treats), exercise routines, body composition, and how lifestyle changes—both big and small—can impact your pet’s overall health. Lorin and Rob emphasize that every animal is different, and what works for one pet may not work for another. From adjusting nutrition to finding fun, realistic ways to move more, they share approaches that meet pets (and their humans) where they are. This episode also looks beyond the scale, highlighting the importance of mental stimulation, engagement, and the powerful benefits of getting outside into the sunshine—or creating enriching activities indoors when outdoor time isn’t an option. Little changes truly add up, and the duo reminds us that progress happens over time, not overnight. Packed with practical tips, thoughtful insights, and plenty of laughs, this episode encourages pet parents to explore multiple pathways, make informed choices, and find the right balance that supports long-term health and happiness—for pets and people alike.
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    16 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 3 - 2026 - Out With Old In With The New - Woobies Chews Toys and More

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 3 - 2026 - Out With Old In With The New - Woobies Chews Toys and More
    Jan 25 2026
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob hilariously take on one of the most emotionally complex tasks in any pet-centric household: cleaning out the toy box. With their pups providing constant and judgmental supervision, they sort through woobies, chews, half-destroyed favorites, and those toys no one remembers buying but somehow can never throw away. The conversation quickly turns into laugh-out-loud storytelling as Lorin shares why her dogs live a life of luxury (including pearls…yes, actual pearls), while Rob questions whether he, too, might qualify for adoption. Along the way, they unpack the very real dynamics of pet preferences—why one toy is sacred, another is suddenly invisible, and some items are simply non-negotiable no matter how destroyed they look. Beyond the humor, Lorin and Rob offer practical, pet-parent-approved advice on how to rotate toys, know when it’s time to replace them, and keep enrichment fresh without overwhelming your pets (or your budget). They also explore how pets assign value to their “important possessions,” how routines impact happiness, and what it really means to curate a joyful, pet-first home. If you’ve ever struggled with tossing a toy your pet still loves, wondered why they ignore the expensive new one, or just need a good laugh while nodding along in agreement—this episode is for you. Grab a seat, listen in, and enjoy a fun, relatable conversation about what’s special, what’s not, and what your pet will absolutely never let you take away.
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    15 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 2 - 2026 - Starting The New Year Right - New Understandings and Expectations

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 2 - 2026 - Starting The New Year Right - New Understandings and Expectations
    Jan 19 2026
    On this episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob ease into the new year with a thoughtful conversation about starting fresh—for your sake and for your pets’ well-being. Before jumping into resolutions or feeling pressure to “do more,” they encourage listeners to pause, take a deep breath, and ground themselves in the present moment. The discussion centers on recognizing what has changed over the past year—both in your own life and in your pet’s. Are your dogs a year older? Have their energy levels shifted? Are they exercising more, less, or differently than before? Lorin and Rob walk through how age, health, lifestyle, and routine changes can impact your pet’s physical and emotional needs, and why awareness is the first step toward making meaningful improvements. They also talk about setting realistic priorities for the year ahead and making small, intentional adjustments that support long-term health without adding stress or guilt. From rethinking daily routines to adjusting exercise, enrichment, and care as pets age, this episode is about meeting your pets where they are today—not where they used to be. Whether you’re caring for a young, energetic dog or navigating the evolving needs of an older companion, this conversation offers practical insights, reassurance, and a calm, compassionate approach to pet parenting. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t have to be overwhelming—and that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your pets as you step into the new year.
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    18 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - 2026 - Episode 1 - Welcome to Practical Pet Chat 2026

    Practical Pet Chat - 2026 - Episode 1 - Welcome to Practical Pet Chat 2026
    Jan 11 2026
    On this edition of Practical Pet Chat, Rob and Lorin kick off 2026 by reflecting on the close of another year and sharing what’s ahead in the months to come. They dive into key updates and announcements for the show, outline what listeners can expect in the new year, and discuss emerging themes shaping the pet industry—from evolving pet parent expectations to changes impacting care, services, and business operations. The conversation also takes a more personal turn as Rob and Lorin recap their holidays, share moments that stood out, and talk about how time away helped shape their perspective heading into the new year. As always, the discussion blends industry insight with real-world experience, thoughtful observations, and approachable conversation. Whether you’re a pet parent, pet professional, or simply passionate about the pet world, this episode offers a warm, insightful, and engaging start to 2026—full of perspective, practical takeaways, and a clear look at what’s coming next on Practical Pet Chat.
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    15 mins
  • Practical Pet Business - Episode 38 - The Pet Business Business - Review and Look Ahead

    Practical Pet Business - Episode 38 - The Pet Business Business - Review and Look Ahead
    Dec 17 2025
    On this episode of Practical Pet Business, Lorin and Rob take pet business owners through a comprehensive and practical year-end review designed to turn reflection into forward momentum. As the year comes to a close, they break down what to look at across your business—from timelines and key events to sales performance, seasonal trends, and the initiatives that delivered results (or didn’t). They explore the changes that happened over the past year and the changes that still need to happen, helping owners assess what evolved organically and what requires intentional adjustment. The conversation covers vendor relationships, product assortments, pricing, and partnerships, with insight into what to keep, what to refine, and what to reconsider as you plan ahead. A central focus of the episode is your customers: how their needs, expectations, buying behaviors, and feedback shifted throughout the year, what they communicated directly or indirectly, and how those insights should influence your decisions going forward. Lorin and Rob also discuss how external factors—market conditions, industry trends, and operational realities—play into your planning process. The episode wraps with a clear, actionable “quick-start” path for 2026, offering guidance on setting priorities, creating realistic timelines, and aligning your business goals with customer success. It’s a practical, thoughtful roadmap to help pet business owners close the year with clarity, confidence, and a strong foundation for the year ahead.
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    20 mins
  • Practical Pet Chat - Episode 47 - Year End Pet Parent Review for Your Pets

    Practical Pet Chat - Episode 47 - Year End Pet Parent Review for Your Pets
    Dec 14 2025
    In this year-end episode of Practical Pet Chat, Lorin and Rob invite pet parents to slow down and reflect on the year that was—through the lens of their pets’ lives. From shifts in daily routines and household dynamics to new experiences, challenges, and milestones, they explore how your pet’s world has changed and evolved over the past year. Lorin and Rob encourage listeners to revisit the highlights—the small moments and big memories alike—that brought joy, growth, and connection. Whether it was mastering new training goals, navigating health changes, welcoming new family members (human or animal), or simply strengthening your bond through everyday life, this episode is a reminder of how meaningful these shared experiences truly are. The conversation also turns to preparedness and care, emphasizing the importance of reviewing and updating your pet’s safety plans as the year comes to a close. Lorin and Rob walk through key considerations such as refreshing emergency “go bags,” reviewing medications and medical records, confirming emergency contacts and care instructions, and ensuring plans are in place should the unexpected occur. These simple but often overlooked steps can make a significant difference in protecting your pets when it matters most. This episode blends reflection, gratitude, and practical action—helping pet parents honor the year behind them while feeling informed, organized, and confident heading into the new year. All of this and more on this special year-end episode of Practical Pet Chat.
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    21 mins