I’m sharing some important news about the future of this podcast. I appreciate each and every one of you who has listened, shared and supported the show.”

I’ve come to a decision that has been difficult but necessary: there will be no more episodes of The Companions Collective.

2024 has thrown us a lot of curveballs here at Chez Bella, making life a little more challenging lately. My baby girl is not really a baby anymore and with arthritis setting in on that leg she had TPLO surgery on in January 2023, she needs more from me. More of everything.

As many of you know, she is my world, just as your pets are to you.

She's my ride or die and it’s vital for me to be there for her in this time.

On top of that, my husband and I have faced some challenges dealing with his mother's estate. Navigating this kind of family business has been a heavy burden, and balancing everything has become increasingly difficult.

I need to simplify my life to focus on what matters most right now.

I’ve loved flexing my interview skills and connecting with so many of you through this podcast, especially during episodes that focused on understanding pet loss and grief. I believe our pets—especially our dogs—come into our lives to change us and make us better people. Losing them transforms us in even more profound ways, and those conversations have been close to my heart. I’m proud of the insights we’ve shared together.

I set a personal goal to reach 100 episodes, and while I won’t get there, I’m grateful for the journey and the conversations that brought us all closer together.

I do believe, though, that many of the episodes are a valuable resource to pet guardians who are experiencing anticipatory grief or pet loss grief. I hope you will go back and listen again when you need them or share them with someone who might need to hear them.

This isn’t goodbye forever; it’s just a shift in focus. I have other creative pursuits I want to explore, and I believe there’s a different outlet out there that might align more with where I am in my life right now.

I'll be over at Big White Dog Photography, making art for people who love their dogs that damn much, and getting as much love and as many snuggles as I can from the sweetest Maremmano-Abrusseze to ever exist in the world.

Thank you for being part of The Companions Collective. Your support has meant the world to me, and I hope you continue to honor the beautiful bond we share with our pets. Keep being kind to yourselves and each other. Until we meet again, tell your dog I said hi.

Hand2Paw is a nonprofit that connects homeless youth with meaningful employment opportunities in animal shelters. In this week's episode, we chat with Penny Ellison, Hand2Paw’s leader and passionate animal advocate, about how this innovative program is changing lives and creating a brighter future for young people facing homelessness.

Penny shares her journey from a corporate law career to dedicating her life to animal advocacy, highlighting how her experiences shaped the mission of Hand2Paw. Learn how the organization provides essential job training and support to homeless youth while promoting the well-being of animals in shelters. Discover the transformative power of compassion and connection, and how caring for animals can foster personal growth, responsibility, and a sense of purpose.

We also discuss the challenges and successes of working with at-risk youth, the importance of community involvement, and how listeners can get involved to make a difference. Tune in to hear how Penny's vision is not just about saving animals, but about empowering youth to rise above their circumstances and build a brighter future.

Where to find Hand2Paw

Hand2Paw.org

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Crates can be … ah … not the most attractive piece of furniture in your home.

But some people find them quite useful in training and containing their dogs. So why not have a crate that becomes a part of your décor?

That's where Danny Nathan comes in.

He's the founder and CEO of Apollo 21, a company that sits at the intersection of a business consultancy, a product design studio and a venture studio.

Essentially, he designs cool shit.

Like a sleep platform to overland in his SUV.

And more recently, dog crates.

But you don't just buy the crate. Oh no, my friends. Danny designs cool shit then creates design manuals so you can do it yourself.

I think it sounds like fun, and Danny fills us in on the how and why in this episode.

Where to find Stay. Good Dog crates

StayGoodDog.com

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