The Pet Connection

Creating a Pet-Friendly Backyard

Celebrate National Backyard Day (March 19)  and the Start of Spring with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show that focuses on ways to create a backyard that is pet-friendly. Hear about toxic plants, fencing tips, and basic needs like shade and water, and more. 
Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is hosted by veteran pet sitters Nancy J Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter team behind Big Blend Radio & Magazines, and cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  
Check out this veterinarian approved article about Poisonous Plants for Pets on the Trustedhousesitters blog:   https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/pretty-yet-poisonous-plants-for-dogs-to-avoid/  This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend"  and "Garden Gossip" Podcast Channels. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

Lunging Your Horse

It's all about Lunging Your Horse on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Hear about what lunging is and why it is important, lunging positions, and the best gear and equipment for lunging.
Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/  
The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

Mark Rowlands - The Word of Dog

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show, Mark Rowlands talks about his new book, "The Word of Dog: What Our Canine Companions Can Teach Us About Living a Good Life" (Liveright; Jan 28, 2025). Here, Rowlands shows us we could do a lot better than we’re doing simply by listening to the unspoken wisdom our dogs reveal to us every day of their happy, uncomplicated lives.
Rowlands is professor and chair of the philosophy department at the University of Miami, a leading figure in the morality of animals, and author of twenty-three books on the philosophy of mind, the moral status of non-human animals, and cultural criticism. He is known within academic philosophy for his work on the animal mind and is one of the principal architects of the view known as vehicle externalism, or the extended mind, the view that thoughts, memories, desires and beliefs can be stored outside the brain and the skull. His works include Animal Rights (1998), The Body in Mind (1999), The Nature of Consciousness (2001), Animals Like Us (2002), and a personal memoir, The Philosopher and the Wolf (2008).
Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/   
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

ABCs of Horses: Kicking and Communication

It's all about Kicking and Communication on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Hear what makes horses kick, how to maneuver around a horse so you do not get kicked, and how to communicate whether on the ground or on horseback. 
Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/  
The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

All About Dog Walking

Celebrate National Walk Your Dog Month (January) with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show that focuses on the benefits of walking your dog (for humans and their pup pals), and safety tips. 
Big Blend Radio's PET CONNECTION Show is hosted by veteran pet sitters Nancy J Reid & Lisa Smith, the mother-daughter team behind Big Blend Radio & Magazines, and cohosted by Angela Laws, veteran pet sitter, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/  
Check out this veterinarian approved article about the Benefits of Dog Walking on the Trustedhousesitters blog:  https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/benefits-of-dog-walking 
Plus, Lisa's "Walks with Lucy" short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5di5oVKXh8Q 
This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channel. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

Instruction for Horses and Riders

It's all about Instruction for Horses and Riders on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "ABC's of Horses" equestrian podcast with Christy Wood. Instruction is especially important when looking at purchasing a new horse. 
Christy Wood is a World Champion horse trainer, also exhibiting in jumping and trail. She is a winner in extreme trail obstacle challenges, and is a carded horse show judge with 7 breed associations. Along with being an author and instructor, she is the owner of Wood N Horse Training Stables in Three Rivers, California. Learn more about Christy, her equine services, and her books, at: https://wdnhorse.com/  
The "ABC's of Horses" Podcast with Christy Wood airs every 2nd Saturday. Listen to the latest episodes here: https://abcs-horses-christywood.podbean.com/ 

Books and Holiday Gifts for Equestrians and Horse Lovers

Do you have an equestrian or horse lover on your holiday shopping list? If so, check out this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring author and world champion horse trainer Christy Wood who talks about her various books and horse-related gifts that include horseshoe decor and more. Visit her website and online store here: https://wdnhorse.com/ 

Author CB Wilson - Barkview Dog Mysteries

In perfect time for the holiday shopping season, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show features award-winning author C.B. Wilson, who is known for her popular Barkview Dog Mystery series. Hear about her books, her Bat Dogs petition, and much more. Visit: https://cbwilsonauthor.com/ 
Plus, check out her fun song, "12 Days of Barkview Christmas" on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPMzjs0y7NM 
In celebration of the holiday gift giving season, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channels. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/