84. Happy Healthy Cats Finale, Dog Longevity & Surfing Stars

In this fall‑kickoff episode of Pets Add Life, Kristin Levine is joined by guest co‑host Carol Bryant to wrap up Happy Healthy Cat Month with stories, science, and surf. They explore emergency bonds between pets and people, walk through cutting‑edge biotech for extending dog wellness, and share inspiration from Faith, the world‑famous surfing pit bull. Two product picks and audience questions round out this heartfelt, forward‑looking show.

Special Guests

• Dr. Ellen Ratcliffe, DVM — Head of Clinical Development at Loyal, a biotech company pushing to create FDA‑approved drugs to extend healthy lifespan in dogs. Loyal+2Business Wire+2
• James Wall — Owner of Faith the Surfing Pitbull, an athletic, iconic rescue dog who has competed for years, inspiring thousands and redefining what it means to ride the waves together.

Story Time

• A rescue vacation mishap & dog love in emergencies Carol shares a dramatic moment when she was injured while traveling with her cocker spaniel Alvin—caught in a travel bag, hurting herself, and moved by Alvin’s soft howls and comforting behavior. A vivid reminder how deeply our pets sense and respond to our emotions.
• Top Cat‑Loving Cities & Growing Feline Fandom Kristin reports on a recent PetSmart survey naming the top 25 cat‑loving cities in the U.S., ranked not just by adoptions but by how much cat‑specific pampering (toys, grooming products) is purchased. The top five: Lexington, KY; Green Bay, WI; Mount Juliet, TN; Spokane, WA; Falls Church, VA. Also noted: significant growth in male cat owners among younger generations.

Pet Health & Longevity Science

• Loyal’s FDA‑Bound Research Loyal is developing a drug called LOY‑002 for senior dogs (≥10 years, ≥14 lbs), which targets metabolic dysfunction associated with aging. The company has cleared a key milestone (RXE—“reasonable expectation of effectiveness”) with the FDA and is running a pivotal trial involving ~1,300 dogs across ~70 clinics. Loyal+2Business Wire+2
• Faith the Surfing Pitbull’s Journey & Retirement James Wall reflects on Faith’s long surfing career, including memories like first competitions and bond moments, and discusses her final competitive season. Though retiring from contests, she still surfs for fun and continues to inspire. Her Instagram etc. continue to follow her adventures. https://www.instagram.com/faithsurfs/?hl=en

Pet Product Recommendations

• Blue‑9 Climb Platform — A raised platform used for training, grooming, “place”‑work, or as a special spot for your dog. Carol’s been using this heavily with Alvin.
• Chef PAW Dog Food Maker — A countertop appliance that mixes & cooks homemade dog food in ~40 minutes with vet‑approved recipes; billed as a “fresh food maker” option. Not recommended as full diet replacement without vet oversight, but fun and educational.

Q&A Topics

1. Enrichment at Home (Rene, Boise) Carol’s tips: Brain games (puzzle feeders, snuffle mats), rotating new experiences or smells (walk new routes), dog TV / audio stimuli during busy work times, low‑calorie treat options.
2. High‑Energy Dog Sports & Fun Activities (Jason, Tampa) Suggestions: Flyball for ball‑loving breeds; Canine agility classes even for fun (not competition); Nose work / scent work as mental exercise; Finding local groups / starter or “try it” classes to begin without pressure.

Related Links

• Loyal (company & LOY‑002 info): https://loyal.com Loyal
• Faith the Surfing Pitbull profile:

https://www.instagram.com/faithsurfs/?hl=en

Social & Viewing Info

• Watch or catch the episode on Dog TV’s Unleashed FAST channel and on Pets Add Life YouTube.
• Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram ‒ https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife ; Facebook ‒ https://www.facebook.com/petsaddlife ; TikTok ‒ https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife