119. Dr. Pol, Ziggy the Corgi & How Pets Keep Changing Lives

In this lively episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, recorded live from Global Pet Expo, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore heroic animal rescue, growing Gen X pet ownership trends, practical veterinary wisdom, and the joyful world of corgi racing. From pets rescued by drones in Ukraine to Dr. Jan Pol’s decades of real-world veterinary experience and Ziggy the Corgi’s rise in sports entertainment, this episode celebrates the many ways pets bring purpose, connection, and joy into our lives.

Story Time features: Kristen shares the incredible story of Ukrainian soldiers who used a military drone to rescue a stranded dog and cat from the front lines, helping bring the animals to safety during an active war zone.

Chris highlights new APPA research showing that Gen X pet owners are driving significant growth across multiple pet categories, including dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and freshwater fish.

Special Guests: Dr. Jan Pol, Veterinarian & Star of The Incredible Dr. Pol

Jess Ramberg, Creator of Ziggy the Corgi & Founder of Little Stumps Racing

Pet Product Recommendations: Playology Scented Dog Toys – https://playologypets.com

The Lazy Dog Cookie Co. Pup-PIE® & Birthday Treats – https://lazydogcookies.com

Q&A Topics: There’s so much conflicting information online about dog food. How can pet parents tell if their dog is actually thriving on a certain diet? (Submitted by Andrew from Phoenix, AZ)

My cat hides every time someone new comes into the house. Is there a safe way to help shy cats become more social and confident around people? (Submitted by Emily from Portland, OR)

Related Links: The Incredible Dr. Pol: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/tv/shows/the-incredible-dr-pol

Dr. Pol Clinical Nutrition: https://thedrpol.com/dr-pol-launches-non-prescription-clinical-nutrition-dog-food-line-available-exclusively-at-walmart/

Dr. Pol at Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/brand/drpol/10026293

Ziggy the Corgi: https://www.instagram.com/ziggy_thecorgi

Little Stumps Racing: https://littlestumpsracing.com

Little Stumps Racing (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/littlestumpsracing

American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org

DOGTV Unleashed FAST Channel: https://www.dogtv.com/unleashed

Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org

Social Channels: Pets Add Life (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/PetsAddLife

Pets Add Life (TikTok): https://www.tiktok.com/@petsaddlife

Pets Add Life (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@petsaddlife

Subscribe & Listen: Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!

Submit a question to the podcast: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV