When Love Isn't Enough: Navigating Difficult Pet Behavior Without Judgment - Interview with Valerie Bogie

When Love Isn't Enough: Navigating Difficult Pet Behavior Without Judgment - Interview with Valerie Bogie

Author: Debra Hamilton, Esq. September 10, 2026 Duration: 42:25
Valerie Bogie, an animal behaviorist and veterinary social worker, joins host Debra Hamilton to explore the realities of living with pets whose behavior doesn't match expectations. Valerie explains how mismatches between what pet owners hoped for and the pet they actually have can trigger a real sense of grief, and walks through how she helps families navigate everything from simple management fixes to harder conversations about rehoming or euthanasia when a pet's suffering or safety risk becomes severe.------------Valerie Bogie, MSSW, VSW, is an animal trainer and Veterinary Social Worker with over 20 years of experience across zoos, aquariums, shelters, veterinary clinics, and pet training. She brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach grounded in behavior science to support both animals and the people who care for them. Through her LLC, Valerie provides coaching, consultation, and training to promote professional well-being and sustainable careers in animal-focused fields. As the Director of Human Support Services and a Behavior Consultant at Insight Animal Behavior Services, she offers training sessions for Insight clients and facilitates support sessions and support groups for pet owners around the world. Resource Links for Show NotesSupport Sessions & Support Groups for Pet Owners: https://www.insightfulanimals.com/human-support-servicesPet Owner Caregiver Burden Survey & Research: https://www.insightfulanimals.com/pet-caregiver-burdenVSW & HAI Specialist Directory: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cLA2kmd5MEiaYlMmXcTFIie8DitZnxumdtCpaiCLTnk/edit?gid=1454456746#gid=1454456746Professional Coaching Sessions for animal professionals, veterinary social workers and others that support the human-animal bond: https://calendly.com/valeriebogie Connect with ValerieWebsite: https://linktr.ee/valeriebogievswInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/valerie_bogieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/valeriebogievswLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-bogie-72590bab/

Debra Hamilton, Esq. brings a unique perspective to the conversation about our animal companions on Why Do Pets Matter?. As an attorney who specializes in pet-focused law, she navigates the often-overlooked complexities that arise when pets are part of our families and communities. Each episode explores the tangible, sometimes messy, realities of life with animals-from the legal intricacies of pet custody during a divorce to the everyday dilemmas and joys that pet owners face. Debra is joined by a variety of fascinating guests, ensuring conversations are rich with diverse viewpoints and practical solutions. This podcast digs into the science of our bonds with animals, the nature of their care, and how these relationships shape family life, making it a thoughtful listen for adults and curious kids alike. You’ll find the discussions are grounded in real-world stories, moving beyond simple anecdotes to examine why these creatures hold such an essential place in our homes and hearts. Tune in for a deeper understanding of the problems, the drama, and the profound connections that define our shared world with pets.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.
Podcast Episodes
Root-Cause Healing and the Soul of Our Pets with Dr. Marlene Siegel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:06
In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I sit down with @drmarlenesiegel, an integrative veterinarian and bio-regulatory medicine practitioner who is deeply committed to finding the root cause of “dis-ease” in our pets. O…