133. Back to School: Classroom Pets, Dog Grooming & Helping Pets Adjust to Change

In this special Back to School episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore how animals can enrich education, why grooming is an important part of a dog’s overall health, and how pets fit into the changing routines that come with a new school year. From classroom pets and service dogs to at-home grooming and canine agility, this episode is full of practical advice and inspiring stories about the many ways animals add to our lives.

Story Time features:Chris shares the heartwarming story of Savannah and her beloved rooster, Frog, who would walk her to the school bus each morning and return to the end of the driveway to greet her when she came home—a reminder that powerful human-animal bonds extend far beyond dogs and cats.

Kristen recognizes National Service Dog Month and the extraordinary role trained service dogs play in supporting people with disabilities. She also offers an important back-to-school reminder for children: when you encounter a working service dog at school, don’t pet, call to, or distract the dog while it’s doing its job.

Special Guests:Jess Rona, Celebrity Dog Groomer, Author, Educator & Founder of Jess Rona Grooming

Melinda Thomas, Executive Director, Pet Care Trust & Pets in the Classroom

Pet Product Recommendations:FURminator Undercoat deShedding Tool – https://www.furminator.com/products/deshed/dog.aspx

Kurgo Dog Backpacks – https://www.kurgo.com/dog-backpacks

Q&A Topics:My Goldendoodle’s coat seems to get matted almost overnight, especially behind her ears and under her legs. I brush her regularly but still end up having to shave her down every few months. What am I doing wrong, and how can I keep her coat healthy between grooming appointments? (Submitted by Sarah from Charlotte, NC)

I have a two-year-old Border Collie with endless energy who loves learning new tricks. We’re both complete beginners, but I’m thinking about trying agility. Is agility something any dog can enjoy, and what’s the best way to get started without overwhelming them? (Submitted by Ben from Portland, OR)

Related Links:Jess Rona: https://www.jessrona.com

Jess Rona Grooming: https://www.jessronagrooming.com

Pets in the Classroom: https://petsintheclassroom.org