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Why Do Pets Matter? Hosted by Debra Hamilton, Esq.Author: Debra Hamilton, Esq.
Pet expert Debra Hamilton interviews other pet lovers on this delightful podcast about pet custody, pet drama, pet problems and pet solutions. Why Do Pets Matter? is a heartfelt podcast dedicated to pets, hosted by pet-focused attorney Debra Hamilton, Esq. Language: en Genres: Kids & Family, Nature, Pets & Animals, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Pets, People, and One Health: Why Our Animals Make Us Whole With Dr. Michael Blackwell
Episode 173
Thursday, 8 January, 2026
In this episode of Why Do Pets Matter, I welcome back my dear friend and repeat guest, Dr. Michael Blackwell. Michael has worn many hats in veterinary medicine and public health, and now he is leading powerful work through the Program for Pet Health Equity and the One Health Forum. Together, we talk about how families have changed and why most households today are truly “biodiverse families,” made up of both humans and animals. Michael shares why our current systems for housing, healthcare, transportation, and social services were never really designed with pets in mind and how that creates real heartbreak and barriers for people who love their animals. We explore the emotional and physical health benefits of pets, the importance of keeping seniors and their animals together, how laws and policies are slowly catching up, and why cross sector collaboration is the only way forward. You will hear stories that capture exactly why pets matter so deeply and how much better we can do when we see them as true family members. If you care about animal welfare, human wellbeing, and the future of the human animal bond, this conversation will stay with you. Watch It: https://youtu.be/jQgBPKlJOOo Guest Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-blackwell-06a6066/ https://pphe.utk.edu/ https://aligncarehealth.org/ Show Links: https://hamiltonlawandmediation.com/ https://www.facebook.com/HLawMediation Debra's Book: "Nipped in the Bud, Not in the Butt: How to Use Mediation To Resolve Conflicts Over Animals," https://www.amazon.com/Nipped-Bud-Not-Butt-Mediation/dp/151502024X/ref=sr_1_1 SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@HLawMediation
