127. Dog Parks, Community Connections & How Pets Bring People Together

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine explore the powerful ways pets help create friendships, strengthen communities, and improve our lives. From the surprising social impact of dog parks to a brand-new DOGTV game show and a bestselling novel inspired by canine companionship, this episode celebrates the unique bond between pets and people. Story Time features: Kristen shares the story of Arizona's Desert Mountain Club, where an unexpected amenity—the community dog park—has become the club's greatest social gathering place, bringing neighbors together more effectively than golf courses, restaurants, or fitness facilities. Chris shares a simple homemade frozen popsicle recipe for dogs using bananas, blackberries, peanut butter, yogurt, and a Milk-Bone treat as the popsicle stick—a fun and healthy way to help dogs stay cool during the summer. Special Guests: Harrison Forbes, Pet Expert, Animal Advocate & Host of DOGTV's So You Think You Know Pets? Camille Perri, Bestselling Author of Social Animals Pet Product Recommendations: Pet Adobe Elevated Cooling Dog Bed Wander Dog Splash-Free Travel Water Bowl  Q&A Topics: What are the best snake species for first-time reptile owners, and what common mistakes should beginners avoid? (Submitted by Olivia from Phoenix, AZ) What are the most important things every new aquarium owner should know to keep fish healthy and maintain a thriving tank ecosystem? (Submitted by Ethan from Tampa, FL) Related Links: DOGTV: https://www.dogtv.com So You Think You Know Pets?: https://www.dogtv.com Camille Perri: https://www.camilleperri.com Social Animals (Penguin Random House): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/814444/social-animals-by-camille-perri/ Daily Paws (Homemade Dog Popsicles): https://www.dailypaws.com American Pet Products Association (APPA): https://www.americanpetproducts.org Pets Add Life: https://www.petsaddlife.org Social Channels: Harrison Forbes (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/harrisonforbes Camille Perri (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/camilleperri DOGTV (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/dogtv 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