What The Fluff?!

When you think of dog toys for kids, you think of toys that will inspire joy, playtime, and even responsibility. Instead, they bring anxiety, fear, stress. Just kidding, only most of them do that. Seriously, why are we putting so much on kids, though? In this episode, we share our favorite dog themed toys and briefly discuss what's out there for the children of today. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

When you think of dog movies, this one tops the list, right? If not, well it shouldn't, but it does have a dog, and the movie NEEDS the dog. We have some hot takes, behind the scenes info, and have a great time discussing our trip back to 1986. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Who said April fools had to be April 1st? Well, maybe King Charles IX, but he's not here, so we are celebrating it today! All three of us pranked our dogs, filmed their reactions, and chat about it on this week's episode. Follow is on our IG and Facebook to see the videos for yourself. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Each host chose a kickstarter to explore and bring to the episode today. While it may seem like there should be tons of different tech to scroll through, we found slim pickings on real items that pets and pet parents would actually enjoy. Someone needs to design a foolproof nail trimmer. They'd be so rich.Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Here is the Etsy Store that Megan shoutouts in the episode > Cryptic Cuties Fidgets https://www.etsy.com/shop/CrypticCutiesFidgets Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Name that dog breed! Only a third of you are correct. This episode covers our personal DNA experiences and what DNA test could mean in terms of laws, policies, and breeding. Follow our IG and FB to see our dogs and understand how truly wild DNA can be compared to looks. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Is this our last episode? Did our friendship survive the ultimate battle for TOP DOG of Lady & the Tramp? Yea, it did. BUT, not sure is Kirsten trusts Melanie's opinions after her takes on the live action movie from 2019.Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Sometimes we really talk about dogs, and sometimes we talk about literally anything else. This one is a little skewed towards nostalgia, but we do get in some good commentary about who should hold the leash. Also, Kimmy...*sigh*Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

This one is fill of passion, heart, and silliness. Our top choices really exemplify what we value, not only in dogs, but in life. What are yours? Are we wrong? How mad are you at our flop choices?Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

The Iditarod is happening RIGHT NOW! Well, if you are listening when this first comes out. Megan and Melanie talk about super fun facts, the basics, and Gus Gus graces us with his puppy sounds. Things you will learn: where dogs go if they can't finish the race, how to handle game animals, and who has the best pies. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirsten (in absentia)Editing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

"Let me see that toooooth, Baby when your mouth goes bu duh duh." If you couldn't tell from that first sentence, we watched Snow Dogs from 2002. For some reason, The Thong song Sisqo is in this. The dogs are cute, the story is bad, but Megan and Melanie had fun. We are missing our 3rd again, but the show must go on. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout to our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirsten (in absentia)Editing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Kirsten is out sick, so Megan and Melanie did an impromptu episode about Melanie's trip to visit Megan and her pack! This one dives deep on the daily schedule of a Pom Mom and her duties, but also includes fun excursions and diversions from the trip. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogShoutout to Tansie and her San Jose dog sitting business! Tansie's Pet SittingStarring:MelanieMeganKirsten (in absentia)Editing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Ready for some levity? This episode is jam packed with absolutely nothing serious, well, except for what Kirsten has learned about cats. That is completely serious. Cat people, you ok?Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

We watched the 2016 documentary "Pet Fooled", and boy do we have opinions. There's good info, bad info, and "why is this in here/Barbara, let your husband eat his own carrots," It's a little outdated, but an interesting topic we think needs to be revisited. Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. Do you have opinions? Send them to us. We feed off of them. Sustenance. Does anybody read podcast descriptions?Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

2018 was a scary time to be a pet owner. Information was pouring in; telling us that what we were feeding our pets might be killing them. DCM suddenly wasn't only hereditary and it could happen to dogs eating a grain-free diet. Our government issued warnings, scientists posted studies, but then, it all just disappeared. The problem wasn't solved, pet parents didn't have answers, and we are left wondering what the fluff just happened.Join in on the conversation: email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersAdditional Music by:TuneTank from PixabayLogo by:Megan

Melanie takes us on an insurance journey through the jungle of pre-existing conditions, over the river of coverage options, and up the mountain of controversy and AI. This episode covers how to plan, what to look for, and more importantly, what to avoid. Do you need pet insurance in 2026? Probably.Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

We shouldn't have to say this, but WE ARE NOT TRAINED PROFESSIONALS. We are just dog moms doing our very best to provide for our furry kids. That said, we do know how to use a search engine and read articles! Megan welcomed 2 littermates into her pack, so we decided to do some research and find out if you can prevent littermate syndrome and is it even real?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Articles mentioned in the episode:The nightmare of Littermate Syndrome - James McMahonThere’s No Scientific Reason to Believe Littermate Syndrome Exists - Kayla Fratt, CDBCShoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

One of the most unpredictable and anxiety inducing interaction your dog can have is when they meet another dog. Whether that dog is your dog, a friend's, or a strange dog coming up to you, you never can quite predict how it will go. Megan and Melanie discuss strategies, personal experiences, and when you just hope to get lucky. We also expose the truth about Toni. We are sorry we kept it a secret for so long. Forgive us.Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirsten ( in absentia)Editing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

We can all blame Amazon for this one. Let's celebrate toxic relationships, actively avoid healthy ones, and call senior citizens slutty. Not convinced yet? What about the fact that I had to edit out almost an hour long sigh from Melanie? Want to get in on the conversation? Or send us GOOD dog movies?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

You wrote in, we read it, and now we are reading it aloud on the pod! Some listeners wrote in about specific episodes, and Kirsten has gathered an army for topic suggestions.Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

This is what happens when you let Melanie get "creative". Dogs are gross, our questions are sometimes gross, but for real, wouldn't you rather live in a world with dogs than without? Our listener mailbag episode is next week so if you want to get it on it, email us!!! Ask us your best "Would You Rather" questions!Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

SPOILER ALERT! We tell you who wins. We also have a real bone to pick with the judges. Well, Kirsten certainly does. Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Now that we have the characters out of the way, how about listening to us discuss the rest of the movie? Jam packed with hilarious scenes, we do our best to share our favorites while psychoanalyzing the heck out of the characters. Is it time for a remake of Best in Show? We think so! Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Buckle up because this is a LONG one. So long that we needed to break it into 2 parts! We really spend our time in part one discussing all the incredible characters Best in Show has to offer. Melanie confesses which duo she identifies with, Megan makes a terrible song listenable, and Kirsten shares her profound love of her comfort movie. Join us in a cozy and hilarious recounting of one of the funniest dog movies ever made. Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

In this "Am I the Asshole" episode, we tackle both Halloween and Thanksgiving holidays when OP (original poster) asks if they did something wrong. Leaning heavily on our own experiences we dole out advice, stick to our guns, and have level headed Kirsten balance the children vs dogs debates. Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

The number 13 is associated with being either unlucky or lucky, so we though this would be the perfect episode to share some interesting dog stories who came out on top or it just wasn't their day. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses dogs being injured and 9/11 (thanks Melanie). We do not go into graphic details, but we do mention some sensitive topics.Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

1992 hits us HARD in this episode with "Are You Afraid of the Dark" Season 1, Episode 5: The Tale of the Hungry Hounds. Despite having 7 dogs on screen, this one is light on the pup talk. We do, however, delve in to 80's mall singers, cow-print vests, and the idea of ghost trauma. So, put on your nostalgia hats and join us for our last spooky themed episode. Want to get in on the conversation?Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you!Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Sorry for the immediate spoiler, but hey, even the director released a short before the theatrical release telling everyone the dog lives. Mega horror fan Melanie may have pushed her agenda to get this on the docket, but both Megan and Kirsten were great sports as all three discussed the plot and recapped the entire film. Indy is the most adorable star and he didn't even know he was in a movie. Not a horror fan? That's ok, we break down the film so it's not too scary (or too sad). Want to get in on the conversation? Email us at [email protected]. We would love to dole out advice, shout out your pup, and literally just get to know you! Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Revisiting Goosebumps as an adult is an interesting experience. In this episode, we discuss the similarities and differences between the book and the TV show for "The Barking Ghost". 10/10 on the cheese scale, but the book can actually lean a little bit scary with its classic unsettling ending. Join us with your best 90s gear and hop into an R.L. Stine masterpiece. Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Take a walk with us down nostalgia lane as we revisit Wishbone and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. We cover the plot, the costumes, and the cutest little dog doing the best job of stealing the scene. Does it hold up? You bet it does! Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

We are kicking off Howl-o-ween with the Goddess who started it all, Hecate. Heard of her? Actually, we bet you have! Listen as we discuss her Greek origins and her current infiltration of pop culture and media. Also, Megan says something so funny we almost had to stop recording because we couldn't breathe. Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

From custom doggy wardrobes to pup-sized palaces, some celebrities treat their dogs better than most people. In this episode, we dig into the fabulously furry lives of Ozzy Osbourne’s pampered pups, Lisa Vanderpump’s canine empire, and Jenna Marbles’ internet-famous fur babies.Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

This episode is why we don't have money anymore. We spent it all on our dogs. Check out the fun, interesting, and terrible products we review, and see how our pups rate them. Our social media platforms will have some product photos and videos so you can see the products and not just imagine them with your mind's eye. PlugsHeeling HouseOutlier Ranch - Go Fund MeShoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

Continuing on our "Am I the Asshole" reddit series, we tackle a couple more questions. With only one baby lover as a host, we have some hot takes on how to react to a jealous mama. We also jump headfirst into armchair psychology and discuss emotional regulation and the mental burden of exclusion diets for dogs. Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

The three of us went down a hyper-specific rabbit hole in this episode; Am I the Asshole, but with dogs! We tackle the concept of boarding your fiancée and being able to ban dogs from entire neighborhoods. Toni, Bruiser, and our partners get called out as clingy, but we love them despite needing our space. Shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues!HARTSTAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

More information about adoptions and rescues! This week Kirsten takes the reigns and guides us through what adopting a dog through her rescue would look like. Megan and Melanie share their experiences with working with, and adopting from, rescues. We chat about the strict rules of certain rescues and how that affects public perception. We would also like to shoutout our favorite shelters and rescues! HART STAFThe Perfect DogStarring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

We have another episode for you dog lovers! This episode we talk about our personal dog adoption stories. These include adopting pups from breeders, online shopping, pet shops, shelters, rescues, and fosters! Between the three of us, we are pretty sure we have acquired dogs in nearly every way possible. Join us as we share the lessons we've learned from our missteps and how we continue working to become better advocates for dogs.Starring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan

It's our very first episode! We chat about how the three of us became friends and why we wanted to start a podcast about our absolute favorite topic. Listen to us reminisce on our childhood dogs, and how they eventually led us to being the over-the-top dog moms we are today. Starring:MelanieMeganKirstenEditing by:MelanieTheme by:Happy FingersLogo by:Megan