The Courageous Canine

From Grief to Purpose: A Frenchie Mom’s Mission to Prevent Canine Cancer

Michael Pickens Season 1 Episode 2

In this heartfelt episode of The Courageous Canine Podcast, host Michael Pickens sits down with Tabitha Newell, a resilient dog mom, podcast host, and founder of RU & Crew Nutrition. After a shocking MS diagnosis and the sudden loss of her beloved Frenchie, Rupert, to an aggressive form of cancer, Tabitha turned her heartbreak into a mission. She shares how Rupert’s passing inspired her to dive deep into both human and canine wellness, launch a supplement line, and advocate for prevention through education and holistic care.

We explore:

-Her journey from thriving CrossFit junkie to chronic illness warrior.

-The tragic and rapid decline of Rupert—and what she wishes she knew sooner.

-The overlooked dangers of tap water, synthetic supplements, and poor breeding practices.

-What it’s really like raising a paralyzed rescue dog.

-French Bulldog pros, cons, and why they’re not for the faint of heart.

It’s a moving, empowering conversation full of laughter, tears, and takeaways every dog parent should hear.

Listen, learn, and love your pup a little deeper today.
🦴 Visit: RUandCrewNutrition.com
🎧 Check out Tabitha’s podcast: Little Bit of Life Cast on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.