PetAbility Podcast
This is a must-hear podcast for pet owners wanting access to the latest in pet quality of life and longevity. Whether your pet has fur, feathers, scales or shells, Cathy and Chris believe in treating your pet as a whole, both mind and body. Continuing a collaboration that began in 2003, Cathy and Chris share the gift of gab as well as their network in the pet rehab community. Using their vast expertise as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRPs), Cathy Symons CVT, CCRP, and Chris Cranston MPT, CCRP, offer relevant information and provocative interviews on their podcast, PetAbility. With an emphasis on mobility and independence, their show is about improving function, restoring confidence, alleviating fear, providing mental stimulation, and easing pain to help your pets live their best lives. Read on for more information about Cathy and Chris…
Cathy Symons is the author of Blind Devotion: Enhancing the Lives of Blind and Visually Impaired Dogs. She was inspired to write this book after her first pug, Booda, lost his sight at the age of seven. Several years later, Cathy adopted a blind pug named Digger and wrote a children’s book, Watching Out for Digger, which she uses as a teaching tool for young children to learn about living with a disabled dog.
After fifteen years of practice as a veterinary technician, Cathy went on to study canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. In 2003, Cathy was one of the first thirty-six people in the world to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Shortly thereafter, Cathy was instrumental in establishing one of the foremost veterinary rehabilitation centers in the United States, the Sterling Impression Animal Rehabilitation Center of New England. She continues to follow the latest options in pet rehabilitation, including digital thermal imaging and laser therapy, and is currently working on her third book, Senior Dogs: Maintaining Mobility and Independence.
Cathy resides in the New England area with her husband and their pug, Mac. Mac is a very confident little nugget who enjoys doing nose work with his mom.
Chris Cranston has 20 years of experience in pet rehabilitation. She is excited to share her knowledge and reach a wide pet-loving audience through the PetAbility podcast. Chris loves seeing that light bulb go off when educating pet owners, so a podcast seemed like a natural fit.
Chris started her career as a physical therapist (PT) – with people. When she moved to the Boston area in 2002, she saw it as an opportunity to do something different, so she combined her existing PT skills with her passion for animals. Chris became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee in 2004, one of the first 100 persons in the world to receive this certification. In addition to her CCRP designation, she has a Masters of Physical Therapy (1989) and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology (1987) from the University of Iowa.
Chris had a successful mobile practice, consulted with a myriad of general practices and specialty clinics, and started the physical rehabilitation service for a large multi-specialty and emergency organization in the Greater Boston region. All this was before founding FlowDog, a stand-alone, full-service small animal physical rehabilitation facility in Waltham, MA. In 2017, Chris sold her business to the esteemed Angell Animal Medical Center of Boston, and is now podcasting, consulting for a tech company in the veterinary space, providing concierge mobile pet rehab, and working getting a product to market that will help our pets. Of course, Chris prioritizes enriching the lives of her twin Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Julep & Baxter, while indulging in all the snuggles they are willing to share with her!
PetAbility Podcast
Dog Entitlement with Behave Atlanta
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Dogs are family — and these days, they’re welcome almost everywhere: cafés, breweries, stores, and even offices. But as our world becomes increasingly dog-friendly, some are wondering… have we taken it too far? In this episode, Chris chats with Lillian Ciardelli, ACAAB, and Amy Campbell, CPDT-KA, of Behave Atlanta, two canine behavior experts who help people and dogs navigate real-world settings with empathy, skill, and good manners.
Together, they unpack what happens when “dog-friendly” tips into “dog-frenzied,” how to balance freedom with respect, and why understanding natural dog behavior is the key to creating harmony in shared spaces. Whether you’re a dog lover, trainer, or business owner, this conversation will make you think about life with dogs in the modern world.
In This Episode We Explore:
- Why we’re seeing more dogs in public than ever before
- The difference between inclusion and entitlement
- Are we putting our own desires ahead of what’s best for our dogs?
- Natural dog behaviors vs. “bad” behaviors
- How to manage overstimulation and anxiety in public spaces
- Training tips for café- and brewery-ready pups
- Dog etiquette starts with human etiquette
- How to handle unwanted attention or off-leash encounters politely
- The growing concern over fake “service animal” claims
- The “social contract” of responsible dog ownership
- How trainers, vets, and business owners can model better behavior
- One simple mindset shift that benefits every dog and every person
Key Takeaway
Being truly “dog-friendly” isn’t about allowing dogs everywhere — it’s about creating spaces where dogs and people can coexist safely, respectfully, and happily.
Connect with Behave Atlanta
🌐 BehaveAtlanta.com
💬 Virtual behavioral consultations available
Disclaimer
VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!
Use Promo Code PETPOD22 to receive discounts from our affiliates!
Jope - science-backed supplements
Ruff Ramp - a safe alternative to stairs
Optimum Pet Vitality - education/coursework
Dr. Buzby’s -Toe Grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement. Using this link donates 20% to PetAbility
Calm & Cozy Cat Wrap - a must-have for anybody working with cats
HedzUpPets Watercollars – save your dog from drowning...