The Pawsome Companion

What does three decades of veterinary experience teach you about animals, their humans, and the industry? In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, Johanna Herrera chats with Karen Potterton, lead vet at Hilton Vet Centre.

Karen reflects on her 30-year journey from Liverpool to Adelaide, shares honest insights about working with pets and their owners, and talks about the changes she's seen in veterinary care over the years. From th...

In this heartwarming episode of The Pawsome Companion, host Johanna Herrera sits down with Aida Laverde, a visually impaired woman whose life has been transformed through the support of her guide dog. Aida opens up about her journey from Colombia to Australia, her experiences navigating the world with vision loss, and how her guide dog provides not just mobility—but freedom, confidence, and companionship.

This episode is a powerful...

For many veterans, life after service comes with invisible battles. In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we speak with Sophie from See Differently, who has spent over a decade working with service dogs trained to assist veterans with PTSD.

She shares how these highly skilled dogs provide emotional support, independence, and life-changing assistance, helping veterans navigate daily challenges and regain confidence. From intensi...

What’s it really like behind the scenes of an emergency vet clinic? In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we sit down with Alex Hibbert, an experienced emergency veterinarian in Adelaide. Alex shares eye-opening stories from the ER, essential first-aid tips for pet parents, and insights on when to rush your furry friend to the vet. Whether you're a seasoned pet owner or a new one, this episode is packed with valuable informatio...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, Amy Van Dyk shares valuable insights on creating good habits in dogs. She discusses the importance of consistency, repetition, and making training a part of your lifestyle. Amy also emphasizes the need to practice training regularly, even after the initial learning phase, to reinforce good habits.   Additionally, Amy touches on the topic of dog parks, highlighting the importance of not ove...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we chat with Teagan from Jame Farm Days Outdoor Doggy Daycare, a unique dog daycare that offers a fun and enriching experience for dogs. Teagan shares the benefits of their outdoor facilities, their approach to socialization and play, and how they cater to dogs with different personalities and needs. Whether you're a dog owner or just a dog lov...

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Karen Potterton, a seasoned veterinarian with over 10 years of experience in South Australia and over 20 in the UK, where she originally trained.  With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for animal care, Karen shares her experiences, answers our questions, and offers valuable insights into the world of veterinary medicine. From the most common health issues to the most unusual cases, Kar...

Join us for a conversation with Mandy Jones, founder of Conservation Dogs SA, as she shares her team's incredible work detecting animals at risk of extinction. Learn how their expertly trained dogs collaborate with Flinders University and government bodies to protect and conserve South Australia's unique wildlife. Discover the impact of their vital work and the future of conservation efforts.

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Wendy Meek, an ethical trainer from Hobark, operating in Adelaide and Hobart. Wendy shares her expertise on positive reinforcement training methods, tailored to individual needs, and accredited for Mind Dog Assistance Dogs. Learn how her approach empowers both humans and dogs, fostering strong relationships and confident companions. Discover the power of pawsitive training and how it can ...

In this insightful episode, Scott Corcoran from Adelaide K9 shares his expertise on behavioural issues in dogs, revealing how owner dynamics play a significant role in shaping their pets' behaviour. Scott discusses how often, the root cause of behavioural problems lies not with the dog, but with the owner's actions, habits, and energy. He offers practical tips and strategies for managing and training your furry friend, empowering y...

Meet Nick Martin, award-winning CEO of The Pet Butcher, who's shaking up the pet food industry with his passion for varied and nutritious diets for our furry friends! In this episode, Nick shares his inspiring story of how he applied his catering and hospitality expertise to create a unique pet food business. He discusses the importance of mixing things up in your pet's diet, just like we do with our own meals. Plus, learn about Th...

Meet Jenna Gorman, a dedicated pet sitter who goes above and beyond to ensure your furry friends feel loved and secure while you're away! In this episode, Jenna shares her secrets on how she maintains consistent care, sticks to routines, and handles those pesky "testing" moments when pets try to see what they can get away with. From feeding and playtime to snuggles and fun, Jenna reveals how she builds relationships with your fur-b...

Join us for a thought-provoking episode with Hon. Sarah Game MLC, a vet, teacher, single mum, and passionate advocate. Sarah discusses the pressures faced by young vets and the importance of mental health awareness in the industry. She also answers questions and concerns about our furry friends, offering valuable advice and insights. Sarah's courage and compassion are an inspiration, and we're honored to have her on the show. Tune ...

Join us for a fun-filled episode with Amy Van Dyk, experienced dog trainer and founder of ABT in Adelaide! Amy brings her three adorable dogs into the studio and shares valuable insights from her journey as a veterinary nurse to becoming a renowned dog trainer. Get ready for a pawsome chat packed with tips, tricks, and answers to your burning questions submitted through our socials! From behavior and training to health and wellness...

Join us for our very first episode of The Pawsome Companion podcast! We're excited to welcome Carolyn Jones, Media Manager of RSPCA SA, and her adorable dog King, who's a survivor of a puppy farm rescue. In this heartwarming conversation, Carolyn shares the incredible work of RSPCA SA, the profound impact of pets on our mental health, and how the organisation supports the wider community.

Get ready for a dose of inspiration and ani...

Join us for a special introductory episode of Pawsome Companion, where we take you behind the scenes of our brand-new podcast!

In this episode, we'll share the story behind Pawsome Companion, what inspired us to create it, and what you can expect from future episodes.

We'll also give you a sneak peek at what goes into making a podcast, from planning and recording to editing and production. Whether you're a pet lover, a podcast enth...