The Pawsome Companion

In this special highlights edition of The Pawsome Companion, host Johanna Herrera brings together three remarkable stories that show just how powerful the bond between dogs and humans can be.

We begin with a touching story from RSPCA South Australia. A golden retriever, rescued from the harsh conditions of a puppy farm, finds a second chance at life. His journey from fear to trust is a reminder of what can happen when a dog is fina...

In this heartwarming episode, Johanna Herrera chats with Natalie Bubner, a dedicated volunteer with Story Dogs, a program that helps children build confidence in reading by partnering them with calm, friendly dogs. Natalie shares how her own dogs became a furry classroom companion and how this work has transformed not only young readers but also her own perspective on connection and calm. With stories of laughter, gentle encouragem...

In this heartfelt episode of The Pawsome Companion, Johanna Herrera sits down with internationally acclaimed animal communicator and medium, Annie Bourke. Based in Queensland, Annie shares how she helps people connect with their animals both living and passed through her work at Cosmic High Intuitive. As the bestselling author of The Bridge to Animal Consciousness, Annie brings a unique blend of compassion and clarity to every enco...

Vanessa’s world revolves around dogs those she’s rescued, rehabilitated, and loved with her whole heart. In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we sit down with the woman behind one of South Australia’s most heartfelt dog rescue stories. From facing behavioural challenges to celebrating second chances, Vanessa brings a raw and honest perspective to what it truly takes to care for dogs who’ve been through the wringer. Whether you...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, Johanna Herrera is joined by Justin Diamond from Rose-Hip Vital – a trusted name in natural joint health supplements for pets. Justin shares the inspiring journey of Rose-Hip Vital, the science behind its anti-inflammatory properties, and how it’s giving thousands of Australian dogs a new lease on life.

From limps and lethargy to bounding back into zoomies, discover how this plant-based s...

Season 3 of The Pawsome Companion begins with a deeply personal and refreshingly funny conversation. Travis C. Yates joins host Joanna Herrera from Florida to share how one determined little dog changed the course of his life. Travis is the author of Nobody Told Me My Legs Don’t Work: Journey of a Down Dog – a book that explores disability, healing, and identity through the eyes of his dog. Together, they talk about the lessons pet...

In this episode of The Pawsome Companion, we meet Oliver—an animal lover who turned his passion for dogs into a business. With the support of an employment agency, Oliver launched Walking with Dogs, a dog-walking business that’s already building a loyal client base just four months in. Oliver shares how the idea came to life, the joy of working with animals, and what it takes to run a successful pet business when you're just starti...

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...