We Treat Dogs Like Family. The Courts Treat Them Like Furniture. Here's What's Changing

Have you ever wondered what would happen to your dog if the law treated them like property instead of family? Most of us see our dogs as companions, partners, and members of the family. But in many courtrooms, pets are still legally classified as property. That distinction affects everything from pet custody disputes to shelter policies, animal welfare laws, and the future of animal rights. In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Susanna Gartner, founder of Canada's first animal law firm, mediator, activist, and author of A Voice for Animals. Together, we explore the legal realities facing companion animals, the shelter crisis, animal advocacy, and the growing movement to create a more compassionate future for dogs and other animals. In This Episode, You'll Hear: Why pets are still considered property under many laws—and how that impacts pet custody, animal welfare, and legal protections. The connection between animal rights, shelter overcrowding, euthanasia rates, rescue dog advocacy, and creating meaningful change in local communities. How everyday dog lovers can become a voice for animals through education, volunteering, adoption, and supporting positive change in the animal welfare system. If you've ever felt heartbroken by shelter overcrowding, wondered about animal rights, considered adopting a rescue dog, or wanted to better understand the relationship between humans and animals, this episode offers both insight and hope. Listen now for an eye-opening conversation about animal law, rescue dog advocacy, pet companionship, compassion, community involvement, emotional connection, human animal bond, dog companionship, and creating a future where animals are treated with the dignity they deserve. 🐾🩵 Learn more and take action: suzanagartner.com Dog Nutrition Quiz Not sure if what you’re feeding is actually supporting your dog?Take the free quiz and get access to the Mini Bowl Blueprint 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/feedingquiz Free 15-Minute Clarity Call Feeling stuck or unsure what your dog needs? We’ll talk through what’s going on and find the next step together. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/tdwafmbooknow⁠ PetMatRx Supplements We Trust Supplements that support gut health and daily wellness. Use code FITZ20 to save. 👉⁠ https://tinyurl.com/PETMATRXtdwafm⁠ Email ⁠⁠em@thedogwhoaskedformore.com⁠⁠ to get in touch with Em This podcast explores real life with dogs — including dog behavior, reactivity, dog anxiety, stress in dogs, fearful dogs, and everyday training challenges. It’s for dog parents who are overwhelmed navigating life with dogs and want a clearer understanding of their dog, practical support, and a stronger bond while creating a calmer daily life with their dogs. Episodes cover canine nutrition, dog body language, dog communication, dog food and behavior, gut health, dog wellness, enrichment for dogs, dog enrichment activities, routines, dog lifestyle, and regulation — so life with your dog can feel calmer, more manageable, and more sustainable. Hosted by a dog trainer, canine nutrition coach, and retired vet tech, the show blends training, nutrition, and enrichment to support and bond with sensitive, anxious, pure-bred, and rescue dogs at home and in real life. Affiliate links support the podcast and help fuel the RV dream 💛