62. From Fitness to Philosophy — Pet Innovation, Global Adventures & Smart Vet Tech

This week on Pets Add Life, Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati are back with another epic episode featuring stories that stretch across the globe — from lost cats and curious seals to tech-powered vet clinics and cutting-edge enrichment gear.

Storytime Highlights:

• A California cat named Aggie miraculously survives wildfires and reunites with her family after months apart.
  
  
• A New Haven seal named Chappy captures local hearts before passing due to plastic ingestion and intestinal torsion.
  
  

Guest 1: Jamie Popper (Founder of Proper Pets) Certified canine fitness trainer and inventor of the Propel Air platform, Jamie shares:

• Her horseback safari in Botswana
  
  
• The development of canine fitness tools that strengthen the bond between dogs and humans
  
  
• Training products designed for both beginners and experts
  
  

 Learn more about Jamie:

• Instagram (Proper Pets): https://www.instagram.com/proper.pets
  
  
• Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popper.jamie
  
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiepopper
  
  

Featured Product: Propel Air Platform
Proper Pets’ inflatable training platform for canine balance and stability.
Official Website: https://properpets.com

Guest 2: Dr. Aaron Massecar (VP of Partnerships at Kova)
From philosopher to vet-tech visionary, Dr. Massecar discusses:

• His transition from academia to animal health
  
  
• The future of AI-assisted veterinary care through Kova (medical scribing & co-pilot tools)
  
  
• Innovations that save vets time while enhancing patient care
  
  
• Emotional reflections on saying goodbye to his 16-year-old dog, Charley
  
  

Connect with Dr. Massecar:

• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-massecar/
• Kova Website: https://www.withkova.com
  
  

Products of the Week:

1. Comprehensive Cat Gut Health Check
   From Innovative Pet Lab — a diagnostic kit to test your cat’s digestive function and recommend vet-backed solutions.
   💻 Website: https://www.innovativepetlab.com
   
   
2. Chewtastic Geometrics by Pet Dreamhouse
   Rubber enrichment toys co-designed with an aerospace scientist for erratic bouncing and treat-stuffing.
   💻 Product Link: https://www.petdreamhouse.co.uk/products/chewtastic-geometrics
   
   

 Audience Q&A:

• Alex from Austin, TX – How to turn your dog into a social media star
  
  
• Taylor from Seattle, WA – Tips for smoothly introducing a 4th cat to your feline crew
  
  

Want Your Question Answered on the Show?
Submit yours at: https://www.petsaddlife.org/podcast

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Presented by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV.