Welcome to The Dog Who Asked for More formerly known as Straight Up Dog Talk
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
his space exists for dog parents who are doing their best — and still have questions, doubts, or moments where nothing feels quite clear.
Before you dive in, a quick grounding note:
You do not need all of this.
This isn’t a checklist.
There’s no “right order.”
These are options so you can take what supports you right now
and leave the rest for later (or never).
Quiet observation counts.
Pausing counts.
Coming back later counts
Ways to Stay Connected
Join the Slack Community
Join the Slack Community
Join the Slack Community
This is a low-pressure space for dog parents navigating behavior, food questions, big feelings, and the everyday reality of life with a dog who needs a little more.
You can ask questions.
You can read without posting.
You can show up once — or stay quietly connected in the background.
There’s no pressure to explain or defend your dog here.
Free 15-Minute Consult
Join the Slack Community
Join the Slack Community
If you're unsure what your dog actually needs — or where to even start — this is a conversation to help you find a clearer place to land.
We’ll look at what’s going on, what you’ve already tried, and what might help next without doing everything at once.
You don’t need to have the right words.
You don’t need a plan.
DM a Question
Join the Slack Community
DM a Question
If community feels like too much, or you just need clarity on something specific, you can always message me on Instagram.
Questions, small wins, “is this normal?” moments — all welcome.
Support for the Human Side of Loving Dogs
Loving dogs (especially big-feeling ones) can come with grief, burnout, and emotional weight that doesn’t always get talked about.
The professionals listed here are people and organizations I trust and respect.
Some I’ve worked with directly.
All align with a compassionate, nervous-system-aware approach.
You’re not broken for needing support.
You’re human.
Beth Bigler – Pet Loss Grief Counselor
Honor your animal by living your best life.
Beth offers compassionate grief counseling support before, during, or after the loss of your beloved animal companion. Sessions are available online nationwide, so you can receive support from the privacy and comfort of your home.
Jess Adam – Mental Health for Dog People
Jess Adam – Mental Health for Dog People
Handlers & Humans is the passion project of Jess Adam, a licensed therapist and proud mom to a reactive dog. Jess offers individual and group support programs, along with educational and emotional wellness courses designed specifically for guardians and trainers of challenging dogs.
Her work bridges the gap between behavioral support and h
Handlers & Humans is the passion project of Jess Adam, a licensed therapist and proud mom to a reactive dog. Jess offers individual and group support programs, along with educational and emotional wellness courses designed specifically for guardians and trainers of challenging dogs.
Her work bridges the gap between behavioral support and human well-being—helping dog parents and professionals navigate the emotional realities that come with living and working with big-feeling dogs.
Howling OM
Jess Adam – Mental Health for Dog People
Holistic Healing for Pets and Their People
Helping animals live their best lives through energy healing. Howling OM offers Reiki, sound healing, crystal healing, and aromatherapy to support the physical, emotional, and energetic well-being of both pets and their humans.
Give your animal the same gift they give you every day—care, connection, and healing.
Special Offer: Buy 3 sessions, get 1 free.
Rescues & Charities
Organizations Doing the Quiet Work
Organizations Doing the Quiet Work
Organizations Doing the Quiet Work
These organizations are doing meaningful, often unseen work to support dogs who need safety, time, and care.
Sharing them here isn’t about obligation — it’s about visibility and values.
Support looks different for everyone.
Dogs Forever
Organizations Doing the Quiet Work
Organizations Doing the Quiet Work
Founded in 2011, Dogs Forever is a safe haven built on love, compassion, and second chances. Entirely volunteer-run, the organization is powered by people who believe that every dog deserves to feel safe, cared for, and cherished.
Their mission is to welcome dogs of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds—especially seniors, overlooked pups, tho
Founded in 2011, Dogs Forever is a safe haven built on love, compassion, and second chances. Entirely volunteer-run, the organization is powered by people who believe that every dog deserves to feel safe, cared for, and cherished.
Their mission is to welcome dogs of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds—especially seniors, overlooked pups, those with medical needs, and dogs who have been neglected or abandoned. Many arrive at Dogs Forever in desperate situations, facing their final chance at life.
Through dedicated medical care, patience, and kindness, the team helps them heal—inside and out.
Until each dog finds their forever home, they are surrounded with love and protection in foster care or at the shelter. And when the perfect match is found, a once-homeless dog walks into a new chapter—safe, loved, and never abandoned again.
Dogs Forever isn’t just saving lives—it’s rewriting stories, one wagging tail at a time.
Ruger's Rescues
Organizations Doing the Quiet Work
Ruger's Rescues
Ruger’s Rescues is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization dedicated to proactive animal cruelty and abandonment prevention. Their mission is rooted in second chances, dismantling euthanasia lists, and pursuing a cure for hemangiosarcoma.
Through emergency shelter pulls, compassionate transport, and prevention-focused outreach, Ru
Ruger’s Rescues is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue organization dedicated to proactive animal cruelty and abandonment prevention. Their mission is rooted in second chances, dismantling euthanasia lists, and pursuing a cure for hemangiosarcoma.
Through emergency shelter pulls, compassionate transport, and prevention-focused outreach, Ruger’s Rescues builds bridges to loving forever homes and helps keep best friends where they belong—together.
They are rewriting the narrative, defying stereotypes, and embodying the angels every animal deserves. In a world where small steps spark big change, Ruger’s Rescues invites you to join them in making that change happen.
SGT Canines
SGT Canines
Ruger's Rescues
At SGT Canines, our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in urgent need while promoting responsible pet ownership and raising awareness about the challenges faced by abandoned and abused animals. We are committed to providing exceptional care to every dog that comes into our organization, ensuring they are not only safe but also pre
At SGT Canines, our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate dogs in urgent need while promoting responsible pet ownership and raising awareness about the challenges faced by abandoned and abused animals. We are committed to providing exceptional care to every dog that comes into our organization, ensuring they are not only safe but also prepared for a loving forever home. Through advocacy and community involvement, we aim to create a culture of kindness and compassion towards all animals.
Juno's Den
SGT Canines
Juno's Den
Juno’s Den is a 100% foster-based 501(c)(3) rescue in Washington, founded and run by one woman whose love for dogs sparked something bigger than herself. What began as one heart determined to help has grown into a small devoted community -people who show up, stand up, and put every dog’s well-being first, above anything else, every single time.
Community Partners & Voices We Trust
Shared Values, Not Obligations
Shared Values, Not Obligations
Shared Values, Not Obligations
These are businesses, creators, and platforms whose work aligns with this philosophy:
• Choice over force
• Regulation over urgency
• Support over perfection
This isn’t an endorsement to use everything — just a place to start if you’re looking.
SniffSpot
Shared Values, Not Obligations
Shared Values, Not Obligations
Sniffspot enables anyone to rent land by the hour, creating safe and private spaces for dogs to run, play, and explore. Their mission is simple: to make the world a more dog-friendly place.
Use code SUDT to save $5 on your visit!
Spot Dog Here
Shared Values, Not Obligations
Spot Dog Here
Spot Dog Here is a revolutionary app designed to make exploring with your dog easier and more enjoyable than ever. From cozy cafés to scenic parks, the app connects pet parents with dog-friendly locations across the map—so every outing is safe, fun, and welcoming for your furry friend.
Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or jus
Spot Dog Here is a revolutionary app designed to make exploring with your dog easier and more enjoyable than ever. From cozy cafés to scenic parks, the app connects pet parents with dog-friendly locations across the map—so every outing is safe, fun, and welcoming for your furry friend.
Whether you’re planning your next big adventure or just searching for a nearby place to relax, Spot Dog Here is your trusted resource for creating meaningful experiences with your dog. With a focus on building connections between pet parents and their communities, Spot Dog Here is redefining what it means to be truly dog-friendly.
Speciality Trainers
The Super Collies x SuperK9S
The Super Collies x SuperK9S
The Super Collies x SuperK9S
Sara Carson is an internationally recognized dog trainer known for her ability to break down complex training into simple, approachable steps. With a background in obedience, trick training, and service work, she has helped both pet parents and professionals better understand how dogs learn and communicate.
Sara’s work with her own service
Sara Carson is an internationally recognized dog trainer known for her ability to break down complex training into simple, approachable steps. With a background in obedience, trick training, and service work, she has helped both pet parents and professionals better understand how dogs learn and communicate.
Sara’s work with her own service dog, Hero, led her to transform trick-based skills into real-life support tasks—bridging the gap between engagement, training, and functional daily living. She has since worked with service dog organizations and trainers across the country, helping develop dogs for individuals with a wide range of needs.
Today, Sara continues to educate through her training programs, performances, and her app Puppr, making dog training more accessible, practical, and adaptable to the dog in front of you.
Scar’s AUSSome Training
The Super Collies x SuperK9S
The Super Collies x SuperK9S
Carissa is a certified dog trainer with over a decade of experience working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and needs. She began her journey training service dogs for special needs children and has continued to expand her knowledge through formal education, hands-on experience, and ongoing learning.
Through Scar’s AUSSome Training, she spec
Carissa is a certified dog trainer with over a decade of experience working with dogs of all breeds, ages, and needs. She began her journey training service dogs for special needs children and has continued to expand her knowledge through formal education, hands-on experience, and ongoing learning.
Through Scar’s AUSSome Training, she specializes in supporting owner-trained service dog teams with a focus on professionalism, stability, and real-world reliability. Her work centers on helping handlers build confident, task-trained service dogs capable of working safely in everyday environments.
Carissa’s approach emphasizes ethical training, clear standards, and individualized guidance—recognizing that service dogs are medical equipment and that every team’s journey is unique.
Her dog, Scar, a highly trained Australian Shepherd service dog, plays an active role as a demo dog across her programs, bringing real-world experience into every step of the process.
Podcasts We Love
You’re Not the Only One
The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast
The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast
Sometimes the most supportive thing is hearing someone else say,
“Yeah — this is hard.”
These podcasts offer thoughtful, judgment-free conversations about life with dogs.
Listen when it feels helpful.
Skip when it doesn’t.
Both are okay.
The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast
The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast
The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast
Hosted by rescue founder, educator, and foster mom to more than 4,000 pets, Amy Castro, The Pet Parent Hotline delivers practical, judgment-free guidance to help people care for their pets with confidence. Each episode features expert interviews, budget-friendly pet care tips, behavior and training insights, and real-world support for nav
Hosted by rescue founder, educator, and foster mom to more than 4,000 pets, Amy Castro, The Pet Parent Hotline delivers practical, judgment-free guidance to help people care for their pets with confidence. Each episode features expert interviews, budget-friendly pet care tips, behavior and training insights, and real-world support for navigating the everyday ups and downs of life with pets. Stop chasing your tail and start enjoying life with pets! Explore episodes and resources below!
unPACKed
The Pet Parent Hotline Podcast
unPACKed
An open-minded podcast taking a clinical, not political, approach to helping pet parents around the world.
Every episode, we help one owner struggling with a behavioral issue with their dog or dogs. We fully unpack the situation, discuss the questions it's important to ask a trainer or behavior consultant, outline immediate management for
An open-minded podcast taking a clinical, not political, approach to helping pet parents around the world.
Every episode, we help one owner struggling with a behavioral issue with their dog or dogs. We fully unpack the situation, discuss the questions it's important to ask a trainer or behavior consultant, outline immediate management for safety, and provide realistic and sustainable modification plans
Before You Go
You don’t need to do more today.
You don’t need to decide anything.
This page will still be here when you come back later today, next month, or when things feel a little lighter.
You’re not behind.
You don’t have to do this all at once.
Welcome to The Dog Who Asked for More
Formerly know as Straight Up Dog Talk.
New Name. New Look. New Content!