Cool Cats… Hot Weather!
As you know, it’s super hot right now in the US and it isn't just humans who can suffer from the effects. Our animal companions are super vulnerable as well. This week Michelle Fern is joined by Ellie Laks, co-founder of The Gentle Barn, a non-profit sanctuary for rescue animals, and Dr. Peter Weinstein, veterinarian and former executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association to talk about keeping your cats safe in the sweltering summer heat! You don’t want to miss this one!
Listen to Episode #211 Now:
BIO:
Ellie Laks Gentle Barn
Ellie Laks is The Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals, and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. She is an animal communicator, powerful speaker, celebrated animal welfare advocate, humane educator, and the author of “My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal, and children learn to hope.”
Ellie Founded The Gentle Barn in 1999. She invented her own “Gentle Healing method” that allows old, sick, injured and terrified animals to fully recover using a mixture of Western medicine, holistic healing modalities, holding therapy, and lots of love. Ellie is the creator of Cow Hug Therapy and has hosted hundreds of thousands of people who have come to The Gentle Barn seeking hope.
Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets including The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning point, Women’s World, The NY Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more.
Ellie is a TEDx speaker, and keynote speaker who motivates her audiences towards higher awareness, profound compassion, realizing dreams, and an enhanced sense of purpose.
To date Ellie has saved thousands of animals and hosted over 500,000 guests. The Gentle Barn is currently home to approximately 200 animals. The Gentle Barn has three locations in Los Angeles CA, Nashville, TN, and St Louis, MO. It is her goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity towards all living beings, “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other and our planet.”
Dr. Peter Weinstein
Dr. Peter Weinstein DVM, MBA, and executive director of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Peter Weinstein attended Cornell University for his undergraduate degree and the University of Illinois to receive his DVM. After graduation, he worked as an associate for three years before opening his practice. As he was running his practice he identified the need for increased business acumen to make his practice successful. Thus, while managing and practicing full time, he attended University of Redlands to receive his MBA. As a result of the MBA, he was able to relocate, expand and sell his practice to a corporate consolidator.
Politically, he served as President of the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association and the California Veterinary Medical Association and President for VetPartners, the national consultants association. In the veterinary industry, he acted as Medical Director overseeing the Claims Department for Veterinary Pet Insurance. Dr. Weinstein has provided small business and corporate consulting via his company, PAW Consulting Presently, Dr. Weinstein is the Executive Director for the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association.