WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.789 --> 00:00:06.320 Welcome to the Soul Touched by Dogs Podcast, the show for dog lovers who 00:00:06.340 --> 00:00:12.000 see dogs not as toys or tools, but wise souls worth our respect and care. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:14.559 I'm an Herrmann, and I'm your host. 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:20.560 I talk to poor some humans, people who do great work for dogs and their people. 00:00:21.099 --> 00:00:23.360 So come and join us for today's conversation. 00:00:24.980 --> 00:00:26.660 Anke: Hello and welcome, Andy. 00:00:26.750 --> 00:00:28.850 Oh, super Excited to have you here today. 00:00:29.450 --> 00:00:30.890 Andy: Thank you so much for having me. 00:00:30.890 --> 00:00:31.910 I'm excited to be here. 00:00:33.230 --> 00:00:33.800 Anke: Awesome. 00:00:33.890 --> 00:00:37.670 So now I always start with the same question I always ask people, where 00:00:37.670 --> 00:00:41.570 in this lovely world are you based and what's your business with dogs? 00:00:42.110 --> 00:00:42.440 Andy: Yeah. 00:00:42.440 --> 00:00:45.350 So I live on the Upper West Side in New York City. 00:00:45.680 --> 00:00:50.210 My business with dogs, um, really began with my Rhodesian Ridge back Koa. 00:00:50.420 --> 00:00:53.270 He's a therapy dog who brings comfort and joy. 00:00:53.645 --> 00:00:54.845 Everywhere he goes. 00:00:55.205 --> 00:00:59.255 And he's the inspiration and heart between, um, behind KO's 00:00:59.255 --> 00:01:03.215 Rough Life, which is a business and a children's book series. 00:01:03.815 --> 00:01:07.505 Everything about our brand grew from our bond and the joy 00:01:07.505 --> 00:01:09.875 he brings in everyday life. 00:01:11.345 --> 00:01:13.115 Anke: So, oh, that's so cute. 00:01:13.145 --> 00:01:15.815 Like, I've seen a picture so adorable. 00:01:15.815 --> 00:01:19.025 I just love, you know, goof. 00:01:23.870 --> 00:01:25.520 Andy: Lovable little. 00:01:25.880 --> 00:01:29.570 I wanna call him little 'cause he's my little, um, little blush. 00:01:31.580 --> 00:01:32.420 Anke: I know what you mean. 00:01:32.420 --> 00:01:38.090 Like I've got like a 120 pound baby and I call her little, like, you know, 00:01:38.090 --> 00:01:41.420 she's always gonna be my little baby, even though she's like more like a bear. 00:01:41.420 --> 00:01:41.660 Right. 00:01:42.680 --> 00:01:43.340 Doesn't matter. 00:01:43.790 --> 00:01:44.575 So, so. 00:01:45.440 --> 00:01:49.610 Did you get him as a, as a, as a therapy dog to start with 00:01:49.610 --> 00:01:50.750 or how did that come about? 00:01:51.200 --> 00:01:54.860 Andy: Yeah, so I actually got cowa because, um, I'm a long distance 00:01:54.860 --> 00:01:56.990 runner, so I wanted a running partner. 00:01:57.290 --> 00:02:01.970 Um, and so they, Rhodesian Ridgebacks are our top five 00:02:01.970 --> 00:02:03.530 long distance running runners. 00:02:03.680 --> 00:02:05.720 And so that's the original reason why I got 'em. 00:02:05.720 --> 00:02:08.540 So I wanted him as a pet and we're gonna do marathons together. 00:02:08.570 --> 00:02:09.440 Um, they, um. 00:02:10.355 --> 00:02:14.315 They, they have these, um, events where dogs can enter as, 00:02:14.345 --> 00:02:16.265 um, for, for, for marathons. 00:02:16.265 --> 00:02:18.065 And so that's why I actually got him. 00:02:18.485 --> 00:02:26.075 Um, and then it was approximately two years into when I, um, into our, our 00:02:26.075 --> 00:02:31.055 lives together when I was really looking for a different way to make a difference. 00:02:31.115 --> 00:02:34.775 Um, I've been volunteering ever since I was about nine years o old. 00:02:36.425 --> 00:02:39.515 Volunteering and service has always been a big part of who I am. 00:02:39.785 --> 00:02:45.185 And so, um, I was talking with a friend and she had mentioned that COA had the 00:02:45.185 --> 00:02:47.255 perfect temperament to be a therapy dog. 00:02:47.375 --> 00:02:51.545 And I, I was like, Hmm, that's a great idea. 00:02:51.725 --> 00:02:53.495 And that idea just stuck with me. 00:02:53.495 --> 00:02:58.145 So about five years ago, um, we went through the training, he got certified 00:02:58.325 --> 00:03:00.575 and officially became a therapy dog. 00:03:00.875 --> 00:03:03.635 And we've been volunteering together ever since. 00:03:04.610 --> 00:03:05.090 Anke: Wow. 00:03:05.180 --> 00:03:08.060 So what does a therapy dog need to know? 00:03:08.060 --> 00:03:10.400 Like, what is, what is asked of a therapy dog? 00:03:10.640 --> 00:03:16.220 Andy: Yeah, so, um, initially you go through, um, more of a, 00:03:16.220 --> 00:03:19.730 like a, an evaluation to see if your dog can be a therapy dogs. 00:03:19.790 --> 00:03:23.270 Um, they, they have a, a certain type of temperament. 00:03:23.270 --> 00:03:24.470 They have to be more calm. 00:03:24.590 --> 00:03:28.220 They kind of have to not react, um, and, and be. 00:03:28.955 --> 00:03:30.605 Be able to take on commands? 00:03:30.605 --> 00:03:34.565 Well, um, especially in hospitals when there might be a specimen on the 00:03:34.565 --> 00:03:37.925 ground and you wanna say, leave it, and then they have to actually leave it. 00:03:38.285 --> 00:03:43.775 Um, you know, um, and so, um, so they, at first you do that and then 00:03:43.775 --> 00:03:45.875 you go through, uh, two months. 00:03:46.145 --> 00:03:47.585 Mine was a two month training. 00:03:47.885 --> 00:03:49.025 Um, but before that. 00:03:49.850 --> 00:03:52.910 As soon as I got coa, I've actually trained him immediately. 00:03:52.910 --> 00:03:55.280 So we went through, um, family manners. 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:57.530 We kind of, sort of did that, that original training, 00:03:57.530 --> 00:03:58.880 just the original command. 00:03:59.030 --> 00:04:02.930 Just because I live in New York City, I needed a someone who can always, 00:04:02.930 --> 00:04:04.070 you know, just stay by my side. 00:04:04.070 --> 00:04:08.510 And because he's good, I knew he was gonna be large and I'm, I'm a tiny girl. 00:04:08.540 --> 00:04:10.430 Um, I'm five feet. 00:04:10.775 --> 00:04:11.945 Three fourths of an inch. 00:04:12.185 --> 00:04:15.815 Um, and I, I weigh approximately what weighs. 00:04:15.815 --> 00:04:20.045 And so I knew at some point, um, he was, he, he could, he could. 00:04:20.525 --> 00:04:25.355 Overpower me if he wanted to and he saw something he wanted, I would go with him. 00:04:25.655 --> 00:04:30.245 Um, and so I thought training would be a great idea, especially in the city when 00:04:30.245 --> 00:04:32.795 there wasn't that, that room for him. 00:04:32.795 --> 00:04:35.345 I don't have a big lawn to, for him to play. 00:04:35.405 --> 00:04:37.025 Um, central Park is our. 00:04:37.725 --> 00:04:41.235 Playground in the mornings, um, which is off leash, but you need 00:04:41.235 --> 00:04:42.795 the commands for him to come back. 00:04:42.795 --> 00:04:44.985 So we had that training. 00:04:45.195 --> 00:04:50.655 So he was pretty well trained before we did the, um, the therapy training. 00:04:50.985 --> 00:04:54.645 So after about two months of training where, you know, you, they, they test 00:04:54.645 --> 00:04:57.945 about, they like, they kind of like make noises and kind of just like 00:04:58.005 --> 00:05:02.055 poke around and make sure that your dog doesn't react to any of those. 00:05:02.145 --> 00:05:05.955 Um, you immediately fail if your dog jumps on someone. 00:05:06.315 --> 00:05:06.685 Um, and. 00:05:07.185 --> 00:05:10.605 With co if he jumped on someone, he could take people out. 00:05:10.635 --> 00:05:12.525 So, but he's not a jumper like that. 00:05:12.525 --> 00:05:14.595 The only one he gives hugs to is me. 00:05:14.595 --> 00:05:16.575 So thank goodness. 00:05:16.635 --> 00:05:17.295 Um, yeah. 00:05:17.295 --> 00:05:20.655 And so after that, you go through your certification, which is just 00:05:20.715 --> 00:05:26.205 to make sure that you know, you, you're able to be on your own. 00:05:26.385 --> 00:05:31.695 Um, and one, it's, one of them is, uh, an onsite where they watch 00:05:31.695 --> 00:05:34.815 you perform, um, the, the service. 00:05:35.055 --> 00:05:35.545 Um, and then you get. 00:05:35.855 --> 00:05:38.190 Certifi re-certified every year after that. 00:05:40.190 --> 00:05:41.900 Anke: So that, that's fascinating. 00:05:42.140 --> 00:05:47.510 You know, just imagining you with a big dog, it's like, mine is, mine is massive, 00:05:47.510 --> 00:05:51.860 but I'm big too, so, so she like, she doesn't look up, but I also was very 00:05:51.860 --> 00:05:53.540 conscious of that when she was little. 00:05:53.780 --> 00:05:56.210 Like, I need to make sure she's not a pull on a walk. 00:05:56.210 --> 00:05:56.450 Right. 00:05:56.450 --> 00:06:00.080 And she can't get excited about any cat because Yeah. 00:06:00.110 --> 00:06:01.700 She's like 60 kilos. 00:06:01.760 --> 00:06:03.260 Like, you know, that's a lot of dog. 00:06:03.290 --> 00:06:03.560 Right. 00:06:03.950 --> 00:06:05.690 And so I totally, totally get it. 00:06:06.000 --> 00:06:08.370 So what does volunteering now look like? 00:06:08.370 --> 00:06:11.285 You mentioned sort of hospitals, so where do you go with him? 00:06:11.820 --> 00:06:16.500 Andy: So co-op loves kids, so we volunteer at the children's hospital 00:06:16.500 --> 00:06:22.440 and a school for kids with special needs, um, in addition to a few, 00:06:22.620 --> 00:06:28.260 um, wellness, um, visits, but mostly at the children's hospital and at 00:06:28.260 --> 00:06:29.640 school for kids with special needs. 00:06:31.115 --> 00:06:32.615 Anke: So how does that, what does that look like? 00:06:32.615 --> 00:06:33.965 So you walk in there and then walk. 00:06:35.405 --> 00:06:37.475 Andy: Yeah, so, so both of are a little bit different. 00:06:37.475 --> 00:06:40.535 So at this school, um, so I volunteer on Fridays. 00:06:40.565 --> 00:06:44.015 It just, um, works best in my schedule, um, and. 00:06:45.365 --> 00:06:48.725 For the school, what happens is that we go through classroom, through 00:06:48.725 --> 00:06:51.635 classroom and we just say hello. 00:06:51.965 --> 00:06:57.155 Um, and on on Fridays for some reason, the kids always have a little bit more energy. 00:06:57.155 --> 00:06:58.955 I think they know it's the end of the week. 00:06:59.225 --> 00:07:03.695 Um, and one of the teachers once said that, um. 00:07:05.225 --> 00:07:08.645 They, they were worried that they weren't gonna get through through the 00:07:08.645 --> 00:07:14.435 day, but once CO came in, he brought a calming to, to all the students and 00:07:14.675 --> 00:07:16.505 they were able to finish that day. 00:07:16.505 --> 00:07:19.865 And it was just, it was just really nice to hear that story. 00:07:20.015 --> 00:07:23.555 So we just go from classroom to classroom and everyone just comes and pets him. 00:07:23.555 --> 00:07:24.695 And of course, here he comes. 00:07:25.715 --> 00:07:27.275 I dunno if you're gonna be able to see him. 00:07:27.605 --> 00:07:27.785 Good. 00:07:28.745 --> 00:07:36.005 Um, and then, um, and then for, for the children's hospital, um, because. 00:07:37.805 --> 00:07:38.945 It's a little bit different. 00:07:38.945 --> 00:07:44.435 So what happens is we get a list of about approximately 10 patients or children 00:07:44.765 --> 00:07:49.535 and, um, who want to have, um, a dog visit because not everyone loves dogs. 00:07:49.535 --> 00:07:53.405 And so we try to make sure that we only see the patients that want him. 00:07:53.405 --> 00:07:57.040 And so we have a list that we have, and then we go from room to room to room. 00:07:57.585 --> 00:08:01.935 Um, and then we just spend a, a few minutes with them just for them to say hi. 00:08:02.055 --> 00:08:05.685 Some of them stay in their, um, their beds and to just pet him on the psych. 00:08:05.745 --> 00:08:08.355 Luckily, he's big, he can just reach over and pet him. 00:08:08.655 --> 00:08:12.825 And then, um, some, some come and actually say hi to him 00:08:12.825 --> 00:08:14.385 if they're able to be mobile. 00:08:16.010 --> 00:08:19.610 Anke: So do you find that they also, you know, have you ever had kids where 00:08:19.610 --> 00:08:23.240 they're kind of scared initially and then like, what's the, what's the impact? 00:08:23.240 --> 00:08:25.790 Like, apart from like, I probably wouldn't wanna let him go if I 00:08:25.790 --> 00:08:29.930 was, you know, but, but you know, like what's the, what's the impact? 00:08:30.545 --> 00:08:30.995 Andy: Yeah. 00:08:30.995 --> 00:08:31.295 How many kids? 00:08:31.430 --> 00:08:37.385 So, um, so some kids want, like, most kids who put their name on that list say yes. 00:08:37.625 --> 00:08:43.655 Um, some kids at the, the school had that hesitation and ask, and because 00:08:43.655 --> 00:08:47.315 we go there every week, um, they, they start to get to know him and 00:08:47.315 --> 00:08:48.605 they're like, oh, he's not so bad. 00:08:48.605 --> 00:08:51.905 And because of his size, I think what the other thing is his size, right? 00:08:51.995 --> 00:08:52.625 He's like, oh. 00:08:52.870 --> 00:08:53.440 Oh my goodness. 00:08:53.470 --> 00:08:58.090 He's bigger than me because, um, the school is, the school is from kindergarten 00:08:58.090 --> 00:09:00.250 to all the way to, um, 12th grade. 00:09:00.430 --> 00:09:03.880 So it, it's one of those, um, schools that have all, all the grades. 00:09:03.880 --> 00:09:06.670 And so the, the little ones sometimes have no fear. 00:09:06.940 --> 00:09:08.590 Um, so they come and play with him. 00:09:08.830 --> 00:09:11.470 Um, and then some of the older ones, um. 00:09:12.590 --> 00:09:13.460 Like, ugh. 00:09:13.550 --> 00:09:16.820 And then after a while they, they start and they pet him, and you can 00:09:16.820 --> 00:09:18.410 just see them just relax a little. 00:09:18.410 --> 00:09:20.540 They, they're, there's something about coa. 00:09:20.630 --> 00:09:22.370 He has this calming presence. 00:09:22.820 --> 00:09:27.590 He, and like his, he has his soulful eyes that makes him a natural therapy dog. 00:09:28.010 --> 00:09:29.420 He has this like uncanny. 00:09:30.320 --> 00:09:35.270 Ability to sense emotion, and he really offers that comfort, um, to 00:09:35.270 --> 00:09:37.490 kids when they, they need it the most. 00:09:37.760 --> 00:09:38.240 Anke: Yeah. 00:09:38.600 --> 00:09:41.930 So do you also visit like adults or do you say, well, okay, I 00:09:41.930 --> 00:09:43.220 I really specialize on kids. 00:09:43.550 --> 00:09:43.790 Andy: Yeah. 00:09:43.790 --> 00:09:44.600 So, um. 00:09:45.530 --> 00:09:51.350 For coa, we do when it is, um, specifically for wellness visits. 00:09:51.350 --> 00:09:56.540 So some, um, through our organiz organization, they do have the 00:09:56.540 --> 00:10:01.040 ability to go to businesses and do a day of just wellness. 00:10:01.070 --> 00:10:02.450 Um, and so we do do those. 00:10:03.450 --> 00:10:06.870 Periodically, um, throughout the year, they're more of a one-off. 00:10:07.110 --> 00:10:12.390 Um, Kaba also likes to go to this school for, um, kids, um, 00:10:12.390 --> 00:10:14.580 who, who are musically talented. 00:10:14.850 --> 00:10:19.920 And he, I think he loves them the most and I don't know why, but he just loves them. 00:10:19.920 --> 00:10:24.660 And so when they do have, um, exams or, you know, they, they are just a little 00:10:24.660 --> 00:10:26.010 bit more stressed about something. 00:10:26.725 --> 00:10:31.285 They do ask or request that therapy dogs go, and we usually try to always 00:10:31.285 --> 00:10:33.415 go to that one because Koa loves them. 00:10:33.715 --> 00:10:35.935 Um, he has a connection with them somehow. 00:10:36.265 --> 00:10:38.215 Um, and so we do love that one. 00:10:38.305 --> 00:10:42.115 But Koa himself is more drawn towards kids. 00:10:42.115 --> 00:10:45.565 So I specifically choose to do things with kids. 00:10:46.070 --> 00:10:46.490 Anke: Mm. 00:10:46.550 --> 00:10:47.480 Yeah, that makes sense. 00:10:47.750 --> 00:10:51.410 So, so what's, I mean, from, from what you can tell, since I can't ask 00:10:51.410 --> 00:10:55.820 him directly, you know, like what's, what's his, I mean, do you find, 00:10:56.090 --> 00:10:58.580 does he get sort of drained by this? 00:10:58.580 --> 00:11:01.640 Like, do you think like, okay, I can do an hour and then he's got enough? 00:11:01.640 --> 00:11:04.730 Or do you feel like, 'cause I'm, I'm thinking like, walking 00:11:04.730 --> 00:11:06.080 somewhere and everybody pets me. 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:08.720 I don't think I, I've like that for very long. 00:11:09.320 --> 00:11:09.560 Exactly. 00:11:09.560 --> 00:11:12.300 How do, how do you, you know, feel, what's the impact on him? 00:11:12.995 --> 00:11:13.295 Andy: Yeah. 00:11:13.295 --> 00:11:18.005 So, um, through our organization, um, therapy dogs are only 00:11:18.005 --> 00:11:19.535 supposed to work 45 minutes. 00:11:19.865 --> 00:11:24.335 I can tell that after about 30 to 45 minutes, COA does get tired as well. 00:11:24.335 --> 00:11:27.575 I mean, he's just pouring all his emotions out there and he's 00:11:27.575 --> 00:11:29.555 like, whew, that was a long day. 00:11:29.920 --> 00:11:35.350 Um, Nicole is also double certified as a, um, crisis response therapy dog. 00:11:35.740 --> 00:11:41.470 Um, and so when there are those bigger moments, um, we do volunteer longer 00:11:41.650 --> 00:11:46.180 and I just monitor, um, if he does need a break, I will ask for it. 00:11:46.330 --> 00:11:50.560 We'll take a 10, 15 minute break, let him rest and then come back. 00:11:50.830 --> 00:11:51.160 Anke: Hmm. 00:11:52.220 --> 00:11:53.060 Oh, that makes sense. 00:11:53.115 --> 00:11:53.555 I love that. 00:11:53.555 --> 00:11:53.630 I love that. 00:11:54.440 --> 00:11:57.800 I mean, I've seen sort of, you know, like videos and things of therapists mm-hmm. 00:11:57.800 --> 00:12:00.410 Like these dogs when they're like at this kind of accident 00:12:00.410 --> 00:12:01.340 or when there's like, yeah. 00:12:01.430 --> 00:12:05.090 Big things going on and they really, they really do help for sure. 00:12:05.390 --> 00:12:08.810 So how, what, you know, how did the book and all of that come about? 00:12:08.870 --> 00:12:11.315 So you obviously have something really strong going on there, right? 00:12:11.540 --> 00:12:13.820 So there's a lot of impact already. 00:12:13.820 --> 00:12:18.410 So now you've got a shop and you've got like an how idea. 00:12:19.010 --> 00:12:19.190 Yeah. 00:12:20.150 --> 00:12:21.080 Andy: So, um. 00:12:21.635 --> 00:12:24.845 I'm gonna start where, where CO's rough life began. 00:12:24.905 --> 00:12:29.075 Um, when I first started looking for, um, bow ties for co 'cause I 00:12:29.075 --> 00:12:30.695 really wanted coat to wear, bow ties. 00:12:31.075 --> 00:12:33.305 Um, I wanted something to capture his personality. 00:12:33.365 --> 00:12:33.695 Um. 00:12:34.145 --> 00:12:36.725 Koa is Hawaiian for Warrior. 00:12:36.965 --> 00:12:41.195 I'm from Hawaii, so I wanted him to have like this Hawaiian look to himself. 00:12:41.255 --> 00:12:46.715 Um, but I also needed it to be durable 'cause he, he had playtime with his, his 00:12:46.715 --> 00:12:49.115 friends and you know how Rich Baxton romp. 00:12:49.145 --> 00:12:52.805 So, um, I was trying to find that duality and I couldn't 00:12:52.805 --> 00:12:53.885 find what I was looking for. 00:12:54.275 --> 00:12:57.095 Um, so I just took to my machine, my sewing machine, 00:12:57.095 --> 00:12:59.975 and created my own, um, that, 00:13:00.485 --> 00:13:02.225 Anke: oh, I didn't realize you made those. 00:13:02.445 --> 00:13:02.835 Andy: Oh yeah. 00:13:02.835 --> 00:13:07.485 So I make them and then, um, and so, and it's, it's, it's, it's. 00:13:08.510 --> 00:13:11.780 Designs that really speak to what I love. 00:13:12.110 --> 00:13:17.660 Um, so I got, so I got to make my Hawaiian, my Hawaiian print and bow ties. 00:13:18.350 --> 00:13:23.180 Um, and so almost every year I would try to go back to Hawaii and grab more fabrics 00:13:23.510 --> 00:13:25.580 just so I could have different looks. 00:13:25.940 --> 00:13:29.810 Um, but then I, I ended up doing more for, you know, all the holidays. 00:13:30.345 --> 00:13:34.305 You know, all, any, any kind of event I wanted, I made sure I had had something 00:13:34.305 --> 00:13:36.225 and I'd always wanna do matching things. 00:13:36.525 --> 00:13:40.005 Um, and I thought these were great ideas and, um, I thought 00:13:40.245 --> 00:13:41.595 other people might want it. 00:13:41.595 --> 00:13:43.755 So that's kind of, sort of how that happened. 00:13:43.935 --> 00:13:47.715 Um, and then that same desire led me to the kitchen. 00:13:48.395 --> 00:13:51.665 Um, dog food and treats are poorly regulated. 00:13:51.725 --> 00:13:57.725 They have this long list of unrecognizable ingredients, the constant recalls. 00:13:58.055 --> 00:14:02.285 Um, I wanted to have coa to have treats that were healthier and that 00:14:02.285 --> 00:14:04.055 were something I would eat, you know? 00:14:04.055 --> 00:14:07.565 So, um, I wanted to make things that were human grade with limited 00:14:07.565 --> 00:14:08.915 ingredients, no preservatives. 00:14:08.915 --> 00:14:12.215 Something you and I would eat on a, on, on a normal. 00:14:12.215 --> 00:14:16.085 So that's kind of, sort of how that barky and fashion boutique, um. 00:14:16.865 --> 00:14:19.685 Started kind of inspired by koa. 00:14:19.985 --> 00:14:22.355 I wanted to promote a healthy, active. 00:14:22.790 --> 00:14:25.130 Life all while doing it in style. 00:14:25.670 --> 00:14:25.910 Anke: Mm-hmm. 00:14:25.910 --> 00:14:26.630 I love that. 00:14:26.630 --> 00:14:29.480 I love that I, I've obviously looked at this side like, oh, you 00:14:29.480 --> 00:14:30.860 know, I wish you should to Spain. 00:14:31.160 --> 00:14:32.690 You know, like, those whiskey are so cute. 00:14:32.750 --> 00:14:32.930 Right. 00:14:34.490 --> 00:14:37.460 You know, and it comes with the teddy bear and it's just like super adorable. 00:14:37.850 --> 00:14:38.240 Andy: Yeah. 00:14:38.840 --> 00:14:40.820 Anke: Um, I didn't realize that the fabrics actually 00:14:40.820 --> 00:14:42.080 came from Hawaii directly. 00:14:42.080 --> 00:14:43.010 Like that is very, 00:14:43.010 --> 00:14:43.575 Andy: some some did. 00:14:43.595 --> 00:14:45.680 So like the Hawaiian print ones did. 00:14:45.740 --> 00:14:49.040 Um, and those I curated just by going to Hawaii. 00:14:49.250 --> 00:14:51.710 Um, others, um, like I do for Halloweens. 00:14:52.305 --> 00:14:55.785 Um, you know, so Halloween ones are, are, are more from up here. 00:14:55.995 --> 00:14:59.565 Um, and I just have the every day for summer, you know, just casual, just 00:14:59.565 --> 00:15:03.555 a little dapper as you're walking down the street in, in New York City. 00:15:05.705 --> 00:15:06.755 Anke: She never reminds me. 00:15:07.025 --> 00:15:11.615 And like my mom, she gave me like a, she sent me like a link years ago. 00:15:11.675 --> 00:15:13.535 'cause my first business was a sewing business. 00:15:13.535 --> 00:15:16.355 I made like flamenco dance costumes, right? 00:15:16.355 --> 00:15:19.535 So I had, my dogs were wearing polka dot and ruffles. 00:15:19.535 --> 00:15:22.715 Like, you know, my, my, my, my dogs were boys, so they didn't wear ruffles, 00:15:22.715 --> 00:15:24.845 but I did, you know, get hired to make. 00:15:24.895 --> 00:15:29.155 You know, and my mom actually sent me this link, and there was somebody 00:15:29.155 --> 00:15:34.465 in Germany who had a boutique and specialized, specialized into, you 00:15:34.465 --> 00:15:36.985 know, outfits, like matching outfits. 00:15:36.985 --> 00:15:40.345 Like you could get your evening dress and then your dog would go 00:15:40.345 --> 00:15:42.745 matching, like she was killing it. 00:15:42.805 --> 00:15:44.395 I'm like, whoa, there's an idea. 00:15:44.575 --> 00:15:44.845 Oh, 00:15:44.845 --> 00:15:45.805 Andy: I love that. 00:15:50.105 --> 00:15:51.995 Um, you're gonna have to send me that link later 00:15:53.225 --> 00:15:54.125 Anke: if I can find it. 00:15:54.125 --> 00:15:57.935 I dunno, this has been like, many, many years ago, but, uh, yeah, that 00:15:57.935 --> 00:16:01.115 was, that was the concept and I'm like, oh, I could totally see that fly. 00:16:01.205 --> 00:16:01.535 You know? 00:16:01.565 --> 00:16:01.775 Yeah. 00:16:02.015 --> 00:16:03.215 Because, yeah, 00:16:04.295 --> 00:16:06.375 Andy: so that's, that's kind of sort of how I got into the, the, 00:16:06.755 --> 00:16:09.275 the barky and, uh, fashion boutique. 00:16:09.515 --> 00:16:12.245 And then I expanded into, um, Trojan books. 00:16:12.545 --> 00:16:15.845 Um, my passion really is to educate with. 00:16:16.370 --> 00:16:18.230 Fun everyday adventures. 00:16:18.380 --> 00:16:22.880 Um, I want to spark curiosity, so I want to create stories. 00:16:23.210 --> 00:16:25.160 That make learning fun for kids. 00:16:25.610 --> 00:16:29.420 Um, and I sat down one day and I just started writing. 00:16:30.440 --> 00:16:34.370 Um, and what ended up coming out were these stories that 00:16:34.370 --> 00:16:38.090 were inspired by our real life experiences exploring New York City. 00:16:38.540 --> 00:16:38.600 Hmm. 00:16:38.690 --> 00:16:38.870 Um. 00:16:39.320 --> 00:16:42.920 Our morning runs through Central Park, um, where we would pass 00:16:42.920 --> 00:16:46.430 by the sea lions and stop to see what they're doing that morning. 00:16:46.850 --> 00:16:50.420 Um, picnicking at Bryant Park, people watching there. 00:16:50.450 --> 00:16:54.625 Um, you know, all those small moments during our daily lives that I. 00:16:55.105 --> 00:16:59.755 Sometimes we, we don't take that moment to stop and really enjoy. 00:17:00.115 --> 00:17:03.505 And so I really want to capture that and put it into our stories. 00:17:03.565 --> 00:17:07.975 Um, these are, I mean, this, this series is really a love letter to 00:17:07.975 --> 00:17:12.175 New York City, a city that's filled with energy that has this history. 00:17:12.355 --> 00:17:17.755 You know, it has this heart that I really wanted to capture and really share, 00:17:17.905 --> 00:17:20.755 um, with kids and families everywhere. 00:17:22.040 --> 00:17:25.220 Anke: I love that, so, so that's a whole series then. 00:17:25.635 --> 00:17:25.855 So 00:17:25.855 --> 00:17:26.695 Andy: it's one book, 00:17:26.695 --> 00:17:26.895 Anke: right? 00:17:27.085 --> 00:17:27.375 Andy: Yeah. 00:17:27.380 --> 00:17:29.030 So I have three currently right now. 00:17:29.435 --> 00:17:29.855 Anke: Mm-hmm. 00:17:30.710 --> 00:17:32.330 And what's in the pipeline. 00:17:32.330 --> 00:17:34.910 And so you have like the way you look at, I'm like, oh, I'm pretty 00:17:34.910 --> 00:17:36.380 sure she's kind of fighting on. 00:17:36.740 --> 00:17:37.220 Oh 00:17:37.250 --> 00:17:37.580 Andy: yes. 00:17:37.580 --> 00:17:46.100 So, um, yeah, so Book one is about, um, about the, um, central Park Zoo. 00:17:46.130 --> 00:17:50.930 So you follow COA on his venture to Central Park Zoo and he starts on 00:17:50.930 --> 00:17:52.460 the Upper West Side where we live. 00:17:52.700 --> 00:17:55.820 And he gets breakfast, he walks through the park and he finally 00:17:55.820 --> 00:17:57.740 ends up at Central Park Zoo. 00:17:58.125 --> 00:18:01.395 He learns about the animals that live there, um, from the 00:18:01.395 --> 00:18:03.555 sea lions to the grizzly bears. 00:18:03.615 --> 00:18:07.095 Um, penguins and I, I added fun facts. 00:18:07.095 --> 00:18:10.875 So one of my favorite fun facts in this book is because we see 00:18:10.875 --> 00:18:12.195 the sea lions every morning. 00:18:12.495 --> 00:18:14.715 The sea lions are just very social animals. 00:18:14.775 --> 00:18:20.445 Um, they, they sleep on these rocks, um, and they can hold, 00:18:21.165 --> 00:18:22.575 they can be underwater for. 00:18:22.985 --> 00:18:26.285 Over 20 minutes and I'm just like, just watching them play. 00:18:26.345 --> 00:18:29.435 Like that's one of my, that's also one of my favorite factions 00:18:29.435 --> 00:18:31.235 'cause I love the Sea Lion so much. 00:18:31.565 --> 00:18:36.365 And then, you know, it's, it's kind of sort of this idea of turning CO's day in 00:18:36.365 --> 00:18:38.705 the city into a fun day of discovering. 00:18:40.805 --> 00:18:42.485 Anke: That's a whole adventure then because mm-hmm. 00:18:42.725 --> 00:18:46.175 I mean, you know, if, if New York City is any, is anything, but it's not boring. 00:18:46.325 --> 00:18:46.565 Exactly. 00:18:47.735 --> 00:18:48.215 Andy: Exactly. 00:18:48.245 --> 00:18:51.125 So I mean, it's kind of, sort of that everyday kind of feel 00:18:51.125 --> 00:18:53.795 and like yeah, there's just, there's that magic everywhere. 00:18:53.945 --> 00:18:57.995 Um, book two is about, um, Bryant Park scavenger hunt. 00:18:57.995 --> 00:19:01.895 So you've, you journey to He journeys through Bri to Bryant Park. 00:19:02.600 --> 00:19:06.320 Joins in this scavenger hunt where you try to find foun, the fountain, the 00:19:06.320 --> 00:19:11.330 carousel, um, the lions that sit in front of the New York Public Library. 00:19:11.630 --> 00:19:16.820 Um, my favorite fact about this one, and it's kind of geeky, so bear with me. 00:19:17.540 --> 00:19:24.140 Um, Bryant Park has this 120,000 square foot library underneath. 00:19:24.500 --> 00:19:25.550 Um, it hosts. 00:19:26.420 --> 00:19:28.070 4 million books. 00:19:28.640 --> 00:19:32.630 I mean, it, it's a hidden foot of stories under our feet and it's just like, 00:19:32.780 --> 00:19:36.050 like you wouldn't even know that if you're just walking around Bryant Park. 00:19:36.050 --> 00:19:37.790 And so I put that fun fact in there. 00:19:37.790 --> 00:19:39.320 It's one of my favorite fun facts. 00:19:39.710 --> 00:19:45.260 Um, and then this one also has at, in the back for, um, and interactive scavenger 00:19:45.260 --> 00:19:50.150 hunt that the kids can tear out and then just take and actually find those items. 00:19:50.510 --> 00:19:51.135 Um, that's so cool. 00:19:52.040 --> 00:19:52.370 Yeah. 00:19:52.370 --> 00:19:58.430 And it has a dog friendly, um, recipe for waffles that he enjoys in the story. 00:19:58.430 --> 00:20:00.650 So this one has just a little bit more. 00:20:01.010 --> 00:20:05.810 Um, and then book three, which is my favorite, if I could have a 00:20:05.810 --> 00:20:10.925 favorite you laptop Favorite, um, is Christmas time in New York City. 00:20:11.450 --> 00:20:14.720 So he takes children and on the holiday adventure through New York 00:20:14.720 --> 00:20:19.250 City, he visit, he, um, experiences the season's most beloved. 00:20:19.640 --> 00:20:24.440 Traditions like the Macy Day Parade, uh, Rockefeller Center Christmas 00:20:24.440 --> 00:20:27.080 Tree, the Lincoln Center's Nutcracker. 00:20:27.320 --> 00:20:30.710 Um, and it, it's, it's blending that fun facts. 00:20:30.740 --> 00:20:35.810 It's Bri with a heart heartwarming story about that magic of that season and 00:20:35.810 --> 00:20:37.730 spending it with family and friends. 00:20:38.330 --> 00:20:41.000 Um, yeah, so I, that's my favorite one. 00:20:41.000 --> 00:20:44.930 And oh, it's, it's, it's because it, it's based on. 00:20:45.755 --> 00:20:49.445 The, uh, morning tradition that we do on Christmas day. 00:20:49.715 --> 00:20:53.075 Um, every Christmas morning we walk down fifth Avenue. 00:20:53.285 --> 00:20:54.845 We see the window displays. 00:20:55.085 --> 00:20:57.965 We stop off at the Rockefeller Christmas tree. 00:20:58.295 --> 00:20:58.540 We then. 00:20:59.315 --> 00:21:02.135 Um, continue on to Bryant Park Winter Village. 00:21:02.495 --> 00:21:06.755 Um, we drove the rows of the holiday shops grabbing a hot chocolate for 00:21:06.755 --> 00:21:13.055 me and on more milk for Koa, watching the skaters ice, um, ice skate. 00:21:13.355 --> 00:21:17.855 And then we just end up at Macy's Harald Square for more wind window displays. 00:21:17.915 --> 00:21:23.225 Um, and so that's kind of, sort of how this, this story came to be. 00:21:23.585 --> 00:21:26.135 Um, it's, it's just, I love. 00:21:26.605 --> 00:21:30.685 The Rockefeller Christmas tree, no matter how many times I've seen it, 00:21:31.105 --> 00:21:36.235 it always brings this warmth in my heart and like why I really love 00:21:36.235 --> 00:21:38.035 the holidays in the, in the city. 00:21:38.645 --> 00:21:39.575 Anke: Oh, I love that. 00:21:39.575 --> 00:21:41.765 That's, and it's perfectly timed as well, right? 00:21:41.765 --> 00:21:45.035 You know, we're literally little sliding into that, into that season, 00:21:45.035 --> 00:21:46.625 so that's absolutely perfect. 00:21:46.625 --> 00:21:46.685 Yeah. 00:21:46.895 --> 00:21:51.220 So now with all of this, I have to ask, do you still have time to run? 00:21:52.320 --> 00:21:52.540 Yes. 00:21:53.960 --> 00:21:55.715 Andy: So I run in the morning. 00:21:55.955 --> 00:21:58.415 Um, and so I'm an early bird. 00:21:58.445 --> 00:21:59.855 I wake up at four in the morning. 00:22:00.185 --> 00:22:04.055 Um, so the only thing that stops me is, um. 00:22:04.910 --> 00:22:05.930 When the sun rises. 00:22:05.930 --> 00:22:09.800 So, um, during the summer, sunrises around five, I'm out at five. 00:22:10.010 --> 00:22:13.190 We get about five to seven miles in the morning. 00:22:13.580 --> 00:22:16.880 Um, but during October it's like seven 30. 00:22:16.880 --> 00:22:19.100 When it gets, it gets a little bit bright. 00:22:19.100 --> 00:22:21.590 So we start a little later, we get a little less miles, 00:22:21.590 --> 00:22:22.520 but we still get out there. 00:22:23.915 --> 00:22:24.905 Anke: Because I'm thinking like this. 00:22:25.085 --> 00:22:28.115 I, I, the thing is like, that's, none of that's your day job, right? 00:22:28.505 --> 00:22:28.865 No. 00:22:29.015 --> 00:22:29.105 No. 00:22:32.555 --> 00:22:34.145 Because you do have a day job as well, right? 00:22:34.505 --> 00:22:34.625 I do. 00:22:37.985 --> 00:22:39.720 Andy: These are all my passions that I've kind of. 00:22:40.400 --> 00:22:43.220 Put together and, and, and made something with it. 00:22:43.940 --> 00:22:44.570 Anke: I love it. 00:22:44.570 --> 00:22:49.280 And, and so do you wanna just mention what the day job is, you know, because it's 00:22:49.280 --> 00:22:53.780 not like your, your sort of part-time, five minute on the site, you know? 00:22:53.780 --> 00:22:53.840 Yeah. 00:22:53.840 --> 00:22:59.360 So, I dunno, how, how do your days at more, more hours than everybody else is? 00:22:59.450 --> 00:23:02.660 Andy: Well, I, I start, I just started a little earlier than one. 00:23:03.770 --> 00:23:04.250 Um, yeah. 00:23:04.250 --> 00:23:06.980 So I'm actually a doctor, um, and I work in. 00:23:07.225 --> 00:23:10.705 The pharmaceutical, um, industry, um, in medical 00:23:10.705 --> 00:23:12.685 communications and medical affairs. 00:23:13.585 --> 00:23:16.615 Anke: So it's like, it's quite sort of, I mean, it's not opposite, but 00:23:16.615 --> 00:23:19.585 it's just like, you know, don't wait. 00:23:19.585 --> 00:23:20.515 Is there a connection for you? 00:23:21.085 --> 00:23:25.645 Andy: Yeah, so for me there is, so, um, in my professional career, I've 00:23:25.645 --> 00:23:30.235 always, um, thought about being a doctor as educating and helping others. 00:23:30.535 --> 00:23:35.020 When I moved, made that move to the pharmaceutical side, um, it gave me that. 00:23:35.870 --> 00:23:38.870 A way of combining knowledge and storytelling. 00:23:39.110 --> 00:23:44.810 Um, we have to tell, um, these, these stories to patients and 00:23:44.810 --> 00:23:49.220 physicians about a cer a certain drug and how it actually worked. 00:23:49.550 --> 00:23:54.860 Um, so my storytelling approach transformed complex scientific concepts 00:23:54.860 --> 00:23:58.040 and clear engaging narratives that. 00:23:58.640 --> 00:24:00.140 Sparked understanding. 00:24:00.530 --> 00:24:04.640 Um, and it's kind of, sort of what I do with, um, CO's rough 00:24:04.640 --> 00:24:09.080 life, the Trojan's book series where I apply that same method. 00:24:09.080 --> 00:24:14.930 I take fun facts and culture in this sense, and I weave it into 00:24:14.930 --> 00:24:20.210 a playful adventure that can make learning fun and approachable for 00:24:20.210 --> 00:24:21.800 younger adults or younger kids. 00:24:23.315 --> 00:24:23.915 Anke: I love that. 00:24:23.915 --> 00:24:24.275 I love that. 00:24:24.275 --> 00:24:27.755 'cause I'm always interested, you know, when there seems to be something, like 00:24:27.755 --> 00:24:30.785 two things that seem to be opposite, I was like, I wonder what that looks 00:24:30.785 --> 00:24:34.685 like for you because connection, right? 00:24:34.685 --> 00:24:37.715 And it's actually a really, really, once you say it, it's like Yeah. 00:24:37.715 --> 00:24:37.985 Kind of. 00:24:37.985 --> 00:24:38.705 That's obvious. 00:24:40.985 --> 00:24:41.795 Andy: Not that, um, yeah. 00:24:43.200 --> 00:24:45.905 Anke: But it, well it may not be obvious for the outsider, but it 00:24:45.905 --> 00:24:47.765 does make sense once you explain it. 00:24:47.765 --> 00:24:47.945 Mm-hmm. 00:24:49.145 --> 00:24:51.095 And there is, there is that connection like the. 00:24:51.970 --> 00:24:56.260 Like the, the driving motivation underneath is, is literally the same. 00:24:56.740 --> 00:24:56.890 Mm-hmm. 00:24:57.580 --> 00:24:58.450 You know, so I love that. 00:24:58.450 --> 00:24:58.930 I love that. 00:24:59.170 --> 00:25:01.150 So what's, what's, what's on the horizon? 00:25:01.150 --> 00:25:02.710 Like, what's the next thing? 00:25:03.130 --> 00:25:05.050 Well that's brewing in your mind. 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:05.830 Andy: Yeah, no. 00:25:05.830 --> 00:25:08.020 So I wanna continue CO's story. 00:25:08.290 --> 00:25:09.790 Um, I can, you know. 00:25:10.400 --> 00:25:13.640 I, I think New York City has endless stories to tell. 00:25:13.940 --> 00:25:16.310 Um, and I think he's just getting started. 00:25:16.310 --> 00:25:18.980 I think we can also take this on the road if we wanted to. 00:25:19.250 --> 00:25:22.790 Um, I just can't wait to share where his paws are gonna take us next. 00:25:22.790 --> 00:25:24.710 I just haven't decided where yet. 00:25:25.640 --> 00:25:28.365 Anke: Well, well, when you do decide, I will hope. 00:25:28.645 --> 00:25:30.535 To see you back here to tell us all about it. 00:25:30.535 --> 00:25:30.805 Definitely. 00:25:31.255 --> 00:25:35.515 So let people know in the meantime where they can connect with you, where they 00:25:35.515 --> 00:25:40.495 can find out more, where they can get some, some, you know, some cute, cute, 00:25:40.525 --> 00:25:45.685 um, bandanas and, and bow ties and biscuits and, and all these lovely things. 00:25:46.045 --> 00:25:46.375 Andy: Yeah. 00:25:46.495 --> 00:25:49.315 So our website is CO's rough life.com, 00:25:49.735 --> 00:25:53.335 um, for something extra special signed copies of. 00:25:53.930 --> 00:25:58.670 His books can, um, be purchased exclusively through our website. 00:25:59.030 --> 00:26:04.010 Um, you can follow our adventures on Instagram at CO's rough life. 00:26:05.435 --> 00:26:05.975 Anke: Awesome. 00:26:06.035 --> 00:26:07.715 Well, thank you so much. 00:26:07.715 --> 00:26:11.255 Obviously, you know, the link's gonna be in the show notes and below this 00:26:11.255 --> 00:26:14.015 video, so wherever you're watching it, uh, it's not gonna be hard to 00:26:14.015 --> 00:26:16.025 find and I just love the name too. 00:26:18.905 --> 00:26:19.115 Thank you. 00:26:19.835 --> 00:26:23.945 So thank you so much, and I love the enthusiasm, I love the mission behind it. 00:26:23.945 --> 00:26:27.965 And I, and really, really enjoyed and like, you know, feel inspired 00:26:28.235 --> 00:26:30.125 to plan another visit to New York. 00:26:30.810 --> 00:26:32.190 Andy: Oh, yes, please do. 00:26:32.190 --> 00:26:34.110 Come, there's, there's so many things to see. 00:26:34.230 --> 00:26:37.980 May, maybe that will be the next book, more of a touristy one where you see all, 00:26:37.980 --> 00:26:43.500 all the, you know, like the Statue of Liberty, you know, um, uh, stock exchange. 00:26:43.500 --> 00:26:44.430 Maybe that's our next one. 00:26:44.430 --> 00:26:45.420 Times Square, 00:26:46.110 --> 00:26:49.650 Anke: you know, this is how ideas come up, come about. 00:26:50.010 --> 00:26:50.550 Right, exactly. 00:26:51.720 --> 00:26:52.830 So thank you so much. 00:26:52.830 --> 00:26:55.230 It's an absolute delight and I can't wait to have you back. 00:26:55.800 --> 00:26:56.190 Andy: Thank you. 00:26:56.190 --> 00:26:57.270 It's been a pleasure. 00:26:58.020 --> 00:26:59.580 Bye bye. 00:27:00.470 --> 00:27:01.700 Thanks so much for listening. 00:27:02.220 --> 00:27:06.520 If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to subscribe, and leave a review so 00:27:06.620 --> 00:27:08.400 other dog lovers can find the show. 00:27:09.190 --> 00:27:12.680 If you haven't already, head over to soul touched by dogs. 00:27:13.110 --> 00:27:18.680 com and sign up for weekly doggy cuteness tips, recommendations, and personal 00:27:18.780 --> 00:27:21.150 stories to warm your dog loving heart. 00:27:21.150 --> 00:27:24.880 And if you know a pawsome human you think I should interview, 00:27:25.300 --> 00:27:26.440 I'd love an introduction. 00:27:26.920 --> 00:27:28.750 Email me at Anke. 00:27:29.020 --> 00:27:33.255 That's A N k E at Soul touched by dogs.com.