logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2023
36m 16s

How To Say Goodbye to Your Pet

Slate Podcasts
About this episode

Like many pet parents, Zak Rosen and his wife lived for years in a state of denial about their beloved dog, Rumi. Then they learned that Rottweilers only tend to live about eight to 12 years, and there was no denying it: Rumi is already in her twilight years. In the not-so-distant future, they’ll have to make some truly tough decisions. 


On this episode of How To!, Zak seeks out advice about end-of-life pet care from Dr. Ellen LaFramboise, owner of Crossroads Veterinary Hospice, and fellow pet parent Gabby Santos, who shares how she prepared for the death of her 18-year-old miniature pinscher, Bob’i. Their conversation might change the way you think about your furry pal’s final days (and maybe even your own).


Zak Rosen is the host and creator of The Best Advice Show, and co-host of Slate’s parenting podcast Mom and Dad Are Fighting


If you liked this episode, check out “How To Get Your Dog To Stop Barking (Without Barking Back).”


Do you have a question we can help you solve? Send us a note at howto@slate.com or leave us a voicemail at 646-495-4001. We might invite you on the show! Subscribe for free on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.


Podcast production by Zak Rosen, Rosemary Belson, Derek John, Joel Meyer, and Merritt Jacob.


If you enjoy this show, please consider signing up for Slate Plus. Slate Plus members get an ad-free experience across the network and exclusive content on many shows—you’ll also be supporting the work we do here on How To!. Sign up now at slate.com/howtoplus to help support our work.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Jun 2024
How To Move Past Your Toxic Ex
After Lin met Dave, their lives quickly became entangled. Lin joined Dave’s small business, made much-needed improvements, and charmed Dave’s family. The two also began a romantic relationship that lasted years. When it fizzled, Lin continued working at the company—and eventually ... Show More
44m 59s
Jun 2024
How To Be Lonely
Paula has a big family, lots of friends, and a girlfriend she adores. For most of her life, however, she has experienced an underlying and unshakeable sense of loneliness. On this episode of How To!, Courtney Martin brings on Kristen Radtke, the writer and illustrator behind Seek ... Show More
42m 30s
May 2024
How To Take a Gap Year
Leo is a high-achieving high school senior on the cusp of graduation. Growing up in a rigorous school environment he faced endless pressure to follow the expected track of attending an elite university and eventually securing a good job. Yet, Leo feels slightly unfulfilled and is ... Show More
44m 28s
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2022
The True Cost vs. Investment of Dog Ownership
You’ve probably heard the saying, dogs are man’s and woman’s best friend. Well, I can tell you after getting our pup Winnie this year, that is for sure a true statement. We all know dogs are so much more than that, they are true family members. What is also true is that dogs can ... Show More
46m 48s
Sep 2023
The Financial Side of Furry Friends: Budgeting for Your Dog
This vault episode is all about our furry best friends and explores dog ownership, the costs vs. investment. Our guest on this dogolicious episode is Krista Karpowich, who owns Wag Out Loud and is the host of the Wag Out Loud pawdcast. The Wag Out Loud pawdcast is a show that hel ... Show More
46m 16s
May 2022
Animaux de compagnie, nos amis pour la vie
Abonnez-vous à la newsletter pour cultiver votre curiosité, échanger avec moi et recevoir un petit guide qui vous accompagnera dans votre pratique de l'écoute (Si vous ne recevez pas l'email avec votre guide à télécharger après quelques minutes, pensez à vérifier vos spams !) Vou ... Show More
22m 47s
Apr 2023
Building a Dog Grooming Empire with Jess Rona
In this episode of Weird Finance, Paco talks to business owner, dog groomer, actor, and creative professional Jess Rona about how she went from bathing dogs at PetSmart to building a burgeoning dog grooming business, becoming a celebrity groomer, taking financial risks, believing ... Show More
45m 2s
Jun 2021
2012: Can Minimalists Have Pets - How to Enjoy a Life of Minimalism with Pets by Renee Benes of The Fun Sized Life
Renee Benes of The Fun Sized Life tells you how to create your own self-help routine for success.Episode 2012: Can Minimalists Have Pets - How to Enjoy a Life of Minimalism with Pets by Renee Benes of The Fun Sized LifeRenee is a minimalist mom, blogger, & coach. She and her husb ... Show More
10m 28s
Dec 2023
Long live your dog
A drug that aims to increase life expectancy for dogs is getting closer to market. But pet ethicists aren’t sure it’s great news for man’s best friend.This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Herman, ... Show More
25m 6s
Aug 2020
r/Entitledparents He Tried To Steal My Dog!
NOTE: This episode has been edited to remove a repeat story that I accidentally included. r/Entitledparents Imagine you're a young woman out at the park with your dog, minding your own business with a large man approaches you and starts interrogating you about your dog. He says h ... Show More
15m 17s
Oct 2023
The Dog Sourcing Crisis with Dr Jessica Hekman
The overarching question of where dogs come from, and why it matters, is the topic of discussion as Sarah and return guest Dr Jessica Hekman sit down for a crossover episode with the Functional Breeding podcast to discuss the recent partnership between SPCA Tampa Bay (a shelter) ... Show More
1h 9m
Jan 2023
No, You Can’t Marry Your Mom
On this episode: Elizabeth, Jamilah, and Zak answer a question about a princess-obsessed little girl who keeps asking if she can marry her mom. The mom finds it sweet but doesn’t know how to respond.  Recommendations: Jamilah: Vintage Contemporaries by Dan Kois  Zak: Keep Going F ... Show More
23m 35s
Nov 2021
The Animal That Changed You w/ @katyalidsky
Adopt A Senior Pet Month-  leave a podcast review or rating by Nov 30th and a $10 donation will be made to a Seattle based senior dog rescue! Fellow animal podcaster and senior hound mom , Katya Lidsky, is this week's amazing guest! Katya is a writer, host of The Animal That ... Show More
1h 4m