Health coach and podcast host Samantha Elizabeth grew up in a vet family with snakes, gators, and rescued farm animals. She explains how pets shape our stress, why dogs absorb our energy, and how coaching differs from therapy when you’re trying to change your life.

Learn more about Samantha’s coaching and consulting HERE, and subscribe to her podcast Stress Mess HERE.

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Key Takeaways

1. Growing up in a family of vets and feed stores with constant rescue drop‑offs.

2. Life with snakes, alligators, horses, and why nothing grosses her out.

3. The difference between therapy (past‑focused) and coaching (present‑future).

4. How pets regulate stress through movement, routine, and emotional support.

5. Why dogs absorbing our pain should change how we show up for them.