Rachann talks with Peggy Schultz about her passion for volunteering, the organizations that she supports, and the benefits of volunteering. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

In August, Rachann, Robin, and Michelle traveled to National Harbor in Washington to attend the annual Podcast Movement Convention. Great speakers, break-out sessions, and good food, we learned (and ate) a lot! www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with her daughter, Rhiannon, about her summer interning at Raising Connections and Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel. The funny part is that this was not nepotism! Rachann posted a call for an intern at colleges and universities from Ohio to Delaware. It was a blind call, nothing identifying the source. Rhiannon answered the call - not knowin…

Rachann talks with Jane Siegler of the Maryland Horse Council's Government Relations Committee about the Right to Farm Law. Some Maryland counties have their own Right to Farm laws, protecting farms and farmers from nuisance lawsuits brought about by neighbors over such things like odors, dust, etc. www.raisingconnections.com…

How does the staff at Mariah-Belle pick the toys for the dogs at the kennel? What do they look for in a toy? Rachann talks you through the process.Af Rachann Mayer

Lady Jane, Rachann's 120 pound German Shepherd/Lab mix, loves to go play with her friends at doggy day camp at Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel! Some days, LJ doesn't go to day camp, and she has ways of expressing her disappointment! She gets really sad when she has to stay in the house with Rachann!Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Erin Gilmore, a well-known local photographer who can be seen at equine events throughout Maryland and Virginia. From her website eringilmorephotos.com, "My specialty in equestrian photography stems from my many years as an equestrian journalist and photographer, and during my career I’ve been lucky enough to stand ringside at th…

Some pups, whether they are older dogs or young puppies, have trouble with going up and down stairs! Rachann gained a new understanding and appreciation of the problem with her recent accident and surgery. Stairs are difficult when your body doesn't work right!Af Rachann Mayer

It's July, and it's hot!!! Did you know that horses, like people, sweat, but our dogs and cats do not? Rachann teaches us what to do when our horses get overheated, from applying cool water to giving electrolytes. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Rachann recently took a road trip from Upstate New York all the way to Florida! She talks about traveling, regional accents and signs, restaurants and food, and much more. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

It's HOT!! Remember the days before air conditioning? Rachann talks about the evolution of AC in cars and in her old farmhouse.Af Rachann Mayer

Dog groomers do a brisk business! Dogs need grooming, some breeds more than others. Rachann reminisces about her Bichon, Fiona, and her wild hairdos on Independence Day races.Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann discusses travel skills for your pets. Traveling with dogs can be challenging, but if your dogs have learned travel skills, it makes things much easier.Af Rachann Mayer

Maryland Horse Council President recently traveled to Ireland with the Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks to learn about the sport horse industry and how it compares to how we do things in Maryland. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

It's that time of year for fireworks! Rachann talks about ways to help your pets get through what can be a very traumatic time for them when the fireworks go off.Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann has a dog, LJ, that gets so excited this time of year when the lightning bugs start to appear. LJ likes to catch them and crunch them ... but apparently, they don't taste very good!Af Rachann Mayer

On a recent visit to Ocean City, Rachann visited the Life Saving Museum and learned a lot about the history of the resort, how it was founded largely due to women, how a 1933 hurricane cut through the island and formed an inlet separating Ocean City from Assateague Island, and so much more. www.raisingconnections.com…

The Carroll Kennel Club recently held its annual Dog Show. Rachann talks with her daughter Rhiannon about their memories of the dog show, then she gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on a dog show. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Neil Agate, former president of the Maryland Horse Council about the changes he's been involved with, including the acquisition of The Equiry, and the creation of the Maryland Equine Transition Service program. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

If you have pets, dogs, cats, or horses, you need to clean up after them--scooping the litter box, scooping the yard, and scooping the stable and barnyard. Rachann is fascinated with all sorts of manure, even bat and bird guano!Af Rachann Mayer

Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel is a busy place with doggy day care, day camp, and boarding. Rachann finds the humor amidst the busy-ness. In this episode of Raising Connections, she shares some her favorite Living Life Tails Up podcasts, which can be found weekly wherever you hear your podcasts. www.raisingconnections.com…

Rachann recently visited the annual Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival at the Howard County Fairgrounds, where she talked with vendors ranging from potters, wool and fiber producers, to alpacas. Listen and learn about the different kinds of animals that produce fibers, the uses of different kinds of wool, and so much more! www.raisingconnections.com…

Do dogs rest? Of course they do! They play hard and need to release stress. Did you know that a group of dogs in the kennel will sleep, but there is one that will stay awake to watch over the rest? When we sleep, humans, dogs, and all other animals, our brains are relaxing and processing information.…

Rachann talks about the time her dog, LJ, wanted a piece of cereal that she was eating. Unfortunately, LJ really didn't like the Frosted Mini Wheat and spit it out. Are there some things that your pet absolutely won't eat?Af Rachann Mayer

Jane Sigler and Kim Egan talk with Rachann about the recently ended 2024 Legislative Session in Maryland. They explain what bills have to go through in the legislature to be passed ... or not. They discuss the equine-related bills that the Horse Council supported, and if they passed into law. www.raisingconnections.com…

Do you know what a shedquarters is? In Rachann's world, it's a shed on the grounds of Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel that is a combination office, recording studio, and a place to sit and comtemplate.Af Rachann Mayer

How important is body language to people and animals? Most animals are very attuned to body language, between their own species and others, including humans.Af Rachann Mayer

What kind of conversations do your dogs have with you? Do they move their eyebrows up and down, or tilt their head? Rachann talks about dogs use body language to communicate with us.Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann has a conversation with Carolyn Macintosh, owner and operator of Loch Moy Farm in Adamstown, Frederick County, Maryland. Loch Moy is Maryland's premier equestrian facility that offers schooling, eventing, jumping, and much more. Hear about the variety of volunteer opportunities that require no experience. www.raisingconnections.com…

What would you do if you had to eat the same thing all day every day? How badly would you want a treat? The horses and dogs at Mariah-Belle Manor will do just about anything for a treat, whether it's a piece of cucumber or a Big Mac (that's just Rachann)!Af Rachann Mayer

It's spring and the ponds around Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel are filled with geese. Sometimes, it's too good for a dog to resist!Af Rachann Mayer

Spring is in the air! The flowers are blooming, the dogs and horses are shedding out their winter coats, and ... there is mud is everywhere!Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Warren Miller of Paradise Energy Solutions about the benefits of installing a solar array on your home, farm, or business. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Do you talk to your pets? And do you also believe that they are understanding and responding? Rachann does!Af Rachann Mayer

Did you know that there are 52 breeds of rabbits recognized by the American Rabbit Breeders Association? Ellie Bondie has 100 rabbits on her farm and she talks with Rachann about characteristics of the different breeds. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Have you ever sat on the floor to see the world from your dog's perspective? You'd be surprised!Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with pastoral counselor and therapist Elizabeth Tate about her riding facility, Paradise Stable, and her newest venture, Common Ground Inc., where with the assistance of her horses she helps people, including veterans, with PTSD. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

A lot of animals like to leap around. Is there a connection to Leap Year?Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with the Fulton family of Full Moon Farm, an equestrian training facility in Finksburg, MD. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Michelle, kennel manager at Mariah-Belle Pet Care, and Rachann discuss upcoming events and happenings at the kennel. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Rachann discusses teeth, both human and dog, and the importance of keeping them clean.Af Rachann Mayer

Woodge Fulton, a full-time horse trainer and accomplished rider, runs FMF Equestrian at Full Moon Farm in Finksburg. Rachann talks with Woodge and her parents about her equestrian background and her successful international show career. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Rachann is busy trying to find a Valentine's Day activity for the dogs at the kennel. Hmmm, I wonder what she comes up with!Af Rachann Mayer

At Mariah-Belle Manor Kennel, the dogs are trained to sit and wait for kibble (food) and cookies (treats). Sometimes, they hear staff talking about kibble or cookies (but it's not feeding time!) and staff is puzzled as to why all the dogs are sitting!Af Rachann Mayer

Rachann and her husband, Tim, discuss the book "Fairy Tale" by Stephen King. It involves an alternate universe where Charlie, a teenager, attempts to save an old dog by turning back the years and making him younger. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

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Ellie Bonde, a member of the Mount Airy Relief Fund, talks with Rachann about the organization and its role in the Mount Airy community. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Both Carroll County Food Sunday and Farmers and Hunters Feed the Hungry were recipients of food and funds raised by the Great Lison Christmas Parade in December. Rachann talks with Carolyn Babylon and Josh Wilson about their organizations. www.raisingconnections.comAf Rachann Mayer

Rachann talks with Carolann Sharp, chairperson of the Maryland Horse Council Trails Stewardship Committee about using and sharing the local trails with others. Walkers, runners, bike riders and adaptive bike riders also use the trails. She talks about trail maintenance and the need for volunteers. www.raisingconnections.com…

Dogs, like people, horses, and other mammals, can get carsick. If you have a vomiting dog, Rachann recommends that you carry a "Puppy Bag" in the car that contains all you need to clean up the dog and the car.Af Rachann Mayer