Q&A With Jarod Miller and Dina Zaphiris
Co-Hosts of “Petfinder”
Q. When did your interest in animals begin?
J: I have always had a passion for animals ever since I can remember. I was obsessed with seeing, learning and discussing animals from the time I could walk and talk.
D: My interest in animals began at a very early age. I was always obsessed with them. I knew that I’d spend my life working with animals.
Q. What specific animal are you most drawn to and why?
J: I am most drawn to primates and dogs, especially lemurs because of their primitive appearance yet complicated behavior. Dogs are fun to be with because of their loyalty and unconditional love.
D: I am most drawn to dogs because they are so closely connected to humans, and it makes them so happy to work for us! It’s amazing to see working dogs doing their jobs. I also think dogs help us learn to love unconditionally.
Q. What is your area of animal expertise, and what is your educational background?
J: My areas of animal expertise are animal behavior, taxonomy, captive wildlife management and domestic pet care. I have a formal (university) education in zoology, with education and experience in business and communications. I consider myself an expert because of my many years of dedication to and study of animals, but I’m always learning something new and pushing to keep innovative.
D: I am a pet dog trainer/behaviorist. I treat all kinds of behavioral issues from separation anxiety to aggression. I train search and rescue dogs with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and CARDA (California Rescue Dog Association). I am also the training director at Hemopet Greyhound Rescue Center and a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. I received my degree in psychology from the University of California, Davis. I then studied under Richard Vye, who, along with Rudd Wetherwax, trained the original Lassie. My background was in movie training. Currently, I do search and rescue, agility, competitive obedience and pet dog training. I am also conducting a research project on cancer detection dogs.
Q. How has your knowledge of animals added to your role as co-host of PETFINDER?
J: My primary role on the series is to help animals and humans at the same time. I get to relay information and inspire people to not only share their lives with animals but also to care for and appreciate them to the fullest extent.
D: As an animal expert, my job is to place the right animals with the right families. Choosing the right breed of dog or animal makes all the difference in living a happy life with your pet. It also helps to ensure that the pet will NEVER be returned to the shelter, thus giving an animal a home for life. My background in psychology and working with dogs my entire life has helped me tremendously. Dogs have taught me so much – I live with a pack of five dogs right now and learn from them every day!
Q. What accomplishment are you most proud of and why?
J: My biggest and ongoing accomplishment, I feel, is juggling my passions, career and personal life simultaneously; I always forget which one’s which.
D: PETFINDER! Everything I have done in my life up to now has led me to this wonderful opportunity. I can now do what I do best on a larger scale by helping more people understand themselves, their families and their pets!!
Q. Do you have any exotic animals or domestic pets?
J: I currently house and care for a large number of exotic mammals, birds and reptiles including lemurs, monkeys, foxes, slow lorises, vultures, aardwolves, crocodiles and snakes. I also volunteer time and help raise financial support for a number of wildlife and domestic pet organizations.
D: I have five rescue dogs, all of which are trick trained and know over 100 words. They include an Australian shepherd, a chow golden mix, a shiba inu, a bichon and a greyhound. My Aussie can fetch a beverage from the fridge and carry my cooler and bags to the car for me – he’s amazing!
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
J: I love snowboarding, playing and watching sports, fishing, playing music (especially the piano) and hanging out with friends.
D: I practice yoga, hike, ski and run on the beach with dogs. And of course…I love to hide people in the wilderness so my search-and-rescue dog, Django, can find them! What’s more, I love to learn and read everything I can get my hands on, especially biographies.