On the inaugural episode of Companions & Champions, Parachutes for Pets (PFP) Founder & Executive Director, Melissa David, shares her story and takes listeners on a journey through companionship, loss, and perseverance with her co-host, Chris Cederstrand.

From saving her dog Charlie, to being diagnosed with cancer in her 20’s, to founding Parachutes for pets, this episode is a poignant walk down memory lane and an inspirational look at the future for both Melissa and PFP.

IN THIS EPISODE:

    • Getting to know Melissa
    • Introducing Charlie
    • Melissa’s cancer diagnosis
    • The origin of Parachutes for Pets (PFP)
    • COVID and losing Charlie
    • Creating the world’s first ever Pet Advocacy Center
    • Losing Melissa’s Dad
    • Mental health around loss
    • The future of PFP

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About Companions & Champions

Anyone who has ever had a pet knows one thing inherently—pets aren’t just like family. They are family.

On Companions & Champions, a PFP podcast series, we take listeners on a journey celebrating the human-animal bond between a champion in their industry and their companion(s). In this series, we hear about the trials and tribulations of our champions and discuss the many ways pets change our lives both inside and out.

Released every other Thursday, this series focuses on conversations between our hosts, Melissa David, Founder & Executive Director at Parachutes for Pets, and Chris Cederstrand, Motivational Speaker, Team Canada Alumni & Athlete Ambassador, as they talk with local Calgarians and guests from around the world about the impact animals have had on their lives.

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