Experts discuss your pet-related questions, including proper diet and exercise, to the physical and mental benefits of adding a pet to your family.
You can join the conversation. Call 1-800-543-8242 during the show, or email connect@wpsu.org. You can also join the discussion on twitter. Find us under the address @WPSU and use #WPSUConversations. Watch online at wpsu.org/live.
Alex RabbWPSU Producer Director
Alex Rabb has lived in the State College community since 2005, working in the world of broadcasting and production. Over the last three years, she’s proud to be able to say that she works for WPSU. You may have recently seen her hosting WPSU’s Metronome from the Attic. When not working, you can find her hiking around the area, enjoying live music at some local establishment, relaxing at home with her three cats, or walking her Rottweiler, Max, around the local neighborhoods and parks.
Dr. Hayley Springer, DVM, MSExtension Veterinarian and Assistant Clinical Professor
Expertise: livestock
Dr. Springer is from Indiana County, PA and attended Penn State as an undergrad. After earning a Master’s Degree and DVM from Iowa State University, Dr. Springer worked in mixed animal practice, and then as a staff veterinarian for a large Pennsylvania dairy farm. After a time working in the animal pharmaceutical industry, she returned to Penn State in the summer of 2016 to work towards a PhD in Pathobiology. In 2017, Dr. Springer joined the faculty in the department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences as a part of the Extension and Applied Research Team. She is involved in agricultural outreach activities, applied research projects, and field investigations in the area of livestock health, biosecurity, and public health. She continues to pursue her PhD studies on a part-time basis.
Dr. Andrea Loar, DVMMedical Director, CPVETS
Expertise: dogs, cats, cows
Dr. Loar is a native of Howard County, Maryland and graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2014. Prior to veterinary school, Dr. Loar gained valuable experience as a veterinary technician and Practice Manager for an emergency clinic. Dr. Loar started at CPVETS in January 2018 as our Chief Medical Officer. During her free time, Dr. Loar raises beef cattle with her husband in Clearfield County, and enjoys caring for her 3 horses, 5 cats, and 2 dogs.
Dr. Fred Metzger, DVM, MRCVS, DABVPMedical Director, Metzger Animal Hospital
Expertise: dogs, cats
Dr. Fred Metzger is a 1986 graduate of the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. He received the distinguished alumni award and serves as an adjunct professor at Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Metzger is the medical director of the Metzger Animal Hospital, a nine-doctor AAHA certified general, referral and 24-hour emergency hospital in State College, Pennsylvania was awarded the 2016 Pet Plan Practice of the Year in North America.
Caring for a pet is a real commitment requiring time, patience, and tender, loving care. It can sometimes be challenging knowing what’s best for your animal and who to turn to for those questions. WPSU welcomes local veterinarians who give us insight on our pet-related questions.
Our panel has a conversation about parenting and children, answering viewer questions and providing information on where parents can turn for good advice.
Patty Satalia and guest experts share what they’ve encountered this growing season, and provide a checklist of garden chores to do before the chilly weather kicks in. They also take viewer questions.
For archived episodes of Conversations Live, visit our YouTube channel.
