Podcast Summary: Call It What It Is - Episode: "Puppy Blues"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Call It What It Is
• Host/Authors: Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington (BFFs and stars from Grey’s Anatomy)
• Episode: Call It Short & Sweet: Puppy Blues
• Release Date: May 15, 2025

Introduction and Backstory

In this heartfelt episode, Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington delve into the emotional challenges of welcoming a new puppy into a household already bustling with family and other pets. Jessica shares her personal journey of adopting Scooby, the newest addition to her family, and the unexpected emotional toll it took—a phenomenon commonly referred to as "puppy blues."

Opening Moments:

• [00:35] Jessica Capshaw: Jessica humorously mentions her unique emotional responses, saying, “I don’t feel emotions correctly. I collect my roommate’s toenails and fingernails.”
• [02:10] Host Introduction: Jessica and Camilla introduce themselves and set the stage for the episode, emphasizing that it’s an intimate conversation without guests.

Adopting Scooby: The Unexpected Challenges

Jessica recounts the spontaneous decision to adopt Scooby, an English black lab, during an Easter outing. Despite initial excitement, she soon realizes that integrating a new energetic puppy into a household with older, more sedentary rescue dogs comes with unforeseen challenges.

Key Moments:

• [05:21] Jessica Capshaw: “We never start a sentence with don’t tell Daddy.” This highlights Jessica’s attempt to secretly adopt Scooby without Camilla’s prior knowledge.
• [07:55] Jessica Capshaw: Jessica candidly shares her emotional breakdown upon introducing Scooby, stating, “I think I’ve made a terrible mistake. Like, I have taken on this dog for life.”
• [08:25] Camilla Luddington: Camilla provides a stabilizing presence, reassuring Jessica with, “He is very steady in a storm. And he was like, he’s really cute. And you’ve made the commitment and it’s time to put on your big girl pants now.”

Understanding the Puppy Blues

The conversation shifts to the concept of "puppy blues," a period of emotional distress that new puppy owners may experience. Jessica admits her lack of awareness about this phenomenon until she encountered it firsthand.

Insights and Discussions:

• [20:35] Jessica Capshaw: “I just hoped he doesn’t poop in his crate yet.” This reflects Jessica’s humor and frustration during the training phase.
• [21:17] Camilla Luddington: “Encourage rest and routine. Remind them that it gets easier because puppies do go through rapid development, and what’s hard now will pass.”
• Research Highlight: Jessica cites a 2023 survey by East Coast Dog Training, revealing that approximately 70% of puppy owners experience symptoms of anxiety and depression during the initial stages of puppy ownership.

Listener Submissions: Shared Experiences

Jessica and Camilla read and discuss various listener submissions, illustrating that many dog owners have traversed similar emotional landscapes.

Notable Submissions:

• Nicole: Describes puppy blues as “literally like postpartum depression,” struggling to balance the emotional upheaval and the responsibility of pet ownership.
• Megan: Shares her journey from a “nightmare” puppy phase with constant biting and crying to a beloved family pet after four months.
• Barb Rodin: Recounts the chaos of cleaning up after a puppy’s antics during a professional Zoom call, highlighting the disruptive nature of puppy behavior.

Memorable Quotes:

• Nicole: “It’s the change that’s a struggle or if it was just the wrong decision.”
• Megan: “Constant biting, crying. Chewed her way out of a wooden crate.”

Coping Strategies and Support

Jessica and Camilla offer practical advice and emotional support for listeners grappling with the puppy blues. They emphasize the importance of acknowledging one's feelings, seeking help, and maintaining a structured routine to manage stress.

Key Recommendations:

• Validate Feelings: Recognize that feeling overwhelmed is normal and doesn’t reflect poor pet ownership. “This doesn’t mean that you’re a bad owner. It’s a big adjustment,” Jessica advises.
• Encourage Routine: Establishing a consistent schedule can provide stability for both the owner and the puppy.
• Seek Assistance: Whether it’s professional training, consulting a veterinarian, or talking to a therapist, seeking help is crucial. “Asking for help is a strength, not a failure,” Camilla emphasizes.

Positive Outcomes and Moving Forward

Despite the initial struggles, Jessica shares the positive developments in her household. Scooby bonds with Jessica’s existing dog, Casper, and the overall situation improves as they adapt to the new family member.

Closing Thoughts:

• [28:12] Jessica Capshaw: Reflects on her journey, “By day three, I was crying to Matt and I was like, I think I’m depressed. I think I’m depressed,” showcasing her vulnerability and the path to recovery.
• [32:15] Camilla Luddington: Encourages resilience, “What the anger and frustration that would happen after this one,” highlighting the long-term rewards of overcoming initial challenges.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the bond between Jessica and her pets, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and love in overcoming the puppy blues. Jessica lovingly refers to her new puppy, Scooby, and acknowledges the support from Camilla and their listeners.

Final Remarks:

• [38:41] Michael Kassin: Reinforces the episode’s theme with a nod to relatable, quirky personal stories.
• [38:42] Jessica Capshaw: Affirms the positive relationship with her new puppy, “He’s still definitely the naughtier of the dogs, but he’s so sweet.”

Takeaways

• Awareness: Understanding that experiencing emotional distress after adopting a puppy is common and valid.
• Support Systems: Leveraging personal support and professional resources can alleviate the stress associated with puppy blues.
• Adaptation: With time, patience, and consistent training, the initial challenges of introducing a new puppy can lead to a harmonious household.

Notable Quotes from the Episode:

• Jessica Capshaw [07:55]: “I think I’ve made a terrible mistake. Like, I have taken on this dog for life.”
• Camilla Luddington [21:17]: “Encourage rest and routine. Remind them that it gets easier because puppies do go through rapid development, and what’s hard now will pass.”
• Megan [24:23]: “Megan wrote, my dog was a nightmare. From the time we bought her home until four months, constant biting, crying.”

This episode of Call It What It Is offers a candid and empathetic exploration of the emotional challenges faced by new puppy owners, providing valuable insights and solidarity for anyone navigating the tumultuous early days of pet companionship.