Praise

“Debra, Thank you for your time and speaking with me. I genuinely believe what you are doing with your career is fantastic. If it were not for our call, I would be out a lot of money to an attorney who wanted to litigate. I wanted to send you an email of appreciation. It’s a hard time for me emotionally and having Z with me is making it a bit easier. T

Thank you for your help!”

BS & Z

“Debra, Thank you for the time sharing your wise counsel yesterday. I realize this was precious time out of your busy schedule. There is such an ease and friendliness to your approach which naturally would make anyone want a peaceful resolution to any dispute. Your approach is so needed in this litigious society. Thank you again for your time.

Good luck to your red-haired baby. They are a joy!

Regards”

P.J. Kelley

“Debra Hamilton is a great resource for pet parents. She taught me that setting up a trust and instructions on how I’d want my dogs cared for if something happened to me was of paramount importance.

It always made me very uncomfortable when my husband and I traveled together. What would become of our four furry babies, should tragedy strike? We don’t want to think that, but unless we’re prepared, our beloved animals are the ones who will possibly suffer.

Today, because of Debra’s insights and follow through, I have a safe haven for each of my dogs. Each trusted caretaker knows exactly how I’d want that pup cared for; their quirks and needs.

We pray this is proactive but never needed, of course, but I know that because of it, I feel so relieved and prepared! I highly recommend Debra for guidance, coaching, and legal services to prepare you to ensure your babies will be in good hands and live the life you’d want them to live.”

Jody M-YFashion Editor, Hamptons Pet Magazine, Bark And Swagger

“Thanks so much Debra for a wonderful seminar!! It was so informative and so much fun!!

It was not only “Playing Nice At The Dog Park” – it was using skills to diffuse any potential conflicts involving our beloved animals.

Using these easy to remember techniques (so hard to think when a dispute flares up unexpectedly) made Debra’s information so valuable!!

Debra can really help with all of our concerns with our animals- creating a care plan for them in case of our illness or accident as well as mediating issues with divorce, landlord or neighbor issues.

Debra is a great speaker and a unique resource we can all use!!”

Barbara B.LI-DOG

“Debra is kind and caring and very skilled in helping resolve issues surrounding our pets. She takes time to listen and offers wonderful guidance.

She recently assisted me with a health issue with one of my dogs and we are working towards a resolution. I would highly recommend Debra. She is dedicated and committed to getting to a positive outcome for all, especially our animals. Thank you, Debra.”

Susan W MNew Jersey

“We are very impressed with how Debra mediated a recent “in office” conflict among employees.

She gave them the tools, skills, safe space and confidence to resolve the issues that had come between them. Our office is happy again and we recommend her to everyone!”

Jennifer G MNew York

“Thank you for making such a difference in our lives this year and giving of yourself so kindly. You are truly an angel.”

Joseph M.

“Debra’s warmth, humor and boundless knowledge made our program both entertaining and substantive! We’ve already invited her back!”

Kyle S.Chair of the Animal Law Committee Ohio State Bar Association

“Debra’s presentation was masterful. She brings tremendous competence, experience, and compassion to the field of animal law mediation and is a true benefit to any legal team.”

Dr. Mark J. B, Esq.

“I was in an irresolvable situation with Irish Setter Rescue, who contacted Debra. Debra provided a safe environment in which to resolve our conflict, to the satisfaction of all parties. She set up a telephone conference in a timely manner, and guided us through a very difficult but productive conversation wherein we were heard, respected, and which ended in a resolution that was truly in the best interest of the dog, and all the people involved I am so grateful to Debra, and would recommend her to anyone in conflict over animal custody.”

Elizabeth W.Canine Behavior Specialist

“As an animal lover and 21st century forward thinking lawyer, Debra fulfills the unique circumstances surrounding animal issues with effective and holistic mediation. For many people, pets are their children and that emotional connection is the heart and soul of Debra’s mission. She is truly the go-to lawyer for ensuring that human and animal needs are properly attended to and resolved without the cost, time and stress of a court battle.”

Jean G, Esq.

“I contacted Debra when I was having a pet custody dispute with my fiancée after a separation. My fiancée and I were not agreeing that I should be still be involved in our dog’s life and I was devastated.

After having contacted various attorneys to explore my options, I decided to try to search for pet mediators. I came across Debra’s name and some of the publications she had been featured in and decided to reach out to her to find out more about her services.

She was very timely in responding to my initial email and offered me a phone consultation to further discuss my situation. During the phone consultation, Debra was very knowledgeable and attentive regarding my circumstances.

I am pleased to announce that since then, my fiancée and I have come to an agreement where our beloved dog will remain a part of my life. I was very impressed with Debra’s promptness, understanding, and compassion to my situation.”

Matthew L.

“When life decisions had to be made for a co-owned dog, Debra worked with all of us – the breeder, the co-owners and the foster family. She helped us mediate our way to a solution that worked for the people AND the dog. Avoiding a court battle was important to my husband and me. This was our first time using mediation and Debra guided us through the process. We will definitely use HLM if a future need arises.”

Denise P

“It is much like people and their animals…

Debra hit on the compassion that includes people with animals and people in general. Our animals are a part of our family as our children. She addresses the kindness toward the human spirit. As an educator of young people she hit a chord of parents and their children. It is much like people and their animals. In every situation, there is needed a mediator. She addresses this in an easy to understand format. What a gift she has to connect to people.”

Diane Bertoluzzi

“Why consider litigation at all when Mediation is likely to leave both conflicting parties happier in the short and long term?

I have heard Debra speak on these topics before and was very excited to see the information get into print. It is often things that we as veterinarians and animal owners think but cannot find a way to separate emotion from logic. This book gives us great ideas, background, and a thoughtful forward approach through conflicts and how to approach them: between animal owners, animal owners and veterinary professionals, and between veterinary professionals.

Mediation seems SO reasonable and a great first step, I don’t know why we don’t think of it first and jump to litigation! Starting the the captivating and well-written forward by Dr. Bernard Rollin, the book continues to unfold as an easily readable road map to resolve conflict. The text boxes give quick access to keep points or step-by-step recommendations. Great addition to any library!”

Karl Jandrey, DVM, MAS, DACVECC

“Great overview of mediation…

This is a great overview of effective mediation…what it is and what it isn’t! And why it’s so preferable to going to court…as long as it’s done with someone who knows what they’re doing. And this book can guide attorneys and prospective mediators in knowing how it’s done and why it’s the way of the future for legal conflicts. The road to swift justice is no longer in the court system…it’s through mediation. This book is a must read for all attorneys dealing with legal conflicts and who want to consider an alternative to lengthy and costly litigation.”

R. Ferber

“A must read for anyone interested in animal welfare and intelligent conflict resolution

As a retired animal cruelty prosecutor and animal protection lawyer, I can tell you that Ms. Voda-Hamilton really knows what she’s talking about and offers a common-sense, hugely effective, non-litigious means of conflict resolution in animal dispute cases of all kinds (and other types of disputes as well). Ms. Voda-Hamilton shares a wealth of wisdom in a straight-forward and easy to read book that should be read and followed by every lawyer and any person dealing with the interaction of animals and their human companions. If you care about animals, this is a must read.”

Geoffrey C. Fleck

“If you are going thru a custody battle for your pet this book will help you avoid much frustration and come up with a happy medium.

I have used mediation in the past to solve problems to avoid the high cost of litigation, This book explains the pros and cons of mediation vs. court. If you are going thru a custody battle for your pet this book will help you avoid much frustration and come up with a happy medium for both sides. Debra has many years experience I recommend this book for anyone who is going thinking of going thru a custody of their animals.”

Roberta Morales

“Thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Being an animal lover I found this book extremely intriguing. It is enriched with a lot of resourceful information if you find you are in a conflict/situation requiring mediation. It is a practical guide for strategy and understanding of how mediation works. It provides you with great insight in how to approach and resolve conflicts without resorting to litigation. There is much wisdom and knowledge to be discovered in this book. It is very well-written!”

Doris Humber

“Communication is the key. Mediation turns the key.

This book gives the reader a comprehensive review of what mediation is (and why), how it works, and where to go to find a mediator. It’s easy to read with great examples and metaphors.

Debra does a great job at describing how it works. I particularly like her “formula” of “Stop, Drop and Roll,” making it easy to remember the steps of effective conversation (if not easy to do!).

If you’re facing a conflict over an animal that you love (or any situation), and you follow Debra’s advice, you’ll find your relationships greatly improved (and conflicts resolved).”

Carolyn Shadle

“I absolutely enjoyed reading this book!

I absolutely enjoyed reading this book and glad I was given the chance to review it.

It provided great advice for pet owners, I learned new and really interesting information. It became clear where and how a mediator would be valuable in settling disputes that involve animals and how this could possibly be used in all situations, with or without animals involved.

I found the pet custody information a little hard to read as it held a lot of information but again I feel that I have learned from it. I am glad that there are people out there like Debra who helps make your pets happy in any given situation.

Highly recommend for any pet owner!”

Stacey Schneller