Contessa, the TV hound, reigns over the living room and Linda Maglia was at her wit’s end.
Her beloved Shar-Pei, Contessa, was incessantly barking at animals on TV, creating chaos at home and keeping them from enjoying even a moment of peace. Their family life was being torn apart, and Linda needed help fast. Featured alongside her determined Shar-Pei in “Expecting Trouble” (Ep. 210) of The Dog Whisperer, Linda was at the end of her rope, or rather- leash- while Contessa’s even prevented them from being able to tune into their favorite dog behaviorist’s show (wink-wink).
Seeking Help
Desperate for a solution, Linda turned to The Dog Whisperer team. Her goal: to help Contessa overcome her fixation issues and bring peace back to her home. Cesar jumped into action and snapped Contessa out of her red zone—a state of heightened anxiety and agitation—showcasing the power of calm, assertive leadership.
Catch their journey in Season Two, streaming NOW on: Amazon FreeVee, Sling, FuboTV, Xumo, DirecTV, TCL, ZoneTV, and Cineverse, with more channels coming soon!
Life After Dog Whisperer
We checked in with Linda to see how their relationship changed after the team wrapped and she was left with Contessa, armed only with this new training session. She said that the episode marked a turning point for her and Contessa. With Contessa’s behavior under control, Linda could once again enjoy her home life and refocus on her passions and rescue efforts.
Linda’s Ongoing Rescue Missions
Today, Linda Maglia is more committed than ever to the rescue community. She volunteers with numerous local shelters, fosters animals, and provides transportation support for rescue operations. One of her primary focuses is Shelter Hope, a humane pet store that opposes abusive breeding strategies. These strategies often lead to unsafe conditions for breeding dogs, poor health for the mothers, and an alarming rate of mass euthanizations, particularly in underfunded rural shelters.
We also want to shout out Roadog Rescue in Southern California which focuses on the “Lemons of the Dog World”. Roadogs Rescue’s primary mission is to rescue and rehab medical bulldogs and puppies with birth defects, and spread the message of love and compassion towards all animals.
Linda is currently fostering special needs French Bulldogs and serves on the board of various rescue organizations in her area. Her efforts emphasize the critical importance of adopting your pets rather than shopping for them. She also advocates for spaying and neutering to prevent overcrowding in shelters, which is a significant issue contributing to the high euthanasia rates plaguing our local shelters today.
Educating the Community
We believe in the power of education and community support to address such pressing issues in our shelters. We urge people to donate locally to organizations dedicated to spaying and neutering animals– even small donations of $10-$20 can make a significant impact. With low-income vouchers for these life-saving procedures lacking funding; community contributions are more crucial than ever.
That’s a Wrap
Linda Maglia’s journey from chaos to calm with her Shar-Pei, Contessa, on “Dog Whisperer” is an inspiring testament to the impact of proper training and dedication. Her ongoing work in the rescue community sets an inspiring standard with a pet’s wellbeing at the forefront. By highlighting the importance of “adopt, don’t shop” and advocating for spaying and neutering, Linda continues to lead the charge in making a difference for animals in need. Her story is a powerful reminder of the positive change that can come from community involvement and compassionate care for our four-legged friends.
