On Sunday, May 18th, 2025 I was given the opportunity to speak at the Pennhurst Asylum paranormal conference in Pennsylvania, about how pets communicate from the afterlife. Today's blog is about that experience and how amazing it was to me.
(Photo: me with Amanda, Lori, Brie and Jen- amazing conference volunteers)
Before the conference, I connected with a couple of Matt's dogs in spirit. He's an incredible dog dad. Thanks to Matt and the coordination Amanda and Jen, I was provided a time to speak on a large stage during the conference.
I was asked to speak before Josh Gates, which was perfect timing, as so many people got seats early to see him. Josh is an explorer, producer, actor, author, and talk show host for Discovery Channel. He's known for hosting and co-executive producing the hit series Expedition: Unknown. I had a chance to talk with him briefly and learned he grew up in the same state I did! 
At 11:30 a.m. I was briefly introduced and asked Amanda to join me on the stage. She stood to the side and took a lot of pictures, for which I am grateful. I spoke for 30 minutes.
It was a little intimidating to stand on stage and see a massive tent filled with people. The largest audiences I've spoken had been as many as 50 people, because my lectures are interactive where people share stories. I learned that there were over 650 people under the tent and more standing!
I introduced myself and explained my first experience and how my puppy Buzz, who tragically passed re-awakened my abilities as a medium and taught me how pets communicate from the afterlife.
Whenever I mentioned a certain sign that pets give from spirit, I asked folks to raise their hands and many did.
During certain topics, I could see some people tearing up in the audience (and I got choked up several times, as I usually do, talking about my dogs in spirit).
Their reaction was one I will always treasure and never forget.
Being given the ability to touch hundreds of people at a time, and bring healing and understanding was such a gift to me, too. That's why I wrote the books- to make people understand how their beloved pets communicate in spirit, and bring healing.
After I left the stage, while I stood still thinking about what just happened, Amanda took my pets and the afterlife postcards and handed them out to folks in the audience. 
Later in the day, there was a line of people at my tent (see picture).
Many thanked me for validating their experiences, others told me their stories and experiences and I answered their questions. They told me of their dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, rabbits, etc. who passed, and shared photos. There were a lot of hugs and happy tears shared, too. - It was quite and emotional day that began with the talk.
This day will stay with me forever.
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If you've had a pet who has passed, learn how to recognize their signs. Read the "Pets in the Afterlife" series of books by Rob Gutro. Available on Amazon in paperback, E-book and Audio book.
