It was 2001 when Susan Marie and her husband rescued a petite little Italian Greyhound and
named her Sophia. Little did they know that their new fur-baby would inspire Susan’s life
passion to become her life’s work. Nor did they know that Sophia would become the “voice of
the voiceless” on her own radio show, urging people to adopt rescue dogs, volunteer, and
promote spaying and neutering of pets.
Sophia’s sunny outlook and love for all things pink would make her famous along Florida’s
Suncoast and beyond as she and Susan took to the airwaves with “The Doggy Diva
Show,” on PetLifeRadio.com.
Susan was recently interviewed regarding the show, Sophia, and the other dogs who have
been rescued and participate in The Doggy Diva Show.
How did your passion for animals become your “occupassion?”
Susan: I had been a longtime advocate of rescuing abused or neglected dogs, as well as
spaying/neutering and promoting the health and welfare of animals. I had always encouraged
others to adopt and foster a family of “furkids.” When we adopted Sophia in 2001, she was our
first “petite” dog and, because she was so compact we started traveling everywhere together.
She had such a gentle and happy personality, despite her numerous health issues. We began
attending animal events together and promoting animal adoptions. We were invited to be
guests on a local radio show and the audience fell in love with Sophia! Shortly after that, we
were presented with the opportunity to host a show of our own. I felt strongly that the show
should be done from Sophia’s point of view and that she should be the “host.” My husband and
I had already nicknamed her “Sophia the Doggy Diva,” so it was a natural to name the show The
Doggy Diva Show.
What are the main ideas you want people to take away from the show?
Susan: We are committed to sharing the best information with pet lovers who desire the best
for their pets—from nutrition to health and lifestyle. Each week, we bring in animal experts to
share tips about those topics.
Tell us a bit more about Sophia and her life.
Susan: It seems like Sophia’s tragic life circumstances uniquely prepared her for what I believe
was her destiny —to become a tireless advocate for the humane treatment of animals
everywhere. Her life wasn’t always filled with beautiful pink collars and dresses. She spent the
early part of her life chained to a tree day in and day out. When we rescued her, the bond was
instant, as was her bond with her four new rescued brothers and sisters.
Who are those brothers and sisters?
Susan: We have Miss Olive, Coco and Franscesca, The Canine Contessa. Mr. Niko was part of
our extended family until he passed on—he was the special companion of Miss Olive’s foster
mom and a frequent guest on the radio show. Miss Olive loved him.
How did Sophia end up writing an editorial column?
Susan: Sophia was approached in 2007 by Suncoast Pet Magazine and asked to contribute a bi-
monthly column. We named it “Diva Delights.” In it, Sophia covered a wide variety of pet-
related topics and became a multi-media star! The column lives on today but is handled by Miss
Olive, who pens an additional column in Suncoast Pet called “Miss Olive’s Favorite Things.” Miss
Olive also is in the process of writing her very first children’s book!
Tell us how you found Miss Olive and how she came to be the current host of The
Doggy Diva Show.
Susan: Miss Olive made her debut as co-host the day after we adopted her in 2015. I was a bit
hesitant having her on for fear she may be overwhelmed at the studio, but she loved the
experience and has been with me for every show and every interview since then. Miss Olive lost
a leg to cancer and all of her teeth are gone due to a lack of medical care. We rescued her from
a neglectful, abusive situation. She is a sweet and gentle spirit who loves people and animals
alike and continues to channel her inner “Sophia the Doggy Diva” as both a fashionista and
advocate, continuing Sophia’s role as the voice of the voiceless. When Sophia crossed the
Rainbow Bridge in 2013, Miss Olive took her spot at the microphone as the host of The Doggy
Diva show.
We noticed that you and Miss Olive attract a variety of high profile guests. Who have
been some of your more noteworthy guests?
Susan: I would say best-selling author and fellow dog lover, Dean Koontz, as well as animal
advocates Alison Eastword and Julia Cameron, and “America’s Veternarian,” Dr. Marty Becker.
But one of my favorites has to be celebrity animal champion Bob Barker.
We know your audience has grown over the years. How large is it currently?
Susan: We have an international audience of listeners as far away as Australia. Thousands of
people listen to us weekly and “on demand” via Pet LIfe Radio, Apple, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Speak
Up Talk Radio. We look forward to reaching more pet parents with informative tips, inspiring stories, and pet products that help you give your dog a happy and healthy life!
