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Animal Soulmates

Animal Soulmates

By: Abbie Viscardi
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In today’s society, animals are so much more than simply “pets”. Many consider their animal to be their very best friend, their constant companion, helping them navigate the world when life gets tough. Animals are now members of the family, who have birthday parties, argyle sweaters, and a stocking with their name embroidered, which is hung by the fireplace during the holidays. In some cases, animals may even be considered soulmates. And while the deep connection between people and animals is undeniable, the immense grief associated with losing a furry best friend, a feathered family member, or an animal soulmate is rarely discussed.


Dr. Abbie Viscardi, an animal welfare scientist, had an animal soulmate. She came in the form of a black lab named Amira. When Dr. Abbie lost her beloved dog after 13.5 years together, she was broken, and found minimal institutional and social support for pet parents suffering such a profound loss. Why is losing an animal soulmate viewed so differently from losing a human soulmate? Why are people not able to grieve the loss of a pet the way they are able to grieve the loss of a family member? How do other pet parents feel about their animals and can these stories bring awareness to the impact animals have on people, in life and in death?


In this podcast, Dr. Abbie chats with scientists, veterinarians, and fellow pet parents, to honour the stories of their animal soulmates and to uncover the true power of the human-animal bond!



© 2024 Animal Soulmates Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • A Wolfdog named Mo & A Mustang named Mikko

    A Wolfdog named Mo & A Mustang named Mikko
    Oct 8 2024

    In this episode, I chat with Emma, an animal lover and entrepreneur. She shares her life with horses, pigs, goats, chickens, dogs, and many other animals on her beautiful hobby farm. Emma also founded Mikko’s Choice, a CBD product line for animals, to improve the lives of our pets. We chat about the potential health benefits of CBD, how Emma came to have such an incredible animal haven, and how she connects with species beyond the “classic companion animal” like a dog or cat. We also hear about two very special boys that have made an impact on Emma’s life: Mo the wolfdog and Mikko the mustang. Their stories are sure to make you believe in the unbreakable connection we have with our animals, in life and after death. Grab your tissues folks; you’ll need them!

    Content warning: this episode includes discussions of pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners.


    Links:

    ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310

    Dog People by R.M. Drake (quoted at the end of the episode): Pre-order here

    Always consult with a veterinarian before making changes to your pet’s diet and supplementation.


    Guest info

    CBD company (Mikko’s Choice) website: https://mikkoschoice.com/

    CBD company (Mikko’s Choice) Instagram: @mikkos_choice

    Main Instagram: @briankangal


    Contact us

    Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod

    Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com


    Credits

    Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

    Production Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Ep 20: A Licensed Mental Health Counselor Offering Pet Grief and Loss Support

    Ep 20: A Licensed Mental Health Counselor Offering Pet Grief and Loss Support
    Oct 1 2024

    In this episode, I chat with Anne Marie Farage-Smith, a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and author of Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss: An Animal Lover’s Guide to Grief. Anne Marie discusses the basics of grief, including what it is and what it feels like, and then goes through the different types of grief that may be encountered on your healing journey, including acute, anticipatory, ambiguous, disenfranchised, and complicated. We hear about why it’s so important to address pet loss and the associated grief, even when it feels too painful or overwhelming. We also chat about self-care, acknowledging the “wins” as you move through the grieving process, and where to find additional support.


    Resources: Content warning: this episode includes discussions of pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners.


    ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310


    Link to purchase Anne Marie’s book on Amazon: Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss: An Animal Lover’s Guide to Grief


    Guest info

    Website: https://farage-smith.com/

    Email: annemarie@petlossroc.com


    Contact us

    Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod

    Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com


    Credits

    Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

    Production Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep 19: An Australian Shepherd named McGrady

    Ep 19: An Australian Shepherd named McGrady
    Sep 24 2024

    In this episode, I chat with Sheley Revis, a general internist and founder of the Fabulous McGrady and Friends Foundation, about the dog who changed her life and would later become the namesake of her organization. McGrady, a deaf, tri-coloured Australian Shepherd, was rescued from Ashe County Animal Control. Sheley had no experience working with deaf dogs but found McGrady to be a quick study, eager to learn with the sweetest temperament. McGrady worked as a therapy dog throughout his life, regularly working at the Charlotte-Douglas International Airport, to ease stress in travelers and airport staff alike. McGrady’s legacy will live on through the McGrady Foundation, which advocates for deaf dogs and supports rural animal shelters in need in North & South Carolina.


    Resources: Content warning: this episode includes discussions of pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners.


    ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310


    Guest info

    McGrady Foundation website: https://fabulousmcgrady.org/

    Instagram: @fabulousmcgrady


    Contact us

    Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod

    Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com


    Credits

    Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

    Production Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/



    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins

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