Animal Soulmates

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 hereAlways consult with a veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet and supplementation.Guest infoCBD company (Mikko's Choice) website: https://mikkoschoice.com/ CBD company (Mikko's Choice) Instagram: @mikkos_choice Main Instagram: @briankangal Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

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 GriefGuest infoWebsite: https://farage-smith.com/ Email: annemarie@petlossroc.comContact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

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 infoMcGrady Foundation website: https://fabulousmcgrady.org/ Instagram: @fabulousmcgradyContact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Allen Frye about his service dog Max. Max, a gorgeous German Shepherd, was trained by Allen to assist with his mobility after he experienced a serious spinal cord injury in 2018. We hear about Allen's accident, his road to recovery, and how Max has been a constant source of love and support. We talk about the benefits to having a service dog that go beyond the tasks they are trained to do and why general obedience is the key to having a solid service dog like Max.Resources: VA Adaptive Sports and Arts, Grant ProgramAlaskaMan Extreme Triathlon 2017Guest infoInstagram: @onlyslightlyquadriplegic Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I continue my chat with Shannon Kiley, a professional dog trainer, who discussed her experience in search and rescue work with her dogs in Ep 16. This week, Shannon shares Reckon's story. Reckon, a black and tan Doberman, came from a line of successful search and rescue dogs. Instead of following in his family's footsteps, Reckon entered into the world of musical freestyle, which eventually led him to be featured on Season 13 of America's Got Talent. While an untimely injury caused his AGT career to be cut short, Reckon stole the hearts of many with his winning smile and joyful demeanor. Privately, Reckon also got Shannon through the immense grief of losing her Dad, once again demonstrating the power and multifaceted nature of the human-animal bond.     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 Watch Shannon and Reckon on America's Got Talent here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEvAqP6HpoE Guest infoYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sardobe Website: www.dobiedetectives.com  Instagram: @shannonandreckonthesequel Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Shannon Kiley, a professional dog trainer who was involved in search and rescue work with her dogs for 18 years. Her incredible Dobermans Soleil, Dagger, Never, and Savor, were specialized in human remains detection; we hear about what it takes to train a cadaver dog, why a “one size fits all” approach is not ideal, and we discuss some of the cases that her dogs participated in during the course of their careers. Finally, we chat about the connection Shannon shares with her dobies and her undying love for the breed. Resources: Content warning: this episode includes discussion of crimes involving death, which may be difficult for some listenersGuest infoYouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sardobe Website: www.dobiedetectives.com  Instagram: @shannonandreckonthesequel Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this very special bonus episode, I am joined by my significant other, Brandon Reid, and we share the story of Romeo. Romeo, the absolute sweetest pittie boy, was the first dog we ever adopted together. While his time with us was short due to an undiagnosed medical condition, he taught us so much about love and resiliency. I am forever grateful for this boy and hope Romeo's story will inspire others to take a chance on the underdog and to love your animals intensely, because you never know which day will be their last. Resources:ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this bonus episode, I chat again with Krystal Hise, a pet portrait artist  and our guest featured in Ep 11, about reactivity in dogs. We talk about what this behaviour looks like in Frank and Freya and share our experiences working through reactive behaviour in our pups. We are honest about the challenges associated with having a reactive dog and discuss the many ways we advocate for them. If you are struggling with reactive behaviour in your dog, I hope you find this conversation helpful. There are a ton of resources available. Also, trazodone. Resources:Victoria Stilwell, positive reinforcement dog trainer: https://positively.com/ Helpful reactivity resources from Krystal's blog: https://krystalhise.com/blog-archive/freyas-recommended-resources Dr. Amy Cook, “The Play Way”: http://playwaydogs.com/classes/ Management for Reactive Dogs class recommended by KrystalGuest InfoInstagram: @krystalhiseportraitsWebsite: https://krystalhise.com/ Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this bonus episode, I chat again with Dr. Karen Fine, a holistic veterinarian and our guest featured in Ep 10, about the issues with puppy mills and how you can avoid them. We talk about some red flags to look out for and how to make sure you are purchasing a puppy from an ethical breeder. With an estimated 7,000 puppy mills currently operating in the United States, this is such an important topic that Dr. Fine and I barely scratched the surface of.Resources:Animal adoption through petfinder: https://www.petfinder.com/ Stopping Puppy Mills (article by the Humane Society of the US): https://www.humanesociety.org/all-our-fights/stopping-puppy-mills 7 Ways to Find a Responsible Dog Breeder (article discussed in the episode outro): https://www.dailypaws.com/living-with-pets/pet-compatibility/how-to-find-a-responsible-dog-breeder Link to purchase Rory Kress's book on Amazon: The Doggie in the WindowLink to purchase Dr. Karen Fine's book on Amazon: The Other Family DoctorGuest InfoInstagram: @karenfinedvm Website: https://karenfinedvm.com/  (check out Resources for information relevant to today's discussion)Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Eamon O'Reilly, a Sergeant at the Washington County Oregon Sheriff's Office, about his K9 partner Radar. Radar, a very handsome 9-year old malinois, has been working with Sgt O'Reilly in patrol and specializes in suspect tracking and apprehension, as well as building clearance. We chat about how Sgt O'Reilly started with the K9 unit, what is involved with training a police dog, and what it's been like having Radar as a partner during his career. We explore the difference in bond with a working dog vs. a companion dog and discuss how dogs purpose-bred for police work may not be well-suited to life as a family pet. Of course, we also chat about Radar's Instagram fame and his cast-iron stomach! Links:Follow @deputy_dog_radar on Instagram!Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Krystal Hise about the love of her life, Freya. Freya is a beautiful, water-obsessed lab mix, who loves a good sniff-walk. Recently, she went through a cancer diagnosis, which required major surgery and six rounds of chemo to treat. We hear about how Krystal and her husband, Trevor, handled this news and how they've intentionally kept Freya front and center in every decision they've had to make along the way. Outside of being a devoted dog mom, Krystal is a pet portrait artist who also runs a blog, featuring entries that chronicle Freya's cancer journey and describe what it means to have a Heart Dog. We chat about how Krystal honours this beautiful bond with her Heart Dog, and how Freya continues to inspire every part of Krystal's life.Links:ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Shelter Dog Breed Identification paperGunter LM, Barber RT, and Wynne CDL. 2018. A canine identity crisis: Genetic breed heritage testing of shelter dogs. PLoS ONE 13(8): e0202633. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202633.Link to purchase Krystal's book on Amazon: Heart Dog Guided JournalThese Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)Michael Bublé: Apple Music & YouTubeSeth MacFarlane: Apple Music & YouTubeGuest Info:Instagram: @krystalhiseportraitsWebsite: https://krystalhise.com/ Contact us:Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com Credits:Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Karen Fine, a holistic veterinarian and author of The Other Family Doctor: A Veterinarian Explores What Animals Can Teach Us About Love, Life, And Mortality. We hear the story of Rana (pronounced “Ron-a”), a stray puppy who was brought to Dr. Fine's clinic in need of medical care. When Dr. Fine met Rana, she knew with absolute certainty that this sweet girl was meant to be in her life. Over the next few years, Rana proved to be a free-spirit who lived her life to the fullest, spending her days swimming and chasing her tail. Even when faced with a terminal cancer diagnosis at 4 years old, Rana remained care-free and joyous. She changed the way Dr. Fine practices veterinary medicine and demonstrates the deep, unconditional love of the human-animal bond.Links: Content warning: this episode deals with pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners. ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Homemade meal recipes for dogs and cats: https://balance.it/. Always consult with a veterinarian before changing your pet's diet. Link to purchase Dr. Karen Fine's book on Amazon: The Other Family DoctorGuest InfoInstagram: @karenfinedvm Website: https://karenfinedvm.com/  Contact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I continue my chat with Kayli Houk, the current President and co-founder of the Kansas City Pig Rescue Network. We hear about some of the challenges associated with pig rescue and how this work has impacted Kayli's view of humanity. Kayli also shares what you can do if you would like to help rescue pigs. And of course, we continue to gush about how incredible pigs are! I promise I'm only a little obsessed and definitely don't own a “Future Pig Mom” shirt.Links: ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Protect. Advocate. Educate.Donate to the KC Pig Rescue Network: https://www.kcpigrescuenetwork.org/ Follow the KC Pig Rescue Network on Instagram and TikTok: @KCpigrescuenetworkContact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with the current President and co-founder of the Kansas City Pig Rescue Network (KCPRN): Kayli Houk. Through the KCPRN, Kayli and her team have rescued and rehabilitated more than 500 pigs since 2017, many of which have since found loving homes. We chat about the resiliency and emotional capacity of these amazing animals and how deeply bonded pigs can become with their people. Kayli's dedication to protecting and advocating for a species that is so often forgotten is truly inspiring. I hope this episode provides a unique opportunity for you to see a different side of pigs and gain a greater appreciation for my favourite sassy animals!Links: ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Thinking Pigs: Cognition, Emotion, and PersonalityProtect. Advocate. Educate.Donate to the KC Pig Rescue Network: https://www.kcpigrescuenetwork.org/ Follow the KC Pig Rescue Network on Instagram and TikTok: @KCpigrescuenetworkContact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with E.B. Bartels, a nonfiction writer and author of Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter. Growing up, E.B. had animals of all shapes and sizes, from fish to birds to two Cairn terriers. In her book, she candidly speaks about the life and loss of each one and the lessons they taught her. We chat about different types of grief, including that associated with ambiguous loss, and mourning “the time we were supposed to have together”. We also hear about what it's like visiting a pet cemetery in Japan and our modern day connection with pets on social media.Links: Content warning: this episode deals with pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners. ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Tufts Pet Loss Support Hotline (Monday through Thursday: 6:00-9:00pm EST; 24-hour voicemail): (508) 839-7966Link to purchase E.B. Bartels's book on Amazon: Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter Guest info:Instagram: @goodgriefpetsbookWebsite: https://www.ebbartels.com/ Contact us:Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com Credits:Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Kathleen Cooney, a veterinarian who specializes in euthanasia and end-of-life care of our beloved pets. As a clinician, researcher, and educator, Dr. Cooney is passionate about “all things old and grey”. She has focused her career on determining how veterinary professionals can best honour the human-animal bond when their patients have reached the end of their journey and are ready to cross the rainbow bridge. We learn about what euthanasia means and hear about why it's important, as pet parents, to think about end-of-life with our animal soulmates before we're faced with it. Links: Content warning: this episode deals with pet loss and euthanasia, which may be difficult for some listeners. ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Companion Animal Euthanasia Training Academy (CAETA)Website: https://caetainternational.com/ Instagram: @caetainternational Dr. Cooney's recommended resourcesFor pet parents: Lap of LoveFor veterinary professionalsInternational Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC)Certified Compassion Fatigue ProfessionalUniversity of Tennessee's Veterinary Social Work ProgramContact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I continue my chat with Prue Barber from Episode 4, and we hear the story of Stevie Wonder. Stevie was a gorgeous Kintamani dog who had a rough life on the streets of Bali; having lost one eye and suffering from a chronic infection in the other, Stevie was completely blind at the time of his rescue. We hear about the long road between Stevie's rescue and Prue's reunion with her animal soulmate. Their love story demonstrates patience, perseverance, and the incredible connection between a dog and his rescuer who were destined to be together. Links: Content warning: this episode deals with pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners. ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Donate to Mission Paws'ible: https://missionpawsible.org/ Follow Mission Paws'ible on Instagram: @missionpawsibleContact us:Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com Credits:Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Prue Barber, an Australian who has dedicated her life to helping the animals in Bali, Indonesia. We talk about her journey from a successful career in graphic design in Melbourne to starting Mission Paws'ible in Bali, where she has saved hundreds of forgotten animals. We learn about the Bali Dog breed and the challenges associated with animal rescue in a developing country. We also hear about Winston: the dog that started it all!Links: Mission Paws'ible dogs featured on The Dodo:HenryWillowDelilahDonate to Mission Paws'ible: https://missionpawsible.org/ Follow Mission Paws'ible on Instagram: @missionpawsibleContact us:Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com Credits:Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Leanne Nieforth, a scientist who studies human-animal interactions in the context of animal-assisted interventions. Dr. Nieforth is putting the science behind what we feel when we interact with an animal. Specifically, we chat about the positive impacts a service dog can have on veterans suffering from PTSD and the healing power of horses. Links: Content warning: this episode includes conversations of suicide, suicidal ideation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. Please take care while listening.Veterans Crisis Line (24 hour support): Dial 988 then Press 1 or Text 838255https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ Organizations that provide service dogs for veterans:K9s for Warriors: https://k9sforwarriors.org/ Canine Companions: https://canine.org/ Guest infoWebsite: https://leannenieforth.com/research/ Links directly to the research sources discussed in this episodeContact usPodcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, we hear the story of Kona. Kona, a sweet pit bull, had a taste for adventure! She loved to spend her days running on the beach and paddleboarding with her Mom, Kristen Murray. We learn that “love at first sight” can exist between a dog and their future person, and that there's never enough time with an animal soulmate. Grab those tissues again; you'll need them!Links: Content warning: this episode deals with pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners. ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Pet photography resource referenced in the episode: https://hairofthedogacademy.com/ Guest infoInstagram: @kristenmurrayphotographyWebsite: https://www.kristenjmurray.com/ Contact usPodcast Instagram: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

In this episode, we hear the story of Dexter. Dexter, an adorable pug, charmed his way through veterinary school and was loved by everyone he met. The deep bond he shared with his Mom, Dr. Eduarda Bortoluzzi, continues to this day and is a perfect demonstration of the undying love between pet and pet parent. Grab your tissues; this one's a doozy!* Content warning: this episode deals with pet loss, which may be difficult for some listeners. ASPCA National Pet Loss Hotline (24 hour support): 1-877-474-3310 Paper on Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Mitze et al., 2022. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome: much more than a surgical problem. Vet Q. 42:213-223. doi:10.1080/01652176.2022.2145621. Video on Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bd3_s_hC7G4. Book referenced in episode: Marley & Me by John GroganContact us:Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod Podcast email: animalsoulmatespod@outlook.com CreditsHost & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie ViscardiProduction Team: Citizens of Sound, https://www.citizensofsound.com/ 

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!