Animal Soulmates

By: Abbie Viscardi
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  • Summary

  • 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
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Episodes
  • A Service Dog named Max

    A Service Dog named Max
    Sep 17 2024

    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 Program

    AlaskaMan Extreme Triathlon 2017


    Guest info

    Instagram: @onlyslightlyquadriplegic


    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/

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • A Doberman named Reckon

    A Doberman named Reckon
    Sep 3 2024

    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 info

    YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sardobe

    Website: www.dobiedetectives.com

    Instagram: @shannonandreckonthesequel


    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/



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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Search and Rescue Dogs with Shannon Kiley

    Search and Rescue Dogs with Shannon Kiley
    Aug 27 2024

    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 listeners


    Guest info

    YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sardobe

    Website: www.dobiedetectives.com

    Instagram: @shannonandreckonthesequel


    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/



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    1 hr and 16 mins

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