Animal Soulmates

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 paper

• Gunter 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 Journal

These Foolish Things (Remind Me of You)

• Michael Bublé: Apple Music & YouTube
• Seth MacFarlane: Apple Music & YouTube

Guest Info:

Instagram: @krystalhiseportraits

Website: https://krystalhise.com/ 

Contact us:

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits:

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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 Doctor

Guest Info

Instagram: @karenfinedvm 

Website: https://karenfinedvm.com/  

Contact us

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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: @KCpigrescuenetwork

Contact us

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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 Personality

Protect. Advocate. Educate.

Donate to the KC Pig Rescue Network: https://www.kcpigrescuenetwork.org/ 

Follow the KC Pig Rescue Network on Instagram and TikTok: @KCpigrescuenetwork

Contact us

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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) 839-7966

Link to purchase E.B. Bartels’s book on Amazon: Good Grief: On Loving Pets Here and Hereafter 

Guest info:

Instagram: @goodgriefpetsbook

Website: https://www.ebbartels.com/ 

Contact us:

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits:

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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 resources

• For pet parents: Lap of Love
• For veterinary professionals
  • International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC)
  • Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional
  • University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Social Work Program

Contact us

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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: @missionpawsible

Contact us:

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits:

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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:

• Henry
• Willow
• Delilah

Donate to Mission Paws’ible: https://missionpawsible.org/ 

Follow Mission Paws’ible on Instagram: @missionpawsible

Contact us:

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits:

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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 838255

https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ 

Organizations that provide service dogs for veterans:

• K9s for Warriors: https://k9sforwarriors.org/ 
• Canine Companions: https://canine.org/ 

Guest info

Website: https://leannenieforth.com/research/ 

• Links directly to the research sources discussed in this episode

Contact us

Podcast Instagram and TikTok: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

Production 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 info

Instagram: @kristenmurrayphotography

Website: https://www.kristenjmurray.com/ 

Contact us

Podcast Instagram: @animalsoulmatespod 

Podcast email: [email protected] 

Credits

Host & Executive Producer: Dr. Abbie Viscardi

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