In this episode of I’m in Control, I sit down with the remarkable Mish Cogley to explore her unique path as a canine and human behaviour specialist, author and “animal soul alchemist.” Mish opens up about the profound bond she formed with her soulmate dog, Diesel, and how he inspired her to study dog behaviour, work with vets on complex cases and ultimately weave together behavioural science, energetics and somatic practices. She shares how animals became her compass back to life after a period of intense loss and upheaval - including the death of Diesel, a life‑threatening reaction to a Covid vaccine, and the passing of her father and cat all within a year.

We also talk about how dogs mirror our own anxieties, why blind or anxious animals don’t need pity, and how animal wisdom can shine a light on our unconscious behaviours. She and Amelia delve into their own healing journeys, the importance of honouring every emotion, and why accepting all parts of ourselves is the ultimate act of taking control.

00:00 – Introduction: Mish’s background as a canine behaviourist and animal soul alchemist, and the series of losses that shaped her

10:00 – Diesel’s story: from reluctant dog owner to animal trainer and how Diesel’s blindness shifted her career and deepened their bond

20:00 – Animals as mirrors: how dogs reflect their owners’ anxieties, the power of animal wisdom and the beginnings of personal development

30:00 – Navigating injury and grief: Mish’s vaccine‑induced illness, losing Diesel, her father and her cat, and choosing to keep going

40:00 – Radical self‑acceptance: blending animal wisdom with soul work, living from your essence and the moment Mish truly took control

This episode is a raw and uplifting conversation about love, loss and the lessons our animals teach us. Mish’s honesty and insight remind us that embracing every emotion, honouring our pain and accepting ourselves completely are key to healing.