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“He knew he was meant for me, just as I knew I was meant for him.”
That's Sheri Smith about Relax Vom Struwwelpeter, aka Ray, a German Shepherd and working dog, who came all the way from Germany and arrived on Valentine’s Day. What followed was a honeymoon road trip, a life of adventures, and a bond so deep that 12 years after losing him, Sheri still says goodnight to her boy. 💛
Because some soul dogs may only be with us for part of our lives, but they somehow become part of everything that comes after.
📖 Ray’s story lives on in Sheri’s book, People Make Plans: A Heart, Dog and a Castle in Hawaii. Learn more about Sheri Smith, her books, and her author journey at https://www.sherismithauthor.com
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"After that I grew way more appreciative of the time that I have with my two dogs." That's Chris about an unexpected lesson from a bunny named Thumper.
Dog trainer Chris Moran shares his philosophy behind the Whimsy Stick—and the unexpected teacher who showed him what really matters. We talk about rescue dogs, behavioral transformation, and what a three-day bunny taught him about never taking your soul dog for granted. This episode is raw, direct, and full of important information.
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"Getting to take care of him and being his dog mom is still one of my proudest achievements." That's Amanda, about Bandit, a 10-pound Maltese mix who became her very first dog in her 20s, when she needed something to ground her more than she even knew. 💛
Because some soul dogs don't just show up in your life. They show up right on time.
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Baloo + Alex
"Is that you, Baloo? And at that moment... he hugged her." Alex, about Baloo, an English bulldog who came back to them in the most unexpected way. 💛 Because some soul dogs don't just find you once. They find you twice. 📖 Check out Alex's novel, The Weight of a Dog.
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Checote + Tammy
"The bond between us was so strong she could literally see it. Like a thread going from his forehead to my forehead." Tammy, about Checote, a wild-caught horse who spent a lifetime by her side with angels watching over him every step of the way. 💛 Because some bonds are so real, you can almost see them. 📖 Check out Tammy's book, Checote's Angels.
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Super Teddy + Steve
"Wake up every day and wag yourself happy." That's Steve, sharing Super Teddy's motto, a tiny Yorkie Pomeranian mix from New Orleans who had enough joy for everyone. 💛 Because the smallest dogs sometimes carry the biggest lessons. 📖 Check out Steve's book, Bust Out of Your Crate.
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Youkilis + Dan
“Anytime you get a dog, you’re signing a contract to have your heart broken.”
That's Dan, about Youkilis, a golden retriever who was there through years of adventure, and life on the road. 💛
Because the heartbreak is part of the deal and somehow, it’s worth every moment.
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Shadow + Lee
"I grieved so intensely for that first half a year or so." That's Lee, about Shadow, a service dog who was given less than a month to live... and is still here three years later. 💛
Because sometimes the hardest grief is the one we carry before we ever have to say goodbye.
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Sparky + Emma
“She wasn’t just a pet. She was a quiet force that taught me what unconditional love really looks like.” That's Emma, about Sparky, the tiny Yorkie who grew up alongside her, becoming her shadow, her companion, and her constant through every stage of life. 💛
Because some soul dogs don’t just grow with us… they shape who we become.
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Hollie + Magic
"Because of my soul dog, I learned that hatred has no place in the world.” That's Magic, about Hollie a retired racing greyhound who went from being treated as a commodity to becoming a loyal, gentle, and deeply forgiving companion.
Because sometimes the ones who’ve been through the most… still choose love. 💛
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From the publisher's feed
Soul Dog: A podcast for dog lovers who know their dog was never just a dog.
If you've ever loved a dog so deeply that losing them felt like losing a piece of yourself, you're…
Each week, host Kate Butterly, lifelong dog lover and pet loss grief specialist, sits down with guests to celebrate the dogs who shaped who we are. The funny stories, the lessons learned, the moments we'll hold onto forever.
Because here's the thing. Our soul dogs didn't just walk beside us. They changed us. They taught us how to love without condition, how to find joy in the simplest moments, and how to be better humans. Who we are today is partly because of them. And that deserves to be said out loud.
This is a space where grief and gratitude get to live side by side. Where you can miss your dog and still smile when you talk about them. Where your soul dog's life and your bond is honored, remembered, and celebrated.
Think of it as your favorite bench at the dog park. Come sit with us. Share the stories, the memories, the lessons, the love. All of it. This is your community. And in the Soul Dog Park, nobody ever has to explain why they miss their dog as much as they do.
We believe they were never just a dog. And we'll never stop saying so. 🐾
Short, sweet 10-minute episodes drop every week.
Hosted by Kate Butterly, pet loss grief specialist and founder of Soul Dog. Produced by Pup Cup Productions.