The Companions Collective

Today is a throwback to this podcast's roots in the grief we endure when our best fur friends die.

My good Beth Bigler and I had this chat before I decided to rebrand the pod and expand the subject matter beyond that niche.

As I continued to study grief, it struck me that a number of folks out there might not seek professional help with their grief for the pet.

We exist in a world where our sorrow is called "disenfranchised grief," in which our loss is not necessarily accepted, respected and acknowledged by some people in our lives and the world at large.

Because it's "just a pet," right?

We know better.

And Beth helps dispense the notion that it's just too darn silly or shameful to seek professional help.

Beth is a licensed pet loss grief counselor and her Instagram account, @honoring our animals, is one of the comprehensive resources for pet loss you can find on the internet.

In this episode, she offers insights into the challenges faced by individuals navigating this grief alone.

What to Listen For

Disenfranchised grief: How society's perception of pet loss as insignificant can lead to stigma, hindering individuals from seeking support.

Challenges of seeking help: Beth sheds light on common misconceptions and barriers faced by those reaching out for counseling or support groups.

Missteps in counseling: The discussion touches on ineffective counseling experiences and the importance of finding a counselor who understands the unique dynamics of pet loss.

Creating a supportive environment: Beth shares strategies for creating a safe space where pet owners can express their grief without judgment.

Building community: The role of community in healing, offering insights into how shared experiences can provide comfort and validation.

Where to Find Beth

Honoring Our Animals website

Instagram

The transformative power of therapy animals with Mary Margaret Callahan of Pet Partners

We pet guardians see our companion animals as more than just animals, creatures with four legs roaming around our homes or yards, waiting for their next dinner.

Many of us see them as family … some of us, as our children.

Still more of us look at them as vital sources of therapy and emotional support. Our best fur friends – or hairless or scaled, whichever you choose – become vital sources of therapy and emotional support. They give us comfort, help us reduce stress and provide us with a sense of stability and responsibility.

A small group of pet guardians take their animals' secret powers and share them with others.

Today's guest is Mary Margaret Callahan, the chief mission officer at Pet Partners, an organization dedicated to improving human health and wellbeing through the power of therapy animals.

The nine different species Pet Partners registers bring joy, comfort and healing to countless individuals in hospitals, schools, senior living facilities and many other environments.

Mary Margaret and I dive into the profound impact the volunteer teams have on the humans they visit and Mary Margaret share some insights into the human-animal bond that transcends the guardian-companion relationship.

What to Listen For

Where to Find Pet Partners

PetPartners.org

YouTube

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

TikTok

Have you taken an Enneagram test?

What number are you?

Today we welcome pet loss grief coach Wendy van de Poll and Pant the Town Photography's Darlene Woodward who explore the profound connection between the Enneagram and navigating the emotional journey of losing a beloved pet.

Wendy shares her unique approach to pet loss grief, which combines her extensive experience in animal communication, mediumship and the Enneagram.

Wendy explains how understanding the nine personality types of the Enneagram can offer invaluable insights and tools for coping with grief. She delves into the different ways head, heart, and gut types experience and process grief, providing practical advice on how to use this ancient system to foster healing and self-awareness during such a challenging time.

Darlene, a true Type 4, shares her personal experience with grief and how the Enneagram has helped her understand and manage her emotions better, while Wendy offers tips on how to get started with the Enneagram, recommending specific books and resources to help guide you on this transformative journey.

What to listen for

Where to Find Wendy

Website

Facebook

LinkedIn

Resources Mentioned in This Episode 

The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Russ Hudson and Don Richard Riso

You Are More Than a Type by Tammy Hendrix

According to her business's Facebook page Brittni Heywood spreads  contagious kindness.

And fitness for dogs.

Brittni is the owner of Potential Unleashed in Kuna, Idaho … heyo, just down the road from me … and she is dedicated to improving dog behavior, manners and fitness.

That's right, she's a dog trainer. With a twist.

Sure, she'll teach humans how to get our dogs to sit, stay and heel but she's much more into getting -- and keeping --- our dogs fit and healthy.

Brittni also just launched the P.U.P., or Potential Unleashed Pool, a water dog's private paradise. She's built on an acre-and-a-half of her property a swimming pool and a large, fenced-in play area that humans can rent for two hours of playtime with their dogs. 

Brittni joins me today to share her expertise in canine fitness, highlighting how personalized fitness routines can significantly enhance our dogs' health and extend their lifespan. Certified in both  behavior and canine fitness, she gives us valuable insights into keeping dogs of all ages active and healthy.

What to Listen For

Where to find Brittni

Potential Unleashed Idaho
P.U.P. Idaho
Facebook
Instagram

What to listen forWhere to find Brittni

Her first spoken word was "cat."

Even before she said "mama" and "dada."

And the cat didn't even like her.

Today's guest is Tracy Munson, my good friend from lower shebobia New Brunswick. Lower shebobia … ha … it's technically Hillsborough, New Brunswick, a small community about a half hour south of Moncton and right on the Petitcodiac River.

About a three-hour drive from the little town in Nova Scotia where I grew up.

But she's not from there. She's a Toronto girl, from the Big Smoke, where she plied her trade as a veterinary technician.

The work got to her, though.

Being in veterinary medicine is hard. It may be the only industry we know where it is a responsibility to end life.

Tracy recognized she was in burnout mode and started planning her escape … to becoming a pet photographer. She's now a recognized leader in Canadian pet photography and an award winner in both pet photography and landscape photography.

Today, we have a discussion about careers in vet medicine and the trials and tribulations that lie within.

What to listen for

5:23 Vicarious trauma and its impact on animal shelter workers

11:53 The emotional toll of euthanizing sick and injured animals

17:53 How support in the field is improving for animal shelter workers

28:28 Compounding trauma with the grief from her own loss

40:00 How the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll

41:50 Why prioritizing your exit plan can make all the difference

Resources mentioned

Dr. Faith Banks on TikTok

Compassion Fatigue in Animal Shelter/Rescue Workers

Practice Compassionate Badassery with Jessica Dolce

The Art of Being Kind to Your Vet

Spray-dried plasma is the new kid on the scene of pet health supplements.

What is it?

It's a powder formed by exposing the liquid part of blood to high heat. The process preserves the bioactive components of plasma that offering numerous benefits for our companion animals, from joint health to immune function.

And it's the key active ingredient in WinProPet products.

Tim Mitchum, president and CEO of WinProPet, joins us this week to break it all down for us.

When his own chihuahua stopped jumping onto the couch for cuddles, he tried WinProPet's hip and joint chews and became inspired by Roxy's transformation. That's when he joined the company, bringing his business acumen and deep love of dogs to the table.

Tim shares his expertise on the benefits of supplements for our pets and the testimonials that undergird his belief in the product.

And if you're a cat person, fear not! WinProPet just launched its line of feline-dedicated products.

If you'd like to give WinProPet supplements a try with your pet, go to WinProPet.com and type ONE20 in the discount code box on the checkout page for 20% off a one-time purchase or your first order of a subscription.

What to listen for

5:46 How plasma is the "natural enemy" of inflammation

9:02 Scientists discover its spray-dried form reduced mortality rate from 20% to 1% in piglets

17:21 Spray-dried plasma can improve a cat's oral health

21:27 How to look for pet supplements that can help your cat or dog

Where to find WinProPet

WinProPet.com

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

Other questions you might have

Are WinProPet supplements suitable for all dog breeds?

While WinProPet supplements are generally well-tolerated by most dogs, individual preferences and health conditions may vary. It's recommended to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new supplements to your pet's diet.

How long does it take to see results with WinProPet supplements?

Results may vary depending on factors such as the pet's age, health status, and the specific supplement being used. Some pet owners report seeing improvements within a few weeks, while others may require longer-term supplementation for noticeable benefits.

Are WinProPet supplements safe for long-term use?

Yes, WinProPet supplements are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients and are designed for long-term use to support ongoing pet health and wellness. However, it's advisable to follow recommended dosage guidelines and monitor your pet's response over time.

Can WinProPet supplements be used alongside other medications or treatments?

WinProPet supplements are generally safe to use alongside other medications or treatments, but it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to ensure compatibility and avoid potential interactions.

Do WinProPet supplements require refrigeration?

WinProPet supplements are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration. However, it's recommended to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight for optimal freshness and efficacy.

Things are going to change around here.

Said not in the tone my father used to say those words ...

The topics of grief, loss and pet loss grief are heavy, and I understand that not every episode is easy to listen to, especially if you're in grief.

It's taken its toll on me too.

To care better care of myself, we're rebranding from One Last Network to The Companions Collective and diversifying the content we're going to offer.

Look forward to discussions on a broader range of pet-related topics, including the profound connection between human and companion animal and the incredible projects my professional pet photographer friends are using to change the world.

Let's emBARK on this next stage of the journey!

Lynn Sehnert of Lance and Lili Photography covering the Washington, D.C., area takes the mic today and interviews Jessey Scheip, a licensed veterinary technician with a

Jessey also has training certification from the Karen Pryor Academy and has worked with Dr. Amy Pike of the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, Virginia.

That's where Lynn met Jessey, looking for help with her sweet boy Lance.

Jessey enjoys teaching pet guardians how to understand their pets and how to use behavior principles to ensure they grow together and live their best lives together.

Today, Lynn and Jessey have an in-depth discussion about canine cognitive disorder.

What to listen for

Where to find Jessey

Mindful Mentor Behavior Consulting

Facebook

Other episodes you may find interesting

The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 1, with Dr. Kyle Bohland

The Art of Balancing Behavior Issues, part 2, with Dr. Kyle Bohland

The Art of Aging Gracefully with Dr. Dennis Wormald

You may have heard of animal chaplains.

They are spiritual caregivers who provide support and comfort to individuals who are grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal or who are facing difficult decisions related to their pets' health and wellbeing.

And then there's Scott Campbell, veterinary chaplain.

Veterinary chaplains are rare in the United States. Scott is one of just a handful of these trained professionals who provide emotional and spiritual support to veterinary staff, in addition to pet guardians and the animals in veterinary settings.

There are even fewer of them affiliated with a university, and Scott practices his craft at Washington State University, just down the road from me in Pullman, Washington.

A veterinary chaplain's role may seem similar to that of a chaplain in human healthcare but individuals like Scott focus specifically on the unique challenges and emotional experiences within the veterinary medicine realm.

Scott joins me on the podcast today to share his journey into veterinary chaplaincy and his passion for supporting the emotional well-being of pets, pet guardians and the world-class team at WSU, affectionately known in these parts as WAZZU.

We talk about the challenges faced by the veterinary profession, including its high suicide rates, and how his own experiences are motivating him to establish the American Association for Veterinary Chaplains.

Have a listen as Scott shares how he aims to alleviate the emotional burdens of the veterinary community and foster healing for those of us who suffer as our companion animals need care.

What to listen for

Scott hosts a series of events called Celebration of Life and Remembrance for our Animal Companions for pet guardians to grieve and honor the lives of their precious babes. The event will feature a Remembrance Garland Ceremony, during which participants write messages on ribbons and attach them to a garland that's hung outside the Veterinary Teaching Hospital at WSU in Pullman.

The next one is set for Saturday, April 13, at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. It starts at 10:30 a.m., doors open at 10 a.m. and Scott suggests it's a good idea to arrive early to prepare a ribbon for the garland.

A social hour follows from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Are we doing better? And can we do better yet?

These are the questions I had for Dr. Dani McVety, the cofounder of Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice and In-Home Euthanasia with Dr. Mary Gardner. Lap of Love is a national network of veterinary doctors who offer hospice care and peaceful euthanasia in the comfort of a pet's home.

When Dani was prepping a family for a euthanasia one night at the emergency clinic where she was working shortly after graduating from veterinary school, her client said, "Please, can you leave her on my lap? I don't want her on that cold sterile table. I want her right here with me."

That wasn't clinic policy, though.

Dani said yes. And it was at that moment, she knew that's what every pet deserves, to be in the place where they are most comfortable … their guardian's lap.

Lap of Love was born, and now 15 years later, Dani and her cofounder are advocates for ways the veterinary world can improve the euthanasia process for pets and their

After all, the word "euthanasia" is Greek for "eu," or easy, and "thanatos," or death.

Easy death.

Let's find out what that really means.

What to listen for

Where to find Dr. Dani McVety

Lap of Love

Dr. Dani McVety (for speaking engagements)

Lap of Love Facebook

Lap of Love Instagram

Lap of Love YouTube