Animal Soulmates
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!
Animal Soulmates
Ep 12: A Police K9 named Radar
In this episode, I chat with Eamon O’Reilly, a Sergeant at the Washington County Oregon Sheriff’s Office, about his K9 partner Radar. Radar, a very handsome 9-year old malinois, has been working with Sgt O’Reilly in patrol and specializes in suspect tracking and apprehension, as well as building clearance. We chat about how Sgt O’Reilly started with the K9 unit, what is involved with training a police dog, and what it’s been like having Radar as a partner during his career. We explore the difference in bond with a working dog vs. a companion dog and discuss how dogs purpose-bred for police work may not be well-suited to life as a family pet. Of course, we also chat about Radar’s Instagram fame and his cast-iron stomach!
Links:
Follow @deputy_dog_radar on Instagram!
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/