66: Canine Cognition and Healing After Pet Loss

In this episode of the Pets Add Life Podcast, hosts Kristen Levine and Chris Bonifati explore the incredible ways dogs think and feel, starting with Dr. Brian Hare, renowned Duke professor and founder of the Duke Canine Cognition Center. Then, they speak with certified grief counselor Beth Bigler about coping with the emotional journey of pet loss and how to find healing through remembrance. From the science of canine intelligence to tools for grief support, this episode is packed with heartfelt insights and helpful advice for every pet parent.

Special Guests:

• Dr. Brian Hare, Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology, Psychology, and Neuroscience at Duke University; Co-founder, Duke Canine Cognition Center; Author of The Genius of Dogs, Survival of the Friendliest, and Puppy Kindergarten
• Beth Bigler, Certified Pet Loss Grief Counselor; Founder of Honoring Our Animals; Author of Honoring Our Animals: 365 Meditations for Healing After Pet Loss

Pet Product Recommendations:

• Wolfie’s Wish Pet Loss Grief Cards and Support Decks: https://wolfieswish.com
• Outward Hound Orbee-Tuff Puzzle Feeder: https://outwardhound.com

Q&A Topics:

• “My dog keeps scratching and licking his paws. Could it be allergies?” (Submitted by Samantha from Chicago, IL)
• “My cat is drinking more water than usual and urinating frequently. Could this be a sign of a health issue?” (Submitted by James from Chicago, IL)

Related Links:

• Brian Hare Official Website: https://www.brianhare.net
• Duke Canine Cognition Center: https://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/research/dogs
• The Genius of Dogs Book: https://www.amazon.com/Genius-Dogs-Smarter-Think/dp/0142180467
• Survival of the Friendliest Book: https://www.amazon.com/Survival-Friendliest-Understanding-Origins-Rediscovering/dp/0399590668
• Honoring Our Animals Website: https://honoringouranimals.com
• Honoring Our Animals Book: https://a.co/d/dkejWIp
• Scarlett Johansson & Ocean the Pitbull (via The Dodo): https://www.thedodo.com
• Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: https://petobesityprevention.org
• Body Condition Score Chart: https://petobesityprevention.org/pet-weight-check

Social Channels:

• Follow Honoring Our Animals on Instagram: https://instagram.com/honoringouranimals
• Follow Pets Add Life on Instagram: https://instagram.com/petsaddlife
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/PetsAddLife
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/petsaddlife
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@petsaddlife
• X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/petsaddlife

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Submit Your Questions to the Podcast: https://petsaddlife.org/podcast

Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV