Soul Touched by Dogs

Navigating the End-of-Life Journey with Animalchemy

In this episode, I am joined by Monique from Animalchemy, who shares her profound insights into the natural end-of-life process for pets. Monique's expertise blends animal medicine with spiritual teachings, providing a unique perspective on how we can offer support during our pets' final stages. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the predictable phases of dying, recognizing signs that may be misinterpreted as pain, and the crucial role of staying calm and present. Monique also highlights how learning about the dying process can deepen our bond with our pets, helping us to offer a peaceful and conscious end-of-life experience. Listeners will gain practical advice on recognizing the last cycle of life and letting nature take its course while avoiding the unnecessary stress of forced interventions. Whether you're preparing for a pet's passing or simply want to strengthen your connection with your animal companion, this conversation is a compassionate guide to one of life's most challenging moments.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions

00:25 Monique's Background and Business

01:09 Journey into End-of-Life Care

02:03 Daya's End-of-Life Story

04:15 Understanding the Natural End-of-Life Process

04:46 The Last Cycle and Predictable Stages

12:29 The Role of Pain and Discomfort

19:21 Recognizing the Last Cycle in Pets

19:46 The Importance of Education and Preparation

23:24 Understanding the Dying Process in Pets

24:48 The Importance of Staying Present

27:28 Trusting Nature and Letting Go

28:26 Course Information and Benefits

32:13 The Role of Pet Death Doulas

37:20 Dealing with Guilt and Grief

39:31 The Sensitivity of Dying Pets

43:39 Final Thoughts and Preparation

To find out more and connect with Monique:

Website: https://animalchemy.com/

Bio: Monique left the glamorous role of personal assistant to a prince to follow her true love—animals and a deep fascination for the unseen. With her multi-sensory abilities she has helped hundreds of pet parents deepen their bonds with their beloved animals.
But the loss of her beloved cat, Rami, sparked a decade of study of the natural end-of-life process, shaping her unique approach. By integrating emotional and spiritual principles, she guides peaceful, pain-free transitions—creating a loving bridge across forever.
Today, Monique trains aspiring pet death doulas, empowering them to facilitate end-of-life journeys free of regret. Guided by animals—our gurus at teaching us how to become better humans in life and in death —her mission is to support the journey of awakening of pet parents and doulas bringing them home to themselves so they can become a light for both pets and the world.

Your Free gift: https://training.animalchemy.com/free-gift-wyph

Social media links:
https://www.facebook.com/animalchemy1/
https://www.facebook.com/monique.brignoni/
https://www.instagram.com/animalchemy/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/monique-brignoni/

As always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Today's guest: Pilley Bianchi - For the Love of Dog: Understanding Language, Canine Cognition, and Play to Deepen the Bond With Your Dog

In this engaging episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Pilley Bianchi, daughter of John Pilley, the renowned behavioral psychologist. Pilley shares the fascinating story of Chaser, her father's border collie who has the largest language learning ability of any known animal, with a vocabulary of over a thousand words.

We delve into the groundbreaking methods used to teach Chaser, emphasizing the power of play in learning. Pilley also provides insights on common mistakes pet owners make, the importance of clear communication, and how to reconnect dogs with their natural play instincts.

With real-life anecdotes and tips, this episode is a must-listen for dog enthusiasts and anyone interested in animal cognition. Plus, Pilley introduces her new book, 'For the Love of Dog,' filled with science, philosophy, and fun, practical advice for enhancing your relationship with your dog.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:23 Meet Chaser: The Dog with the Largest Vocabulary
02:05 The Journey of Teaching Chaser
07:09 The Importance of Play in Learning
09:35 Helping Dogs Rediscover Play
13:49 Common Mistakes in Dog Training
19:55 About the Latest Book
23:24 Where to Find the Book and Conclusion

To find out more and connect with Pilley:

The websites: https://www.pilleybianchi.com, https://www.chaserthebc.com

The bio: Pilley Bianchi is the author of For the Love of Dog, The Ultimate Relationship Guide with NYT’s illustrator Calum Heath and a contributing editor for Inside Your Dog’s Mind. She is the daughter of Dr. John W. Pilley, owner/teacher of Chaser the Border Collie , scientifically known as “the smartest dog in the world.” Bianchi is a co-teacher, producer, and writer for Chaser featured in Time, People, Popular Science, The New York Times, and Modern Dog, 60 Minutes, CBS, NBC, ABC, BBC, ITV, etc. and ghost writer for New York Times best-selling book Chaser. She has appeared at SXSW, Fox, Hills, PBS, Dogspot.in India, CBC Canada, SBS TV South Korea, WIRED, the AKC, the ASPCA, the IAABC, NPR Canada, and Talk RADIO London. Bianchi leads The Chaser Initiative , a non-profit dedicated to educating children and promoting animal welfare science with researcher Dr. Mia Cobb and the University of Melbourne.

On social media:
https://www.facebook.com/pilley.bianchi,
https://www.instagram.com/pilleybianchi/,
https://www.facebook.com/chaserthebc/

The book: For the Love of Dog: The Ultimate Relationship Guide―Observations, lessons, and wisdom to better understand our canine companions - https://a.co/d/1evnCHx

Located in Iowa, WinPro embarked on creating a groundbreaking supplement for dogs, with plans to expand to cats, leveraging the science of plasma to combat inflammation and various health issues in animals. Originating from agricultural science at Iowa State University, plasma was found to dramatically reduce mortality rates in livestock due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Tim delves into how this science was adapted for pets, starting with performance racehorses before transitioning to household dogs. The discussion covers the wide range of applications for plasma supplements, including combatting allergies, joint issues, and promoting overall health.

Despite being a relatively new concept in pet care, WinPro is pioneering the use of orally fed plasma in soft chews, supported by positive feedback from veterinarians and pet owners. The conversation also touches on preventative health measures for pets, the adaptability of plasma supplements across different animals, and the challenges of educating the public on this innovative approach to pet health.

Find out more at https://winpropet.com/
Use coupon code SOUL20 for a 20% discount off your first order

All about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com

Are You Prepared For an Emergency?

In this episode, I chat with Nicole, a German native living in Atlanta, Georgia, who has transitioned from a 20-year career in the trade show business to teaching pet first aid.

Nicole shares how her own experiences, particularly in remote areas with her Doberman while her husband rock climbs, spurred her interest in pet first aid.

She became certified through Pet Tech, likened to the American Red Cross for pets, and now teaches comprehensive classes for both dog and cat owners.

Nicole points out how important it is to be prepared for emergencies, covering a wide range of topics from prevention and CPR to how to handle choking and inducing vomiting.

So, how prepared are YOU for a doggie emergency?

If you're now cringe a little bit, find out more about Nicole's classes at https://dobiemom.com/

As always, everything about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com/

00:00 Welcoming Nicole: A Voice for Dogs

00:34 Nicole's Journey: From Germany to Dog First Aid in Atlanta

02:03 The Birth of a Passion: Discovering First Aid for Pets

04:27 Inside the Classroom: What to Expect from Pet First Aid Training

06:30 The Importance of Being Prepared: Real-Life Stories and Prevention Tips

14:32 Expanding Horizons: Nutrition and Holistic Approaches

15:25 Looking Forward: Future Plans and Closing Thoughts

Unpacking Canine Trauma with Dr. Laura Donaldson

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Laura Donaldson to delve into the crucial topic of becoming trauma-informed when it comes to our dogs.

Dr. Donaldson shares her extensive knowledge on what trauma is, how it manifests in dogs, and the often-overlooked microtraumas that can significantly impact their well-being.

We discuss the parallels between human and canine trauma responses and the fundamental importance of ensuring safety and trust for traumatised dogs.

Dr. Donaldson offers practical advice on recognising signs of trauma, the importance of respecting a dog's need for agency, and ways to create a healing environment. Lastly, she highlights some valuable resources, including her Thinkific webinar, 'Why Becoming Trauma Informed Will Change Everything You Do With Dogs,' for those interested in a deeper dive into the subject.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Laura Donaldson
01:08 Dr. Laura's Background and Life in Upstate New York
03:37 Understanding Trauma in Dogs
05:48 Recognizing and Addressing Trauma Responses
09:35 Microtrauma and Its Impact on Dogs
17:08 Building Trust and Safety for Traumatized Dogs
21:10 Practical Steps for Trauma-Informed Dog Care
39:00 Resources and Further Learning
42:00 Conclusion and Farewell

Find out more and connect with Dr. Donaldson:

Website: https://fourpawsfourdirections.com

Bio: Dr. Laura Donaldson, PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP, CCUI is a Professor Emeritus from Cornell University located in Ithaca, New York, northeastern United States. She is an award-winning writer on dog behavior who has worked as a canine behavior specialist for 20+ years. Laura is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), a Karen Pryor Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) and a Certified Trauma Professional.
She created the popular program called Slow Thinking is Lifesaving for Dogs®. Laura currently resides in upstate New York with her husband, two dogs, three cats, and an African Gray Parrot named Obi. When she isn’t speaking, teaching or writing, you will find Laura partnering with her working Border Collies to tend her flock of Navajo Churro sheep.

Your FREE gift: Free Webinar on GROUNDING: dogs healing from trauma. To register, click on this link: https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/grounding-dogs-healing-from-trauma

Social media links:https://www.facebook.com/ledonaldson

Additional resources:

Dr. Laura Donaldson's almost-free webinar:
Why Becoming Trauma Informed Will Change Everything You Do With Dogs
https://laura-s-school-1f3f.thinkific.com/courses/why-becoming-trauma-informed-will-change-everything-you-do-with-dogs
The series of articles on canine trauma for Happy, Healthy Dog mentioned during the episode
Hidden in Plain Sight: Is Your Dog Experiencing Microtrauma?
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlauranov
Traumatized Dogs Need Empathy, Not Toxic Labels
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlauraddec
Why Becoming Trauma Informed Should Be Your 2025 New Year’s Resolution
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlaurajan
The Neurobiology of Trauma: Why It Is Important & What You Need to Know
https://happyhealthydog.org/drlaurafeb

And as always, all about Soul Touched by Dogs at https://soultouchedbydogs.com