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 Subscribe & Listen: New episodes every Tuesday on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Submit Your Questions to the Podcast: https://petsaddlife.org/podcast Presented by: American Pet Products Association (APPA) & DOGTV