The Resilient Animal

By: Annie Petersen Ed.D.
  • Summary

  • The Resilient Animal: Exploring Mental Health Through Helping Animals and Their People

    The Resilient Animal podcast is hosted by Dr. Annie Petersen, an expert with a Doctorate in Education and a Master's in Mental Health Recovery and Trauma-informed Care. Listeners embark on a journey to understand how assisting other living beings can positively impact human mental health and well-being. The podcast delves into the concept of resilience and how resilience is demonstrated in both human and non-human animals.



    LEGAL DISCLAIMER

    This content is the property of the Association for Human-Animal Bond Studies / Annie Petersen, Ed.D. and is for educational purposes only.

    This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should contact your own physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical/mental health condition. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it based on information from this content. Relying on information provided by this content is done at your own risk, In the event of a medical or mental health emergency, contact your physician or contact 9-1-1 immediately.

    © 2025 The Resilient Animal
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Episodes
  • Kate LaSala - Rescued By Training
    Jan 21 2025

    In this episode of The Resilient Animal podcast, host Dr. Annie Petersen talks with professional dog trainer and certified behavior consultant Kate LaSala.

    They explore how LaSala's work with dogs facing fear, aggression, and anxiety benefits both pets and their families, touching on her methods of positive reinforcement and virtual training.

    LaSala shares her personal journey with her own senior and special needs dogs, which led her to further specialize as an end-of-life pet doula. The discussion covers the emotional and logistical challenges of dealing with behavioral euthanasia, anticipatory grief, and the importance of incorporating pets into end-of-life plans. They also delve into how families, including children, can be supported through the grieving process.

    https://rescuedbytraining.com/death-doula/

    https://rescuedbytraining.com/2022/03/28/griefresources/

    https://rescuedbytraining.com/2024/09/16/at-home-euthanasia/

    Felted heart (SaltyHeart808/Etsy) and cremation ring (Sugarberry Memorials). Discussed on Rescued By Training 6-month post: https://rescuedbytraining.com/2024/10/14/my-grief-journey-six-months-in/

    You can view photos on our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@AnimalBondAcademy/podcasts

    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal Podcast

    00:44 Meet Kate LaSala: Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant

    02:49 Challenges and Techniques in Dog Training

    03:44 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement

    06:47 Kate's Journey and Passion for Animal Rescue

    11:01 Virtual Dog Training: Benefits and Approach

    18:56 End of Life Doula for Pets: Providing Support and Care

    22:54 Navigating Grief and Memorializing Pets

    33:01 Involving Children in Pet End-of-Life Decisions

    39:03 Contacting Kate LaSala and Available Resources

    44:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    45 mins
  • Brooke Haggerty - Faunalytics
    Dec 10 2024

    In this episode of The Resilient Animal Podcast, Dr. Annie Petersen interviews Brooke Haggerty, an animal advocate and Executive Director of Faunalytics, a nonprofit organization that conducts and shares research to make animal advocacy as effective as possible. Brooke shares her journey into animal advocacy, experiences with grassroots activism, and in-depth insights on the state of animal welfare, humane washing, and the critical work Faunalytics does in supporting the animal protection movement with research. The episode also highlights Faunalytics' online conferences, their research support program, and the challenges and intricacies of advocating for better treatment of animals through informed strategies.

    00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal Podcast
    00:47 Meet Brooke Haggerty: A Lifelong Animal Advocate
    01:59 Grassroots Activism and Prop 12
    04:17 Understanding Faunalytics and Its Mission
    06:19 The Reality of Cage-Free Labels
    13:20 Faunalytics' Research and Impact
    24:40 Personal Moments with Animals
    27:54 Compassion Fatigue and Advocacy Challenges
    31:12 Conclusion and How to Get Involved

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    34 mins
  • Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach Open Door Veterinary Collective
    Nov 19 2024

    In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen speaks with Dr. Janet Hoy-Gerlach from Open Door Veterinary Collective about the profound impact of human-animal relationships on mental health and wellbeing. Dr. Hoy-Gerlach shares insights from her social work background and research, highlighting how pets can act as protective factors against suicidality, reduce anxiety, depression, and loneliness, and even improve overall quality of life. They discuss the importance of collaboration between human service and animal welfare professionals and unveil resources such as the Emotional Support Animal Resource Page and Pet Help Finder to support individuals and their animal companions. Various initiatives and organizations like the Michelson Foundation and ASPCA are also mentioned for their contributions to pet-inclusive housing and access to veterinary care.

    Below are links to some useful resources:
    Website: https://opendoorconsults.org/
    Dr. Hoy-Gerlach's email address: socialwork@opendoorconsults.org
    Social Work Hub: https://opendoorconsults.org/social-work-hub/emotional-support-animals/
    Pet Help Finder: https://www.pethelpfinder.org/m/phf
    Michelson Found Animals: https://www.foundanimals.org/
    American Heart Association - Healthy Bond for Life
    https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-bond-for-life-pets

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    40 mins

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