Sixtysomething Podcast - S2 - Episode 2 - Pets

The Sixtysomething Podcast

Our Beloved Pets

In this episode of '60 something', your host, Grace Taylor Segal, explores the many benefits and joys that pets bring into our lives, especially in our sixties. From ability to form deep emotional bonds with us and their cognitive abilities to heartwarming personal stories and remarkable tales of loyalty and heroism, this episode dives deep into the world of our beloved furry, feathered, and even scaly companions.

We explore the history of domesticated animals, scientific discoveries about dogs, both dogs' and cats' unique bond with us. As well, Grace shares several heartwarming (and mind-boggling!) pet stories as well as her own tales of the precious pets that have enriched her life.

Finally, she reviews all aspects of pet ownership you may want to consider before adopting a pet. In the end, however, any type of pet that fits your lifestyle will be a great addition to your life.

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Hey Friends! It's me, Grace! I just want to thank you for listening. I hope you’ll let me know what you think about the podcast and if any particular episodes resonate with you.

Listed just below here is my contact information and all of the social channels where you can find me, as well as the link to our Facebook Group. That's the best place to find me and share your thoughts with me.

I'm still getting going on some of these social channels, so please bear with me on that a little bit longer.

Contact Info

Grace Taylor Segal

Email: [e-mail]

Facebook: 60something Page

(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553062496332)

Instagram: @60somethingpod

***Facebook Group: 60Something Pod

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1665326354000332

(This is the BEST place to reach out to me...in the Facbook group.)

Resources

Links

Tara: The Hero Cat Who Saved a Child from a Dog Attack

https://youtu.be/U30FFKlJ0R8?si=9NFa20cAZq3IGy1e

All about Chaser

Books

"Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words"

Authors: Dr. John W. Pilley and Hilary Hinzmann (2013)

Description: In this memoir, Dr. Pilley recounts his journey teaching Chaser language and comprehension. The book delves into the training methods used and explores the implications of Chaser's abilities on our understanding of canine intelligence.

"The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think"

Authors: Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods (2013)

Description: While not solely about Chaser, this book references her abilities as it examines canine cognition and the unique intelligence of dogs.

Articles

"Meet Chaser, the World's Smartest Dog"

Publication: Time Magazine (2013)

Description: An article highlighting Chaser's incredible vocabulary and what her skills mean for the study of animal intelligence.

"The World's Smartest Dog Knows More Than 1,000 Words"

Publication: Smithsonian Magazine (2013)

Description: Explores how Chaser's learning challenges previous notions about the limits of animal comprehension.

"Border Collie Learns 1,022 Words, Study Shows"

Publication: National Geographic (2011)

Description: Discusses the scientific study of Chaser's language acquisition and its significance in the field of animal behavior.

"Chaser: Unlocking the Genius of the Dog Who Knows a Thousand Words"

Publication: Psychology Today (2014)

Description: Provides insights into Dr. Pilley's methods and the psychological aspects of Chaser's learning.

Videos and Films

"Chaser: The Dog Who Knows 1000 Words"

Program: 60 Minutes (CBS News, 2014)

Description: A segment where Anderson Cooper visits Chaser and Dr. Pilley to witness her abilities firsthand.

Watch Online: CBS News

"Chaser the Border Collie on NOVA ScienceNOW"

Program: NOVA ScienceNOW (PBS, 2012)

Description: Features Chaser's cognitive skills and discusses the science behind her understanding of language.

"TEDxGreenville – Dr. John Pilley and Chaser"

Event: TEDx Talk (2013)

Description: Dr. Pilley shares insights about teaching Chaser and the broader implications for animal cognition.

Watch Online: YouTube

"Is Your Dog a Genius?"

Program: Genius by Stephen Hawking (National Geographic Channel, 2015)

Description: While focusing on canine intelligence in general, the program includes segments about Chaser's remarkable abilities.

Scientific Papers

"Border collie comprehends object names as verbal referents"

Authors: John W. Pilley and Alliston K. Reid (2011)

Publication: Behavioural Processes, Volume 86, Issue 2

Description: The original peer-reviewed study detailing how Chaser learned and understood over 1,000 object names.

Additional Resources

Documentaries and Features:

"The Smartest Dog in the World"

Program: Animal Planet Special

Description: Explores Chaser's training and abilities, featuring interviews with Dr. Pilley.

Online Articles:

"The Brains of the Animal Kingdom"

Publication: The New York Times (2013)

Description: Discusses various intelligent animals, including Chaser, and what they reveal about cognition.

"Chaser the Dog Challenges Animal Intelligence"

Publication: Scientific American (2013)

Description: Analyzes how Chaser's skills impact the scientific understanding of animal learning.

Books About Pets

"Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog" by John Grogan

• A heartwarming memoir about a family's life with their lovable but mischievous Labrador Retriever, Marley.

**"The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein

This is one of my favorite movies!!!

• Narrated from the perspective of Enzo, a wise dog who reflects on life, love, and the human condition alongside his race car-driving owner.

"A Dog's Purpose" by W. Bruce Cameron

• Follows a dog's journey through multiple lives, exploring the unbreakable bond between humans and their pets.

"Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World" by Vicki Myron

• The true story of a cat found in a library drop box who becomes a beloved community symbol.

"All Creatures Great and Small" by James Herriot

• Memoirs of a country veterinarian in Yorkshire, filled with touching and humorous stories about animals and their owners.

"Homer's Odyssey: A Fearless Feline Tale" by Gwen Cooper

• Chronicles the adventures of a blind cat named Homer who teaches his owner about love and courage.

Coping with Pet Loss

"Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet" by Gary Kowalski

• Offers comfort and guidance with insights, poems, and practical advice for navigating grief.

"When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing" by Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD

• Provides support and understanding for the emotional journey after losing a pet.

Articles

"The Intelligence of Dogs" by Stanley Coren – Psychology Today

• Explores the cognitive abilities of dogs and their understanding of human emotions.
• Read Online

"What Your Cat Is Thinking" by Abigail Tucker – Smithsonian Magazine

• Investigates feline behavior and the science behind cat cognition.
• Read Online

Videos and Documentaries

"Dogs" (2018) – Netflix Documentary Series

• A six-part series showcasing the profound bonds between dogs and their owners across the globe.

"The Secret Life of Cats" – BBC Documentary

• Utilizes GPS and micro-cameras to reveal the hidden lives of domestic cats.

"Life in the Doghouse" (2018)

• The inspiring story of two men who have rescued and found homes for over 10,000 dogs.

Films

About Pets

"Hachi: A Dog's Tale" (2009)

• Based on a true story of an Akita dog named Hachiko who exemplifies unwavering loyalty.

"Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" (1993)

• An adventure of three pets who embark on a journey through the wilderness to reunite with their family.

"A Dog's Journey" (2019)

• Sequel to "A Dog's Purpose," continuing the tale of a dog's reincarnations and his mission to protect his human.

Coping with Pet Loss

"My Dog Skip" (2000)

• A touching story about a boy and his dog, exploring themes of friendship, growth, and loss.

"All Dogs Go to Heaven" (1989)

• An animated film that delves into themes of life, death, and redemption from a dog's perspective.

Credits

Sixtysomething Theme Song

Music & lyrics by Lizzy Sanford

Vocals by Lizzy Sanford

Guitar: Lizzy & Coco Sanford

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

32:14 History of Domesticated Animals

34:04 Scientific Discoveries About Dogs

38:26 Cats and Their Unique Bond

48:23 Heartwarming Pet Stories

50:28 Precious Pets from My Life

44:18 Benefits of Pet Companionship in Our Sixties

25:35 Conclusion