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

Have you wondered what your animals are thinking and feeling?
This episode of The Resilient Animal features an intimate discussion of healing and communication with Cindy Richardson. Cindy discusses her preparation when communicating with all types of animals, including birds and an elephant.

This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/2YYROvlJCTw

To learn more about Cindy and the services she offers, click on
http://www.chatswithanimals.com/
or
emailingcindy@gmail.com
and to support her care of her care of Cashew
https://www.gofundme.com/f/cashews-journey-to-regain-sight

The Resilient Animal chats with the one-and-only Michelle Meschko from Small Breed Rescue of Southern California. Michelle works with only small dog breeds (who need a little more TLC) and reptiles too!

Previously, we did a video of Michelle and her nonprofit for Animal Bond Academy. You can see Michelle in action on YouTube https://youtu.be/DgIBJAm-cNU
This podcast episode can also be viewed with captions on YouTube
https://youtu.be/grvYVm2GvCU?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z1nmgpPVHjo334goTmU

You can learn more about this wonderful organization here:
https://www.smallbreedrescue.org/
https://www.instagram.com/smallbreedrescuesocal/
https://www.facebook.com/SmallBreedRescueOfSoCal
https://www.tiktok.com/@sbrsc

In this conversation, The Resilient Animal podcast features Maya Badham from SAHSDA in the United Kingdom.
We discuss coercive control and "The Link" between animal and human abuse and her work with law enforcement and veterinarians in rural communities in identifying domestic and animal abuse.

This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/4aZB31fPm-w?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z1nmgpPVHjo334goTmU

You can learn more about this incredibly important organization here:
https://sahsda.wixsite.com/sahsda

In this conversation, The Resilient Animal podcast features The Cantu Foundation. We speak with Founder Fatima Guevara and Director of Operations Jenna Finch about the dogs they rescue, the process of working on opposite ends of the United States, and how social media can be used for good things in support of nonprofit organizations.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/2l66z4qx4xQ?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z1nmgpPVHjo334goTmU

Be sure to check out the Foundation's namesake, Cantu on Instagram @CantuOnWheels

You can learn more about this amazing organization here:
https://www.thecantufoundation.org/
https://www.instagram.com/thecantufoundation/

Listener Discretion Advised
In this conversation, I speak with Amy Bassett, co-founder of the nonprofit Judith A. Bassett Canid Education and Conservation Center (JABCECC) located in Santa Ysabel, California. Amy and her husband Dave founded JABCECC in honor of Dave's mom, Judith A. Bassett. She was an active community member life-long advocate for canids.

Along with Judith's legacy, we discuss the rescue of foxes from the cruelty of the fur farming industry and the Healing Programs that take place at the Center.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/M0leyXbY7EU?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z1nmgpPVHjo334goTmU

You can learn more about this amazing organization here:
https://www.jabcecc.org
https://meetafox.org/
https://www.facebook.com/JABCECC
https://www.instagram.com/jabcecc/

In this conversation, I speak with Lori Biewen, founder of Libby Lou's Safe Haven, a nonprofit focused on rescuing cows and other animals from the meat and dairy industries. Lori shares her personal journey, explaining how Libby Lou, a miniature Hereford heifer, helped her through her depression, leading to the creation of the sanctuary.

She discusses the harsh realities of the dairy and beef industries, highlighting the need for rescuing cows. Lori also discusses the challenges and financial strains of running an animal sanctuary in Southern California. The conversation offers insights into the human-animal bond, the significance of creating sanctuaries, and raises awareness about the plight of farm animals.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/6o7LytKLBiQ?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z1nmgpPVHjo334goTmU

You can check out Lori and all her animals on our YouTube Animal Bond Academy channel here! https://youtu.be/zuS3E2o4jkI
Learn more about Libby Lou's Safe Haven:
https://libbyloussafehaven.com/
https://www.facebook.com/veganforcows
https://www.instagram.com/libbylousafehaven/

In this conversation, I speak with Eileen Persia founder of the nonprofit The Troll House Animal Sanctuary located in New Jersey. Eileen shares her journey of starting the Sanctuary amid the COVID-19 pandemic and her own cancer diagnosis. This is a story of resiliency through difficult times, the therapeutic role animals have played in her cancer recovery and the establishment of Troll House as refuge for abused and neglected animals.

We focus on the transformative power of caring for others, both human and animal, and discuss the importance of mental health awareness and support in the face of adversity.
This episode can be viewed with captions on YouTube https://youtu.be/OjRwPEZSYvo?list=PL7p248H5KmY3A-z1nmgpPVHjo334goTmU

You can learn more about this amazing organization here:
https://tthas.org/
https://www.facebook.com/TROLLHOUSEANIMALSANCTUARY
https://www.instagram.com/thetrollhousesanctuary/

Become a recurring donor here:
https://www.patreon.com/TTHAS