Special Programs
Our relationships with animals add special meaning to our lives and to how we think about death. The emotions, practices, customs and concepts experienced with the death of a beloved animal, other family member, or even habitat hold deep symbolic meaning, and often influence how we perceive our day-to-day lives. This is why we host:
Green Pet-Burial Society – information about animal death, bereavement, Nature, and our interspecies families, highlighting mourning practices, the arts, history, and whole-family ecocemeteries.
Organizations & Information
Animal Training & Behavior
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) – the world’s largest professional dog training community promotes professional trainers in the veterinary profession and dog-friendly training techniques, and helps families find a local trainer.
International School for Canine Psychology (ISCP) – a distance-learning provider that educates on canine behavior, and teaches force-free methods for dog rehabilitation and training.
Research
Section on Human Animal Interaction: Research & Practice, of Division 17 (Society of Counseling Psychology) of the American Psychological Association “is dedicated to professional and scholarly activities that advance the understanding of human-animal interactions as they relate to psychology.”
National Link Coalition – Research and resources exploring the links between violence to humans and pets and other animals at home.
Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) – “elevates the relationships between people, other animals, and the environment to improve the health and welfare of all.” Based at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work.
Animal and Interpersonal Abuse Research Group (AIPARG) – multidisciplinary research to understand the co-occurrence of animal and interpersonal violence, and to advocate for change in policy and practice. Based at the University of Windsor.
Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) – a non-profit research and education organization that is gathering, funding and sharing scientific research on positive human health impacts of companion animals. Note: it was founded by the American Pet Products Association, Zoetis, and Petco.
National Canine Research Council – “a non-profit canine behavior science and policy think tank. Our mission is to underwrite, conduct and disseminate academically rigorous research that studies dogs in the context of human society.”
Animal Care
Beyond Fences – helping under-served neighborhoods with access to basic pet care resources, including a fenced-in yard. A model program in the Durham, NC area.
Pets For Life, Humane Society of the United States – “closing the service gap that exists for people and pets in underserved areas and bringing awareness…to larger systemic inequities and injustices.”
Resources for Pet Owners, Banfield Foundation – providing lists of state and national organizations that help qualifying families with veterinary care and pet food resources.
Center for Pet Safety – a small nonprofit dedicated to testing “studies pet products, travel conditions…testing practices as well as policies, procedures and regulations in the consumer interest to ensure the best possible chance of survival for your pets, reduce the risk of injury…to the human companion as well as limit the risk exposure to retailers.” A NYT article on auto harnesses.
House Rabbit Society – an international nonprofit organization that tells you everything you need to know to help your rabbit and yourself live happier lives.
Senior Dogs Project – information for the adoption, health, and happiness of senior dogs everywhere.
M Jenny Edwards (@ChandlerEdwards.org) – bestiality and zoophilia information & resources.
Phobias
How to Overcome a Fear of Dogs – from wikiHow.com. “Cynophobia…is the irrational and uncontrollable fear of dogs…Whatever your level of fear towards dogs, there are ways to help you overcome that fear.”
Media
Adam’s Task by The Open Mind – 1986. Richard D. Heffner of Rutgers University interviews Vicki Hearne (author of the book, Adam’s Task: Calling animals by name) about effective communication, especially with other animals.
Shelter Me – film series, airing on PBS, that celebrates shelters pets and the people who help them.
The Hatching Cat of Gotham: True and Unusual Animal Tales of Old New York – fascinating stories of life and death, mostly concerning people and their animal companions.
The World of Dogs, a Family Secrets podcast – Author Dani Shapiro interviews Chloe Shaw, author of What is a Dog?, who shares how her love of dogs have enriched her life.
Family Spirals® 