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In this episode of The Resilient Animal, host Annie Petersen continues her in-depth conversation with Dr. Michele Whitney. They explore topics such as the human-animal bond, grief associated with pet loss, and unique cultural perspectives within the African American community. Dr. Whitney discusses her groundbreaking qualitative research, which delves into the experiences of African American adults and their relationships with pets.

Key themes include disenfranchised grief, anticipatory grief, and post-traumatic growth, highlighting the profound emotional and spiritual impact pets have on their owners. The episode offers valuable insights into how different communities experience and cope with the loss of a pet.

00:00 Introduction to The Resilient Animal Podcast

00:30 Welcoming Back Dr. Michele Whitney

01:13 Exploring the Human-Animal Bond

02:13 Research Focus: African American Adults and Pet Loss

03:51 Conferences and Presentations

04:54 Study Overview: Grief Experiences of Pet Loss

14:24 Themes from the Study

15:55 Familial Bonds and Pet Relationships

18:56 Anticipatory Grief and Willingness to Love Again

21:03 Understanding Disenfranchised Grief

23:47 Mother's Dislike for Cats

24:20 Stigma Around Certain Pets

25:30 Fear and Disenfranchised Grief

28:12 Dual Process Model of Grief

31:04 Learned Compartmentalization

34:35 Cultural Aspects of Grief

46:12 Emotional and Spiritual Transformation

47:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts