I live in Maryland and have been listening to all the Podcasts of DogTalk lately. I just love your show - it is so informative! I recently bought your book and am starting to read it for my next dog.

My beloved Buddy died suddenly last November. Despite being a skeptic, I was fascinated by Ann Marie Sawicki's talents on your show. So on a whim, I contacted her for a personal session to communicate with Buddy's spirit. Her insights just blew me away. And she has been a tremendous help to me in my grieving process. A real comfort.

Which brings me to to topic of this email: Would you consider doing a DogTalk radio program on grieving and memorializing our dogs? I think it would be terrific if you and Ann Marie could team up on the topic (I just love it when the two of you give advice to someone from different perspectives - the dual advice is always right on the money). When my dog died, I wasn't sure what I wanted to do to say goodbye. I had him individually cremated with the idea that something would eventually come to me when I was thinking clearly. And then Buddy's doggy girlfried, Zelie, died of cancer, and her human called me for advice on what to do with Zelie's body. And what to do to memorialize her. There are so many creative ways that people memorialize and honor their pets. (I have only been reading your book about choosing my next dog - maybe you cover this topic in the book.) But in the emotional chaos of a dog's death, we often don't know what to do. And to my mind, where Ann Marie comes in, is when we don't get to say our last goodbyes - she can help us do that. She helped me get in touch with Buddy's spirit, told me how he experienced his last night with us, and helped me realize that Buddy is still very much with me. That gave me some closure.

When I first heard your show, I was also skeptical about you - how could a research writer be such an authority on dogs - shouldn't she be a vet? But as I listened to your shows, I realized that much of your information is confirmed by my own research and readings. Behavior issues, the food recall problem, good nutrition, training techniques. And since I'm a technical writer, of course a good writer and researcher can impart authoritative information that she has gathered and learned from! Keep up the great work - I just love your shows.

Well, just a thought on the grieving topic. I see you are now streaming live on Saturdays. I'll try and catch you live sometime. But thanks so much for the iTunes Podcasts. I listened to 6 months of the Podcasts in December when my hubby got me an iPod! Sure beats music! And thanks for the monthly shows with Ann Marie - she really is fascinating and genuine.

Eileen

Dear Eileen,

Thank you so much for your heartfelt and meaningful letter. I am so sorry for your loss and so glad that Ann marie could give that peace and closure that is sometimes so difficult to achieve.

Ironically, you must have read my mind! On March 8th I have a professional pet grief counselor coming on the show - Dr. Kathleen Ayl from California. I do hope you'll be able to call in that day to 800-394-8830

She'll be on from about 11:15 to 11:35 EST

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and for your kind words of support - I am so glad to ahve gained your trust.

Best wishes,
Tracie

P.S. I would love to send you an autographed bookplate in anticipation for your new dog-to-be to put in the front of your book - if you'd like that, please send me your mailling addresses.