{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Pet Loss and Grief: Paying Homage to Our Beloved Dogs","description":"In this episode, we explore the weighty subject of humans finding ways to say goodbye to a beloved dog, and the spectrum of ways people deal with the grief of losing a beloved pet. For ages, proof of the unique bond between humans and dogs has existed in literature, song, and lore. But rarely discussed are the lengths humans will go to pay homage to their dogs after they have passed. Everyone mourns pet loss differently. From the creation of pet cemeteries to bestowing monetary gifts to cover future care, the love we feel for dogs extends beyond this earthly realm. Bonafide Bits: In a 50 square meter plot in Ashkelon, Tel Aviv, some 1,300 dogs were individually buried between the 5th and 3rd centuries. The constellation Canis Major was named after Maira, the faithful hound of Ikarios, a winemaker of ancient Greece. Ronald Reagan famously dramatized George Graham Vest\u2019s Old Drum closing court argument. Famous women who left money to their dogs include Lauren Bacall, Joan Rivers, and Leona Helmsley. Featured Breeds: Maltese The tiny Maltese, \u201cYe Ancient Dogge of Malta,\u201d has been sitting in the lap of luxury since the Bible was a work in progress. Famous for their show-stopping, floor-length coat, Maltese are playful, charming, and adaptable toy companions. Discover more about Malteses at AKC\u2019s Maltese Breed Biography. Yorkshire Terrier Beneath the dainty, glossy, floor-length coat of a Yorkshire Terrier beats the heart of a feisty, old-time terrier. Yorkies earned their living as ratters in mines and mills long before they became the beribboned lapdogs of Victorian ladies. The Yorkshire Terrier is a compact, toy-size terrier of no more than seven pounds whose crowning glory is a floor-length, silky coat of steel blue and a rich golden tan. Don\u2019t let the Yorkie\u2019s daintiness fool you. Tenacious, feisty, brave, and sometimes bossy, the Yorkie exhibits all the traits of a true terrier. Yorkies are long-lived and hypoallergenic (the coat is more like human hair than animal fur), and they make fine little watchdogs. This is a true \u201cpersonality breed,\u201d providing years of laughs, love, and close companionship. Discover more about Yorkshire Terriers at AKC\u2019s Yorkshire Terrier Breed Biography. Drever The Drever is robust rather than elegant and speedy. They have a proud carriage, well-developed muscles, and an agile appearance. Affectionate, playful, and sweet, the Drever gets along well with most other breeds and is great in groups. The Drever was developed in the early twentieth century in Sweden. Hunting deer was difficult due to terrain and herd locations so hunters soon realized the benefits of using this short-legged, long-bodied dog to drive the deer over long distances and rough terrain right to them. A keen and even-tempered hound, the Drever is never aggressive, nervous, nor shy. They are content in most living situations but tend to be vocal when alerting or at play. Discover more about Drevers at AKC\u2019s Drever Breed Biography. Pumi The Pumi (POO-mee; plural Pumik) was conceived as a compact, quick, and fearless sheepherder capable of moving flocks on the narrow roads connecting the pastures of western Hungary. At a glance, it might be hard to believe that this cuddly charmer was born to do such tough work. With his coat of corkscrew curls, circular tail, expressive ears, and distinctively whimsical look, the Pumi is all kinds of cute. But beneath the curls is a lean, deep-chested herder with a seemingly endless capacity for work and play. Discover more about Pumik at AKC\u2019s Pumi Breed Biography. L\u00f6wchen A companion dog whose name is German for \u201clittle lion,\u201d the L\u00f6wchen has been a popular pet among Continental Europeans for more than 500 years. The portable, non-shedding L\u00f6wchen is said to be affectionate, lively, and brave as a lion. Small dogs with enormous hearts, L\u00f6wchen (the same singular or plural) stand a bit over a foot tall at the shoulder. The coat is traditionally kept in a \u201clion clip,\u201d in which most of the hindquarters and tail are clipped down close to the skin. The overall effect is that of a mini lion, with a full mane and plumed tail. The coat comes in several colors and color combinations. Beneath the coat is a dog that\u2019s strong and sturdy, but elegant and artfully balanced. Discover more about L\u00f6wchen at AKC\u2019s L\u00f6wchen Breed Biography. Boerboel Boerboels are intimidating but discerning guardians of home and family who learned their trade while protecting remote South African homesteads from ferocious predators. They are dominant and confident, also bright and eager to learn. There\u2019s a no-frills, no-nonsense quality to this sleek-coated avenger, which might stand as high as 27 inches at the shoulder and weigh as much as you do. A broad and blocky head, powerful jaws, and thick muscles from neck to rump mark it as a descendant of the ancient \u201cmolloser\u201d dog family, the foundation of today's mastiff-type breeds. In motion, the Boerboel just might be the most agile of all mastiff types. The imposing Boerboel is devoted to protecting the people and places he loves. This is a trainable, versatile breed, eager to spend time with their adored humans. Discover more about Boerboels at AKC\u2019s Boerboel Breed Biography. Canaan Dog One of the AKC's oldest breeds, the Canaan Dog is the national dog of Israel. This quick, medium-sized pasture dog is docile with family and aloof with strangers. The ever-alert Canaan is a vocal and persistent guardian of flock and home. Canaan Dogs are lean, bushy-tailed dogs standing 19 to 24 inches at the shoulder. The coat is straight and harsh and comes in various colors and patterns. Erect, expressive ears and dark almond eyes convey an inquisitive expression. Canaans move at a brisk, natural trot. They are rugged, agile, and apparently tireless, making them a nice fit for hikers and runners. Canaans are clever, confident, and territorial. They will end up "owning" passive owners who haven't established themselves as the top dog in the family pack. Agility, obedience, herding trials, and sentry duty are a few outlets for their work ethic. Discover more about Canaan Dogs at AKC\u2019s Canaan Dog Breed Biography. Cane Corso Smart, trainable, and of noble bearing, the assertive and confident Cane Corso is a peerless protector. The Corso\u2019s lineage goes back to ancient Roman times, and the breed\u2019s name roughly translates from the Latin as \u201cbodyguard-dog.\u201d Discover more about Cane Corsos at AKC\u2019s Cane Corso Breed Biography. German Shepherd Dog There are many reasons why German Shepherd Dogs stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherd Dogs will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there\u2019s a \u201ccertain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.\u201d Discover more about German Shepherd Dogs at AKC\u2019s German Shepherd Dog Breed Biography. Akita Akitas are burly, heavy-boned spitz-type dogs of imposing stature. Standing 24 to 28 inches at the shoulder, Akitas have a dense coat that comes in several colors, including white. The head is broad and massive and is balanced in the rear by a full, curled-over tail. The erect ears and dark, shining eyes contribute to an expression of alertness, a hallmark of the breed. Akitas are quiet, fastidious dogs. Wary of strangers and often intolerant of other animals, Akitas will gladly share their silly, affectionate side with family and friends. They thrive on human companionship. The large, independent-thinking Akita is hardwired for protecting those they love. They must be well-socialized from birth with people and other dogs. Discover more about Akitas at AKC\u2019s Akita Breed Biography. Newfoundland The massive Newfoundland is a strikingly large, powerful working dog of heavy bone and dignified bearing. The sweet-tempered Newfie is a famously good companion and has earned a reputation as a patient and watchful \u201cnanny dog\u201d for kids. Discover more about Newfoundlands at AKC\u2019s Newfoundland Breed Biography. Black and Tan Coonhound Large, athletic hunters who work nights, Black and Tan Coonhounds are friendly, easygoing hounds who love company. They are snoozy by the fireside but tenacious when on the trail of the wily raccoon. The Black and Tan Coonhound is a real American original. Black and Tans have an amazingly sensitive nose, long, velvety ears, and a sweet disposition. The coal-black coat features rich tan accents, including the distinctive \u201cpumpkin seeds\u201d above keenly expressive eyes. These are big, strong hounds: A good-sized male can stand 27 inches at the shoulder and cover ground with effortless, eager strides. Black and Tan Coonhounds are sociable hounds. Discover more about Black and Tan Coonhounds at AKC\u2019s Black and Tan Coonhound Breed Biography. Papillon The quick, curious Papillon is a toy dog of singular beauty and upbeat athleticism. Despite his refined appearance, the Pap is truly a \u201cdoggy dog\u201d blessed with a hardy constitution. Papillon fanciers describe their breed as happy, alert, and friendly. A tiny dog, measuring 8 to 11 inches at the shoulder, you can still spot a Papillon a block away thanks to the large, wing-shaped ears that give the breed its name (\u201cpapillon\u201d is French for \u201cbutterfly\u201d). Some Paps have erect ears; in others, known as the Phalene type, the ears are down. Paps are dainty and elegant, with a plumed tail, and a long, silky coat of several color combinations, the base color being white. More robust than they look, Paps are little dogs for all seasons and reasons. They thrive in warm or cool climates, in town or country, and are eager to join the family fun. They are excellent agility dogs and are consistent winners at the sport\u2019s highest levels; less ambitious owners can train them to do all kinds of tricks. Discover more about Papillons at AKC\u2019s Papillon Breed Biography. Havanese Havanese, the only dog breed native to Cuba, are cheerful little dogs with a spring in their step and a gleam in their big, brown eyes. These vivacious and sociable companions are becoming especially popular with American city dwellers. Discover more about Havanese at AKC\u2019s Havanese Breed Biography. Parson Russell Terrier The Parson Russell Terrier is bold and clever, swift enough to run with horses and fearless enough to dig in and flush a fox from his lair. Independent problem-solvers, PRTs can have their own ideas on how to go about things. Discover more about Parson Russell Terriers at AKC\u2019s Parson Russell Terrier Breed Biography. Border Collie A remarkably bright workaholic, the Border Collie is an amazing dog \u2014 maybe a bit too amazing for owners without the time, energy, or means to keep it occupied. These energetic dogs will settle down for cuddle time when the workday is done. Discover more about Border Collies at AKC\u2019s Border Collie Breed Biography. Japanese Chin Chin are the unrivaled noblemen of Japanese breeds. They\u2019re tiny \u201cindoorsy\u201d companions, with an unmistakably Eastern look and bearing. The head is large, the muzzle short, and the round, dark eyes convey, as Chin fans like to say, a \u201clook of astonishment.\u201d The profuse mane around the neck and shoulders, the plumed tail arching over the back, and the pants or \u201cculottes\u201d on the hind legs project the elegant, exotic appearance so typical of Asia\u2019s royal line of laptop cuddle bugs. Discover more about Japanese Chins at AKC\u2019s Japanese Chin Breed Biography. For more information about a specific breed visit the breed\u2019s parent club or AKC.org. Shareables: Likely the closing argument by George Vest in the legal battle of Burden v. Hornsby solidified the truth that dogs are members of the family. Dogs are more than mere property. They\u2019re special. The law says so! Strictly speaking, a dog cannot inherit money although a trust can be established to care for it. ","author_name":"Down and Back: AKC Dog Podcast","author_url":"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/about\/down-and-back-akc-podcast\/","html":"