I decided to start with an introduction and a round-up of some of my favourite animal-related things. So here we go!
I have been an animal nerd for a long time. I did not call it that, I was an ‘animal person’ or I just ‘really love dogs’ or I’m a ‘crazy cat lady’. But the term ‘nerdery’ seems like an apt and holistic descriptor. From 3 years old and onward I have always had a pet. Mostly cats but also a dog named Clyde, fish, hermit crabs, and a few foster dogs for a brief period too. I work with animals, have volunteered with animals, think and worry about animal welfare, occasionally donate to animal-related charities, listen to podcasts about animals, love bird-watching, and watch pet videos on social media for a ridiculous amount of time each week. It is not a particular type of animal either, though cats are at the top, closely tied with dogs. I love turtles, woodpeckers, honey badgers, rhinos, cheetahs, burrowing owls, skunks, llamas, gorillas, lion tamarins, snow macaques, and it just keeps going. That must be what they mean by “obsessive interest in or enthusiasm for a particular subject”, right?
In order to appease this ‘obsessive interest’ I utilize the following:
Jonny Devaney on Facebook - his reels about different dog breeds are genius and once you get going it is hard to stop watching. Jonny Devaney
Maru on YouTube (with Hana and Miri) - Maru enjoys containers of many shapes and sizes, and the interactions with the local macaques are amazing I am Maru
Just the Zoo of Us Podcast - each episode features two animals that the hosts discuss as well as interviews with biologists or other experts in the field. The range of animals they discuss is amazing. Just the Zoo of Us
The Science Pawdcast and The Pupdate Newsletter here on Substack - I love this podcast and have recommended it often. It always features some animal-related news or research as well as general science. The hosts are wonderful and with the addition of Ginger, their cat, I am enjoying it more and more. You can follow @bunsenberner.bmd on Instagram, subscribe to their newsletter or listen to the podcast. Or do all three like me!
VCA Animal Hospitals website - If your pet has any health concerns or you just want to prepare and learn this is an incredible resource that discusses common diseases, symptoms, and treatments. I have used it a lot and highly recommend it. VCA Canada
Dr. Mikel Delgado - one of my personal heroes Dr. Delgado is a scientist and cat advocate. Definitely follow her on Instagram if you have a cat and check out her books and blog. @mikel.delgado and website
I will have to see about a part 2. Stay tuned.
Bean says thanks for reading.