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Do our pets care about us?

Animal empathy; Mental Health support animals; Pet loss and grieving; Attitudes towards animals around the world

In the past philosophers and scientists have argued about the nature of animal minds: Darwin thought they differed from us only by degree but Descartes believed they were merely machines made of flesh. Anthro-zoologist from the University of Sussex Dr Karen Hiestand wants to find out if our pets really care about us so she filmed owners pretending to be hurt to monitor the reactions of their dogs and cats.

Mental health campaigner Marion Janner says her life was saved numerous times by her support dog Buddy. We hear about the central role animals play in Marion鈥檚 life and how she coped when Buddy died last year.

On a walk in the park, we hear how a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy called Polly helped her owner Sam to come to terms with the death of her previous dog Margo. And Diane James from the Blue Cross for Pets charity explains how they offer telephone and online support to anyone who鈥檚 experienced pet loss.

Cats have had a bit of an image problem but Karen Hiestand says their apparent aloofness and accusations of laziness arise because we forget that they are solitary creatures, descended from wildcats.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond
Producer: Paula McGrath

(Picture: A young girl enjoying the company of a cat at home. Photo credit: d3sign/Getty Images.)

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27 minutes

Last on

Thu 30 Dec 2021 18:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 29 Dec 2021 20:32GMT
  • Wed 29 Dec 2021 21:32GMT
  • Thu 30 Dec 2021 02:32GMT
  • Thu 30 Dec 2021 09:32GMT
  • Thu 30 Dec 2021 13:32GMT
  • Thu 30 Dec 2021 18:32GMT

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