This episode attempts to weaves together personal encounters and academic, historical accounts of human and animal relationships. I reflect on my own encounters with so-called "dangerous and dying" animals--Miko, a reactive dog we adopted; and Francie--a hedgehog dying from cancer. I turn to wisdom from Amazon, Singapore, and ocean mammals.
This was produced as a project for a course called Animals and The Unseen taught by Teren Sevea
This episode is dedicated to Michael Nunziato and Miko. Michael, you've been so dedicated to Miko's wellbeing. Miko, you're such a beautiful being, thank you for letting me love you. You two have taught me so much.
Content warning: the storytelling, particularly in the beginning of the episode, includes stories of animals who can be considered dangerous as well as experiences of animal deaths.
Here are some links from sources mentioned in the episode:
I also want to acknowledge Professor Teren Sevea for this opportunity to produce this episode as a class project. Additionally, an earlier draft of this story was inspired by courses and conversations with Professors Michael Puett and Janet Gyatso. Thank you to my community: Amy and Henry, Nat and Liri & Lala, Quinn, Rebeccah, Claudia, Jessy and Scout for walking through this experience with me, and to Michael, Miko, Francie, Rūmī for all your patience and love.
*** To learn more about Palestine from Native American, decolonial perspectives I recommend The Red Nation on Youtube or podcast apps. I have also signed on to this statement as a Ford Fellow, you can find further resources there.
PS: enjoy Rūmī's meowing (and the heater) in the background.