Ep 35, 1/2: Anthrozoological Insights with Dr Aubrey Fine, 1/2 #35 Pt1

Welcome to Episode 35 of the Anthrozoology Podcast. In this episode, we explore companion-animal – human connections, psychology, and interventions with renowned psychologist and anthrozoologist, Dr Aubrey Fine. Dr. Fine shares his career inspiration, challenges, and research interests in companion-animal-assisted therapy.

He recounts his personal journey from a fear of companion-animals to working with them in therapy, combining clinical work, writing, and research in companion-animal-assisted interventions since the mid-1960s. Dr. Fine discusses using animals for therapy and communication with children, highlighting the introduction of his first pet, a gerbil named Sasha, to a program for children with learning disabilities in 1973.

Dr Fine describes the diverse range of companion-animals he works with, from dogs to lizards, and emphasizes the importance of respecting all as sentient beings. He shares personal stories, such as his connection with a bearded dragon named Spikey, who helped children with similar challenges. The episode also addresses the significance of companion-animal welfare, education, and agency, with Dr. Fine stressing the importance of recognising the non-verbal cues of companion-animals and respecting their boundaries.

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Podlet Guest

Dr Aubrey Fine
email: ahfine@gmail.com
Websites: https://www.aubreyhfine.com/

PodCrew

Dr. Kris Hill

Kris Hill

Dr. Michelle Szydlowski
ms835@exeter.ac.uk
www.internationalelephants.org
@intl_elephants

Sarah Oxley Heaney PhD Candidate,
University of Exeter
sh750@exeter.ac.uk ​
www.kissingsharks.com/
N.B. Copyright of image behind Sarah in the video is held by Cristina Zenato.

References

​​Fine, A.H. et al. (2023) The Routledge International Handbook of Human-Animal Interactions and Anthrozoology, The Routledge International Handbook of Human-Animal Interactions and Anthrozoology. Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781032153346.

Fine, A.H. (2014) Our Faithful Companions – Exploring the essence of our kinship with animals. Alpine Pubns Inc. Available at: https://www.aubreyhfine.com/faithful-companion.

Fine, A.H. (2019) ‘Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions’, Handbook on Animal-Assisted Therapy: Foundations and Guidelines for Animal-Assisted Interventions, pp. 1–515. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/C2017-0-03315-3. https://www.hse.ru/data/2019/04/24/1182243591/[Aubrey_H._Fine]_Handbook_on_Animal-Assisted_Thera(z-lib.org).pdf

Fine, A.H. and J, E.C. (2016) Afternoons with Puppy – Inspirations from a Therapist and His Animals. ‎Purdue University Press. Available at: https://www.press.purdue.edu/9781557537669/.

Thefamilydog (2015) Stop The 77. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABDrhNBwdpk.

Hosted by three postgraduate researchers, The Anthrozoology Podcast is a place for early career researchers to discuss current topics in the field.

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