Living Your Legacy Podcast

Episode: “Perpetual Love: Navigating Pet Grief and Animal Acting”

Host: Rudy Mawer
Guest: Ann Harris, Author, Certified Grief Educator, Founder of Perpetual Love
Date: October 10, 2025

Brief Overview

In this episode, Rudy Mawer welcomes Ann Harris, an Australian author, certified grief educator, and animal trainer specializing in pet loss support and animal acting for TV and film. Together, they explore the emotional journey of grieving a beloved pet and the behind-the-scenes realities of making animals “stars” on set. Blending entrepreneurial insights, heartfelt stories, and practical advice, the conversation is a guide for pet owners, animal lovers, and aspiring business builders alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ann’s Dual Mission — Supporting Pet Grief & Animal Acting

• [02:25] Ann introduces herself as an animal grief educator and TV/movie animal trainer.
  • She describes her motivation for writing Perpetual Love, a book guiding people through the emotional pain of losing a pet, and her passion for responsible animal training and welfare in entertainment.

“Over the years I’ve noticed how much pets mean to people and I had this really strong pull to write a book and support people with pet loss. So did some extra study as well and yes, just released it.” — Ann [02:49]

2. Animal Action: What It Takes Behind the Scenes

• [03:47-06:29] Ann shares the logistics and challenges of training animals for TV and movies:
  • Dogs selected for film roles are highly trained, often with thousands of hours invested by their handlers.
  • Unpredictable demands on set mean trainers must improvise and train animals for new scenes quickly.
  • Animal welfare is paramount, from using non-toxic fake blood to transporting a trained pig to a Sydney set.

“We actually support the animal, the owner, work with the production team, and try and just make sure that… the animal’s happy. And sometimes we’re the trainers as well.” — Ann [03:47]

• Anecdote: Recreating a car accident and training a dog to lie still with fake blood ([06:10])
• Unusual jobs: A pig that can’t go through tunnels due to risk of gassing ([06:29])

3. Animal Training Tips for Pet Owners

• Timing is everything ([09:01-09:46])

  • Immediate reward creates clear associations.

  “If they do something that you’ve asked quickly… try for one second, but three. If it’s after that, they may not get the connection.”— Ann [09:41]

  • Rudy references the “goldfish brain”: praise or discipline within five seconds ([09:42])

• Building Bonds Through Play & Motivation ([10:21])

  • The bond, not just feeding, matters most: play often forges deeper connections than food.
  • Dogs, like children, thrive on positive attention and interaction.

“Quite often, it’s play and it’s just building that connection because then they really want to be [with you], just like children, really.” — Ann [10:57]

• Translating Training to Parenting:
  • Ann jokes about applying dog-training consistency and kindness to raising her own kids ([11:02])

4. Pet Grief: Real, Lasting, and Under-discussed

• [11:20-12:48]
  • Pet grief is valid and often under-acknowledged in society.
  • Ann encourages those grieving to seek understanding communities, counseling, or therapists.

“Their grief is real… sometimes it can be as real as any other connection. And people might be afraid to say that out loud as well.” — Ann [11:56]

• Unique loss for the solo pet owner:
  • Losing the only pet can be devastating, particularly for the elderly or those living alone ([13:04])

5. The Entrepreneurial Journey & Finding “The Why”

• [14:02-15:20]
  • Ann shares her experience juggling businesses in animal acting and her shifting passion toward pet loss support.
  • The “why” behind a business can evolve with experience and personal growth.

“I really think my why is this: pet loss support.” — Ann [14:29]

• Age is No Barrier:

  • Ann’s new focus at 60 shows entrepreneurship is possible at any stage.
  • Rudy references research: “The hundred wealthiest people in the world didn’t make their first million on average till 43 years old.” ([15:39])

• Legacy Intentions:

  • Ann aspires to normalize pet grief support for current and future generations, building a team to continue her work.

“I truly hope that I’m remembered for…getting out there, recognition for pet loss support, and people being comfortable speaking about it...” — Ann [16:21]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Animal Training Realities:

  “What could possibly go wrong, which is everything. Particularly if you’ve got children and animals and… the humans sometimes it can be challenging.” — Ann [07:52]

• On Translating Experience Across Life:

  "Your life goes through chapters and the chapters you had before often help with the other one." — Ann [14:50]

• Encouragement for Late Bloomers:

  "It doesn't matter how old you are. I mean, I’m 60 now, so… when you feel so strongly about something, just go for it." — Ann [15:04]

• On Building a Legacy:

  “Books and programs… some great motivational leaders are no longer with us, but their programs and courses and teaching still continue.” — Rudy [17:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction & Ann’s Background – [02:22-03:39]
• Animal Acting Insights – [03:47-07:44]
• Training Tips for Dog Owners – [09:01-11:08]
• Pet Grief & Coping Strategies – [11:20-13:53]
• Entrepreneurship & Finding Purpose – [14:02-15:20]
• Legacy & Future Aspirations – [16:21-17:29]
• Where to Find Ann’s Work – [17:29-18:35]

Resources & Contact

• Animal Lovers Collective (Socials):
  • Ann’s new hub for pet training and grief support resources ([17:29])
• Book: Perpetual Love: Forever in Your Heart
  • Available on Amazon (Kindle, Paperback, Audible)
  • Dedicated to Ann’s late dog Matilda ([17:57-18:28])

Summary

Ann Harris’ journey blends a deep compassion for animals with entrepreneurial resilience, offering listeners actionable advice on pet training, heartfelt insight into pet bereavement, and the encouragement to follow their passions—regardless of age or past chapters. The episode is a moving tribute to the bond between people and their pets, a rare peek into animal acting, and an inspiring reminder that every legacy starts with a “why.”