Episodes

  • Episode 8 Sophie's Legacy

    Episode 8 Sophie's Legacy
    May 17 2023
    As the saying goes, sometimes the end is just the beginning.

    For Kate and Garry Putland, losing their daughter Sophie to suicide was the start of their campaign to make the veterinary profession safer for other vets, so no other family would go through what they have.

    Sophie’s Legacy is on the cusp of being launched, and it is focused on how we can help save lives. But there are also solutions to the vet crisis, from the profession itself, and calls for governments to step in and finally play a part in recognising and resourcing an industry which provides a whole lot of public good.

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host:
    Caroline Winter

    With thanks to:
    Kate and Garry Putland
    Dr Kristen Steele
    The many vets, vet nurses and vet staff I spoke to at the Australian Veterinary Association conference

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Sophie’s Legacy sophieslegacy.com
    The Australian Veterinary Association ava.com.au

    Transcript Episode 8 Sophie’s Legacy

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    45 mins
  • Episode 7 Outside Looking In

    Episode 7 Outside Looking In
    May 10 2023
    Jack Levitt isn’t a vet, he’s a guy who lost a mate. And when Dr Flynn Hargreaves took his life, it sent Jack on a search for answers. He started Flynn’s Walk and Flynn’s Talk to honour his friend’s memory, encourage conversations and spread awareness of the mental health challenges faced by veterinarians.

    He is just one of the growing band of grassroots campaigners ‘outside’ of the vet profession who are trying to do their bit, to bring about change and help make the profession that his friend dedicated his life to, a safer place to be, while reminding those who rely on vets, just how valued they are.

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to:

    Jack Levitt, founder Flynn’s Walk
    Peter Hargreaves
    Kate and Garry Putland
    Hannah Reintals
    Sophie’s Crew

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Flynn’s Walk www.flynnswalk.com.au
    Flynn’s Talk https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/flynns-talk/id1510105118
    Love Your Pet, Love Your Pet https://www.loveyourpetloveyourvet.com.au/
    Dr Nadine Hamilton https://www.positivepsychsolutions.com.au/
    Sophie’s Legacy sophieslegacy.com

    Transcript Episode 7 Outside Looking In

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    25 mins
  • Episode 6 Back to the Beginning

    Episode 6 Back to the Beginning
    May 3 2023
    Have you studied long and hard or witnessed someone in the thick of it? Then you’ll know how stressful it can be. But what if it was so psychologically damaging that it turned you off the career you had longed for? That’s what happened to veterinary student Claire Bensted.

    "I didn't realise that I was going to struggle with mental health during the degree. I thought that was a problem for later Claire.”

    And she’s not alone. Vets are clever, compassionate people. Given the score and years of study required to become one, many are driven perfectionists too. These are great qualities for future animal patients, but high personal expectations can bring stress. In a profession littered with confronting moments – from the classroom to the clinic – what needs to change too make sure it doesn’t become too much to bear?

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to:
    Professor Wayne Hein, former Dean of Roseworthy at Adelaide University and head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences
    Claire Bensted – vet student Adelaide University
    Angelique Cahill – vet student Adelaide University
    Teagan van Gaans – vet student Adelaide University
    Rory Speirs – vet student Adelaide University

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    The University of Adelaide School of Veterinary Science
    Charles Sturt University’s Odyssey Program
    The Australian Veterinary Association ava.com.au
    Sophie’s Legacy Sophie’s Legacy sophieslegacy.com

    Transcript Episode 6 Back to the Beginning

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    28 mins
  • Episode 5 Who's Responsible

    Episode 5 Who's Responsible
    Apr 26 2023
    Vets take an oath to treat and care for all animals. But while there’s someone to pick up the tab for pets and livestock needing medical care – koalas, kangaroos, echidnas and the rest, don’t come with a credit card or a purse – so who’s footing the bill?

    Vets treat wildlife for free. That’s on top of their normal client list, usually at the last minute, often at the end of a long day and sometimes in the middle of the night. But is it reasonable that they cop the extra work without receiving a cent – or paying for it themselves?

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to:
    Dr Bree Talbot, Foundation vet Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital
    Dr Warwick Vale, equine vet and past president Australian Veterinary Association

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital https://byronbaywildlifehospital.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/byron-bay-wildlife-hospital/ https://www.instagram.com/byronbaywildlife/ https://www.facebook.com/byronbaywildlifehospital/ The Australian Veterinary Association ava.com.au
    Sophie’s Legacy Sophie’s Legacy sophieslegacy.com

    Transcript Episode 5 Who’s Responsible

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    32 mins
  • Episode 4 Critical Shortage

    Episode 4 Critical Shortage
    Apr 19 2023
    Working as a vet in regional Australia is a no brainer for Dr Tiaan Gobius, but he’s in the minority. The vet shortage across Australia is critical beyond the city limits – clinics are closing, leaving towns without animal doctors, and the practices that remain, are under even more pressure.

    The bigger picture though is that animal welfare and biosecurity are under threat because of the shortage – so how do we lure more vets to rural and regional areas – the tropical regions, the rural outback and the most remote of places – before it’s too late?

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to:
    Dr Graham Lauridsen and the Tropical Vets Atherton team
    Dr Tiaan Gobius – new graduate
    Alina O’Connor – vet student
    Pixabay News Report Theme

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Tropial Vets https://www.tropicalvets.com.au/
    Sophie’s Legacy Sophie’s Legacy sophieslegacy.com

    Transcript Episode 4 Critical Shortage

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    31 mins
  • Episode 3 In Their Shoes

    Episode 3 In Their Shoes
    Apr 12 2023
    They get kicked, bitten, spat on and some spend their days with their arm up an animal’s rectum. But have you ever wondered what it’s like on the frontline for veterinarians? The thrill of complex animal medicine and those life and death moments.

    Let’s take a walk in their shoes and spend a night at an emergency animal hospital where vets and vet nurses work hard and fast to save lives, solve problems, all while dealing with the pressures of an industry in crisis.

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to:
    Adelaide Animal Emergency Referral Centre
    Diane Whatling
    Dr Helen Palm
    Dr Sloane Abraham
    Vet nurse Amy
    The family of Chooch the Pomeranian
    Pixabay News Report Theme

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Adelaide Animal Emergency Referral Centre AAERC
    The Australian Veterinary Association ava.com.au

    Transcript Episode 3 In Their Shoes

    Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart | Spreaker | Podchaser
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    31 mins
  • Episode 2 Burnout

    Episode 2 Burnout
    Apr 5 2023
    Cam and Emily dreamt of becoming animal doctors. It was the career they always wanted, until it wasn’t. They met at vet school, and now married with a baby, this compassionate, conscientious, and clever pair are exactly the kind of vets you want treating your pets.

    But a mere five years into the job and they are reassessing their futures. Unrealistic expectations – like worrying about keeping up with consults in the middle of surgery - isolation, a lack of support and client abuse have all been contributing factors. How and where does it end?

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. To get in touch, please email caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to...
    Cameron and Emily Rogowski Dunn
    Kate and Garry Putland
    The Australian Veterinary Association

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Sophie’s Legacy sophieslegacy.com
    The Australian Veterinary Association ava.com.au

    Transcript Episode 2 Burnout

    Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart | Spreaker | Podchaser
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    29 mins
  • Episode 1 Breaking Point

    Episode 1 Breaking Point
    Mar 29 2023
    Vets sign up to save animals, never thinking they might need saving themselves. Dr Sophie Putland was one of those – a passionate, talented young vet who hit breaking point with devastating consequences.

    Sadly, her story is not unique and this episode establishes the gravity of an industry in crisis, one where the mental load is enormous, burnout and quitting are common, the suicide rate is higher than the general population, staff shortages are severe and abuse from clients is persistent

    Sick As A Dog investigates an industry in crisis – uncovering issues and seeking solutions. As community members, pet owners, meat eaters and wildlife lovers these issues affect us all. Discover how we can all be part of the change.

    REMINDER: Take care when listening. If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out. In Australia you can contact Lifeline by phone on 13 11 14 (24/7); Lifeline via text on 0477 13 11 14 (24/7); Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467.

    GET IN TOUCH

    This is a PodTalk independent production. Say hello by emailing caroline@podtalk.com.au or to find more information www.sickasadogpodcast.com.au

    CREDITS

    Host: Caroline Winter

    With thanks to...
    Kate and Garry Putland
    The Australian Veterinary Association
    Channel 7 Adelaide

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

    Sophie's Legacy sophieslegacy.com
    The Australian Veterinary Association ava.com.au

    Transcript Episode 1 Breaking Point

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    31 mins