EP18 - Angelica & Brooklyn

Emotional Intelligence Pawdcast

This week we meet Angelica Ponder and her dog Brooklyn, joining from Arizona. Angelica has a background in luxury hospitality, customer experience, and emotional intelligence (EQ). Before adopting Brooklyn, Angelica and her husband had prepared for pet ownership by creating a special ceramic treat jar, which they painted and fired in 2009, months before finding Brooklyn at an adoption event.

Brooklyn, who turned 16 in September, is an Australian Kelpie - a mix between a Border Collie and a dingo. Initially labelled as a mutt at the adoption center, Brooklyn's breed was later identified by a groomer. She displays typical Kelpie characteristics: highly task-driven, independent, strong-willed, and excellent at problem-solving. Unlike typical companion dogs, she's not particularly cuddly but gives Angelica "exactly what she needs."

One of Brooklyn's most remarkable displays of emotional intelligence was detecting Angelica's pregnancy before she knew herself, showing this by repeatedly placing her head on Angelica's belly. Brooklyn also proved to be an invaluable companion during Angelica's postpartum depression, providing constant presence and encouraging her to visit dog parks, which helped with recovery. Another notable trait is Brooklyn's seems to immediately seek forgiveness after being scolded, showing emotional awareness and humility.

We'll also learn more about the transformative power of pet ownership. Angelica, who didn't grow up with dogs and was initially distant from them, discovered a new type of love through Brooklyn. Her husband noted how this relationship had changed her, introducing her to both giving and receiving unconditional love from a pet. The impact extends to their daughter, who considers Brooklyn so much a part of the family that she used to tell her schoolmates she had a sister named Brooklyn.

Website: eievolution.com

Podcast links: eipawdcast.podbean.com

The Emotional Intelligence Pawdcast is a weekly show featuring amazing humans and their fantastic four-legged furry friends. In each episode we’ll explore the transformative world of emotional intelligence and empathy guided by inspiring and heartwarming stories about our beloved canines and the impact they have on us. We’ll also discuss and share practical tips and insights on how to cultivate empathy and emotional awareness and regulation.