The Dogenius Institute - Make animals' lives
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How The DoGenius institute Inspired Me

Nov 20 / Dean Marks
If you told me at aged 18 that I was going to present online at an international conference, I’d have laughed and laughed until I was blue in the face. I have never seen myself as an academic and my confidence was knocked greatly after leaving college with two things; disappointing grades and a dyslexia diagnosis.   However, that’s exactly what I have just done with the help of Irene Perret MA, Dr Teresa Tyler and the DGI as a whole! Without them I wouldn’t have had the confidence to present a topic that has taken my interest; the memorialisation of other-than human life and the disenfranchisement and controversy that may surround them.
I have had a passion for anthrozoology before I even knew what to call the subject. I just said I liked looking into the human-animal bond until finally finding the specific name for it. This passion led me to study other-than human directed cruelty and bereavement support for those experiencing the death of species we keep as domesticated companions. This initial studying opened my eyes to the world of memorials, the history, stories, controversy and reasons for their creations and I just began to read more about it.   With my bereavement support, I began taking on clients but also presenting to professionals in the field many topics about loss and grief. However, it was mostly how we can help our clients, be more inclusive and be mindful about how our words and actions may affect the grief rituals of our clients. I loved it, and I still feel it is a very worthwhile investment for those in the industry, but I felt like my specific area of interest wasn’t of value to people. Nobody asked for a talk on memorials, they wanted a talk on how to help clients, and I get that. It is the more desirable set of knowledge to have when dealing with grieving clients.

The DGI student conference inspired me!

I began to think very few people cared for or they’d just to humour me when I began talking about this topic and it was disheartening because I saw it as valuable and interesting. That was until TheDoGenius institute held their student conference.
I was asked if I wanted to present something bereavement support related and I knew exactly what it was I wanted to present!
“Modern day memorials” a look into a few of the many memorials, reasons behind them and how we keep their memory and meaning alive to this day. The feedback after the presentation was positive, encouraging with both tutors and students wishing to find out more! It was lovely to both know people were interested in my research and also that I had a safe area to be open about death, a topic many deem as taboo.
After the DGI student conference I got a message from Dr Tyler…

The AIP Student Conference:

I had known about the Anthrozoology as International Practice student conference from attending last year, but I never expected to be so young in my academic career and asked to submit for the chance to present a talk! Nerves set in but I knew that I could fall back on the DGI for support and help every step of the way.
The help from the DGI meant I was able to write a successful academic abstract, presenters biography and other requirements that were necessary for presenting at the event. Without this support I wouldn’t have made it to present at the conference and would have not been able to talk about memorialisation of other-than human species to an international audience (46 countries were represented in 2024!).
The feedback again was great and the questions and discussions afterwards have further shown that there is international interest and has solidified in my mind that people do care about this research!
I hope to enrol on the MA in Anthrozoology at Exeter University in the future studying the field as a whole while also studying at a higher academic level the area I have loved looking into for the past few years.
If it wasn’t for all the help and support from Dr Teresa Tyler, Irene Perrett MA and the students and tutors of The DoGenius Institute I’d not have had the courage to do this and would likely have abandoned my work into memorials long ago.

Courses that may interest you

The best instructors have designed the most motivating learning paths for you.

Understanding Animal Loss & Grief

In this webinar we go on the journey of supporting clients through the process of grief following the loss of a loved companion.

Animal Abuse & Inter-Human Violence

This course is a fascinating journey that explores the relationships between animal cruelty and inter-human violence. It brings together information about the causes and the impact of animal cruelty and human violence, from both human and canine perspectives. From perpetrator profiles to unexplained injuries it equips dog professionals to recognise the early indicators of such incidents and a process to follow to carefully intervene. 

Care for Pet Professionals

Animal professionals are experiencing burnout like never before. Learn how to recognise it and prevent it with this course.

We will cover:
• Emotional intelligence: self & social awareness
• Connecting with empathy & compassion
• Compassion fatigue: recognition and support
• Euthanasia: the intrinsic nature of loss
• Bereavement: permission to grieve
• Self care

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