Chinwag #02 Last Night a Beagle Saved My Life, with Chris Siracuse

Welcome to the How To Die Happy podcast, where our host, Martin O'Toole, shares his personal experiences on the journey to self-discovery with humour, love, and consideration for those suffering the human condition. In our second Chinwag, Martin recounts the story of how Macy the Beagle saved him from attempting suicide. Macy was Martin's "angel in a furcoat" who accompanied him through some of the most challenging years of his life and even travelled with him from London to Bali for more adventures. However, one day, Macy never came home.

This episode delves into the sensitive topics of suicide and depression, and Martin shares another vulnerable story from his less-than-dull journey to self-discovery. He shares how his relationship with Macy helped him through some of the darkest moments of his life and how her loss affected him deeply. Despite the heavy subject matter, the podcast is delivered with Martin's trademark humour, care, and due deference.

Dogs have a uniquely close relationship with humans, having been domesticated for thousands of years. They have been bred for various purposes, from hunting and herding to companionship and emotional support. In fact, dogs are often referred to as "man's best friend" for their loyalty and unconditional love.

Interestingly, dogs are also known for their instinct to go somewhere quiet to die. This behaviour has been observed in various breeds and is believed to be an evolutionary adaptation to protect the pack from disease or predators. While this may seem sad, it also highlights the deep connection dogs have with their human companions, often staying by their side until the very end.

Sadly, attempted suicide is a growing issue worldwide, with millions of people attempting suicide each year. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 800,000 people die by suicide every year, with many more trying but not succeeding. In fact, for every successful suicide attempt, there may be as many as 20 unsuccessful attempts that go unreported.

Join Martin as he explores the complexities of depression and the power of the human-animal bond. Tune in to the How To Die Happy podcast to hear more stories and insights on living a meaningful and fulfilling life.