Burnout can sneak up on the most capable people, especially the ones who pride themselves on being the helper. I sit down with author Christine Baker to talk about Finding Artemis, her debut novel about a doctor who gives everything to her work until there’s nothing left, then begins to heal through the animals she never planned to adopt. The twist is unforgettable: the story is narrated by Lucy, a cat who has already passed on, and that perspective lets us explore grief, guidance, and the quiet truths humans miss.
We also get practical and real about what it’s like to love an aging dog. Christine shares what she’s learned caring for her senior black Lab, including how doggy dementia can show up as disorientation, evening restlessness, and overwhelm when routines or environments change. We talk about how a dog’s world can get smaller, and why meeting them there with patience and structure can be an act of love, not limitation.
Along the way, we dig into rejection, creativity, and the moment Christine stopped gripping her publishing dream so tightly and everything shifted. We talk about how animals seem to know where we’re stuck, why losing a pet can feel like losing a part of your own identity, and how purpose is often revealed in the smallest moments at home. If you’re navigating burnout recovery, pet loss grief, or you just want a story that gets the human animal bond right, this conversation will stay with you.
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Pet parent question or story of canine companionship to share ? Email charlotte@thebaroo.com .
*This podcast is for informational purposes only, even if, and regardless of whether it features the advice of veterinarians or professional dog trainers. It is not, nor is it intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary care or personalized canine behavior advice and should not be used as so. The views expressed in this podcast are solely those of the podcast author or the individual views of those participating in the podcast.
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