Heaven for Dogs w/ Tom Turcich

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A Journey Better Spent Together

About The Episode

The World Walk is the new book of Tom Turcich, named after a project he’s pursued in recent decades. It all started after he, unfortunately, lost a friend to a surprise accident in high school, which motivated him to find his purpose and live a full life. After saving up money until he was 26, Tom embarked on what would become a 7-year journey across North America, South America, Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia.

Along the way, Tom had adopted a rescue chow mix, Savannah, who grew up on the road as a puppy. In his new memoir, Tom writes about experiences of traveling around the world with the best companion at his side: a dog. It was a difficult path at times, but also very rewarding.

Upon returning, they both had to adjust back to a “normal world” after going through many adventures, which were at times exhilarating and other times challenging. They moved in with Tom’s partner, Bonnie (now his fiancé), and her dog, a mutt named Cleo. 

Savannah found a rhythm over time, thanks in part to the guidance of Cleo, as they found new routines when settling back down in one place. Tom began to work on his book, going through journals he’d kept during the travels, and Savannah would lay on the bed near his desk.

Earlier this Spring, before the book came out, both Cleo and Savannah passed away within a few weeks of each other. Savannah’s was particularly out-of-nowhere and quick, which was difficult for Tom, who had been her protector for so long. While he felt a large amount of guilt for not being able to better help or prevent the kidney failure that Savannah had, Tom realized most of all he just felt the pain of losing another best friend.

As he embarks on a new chapter, having completed his international walk and the book about it, Tom is figuring out what comes next. For now, he’s just gotten engaged. It may not be long before he and Bonnie welcome another dog in their life, to create new memories and find new best friends in their canine companions. After all, no matter what happens, the globe keeps spinning and life is short.

About The Guest - Tom Turcich

 Tom Turcich is an adventure photographer and author. On May 21st, 2022, he became the 10th person ever to walk around the world. His dog, Savannah, also became the first recorded canine to do so. They traveled across six continents and three dozen countries over seven years. Since then, Tom has written a children’s book, Savannah’s World of Adventures: Crossing the Andes, and now has just published a memoir. The World Walk: 7 Years. 28,000 Miles. 6 Continents. A Grand Meditation, One Step at a Time.

About The Host - Dr. Sharon Holland

Dr. Sharon Holland is a Distinguished Professor of American Studies at the University of North Carolina (UNC). She teaches a popular class on animal studies, where Sharon challenges students to re-think the way we co-exist with other beings in the world through philosophical discussions. Her most recent book, an other: a black feminist consideration of animal life, explores this concept from a personal perspective as well. She is a lifelong equestrian, who has found strong connections with both horses and dogs. Sharon currently lives in North Carolina with her two rescues: Winnie, a senior lab mix, and Saol Sa'ed, a German Shepherd / Husky / Cattle puppy.

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