In this episode of Animals and Us, we’re joined by Nigel Allsopp – military veteran, former police dog handler, historian, author, and President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation.
Nigel’s career spans more than three decades across New Zealand and Australian military and police forces, with deep expertise in canine operations and animal behaviour. After serving with the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a dog handler and trainer, he continued his work with the Queensland Police and later turned his focus to educating the public on the vital – and often overlooked – role animals have played in times of war.
We speak with Nigel about his mission to commemorate war animals – from donkeys and pigeons to dogs and camels – and the years of advocacy that led to the establishment of Australia’s first National Day for War Animals in 2019. He shares powerful stories of courage, sacrifice, and service, and explains why recognition for these animals is not just about history – it’s about justice, memory, and national identity.
With 14 books to his name and a national ANZAC of the Year award among his many honours, Nigel brings both passion and precision to this conversation about some of the most under-recognised heroes in Australian and global military history.
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We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).
Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.
If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here – https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact
We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!
Warmly,
The Kintsugi Heroes team
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Theme Song: “Follow the Sun” by Xavier Rudd
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Kintsugi Heroes is a not-for-profit Australian podcast network sharing real stories of resilience, disability, and transformation.
Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold — the philosophy that what’s been broken can become more beautiful for the mending — every episode honours the cracks, the rebuild, and the human underneath.
📺 Series on this channel:
– Kintsugi Heroes — real stories of resilience | hosted by John Milham
– Animals & Us — the human-animal bond | hosted by Natalie Stockdale
– Grit Diaries: from Grit to Grace — stories of struggle and strength | hosted by Simone Allan & Maryan Bova
– From There to Here — navigating life’s turning points | hosted by Emma Bellamy-Dodd
– Golden Threads — stories of disability & resilience | hosted by Dan Dougherty
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