In this heartfelt episode of Let’s Talk About Love Stories from Everywhere, host Jill L. Ferguson sits down with Allyson Asher, owner of Well Body Massage Therapy, for an intimate and inspiring conversation about the many forms love can take. From her deep affection for dogs—and how pet massage can strengthen the human-animal bond—to her journey of being adopted and exploring identity, Allyson shares her story with honesty and grace.

Together, Jill and Allyson discuss what it means to care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s for a decade, the physical and emotional toll that caregiving can bring, and how our bodies often echo our grief. They explore the art of letting go of others’ pain, the difference between traveling and tourism, and why regrets can transform into powerful learning experiences. Allyson also reflects on building a long-term, committed relationship without marriage—and what true partnership looks like beyond traditional labels.

It’s an episode about love in its many shapes: selfless, evolving, messy, and real.