Animal Welfare Professionals

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Thank you for this post. Our organization does not shelter animals. We provide intake diversion services to keep pets out of the shelter. Working directly with pet owners can be extremely overwhelming.  With the "entitlement culture" that is going on now. It is easy to get overwhelmed,and frustrated  with the process of never getting ahead of the ball. Never having enough money to assist. Expecting to be the "catch-all" for the lack of planning. 

This year, I drew a hard line for myself to take uninterrupted time for me,and not feel guilty about it.You need to recharge your batteries in order to keep going. Chair yoga & meditation is giving me the opportunity to draw boundaries for my personal space.

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 1/6/2023 5:04:00 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: RE: Care Giver Stress

Thank you for this post. Our organization does not shelter animals. We provide intake diversion services to keep pets out of the shelter. Working directly with pet owners can be extremely overwhelming.  With the "entitlement culture" that is going on now. It is easy to get overwhelmed,and frustrated  with the process of never getting ahead of the ball. Never having enough money to assist. Expecting to be the "catch-all" for the lack of planning. 

This year, I drew a hard line for myself to take uninterrupted time for me,and not feel guilty about it.You need to recharge your batteries in order to keep going. Chair yoga & meditation is giving me the opportunity to draw boundaries for my personal space.

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Michelle perfectly explained my thoughts as well.  We also do not shelter animals but operate a spay/neuter and wellness clinic with very little staff.  Like Michelle said people act much more "entitled" so get upset when they cannot bring their animal in the next day or even the next week for surgery when their 3 year female dog got covered "accidently".    I have been one to always want to help everyone and not be confrontational but I certainly understand "Compassion Fatigue" and I strive to make sure my staff does not get overwhelmed and have proven that I will fire a client without hesitation if they cannot be respectful.  It certainly is outside my comfort circle so I need to focus on recharging and resting my soul and body as well.  

I for the first time ever started getting massages and it has been wonderful.  I hope this coming year to be able to do something like chair massages periodically for my staff to help recharge them.  I insist on them taking vacation and lunches so they can get time for themselves.  

------------------------------
Dawn Roberts
Executive Director
Beesley Animal Foundation
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 02:04 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Thank you for this post. Our organization does not shelter animals. We provide intake diversion services to keep pets out of the shelter. Working directly with pet owners can be extremely overwhelming.  With the "entitlement culture" that is going on now. It is easy to get overwhelmed,and frustrated  with the process of never getting ahead of the ball. Never having enough money to assist. Expecting to be the "catch-all" for the lack of planning. 

This year, I drew a hard line for myself to take uninterrupted time for me,and not feel guilty about it.You need to recharge your batteries in order to keep going. Chair yoga & meditation is giving me the opportunity to draw boundaries for my personal space.

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Dawn,

 Thank you so much for your response. Massages are a wonderful way to relax and I am happy that you are doing that for yourself.  I think that it is great that you are encouraging staff to take lunch and vacation. That is important in this field.

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 06:25 AM
From: Dawn Roberts
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Michelle perfectly explained my thoughts as well.  We also do not shelter animals but operate a spay/neuter and wellness clinic with very little staff.  Like Michelle said people act much more "entitled" so get upset when they cannot bring their animal in the next day or even the next week for surgery when their 3 year female dog got covered "accidently".    I have been one to always want to help everyone and not be confrontational but I certainly understand "Compassion Fatigue" and I strive to make sure my staff does not get overwhelmed and have proven that I will fire a client without hesitation if they cannot be respectful.  It certainly is outside my comfort circle so I need to focus on recharging and resting my soul and body as well.  

I for the first time ever started getting massages and it has been wonderful.  I hope this coming year to be able to do something like chair massages periodically for my staff to help recharge them.  I insist on them taking vacation and lunches so they can get time for themselves.  

------------------------------
Dawn Roberts
Executive Director
Beesley Animal Foundation

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 02:04 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Thank you for this post. Our organization does not shelter animals. We provide intake diversion services to keep pets out of the shelter. Working directly with pet owners can be extremely overwhelming.  With the "entitlement culture" that is going on now. It is easy to get overwhelmed,and frustrated  with the process of never getting ahead of the ball. Never having enough money to assist. Expecting to be the "catch-all" for the lack of planning. 

This year, I drew a hard line for myself to take uninterrupted time for me,and not feel guilty about it.You need to recharge your batteries in order to keep going. Chair yoga & meditation is giving me the opportunity to draw boundaries for my personal space.

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Michelle,

Thank you for your response. I appreciate the work that you do.  I know that dealing with pet owners and their sense of entitlement can be stressful and exhausting.  The feeling of never getting ahead, never doing enough, never enough staff, never enough time or money is mentally taxing on a person.  I am so happy that you set boundaries and are making a change. You deserve to have time to yourself.  We should never feel guilty for taking care of ourselves first, however in  animal welfare we have been conditioned to feel as though  the animals are all we should care for.   I agree 100% that we have to recharge our batteries in order to keep going.

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 02:04 AM
From: Michelle Robinson
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Thank you for this post. Our organization does not shelter animals. We provide intake diversion services to keep pets out of the shelter. Working directly with pet owners can be extremely overwhelming.  With the "entitlement culture" that is going on now. It is easy to get overwhelmed,and frustrated  with the process of never getting ahead of the ball. Never having enough money to assist. Expecting to be the "catch-all" for the lack of planning. 

This year, I drew a hard line for myself to take uninterrupted time for me,and not feel guilty about it.You need to recharge your batteries in order to keep going. Chair yoga & meditation is giving me the opportunity to draw boundaries for my personal space.

------------------------------
Michelle Robinson
Cause 4Paws Gary,INC

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

I couldn't have said this better myself. We are a small municipal shelter undergoing budget cuts and tons of stress! We have 4 employees (2 ACOs, 1 full-time tech and 1 part-time tech) and over the last few months we have dealt with a multitude of events: over-capacity (both physically and in the way of being able to care for the animals-we had 76 animals at one time with one employee on duty the majority of the week....), a calici outbreak that lead to having to euthanize  a vast majority of our infected cats, parvo (luckily only one dog contracted it!), behavioral cases, the list goes on. I've started not answering my phone on the weekends when the rescues or my colleagues call me. I feel so guilty because I feel like I NEED to help them when they call me. But, I can't. I have to take those 2 days to just recoup from everything that happened throughout the week. I feel like I'm still playing catch up! It is vitally important that we take time to ourselves outside of animal welfare. Thank you for your post. I hope many of our fellow animal welfare friends will see it and make some changes in their routines-especially if they're feeling that burnout. We can help any of these animals if we don't take care of ourselves too.

------------------------------
Holly Brown
Shelter Technician
Heber Valley Animal Services
Heber City, UT
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Holly,

 Thank you so much so much for your response. I know that feeling of guilt for taking that very much needed time for yourself and not taking calls. I often say that we have been conditioned to give our all to the animals and not take care of ourselves. I am so happy to hear that are taking that time to not answer calls when you are off. Do not feel guilty for doing what is best for you. This work is hard and you deserve time to relax and recharge.

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 08:33 AM
From: Holly Brown
Subject: Care Giver Stress

I couldn't have said this better myself. We are a small municipal shelter undergoing budget cuts and tons of stress! We have 4 employees (2 ACOs, 1 full-time tech and 1 part-time tech) and over the last few months we have dealt with a multitude of events: over-capacity (both physically and in the way of being able to care for the animals-we had 76 animals at one time with one employee on duty the majority of the week....), a calici outbreak that lead to having to euthanize  a vast majority of our infected cats, parvo (luckily only one dog contracted it!), behavioral cases, the list goes on. I've started not answering my phone on the weekends when the rescues or my colleagues call me. I feel so guilty because I feel like I NEED to help them when they call me. But, I can't. I have to take those 2 days to just recoup from everything that happened throughout the week. I feel like I'm still playing catch up! It is vitally important that we take time to ourselves outside of animal welfare. Thank you for your post. I hope many of our fellow animal welfare friends will see it and make some changes in their routines-especially if they're feeling that burnout. We can help any of these animals if we don't take care of ourselves too.

------------------------------
Holly Brown
Shelter Technician
Heber Valley Animal Services
Heber City, UT

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.
#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Thanks for starting this thread.  I'm wondering if others have considered trying to start a support group of sorts for shelter and rescue staff and volunteers and if so, who they have leading the group?  My idea has been a drop in, drop out, Zoom type group lead by a social worker who gets us!  But I have no idea where to start or where to find such a social worker.  Would love to hear thoughts.

------------------------------
Diane Metz
Volunteer
Orange Street Cats, Inc.
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Diane,
Thank you so much for your response. I have thought so many times about starting a group like that but I have often felt that people would not come however I feel that it is a group that is very much needed. I however am not a licensed therapist however through my current employer I was able to get certified in Mental Health First Aid and I have had to put my training to use on the job when an associate mention committing suicide.  I am so happy to hear that others feel it is important to take care of themselves.  I think that in animal welfare we have been conditioned that we have to save the world and if we quit then we are not doing enough. We often feel guilty for actually doing things that are healthy for us and will help us better care for the animals in our communities such as not answering the phone or actually taking the day off to disconnect.

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 02:58 PM
From: Diane Metz
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Thanks for starting this thread.  I'm wondering if others have considered trying to start a support group of sorts for shelter and rescue staff and volunteers and if so, who they have leading the group?  My idea has been a drop in, drop out, Zoom type group lead by a social worker who gets us!  But I have no idea where to start or where to find such a social worker.  Would love to hear thoughts.

------------------------------
Diane Metz
Volunteer
Orange Street Cats, Inc.

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

This is a great a post a gentle reminder to all who are caregivers, we must keep ourselves replenished.

------------------------------
Lavurne Jeffreys
Grants
RKER
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-06-2023 02:58 PM
From: Diane Metz
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Thanks for starting this thread.  I'm wondering if others have considered trying to start a support group of sorts for shelter and rescue staff and volunteers and if so, who they have leading the group?  My idea has been a drop in, drop out, Zoom type group lead by a social worker who gets us!  But I have no idea where to start or where to find such a social worker.  Would love to hear thoughts.

------------------------------
Diane Metz
Volunteer
Orange Street Cats, Inc.

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Yes! This is so important. I have worked in the animal welfare field for around 11 years, but I took a year off about halfway through.  I left with the intention of never coming back, but we all know the black hole that is the animal world. The stress and reality of a job that never stops or has anything close to "closing hours" had eaten me alive. No one outside of this field could ever understand how very real it is to be the go-to for anyone and everyone, whether directly through work or being contacted by friends/family (at all hours of the night) for animal questions.  

When I made the choice to re-enter animal welfare, I made a promise to myself that I would NOT allow it to swallow me whole this time! It is is often expected and praised to be the person in rescue who is available 24/7, comes in on days off, stays late every single day, etc. While there are times that may be necessary, it should not be the norm! I vowed that I would be a dependable employee without missing more of my children's parties, family events, or simply having a day to myself. I am now 5 years down the road since that promise, and it has been life-altering. Yes, I still get stressed. Yes, co workers make snarky comments about me not staying late or doing this or that.  Yes, I certainly let boundaries be crossed sometimes. However, I give myself permission to not care about those comments from coworkers and the lingering guilt I sometimes feel. I know that by showing up every day and being less stressed, I am providing the best version of myself for the animals in my care - Period. 

Being involved in animal welfare should not mean that it is all that you are! Take time to do the things that you enjoy, disconnect - plug your phone in when you get home every day and let things be. It will all be there tomorrow, and you will be better equipped to handle things if you aren't over worked and bitter.

------------------------------
Vanessa Brown
Foster Care Coordinator
Vanderburgh Humane Society
Evansville, IN
812-426-2563, ext 210
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

"...you will be better equipped to handle things if you aren't over worked and bitter." - This  hit me hard. Thank you for this reminder, in whatever we do we need space from work and have enough rest and time for ourselves to better do our job.
Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2023 08:18 AM
From: Vanessa Brown
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Yes! This is so important. I have worked in the animal welfare field for around 11 years, but I took a year off about halfway through.  I left with the intention of never coming back, but we all know the black hole that is the animal world. The stress and reality of a job that never stops or has anything close to "closing hours" had eaten me alive. No one outside of this field could ever understand how very real it is to be the go-to for anyone and everyone, whether directly through work or being contacted by friends/family (at all hours of the night) for animal questions.  

When I made the choice to re-enter animal welfare, I made a promise to myself that I would NOT allow it to swallow me whole this time! It is is often expected and praised to be the person in rescue who is available 24/7, comes in on days off, stays late every single day, etc. While there are times that may be necessary, it should not be the norm! I vowed that I would be a dependable employee without missing more of my children's parties, family events, or simply having a day to myself. I am now 5 years down the road since that promise, and it has been life-altering. Yes, I still get stressed. Yes, co workers make snarky comments about me not staying late or doing this or that.  Yes, I certainly let boundaries be crossed sometimes. However, I give myself permission to not care about those comments from coworkers and the lingering guilt I sometimes feel. I know that by showing up every day and being less stressed, I am providing the best version of myself for the animals in my care - Period. 

Being involved in animal welfare should not mean that it is all that you are! Take time to do the things that you enjoy, disconnect - plug your phone in when you get home every day and let things be. It will all be there tomorrow, and you will be better equipped to handle things if you aren't over worked and bitter.

------------------------------
Vanessa Brown
Foster Care Coordinator
Vanderburgh Humane Society
Evansville, IN
812-426-2563, ext 210

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Vanessa what words of wisdom! We all do this because we love the animals and want a better world for them. Sometimes it is tough to walk away when the shift is over. I went through a time when my every waking moment and most nights I obsessed over the job.  I learned a long time ago that we are all replaceable and if I died today, someone would step up into my job and do it. Your lesson on taking care of yourself is an important one for all walks of life.  There was the sweetest little video going around of a very small child that was overwhelmed when she saw her family there for her program. You can't have "do overs" for things like that so YES don't let that family time suffer because we all think we are indispensable.

------------------------------
Carrie Ward
South Utah Valley Animal Services Special Service District
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2023 08:18 AM
From: Vanessa Brown
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Yes! This is so important. I have worked in the animal welfare field for around 11 years, but I took a year off about halfway through.  I left with the intention of never coming back, but we all know the black hole that is the animal world. The stress and reality of a job that never stops or has anything close to "closing hours" had eaten me alive. No one outside of this field could ever understand how very real it is to be the go-to for anyone and everyone, whether directly through work or being contacted by friends/family (at all hours of the night) for animal questions.  

When I made the choice to re-enter animal welfare, I made a promise to myself that I would NOT allow it to swallow me whole this time! It is is often expected and praised to be the person in rescue who is available 24/7, comes in on days off, stays late every single day, etc. While there are times that may be necessary, it should not be the norm! I vowed that I would be a dependable employee without missing more of my children's parties, family events, or simply having a day to myself. I am now 5 years down the road since that promise, and it has been life-altering. Yes, I still get stressed. Yes, co workers make snarky comments about me not staying late or doing this or that.  Yes, I certainly let boundaries be crossed sometimes. However, I give myself permission to not care about those comments from coworkers and the lingering guilt I sometimes feel. I know that by showing up every day and being less stressed, I am providing the best version of myself for the animals in my care - Period. 

Being involved in animal welfare should not mean that it is all that you are! Take time to do the things that you enjoy, disconnect - plug your phone in when you get home every day and let things be. It will all be there tomorrow, and you will be better equipped to handle things if you aren't over worked and bitter.

------------------------------
Vanessa Brown
Foster Care Coordinator
Vanderburgh Humane Society
Evansville, IN
812-426-2563, ext 210

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

Exactly! It's a hard pill to swallow when you realize that no matter how much of yourself you pour into an organization, if you walked away, there would be a new "you" in no time. You are so right... there are no do-overs!

------------------------------
Vanessa Brown
Foster Care Coordinator
Vanderburgh Humane Society
Evansville, IN
812-426-2563, ext 210
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-12-2023 08:21 AM
From: Carrie Ward
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Vanessa what words of wisdom! We all do this because we love the animals and want a better world for them. Sometimes it is tough to walk away when the shift is over. I went through a time when my every waking moment and most nights I obsessed over the job.  I learned a long time ago that we are all replaceable and if I died today, someone would step up into my job and do it. Your lesson on taking care of yourself is an important one for all walks of life.  There was the sweetest little video going around of a very small child that was overwhelmed when she saw her family there for her program. You can't have "do overs" for things like that so YES don't let that family time suffer because we all think we are indispensable.

------------------------------
Carrie Ward
South Utah Valley Animal Services Special Service District

Original Message:
Sent: 01-11-2023 08:18 AM
From: Vanessa Brown
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Yes! This is so important. I have worked in the animal welfare field for around 11 years, but I took a year off about halfway through.  I left with the intention of never coming back, but we all know the black hole that is the animal world. The stress and reality of a job that never stops or has anything close to "closing hours" had eaten me alive. No one outside of this field could ever understand how very real it is to be the go-to for anyone and everyone, whether directly through work or being contacted by friends/family (at all hours of the night) for animal questions.  

When I made the choice to re-enter animal welfare, I made a promise to myself that I would NOT allow it to swallow me whole this time! It is is often expected and praised to be the person in rescue who is available 24/7, comes in on days off, stays late every single day, etc. While there are times that may be necessary, it should not be the norm! I vowed that I would be a dependable employee without missing more of my children's parties, family events, or simply having a day to myself. I am now 5 years down the road since that promise, and it has been life-altering. Yes, I still get stressed. Yes, co workers make snarky comments about me not staying late or doing this or that.  Yes, I certainly let boundaries be crossed sometimes. However, I give myself permission to not care about those comments from coworkers and the lingering guilt I sometimes feel. I know that by showing up every day and being less stressed, I am providing the best version of myself for the animals in my care - Period. 

Being involved in animal welfare should not mean that it is all that you are! Take time to do the things that you enjoy, disconnect - plug your phone in when you get home every day and let things be. It will all be there tomorrow, and you will be better equipped to handle things if you aren't over worked and bitter.

------------------------------
Vanessa Brown
Foster Care Coordinator
Vanderburgh Humane Society
Evansville, IN
812-426-2563, ext 210

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------

I fortunately work for an organization that takes mental health and wellbeing very seriously - this is key to success in this field because if you don't have support, it's easier to drown in your own madness. I've been at my organization for 16 years and I've watched way too many good-hearted people be forced out of this field because they didn't really have the tools to handle all of the emotional stress we're put through daily and too many of those people held it all in until it was too late. 

I often share these tidbits with my co-workers:
-Don't leave it at home. If you're feeling stress in your home life (that often stems from work like), bring it here (to work). I know that sounds silly but don't feel like you can't be human at work. No one should feel alone, especially when stressed. 
-But also, leave work at the work exit. When I drive out of the parking lot, I literally visualize leaving the day behind me. Whatever I left will be there tomorrow, but when I leave this place, everything stays. 
-Maintain your boundaries. When I'm off the clock, I'm off the clock. 
-Make sure you're maintaining hobbies that DON'T include animal welfare. 
-Use your PTO. Take mental health days and don't feel guilty about it. 
-Reach out to a trusted peer. No one knows this work better than we do and we should always be able to lean on one another. 
-Lastly, Jessica Dolce's work has been very helpful for me, especially her newsletter: https://www.jessicadolce.com/

------------------------------
Ami Manivong
Feline Population Coordinator
Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
Colorado Springs, CO
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 01-05-2023 05:54 PM
From: Marissa Reid
Subject: Care Giver Stress

Animal Welfare Friends,


   I wanted to start this discussion to see how many of us vocalize when we need support.  Care giver stress is a real thing that I think we often overlook in animal welfare. We tend to be so dedicated to the animals that we take care of day to day whether it be fostering, adopting, working in the shelters, clinics, volunteering or doing community outreach that we lose track of what we need. I think  that in animal welfare the job is not just physically tough but it can be mentally exhausting as well.  Day in day out we serve the animals but I wonder are we taking the time to serve ourselves. Are we taking the time to acknowledge the feelings of stress and sometimes defeat that we feel? Caregiver stress is real. It is acknowledged in  human caregiving and I feel this same stress is felt in animal welfare care giving.  I know that things are tough right now with the shelters being  overcrowded , being short staffed, not enough  fosters, animals being returned amongst the many issues happening I encourage you to take care of you. It is ok to ask for help, It is ok to ask for support, it is ok  to need a break.

#AccesstoCare
#AdmissionsandIntake(includingIntake-to-placement)
#AdoptionsandAdoptionPrograms
#Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment
#CaseManagement*
#CommunityCatManagement
#CommunityPartnerships*
#Conferences,WorkshopsandWebcasts
#DataandTechnology
#DisasterRelief
#Diversity,Equity,InclusionandJustice
#EducationandTraining
#FieldServicesandPublicSafety*
#FosterPrograms
#FundraisingandDevelopment
#LawsandPublicPolicy
#MarketingandSocialMedia
#Medicine,SurgeryandSterilization
#OrganizationalManagement
#PeopleManagement(includingVolunteerIntegration)
#PetSupportServices*
#Rehoming
#RemoteCustomerService*
#ReturntoHome(LostPetReunification)
#TransfersandTransport

------------------------------
Marissa Reid
Assistant Practice Manager
Blue Pearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

-----------------
Access To Care Specialist
Clinic Management Specialist
------------------------------