Anxiety over animal welfare

[Earth_Mama]

Hi. I'm only new to this, but I wanted to ask if anyone else gets anxious or emotional over animals that don't get cared for properly?
I have neighbours that have a caged Bird on their front porch that they never pay any attention to. It's cage has never been cleaned out, it has no cover for if the weather turns bad or during the cold. I know they fed it but I couldn't say how often. I have (gently) talked to them before and offered help but she just sort of shrugs it off with "oh I just don't think about it".
And it keeps me up at night worrying about the poor little bugger and how bored he must be and if he's sleeping ok during the night etc etc.
It probably sounds silly, but I just wish I could snatch him away and keep him myself. Where I know he'd get the love and attention he deserves.
Does anyone else get like this?
And if so, how do you cope?

[Katyonthehamsterwheel]

Hi there and welcome to the forums 🙂

Aren't you a gorgeous wonderful human being, caring about the happiness and welfare of that lovely bird? 🙂

I don't think it sounds silly at all. And while I don't have those particular thoughts, I do get what I call "sticky thoughts" which are focused around a very niche issue and keep me up at night. And sometimes I have mini panic attacks over them. So I think I get where you're going with this.

When I get locked onto my particular sticky thought, I remind myself that I can't control everything. If you've talked to the owner, and it's not at a level of neglect worthy of ringing the RSPCA, then you might have to accept that you can't control what happens. Then it's a matter of getting off the thought train. Meditation and mindfulness can help here.

Good on you for caring. Katy

[Earth_Mama]

Thank you so much for your advice. I really appreciate it.
And I suppose that's the hardest part, is trying to let it go and not being able to control the situation.
I know not everybody cares for animals the same way I do and that makes it harder for me to accept when they're not cared for the same way that I would.
I'll definitely try your suggestion of meditation and mindfulness though!!....... and maybe drop a seed treat over ;)

Thanks again xx