Compassion Fatigue?

Loveanimals · ‎29-10-2023

For months now I have been supporting my frail Dad. I have also had my son to cope with. Dad had surgery two weeks ago and is doing really well. My son had drug issues but I am confident that after numerous doctors visits and counselling, he has overcome. It has been an incredibly stressful year. I am so grateful that Dad andmy son are doing well. Howeve,r I am so distraught about everything.

My friend has to rehome her beloved dog and I can't take him as he hates cats (obviously I have a dear cat).

I can't stop crying. I love this dog (as I love all animals, dogs especially). I feel sick thinking he may well end up being put to sleep. I don't know what I can do. I feel totally useless and shattered.

I care so much and it is such a hard thing being me.

therising · ‎30-10-2023

Hi Loveanimals

You are such a beautiful, deeply feeling and caring person. Such a nature can definitely be so incredibly challenging at times. You're also an amazing guide, having guided your son and your dad toward greater health.

I think sometimes when we're really down or highly stressed or lacking serious energy it can be so hard to see or hear the best way forward. Can be hard to hear certain solutions or revelations that simply come to mind from out of the blue and can be so hard to see the best way forward through our imagination. I find this is where I search for a seer and hearer. Wondering whether you'd find one (of those kinds of guides) at a local animal shelter, someone who works in the business of re-homing pets. I like to imagine the perfect scenario, where you speak to someone there and they say something along the lines of 'Actually, we've had someone in lately looking for exactly the kind of dog your friend has, as their dog has just passed and they love the nature of that kind of dog'. Of course that sounds too good to be true but stranger things have happened. Again, you might find the best guidance from people who work in the business. Just an idea.

Take care of your self as you recover and restore your energy from managing such an incredibly intense and exhausting year. Work on restoring your light so that you can continue to be the brilliant guide that you are.

Loveanimals · ‎31-10-2023

Thankyou so much for your lovely and kind words and advice. I greatly appreciate it. xxxx

james1 · ‎01-11-2023

Hello Loveanimals,

I'm sorry to hear you've had such a stressful year, and are now worrying about this dog as well. It sounds like you really care so much and have done so much to help already.

In my own experience, I often worry about things where I feel helpless because I assume that no one else will be able to help. I suppose I project my own feelings of helplessness onto everyone else, when the situation is likely going to be fine.

In any case, I try not to think too much about the things I don't have much control over, but instead look to the friends, family and animals I already have. Rather than feel useless about animals you can't control, I hope you can find some happiness in the wonderful way you care for your cat, dad and son.

James

Loveanimals · ‎02-11-2023

Thankyou dear James. You are so right. I have to realise that I simply cannot save every beautiful animal. I have saved many over my lifetime. My dear cat was a rescue. He is adorable! I spent over $15,000 last year on my beautiful rescue dog who ended up being euthanised in December. Losing her absolutely broke me. I don't care about the money. I just wish I could have saved her. She was the most precious angel dog ever. I cry about her everyday. I rescued her in May last year at 9 years of age. She was diagnosed with cutaneous lymphoma two months later. She was given two months to live I managed to maintain her until December when it became apparent she had had enough. I am crying now thinking about her. I just have to think of the beautiful time she had with me. She had everything as she deserved. I will miss her forever.

Yes that dreadful feeling of helplessness is something I have dealt with all of my life. I do know that I have to recognise that and just do all I can everyday to be a nice person. Which I do...without any expectations. That will have to be enough.

I sympathise with you for feeling this way too. It is a difficult life when one is highly sensitive and actually does care. I am so glad to know there are others out there like me!

Take care

xxx

james1 · ‎12-11-2023

Hello Loveanimals,

I'm so sorry to hear about your rescue dog. That is really sad. It sounds like she was lucky to have you looking after her in the last few months as I am sure you gave her all the love.

I hope you are feeling more positive recently. I just came back from a walk with my dog and he is back to his best life sleeping and resting. We have guests over later, so I hope he gets a bit of rest before he gets hyped all the way back up!

You take care also, and feel free to post here whenever you need to.

James

Loveanimals · ‎13-11-2023

Hi James

What dog do you have? I love him already!

I am having a not so good day. Everyone that knows me comes to me with animal issues. I was told on Friday that a back yard breeder wasn't treating his dogs well and that they were in poor condition. I did some research and found these people. Went to view pups this morning (as a potential buyer). Luckily the dogs were all healthy and happy! Now I have to white lie again and inform these people that as much as I love their pups I am probably going for a smaller breed...Hey one does what one has to.

I was also informed of a person who keeps homing pigeons. He has moved out 14 days ago and the poor birds are in his shed. I have spent hours on the phone to the RSPCA who never answer their phones? Have submitted via email. Was told inspector would be there today. Did not happen. I have emailed them and torn them a new one. Talk about useless. I have done all I can today but will go there tomorrow and ring the police if I have to. I am so furious and upset. What hope is there when you can't even get through to the supposed number one animal welfare organisation??

I am pursuing this sad state of affairs with local council and will go as high as I have to. This is simply untenable and unacceptable. I do feel that my mission in life is to do these things.... I never give up and I will do whatever is necessary to fix everything I can. There is other stuff too (same kind of thing..sheer idiocy from Government ) but I won't bore you any further .

I hope you have a great evening and please give your darling dog a special kiss from me. Where do you live? I am in Adelaide South Australia.

xxx

james1 · ‎09-12-2023

Hello Loveanimals,

Sorry I did not see your reply!

I have a cocker spaniel x king charles, so he has very fluffy ears! We are in Sydney where it's currently 40 degrees, so we are hiding inside. It's far too hot.

Oh that sounds very stressful and frustrating to have to deal with that. There's a lot of red tape and usually it's the animals who suffer. I guess you have probably heard it before, but I hope you don't take on all that burden yourself. The problem is far too big for just one person, no matter how persistent and how much they care. Still, I hope you get success here and there. I once tried to help a pigeon with a hurt wing and nobody wanted him. I eventually went to take him to my local vet, but he died on the way. That was a very bad day 😞

I hope you and the animals have been well the last few weeks.

Loveanimals · ‎14-12-2023

Sorry for late reply.

Your pooch sounds adorable. I am mad about dogs! I love them so much. Yesterday was one year since I lost my beloved angel. I miss her so much. I WILL be looking into finding a new darling doggy friend very soon. I simply cannot live without.

You are so kind to help the poor pigeon. He would have known he had you looking out for him. That would be a blessing for him. xxx

james1 · ‎17-12-2023

Hello Loveanimals,

Dogs are fantastic. I hope you have had a calm week to gently remember your own doggy and the wonderful memories. Even though we eventually find ways to move on and form bonds with other animals, there's always space for the ones that have passed.

Take care for now!

James