Decompress to Help Your Pet

Make YOU time Even When Your Pet Needs You: Comfort Among the Chaos

If you answer yes to any of these questions or having something else in your life going on that causes stress, then this message is for you. I understand that when things are extra stressful in your life that it is important to show yourself some compassion and give yourself grace as you work through whatever is going on. When you actively take time to decompress it will help your pet.

Do you have a pet in hospice?
Or one with special needs?
A recently injured dog, cat or horse?
Did you recently add an animal companion to your household?
How many of you have really intense jobs that sometimes makes you feel like you’re home life / family suffers because you aren’t as accessible as you want to be?
Are you going through another major life changing event that impacts the entire family, pets included?
Perhaps you are struggling with your own health challenges while trying to support your family and feeling like it’s all too much at times?

I think it’s especially important to remind you at times when you might focus all your energy on your pet, like when they’re sick, aging or injured. It’s easy to forget to take care of you, to put off self care or miss out on allowing yourself time to recharge. When I am hired to provide healing services for your pets, I see people suffering over again and I can’t highlight enough how important it is to take care of YOU. Decompress to help your pet. I promise that you will feel better. You will be able to handle the tougher moments and have greater capacity, tolerance and patience when your pet needs you the most.

Example of Decompressing to Help Pets

I recently shared a post on Instagram about my own experience working with pets and highly emotional situations throughout the day. I thought I’d use myself as a relatable example. It got me thinking more about you all and what a tumultuous road it is to travel along when your pet his hurting. I’ve been there with my own animal companions and I’ve held the hands of so many of you as you walk the walk.

That’s why I wanted to share insight about how I manage what can be a really emotional times, be it with my job or personal life. It all melds together and impacts my life. So, I make intentional time for the simple things that are really the “big” things that help keep me balanced.

Everyone’s Journey Is Unique

I’ll tell you that everyone’s journey is unique, yet most of us share several things in common based on my experience helping people through difficult times.

We love our pets and would do anything for them
We feel helpless that we can’t do more or that we’re not doing enough
We ARE doing everything we can, though it’s often minimized because it doesn’t stop the pain
We want them to feel better
We feel alone at times and that nobody understands our connection
We feel exhausted, frazzled, overwhelmed and can’t seem to catch our breath

Let me validate that these are all normal emotions and common thoughts and feelings to endure. What is important for you and your pet is how you handle it. What you need may be different than what someone else needs and how you process is in your own unique way. So, knowing and honoring yourself in a healthy way is beneficial.

Take some deep breaths and re-center when your emotions are overwhelming.
Give yourself some space to process what’s happening.
Pick something to do daily to bring in some peace, comfort, release or relaxation.
Find support professionally and personally.

What To Expect When You Take Time To Decompress

I’ve seen over and over again that when you find the time to honor and manage emotional times in a healthy way, you will:

Have overall better experiences
Find it easier to stay present with their pets
Be easier time making difficult decisions about what’s best for your animal companion and family.

Tips For Effectively Decompressing to Help Your Pets

I encourage you to take some time, especially during the “good times” to really understand what helps you cope with stressful situations in a healthy way. I find that a variety of activities that involve movement, centering and decompressing help the most. Listen to yourself so that you can remain healthy and be there for your pet when they need you the most.

Sometimes I just like to put on a few healing stone bracelets like Pet Parent Bracelet, light a candle, breath in fresh air a drink something soothing. Taking just a couple minutes for myself, to feel what I am feeling, recognize what’s happening in my body, let go of what doesn’t serve me, take in refreshing new energy and relax.

You may also find this article on anticipatory grief from the University of Minnesota helpful to read. It is not specific to pet care or pet hospice, but the same principles apply when you’re struggling with losing someone you love. I have also written an article about losing a loved one that talks about anticipatory grief.

Taking care of you helps take care of your dog. Remember the saying “If you don’t take time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness,” by Joyce Sunada.

I hope this helps inspire those going through a tough time to embrace the small things that are really the BIG things to find comfort, joy and peace among the chaos. Being present with your pet during difficult times, like when they’re in their hospice phase, can really help you enjoy them while they’re here and process grief once they’re gone.