Rinse & Repeat madness
The never-ending wash cycle?
With animal welfare you feel like you're doing the same thing over and over again.
There is an animal no longer needed, an animal abandoned, an animal who is oh so sadly sick; an animal who needs somewhere to go that will be safe. Enter YOU, this is where we all come in. We get them safe, we get them well, we get them a home. We assist the vets to help the animal feel comfortable and help with diagnostics. This is the ongoing cycle of "rinse and repeat".
We get angry and frustrated. Anxiety runs through us like hot oily water. “Five dogs in the drop pen?,” “another heartworm positive animal?”, “that new cat has FIV too?”.
Take a mental step back for a moment. What do we realistically think is going to happen in any given shift or day? I had never had the time to even think beyond the task in front of me, let alone truly what the so called “end game” was. None of us really do, right? So, let’s do this… Our whole function is to care for animals who need to find a new home. Like any work/career/job that is our job description. Hard part, here is the reality pill, that purpose will never change even in a world where people start to act more responsibly. We all know that world may never exist let's be honest. Do chefs wish people were no longer hungry? Uber drivers hope no one needs a ride? Truck drivers hope no one wants goods stocking our shelves? Of course not. Our expectation should be the same.
Our duty and reward is to mind the task at hand and do it well. This is your expertise and why you add so much good and purpose to animal welfare. Every time you lend a hand in the clinic or shelter, donate a needed item, or attend an adoption event, these acts are a victory in the mind and heart of both the animal and those who end up loving the animal in their home. Think about this from the animals or future adopters’ point of view. Each of the benefits you contribute are a shining brand new moment to not only the animals but to the future owner or adopter! This is all NEW TO THEM. You just did something that is amazing and so appreciated in their eyes and hearts. In animal welfare we may find ourselves feeling a sadness that what we do is a losing battle that we just keep fighting again and again with no end in sight, but it is NOT. This thought or feeling is not good for us because we are watering down and destroying our hard-earned sense of purpose.
The takeaway here is getting back your well deserved sense of pride and accomplishment. This satisfaction, however small or big, is so important as it feeds your ambition to continue to do an excellent job, a job your unique abilities are so perfectly matched for and enables you to be the best you can be that day and in that moment.
Till next time,
From one Heart to another,
~Sandra