A place for all the hard pet convos no one prepares you for.
Resources for every brand of grief
(even when no one died).
for animal welfare professionals...
in progress... check back soon for more content.
compassion fatigue: education & support.
Compassion fatigue education and well-being training programs for individuals and organizations who work with animals. Addressing high stress and trauma-exposed work.
narratives: bringing compassion to the human experience & understanding systematic barriers to pet ownership
SPARC: Supporting People & Animal Relationships for Change
SPARC is a 501c3 org that aims to reshape the shaming narrative around rehoming a pet. They break down why "messaging" around rehoming a pet matters and are dedicated to the well-being of animals and their people, using systems framing, empathetic listening, and communicating with dignity. It's the ultimate no judgement zone.
Check out the blog (I'm obsessed).
SPARC's related work:
What's in a Message? (Episode 39: The Street Dog Coalition)
Interview with Hanna Lentz, SPARC Executive Director
Shoshana Mostoller, MSW, VSW - Veterinary Social Worker
Shoshana partners with animal welfare and human service organizations to provide training and program development rooted in trauma-informed approaches. With a focus on dignity and respect for both people and pets, she helps organizations create inclusive, compassionate services that truly meet the needs of their communities.
Shoshana's related work:
Trauma-Informed Owner Surrender Tool Kit
Connecting Beyond Crisis: Keeping Families and Pets Together with Shoshana Mostoller
Interview with Shoshana Mostoller, Director of Programs at My Dog is Home
for veterinary providers:
Making treatment affordable and accessible without lowering your costs.
Yes to Care is a private charitable foundation generously funded by The David & Cheryl Duffield Foundation ( also the founders of Maddie's Fund). Yes to Care is dedicated to closing the access-to-veterinary-care gap in the U.S. Yes to Care provides veterinary practices with the funding, tools, and support to say yes to treatment - at no cost to the practice. This program benefits both clients AND veterinary providers. I know it sounds too good to be true. It's not.
Blog post that breaks down Yes to Care:
podcasts.
Three Super-Judy Things Vets Should Stop Saying (Maybe).
The Cone of Shame Veterinary Podcast
behavioral euthanasia in the shelter environment
articles.
Supporting Shelter Staff Through Pet Euthanasia
The Final Gift: Ensuring a Peaceful Behavioural Euthanasia
Euthanasia-related strain and coping strategies in animal shelter employees
The Perils of Placing Marginal Dogs
See behavioral euthanasia page for additional resources.
podcasts.
Beyond the Safety Net with Stacy Price
Maddie's Fund Education