Compassion Fatigue, Happy Abby, Links You Need to See

Compassion Fatigue - Do You Know When to Take a Break?

Cher of Second Chance Boxer Rescue - Cher is looking for her "Furever" home!

This week there was an event in the Tampa area involving a Boxer, her pups, and a two year old child that did not end well for all involved. I am not going to go into all the specific details because this event is not what I want to discuss. I follow many animal rescues, shelters and their caregivers. I see the many animals that need our help. To be clear, I do not directly work with a rescue or shelter although I have rescued two Boxers. I do not know what it is to do this first hand and I am in constant awe of the people who give all their free time to help these animals. 

There are periods of time I try not to dwell on the links on Facebook, but in the one mentioned above the video started playing automatically and I watched and read the events that played out. Who knows why some things touch us more deeply than others but this one got me. And it made me think. Do we know when to step away for a bit so we can care for ourselves? 

"Compassion Fatigue" is a real thing and it's not just about those who sacrifice and care for their fellow human beings. It also effects animal care givers. 

“Compassion fatigue is an occupational hazard of our work with animals, whether you are an animal control officer or kennel attendant in a small town or an internationally recognized veterinarian. Our work requires that we compassionately and effectively respond to the constant demand to be helping to those who are suffering and in need.“ - Jessica Dolce

So I'm wondering. What do you do when you become overwhelmed? Do you unplug so you can take some time to care and reward yourself for all that you do? Because you should. Only when we are at our best can we give our best to others. 

Read more about Compassion Fatigue here: The Fatal Epidemic of Animal Care Workers that No One is Talking About

Links You Need to See

Looking to wallpaper a room? Well I don't think you could go wrong with this lovely paper designed by Julia Rothman. 100% of the proceeds go to help pups in need! And while you're at check out her site, she's done some awesome work!

Dog Park Wallpaper by Julia Rothman

If you are looking for some other creative stuff with the pup theme you would do well to follow my Pinterest board - "Stuff for Cool Dogs and Their Skin Families"

Follow Evelyn McCorristin Peters - Contemporary Art's board Stuff for Cool Dogs and Their Skin Families on Pinterest.

Follow Evelyn McCorristin Peters - Contemporary Art's board Contemporary Pet Portraits by Evelyn McCorristin Peters on Pinterest.

Happy Abby Hits Mains Street

Happy Abby has won third place at the annual Art Uptown Dog Day's of Summer! Join me this Friday August 7th, 6-9Pm for the opening reception!

 

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Art for Barks

I am very proud to say that I am now a signature artist with the organization Art for Barks! My work appeared in a show at Las Laguna Gallery this past spring and a supporter of Art for Barks contacted them suggesting I would be a good artist match for their organization!

It is a pretty prestigious group of animal artists and I feel honored to be part of such a great group. 

Art for Barks is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit that was formed to support Service Dogs, Rescue Animals and Animal Artists & Writers. Our goal is to facilitate public education about animals and art through our Fine Art Gallery Museum and Dog Art & Literary Journal. Through our art and literary education programs we will help people make humane and informed choices affecting their animals.  

Art for Barks also has a Pet Care Registration that you can become a part of that addresses the issue of what happens to your pets if something happens to you. I have to admit it's an issue I deal with every time I travel. 

So please show them your support and stop by their website. It's not often you find a group of people that support animals and creatives!

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