Give Thanks on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day

Compassion fatigue is real among those we ask to reduce suffering.

(warning: this story contains discussions of both euthanasia and suicide)

Snuka, Sunshine, Rascal, Margo, and Peppermint where all recipients of tender, thoughtful care from compassionate veterinarians and their teams. Candles were lit. Tissues were made ready. Signs were posted in waiting rooms asking visitors to speak in hushed voices. Bestowed upon me was the gift of quiet, unfettered time to say goodbye.

How many tear-stained cheeks and bloodshot eyes did the staff of each clinic provide comfort to that day, that week, and over the accumulating years? Pet parents are fortunate to be given the gift of choice that can end suffering in those we love. But that opportunity comes with a cost. Someone has to do it. And because their profession is authorized to provide euthanasia, many veterinarians encounter far more difficult situations than escorting a beloved elderly, injured, or terminally ill pet across the rainbow bridge.

It’s so easy to dismiss euthanasia as part of their “job.” But how would you feel if it were part of yours? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, there were 127,131 veterinarians in the U.S. at the end of 2023. Add to that number 122,900 for the veterinary technologists and technicians that support veterinary staff as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The total of 250,031 is a mere 0.2% of the total full-time employees in the U.S. (135.04 million as reported by Statista Research). My point—so few of us can fully grasp the emotional toll of bringing a life to an end.

“When people say that we should care more about human suffering rather than animal suffering, I think it underestimates what we’re capable of. Certainly our hearts are large to care about everyone – human and non-human- simultaneously. Not only do we not have to choose between one or the other, I believe the idea that we should ration our compassion is exactly what hinders us from being the best people we can be.” – J.M. Coetzee

I came across this quote in an Instagram post shared by a veterinary clinic. The accompanying photo was of a baby squirrel sleeping in a veterinarian’s palm with a tiny casted front leg. It would not be wise for me to conjure what the veterinarian felt, but my emotions bubbled within. First was thankfulness for the kind individual who did not turn their back but instead altered their day to get care for an often-overlooked animal in need. I was moved by the closed eyes and relaxed state of the baby nestled in the safety of the soft palm. What touched me most deeply was that the veterinarian had cared for the squirrel’s injury and completed the intent initiated by the good Samaritan.

Whereas physicians tend to people, veterinarians administer to animals AND people—twice the emotional toll in the course of a day. The need to manage animal care while managing human emotions may be one of the contributing factors that render suicide rates in veterinarians and vet staff  higher than the general population. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Reflections

In a world that often seems to overlook the silent struggles of those who care for our pets, it’s crucial to pause and recognize the tireless efforts of veterinarians and their staff. They offer us the gift of dignity in our pet’s final moments while shouldering an emotional burden that few can truly comprehend. They are the unsung heroes in the narrative of our pets' lives and deaths. On Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, please remember the people who do not ration their compassion for people or for pets.

Resources for Pet Loss Grief

• Pets are Family is a book and website by Erika Sinner full of resources to help you cope with your loss and for those around you to provide effective support. If you feel strongly that employers should provide pet bereavement leave as a benefit, sign the Pet Bereavement Leave Advocacy Petition initiated by Erika and show your support.

• Wolfie’s Wish began as a way for Erica Messer to honor the spirit of her beloved cat, Wolfgang. It has grown to be an award-winning maker of products that support people in their grief. They also provide grief groups, grief courses, and a host of other support such as links to pet loss hotlines.

• Dr. Katie Lawlor, Psy.D., MIA has an extensive Instagram account, @petlossdoctor,  dedicated to helping people navigate pet loss and grief. Her most recent endeavor is the creation of a guided journal, A Tribute to My Beloved Animal: A Journal to Process Grief & Loss, with coping skills provided alongside space to pay tribute to your pet.

• Pets Are Family Podcast is hosting a free webinar, Crossing the Rainbow Bridge: A Compassionate Journey Through Pet Loss, TODAY, AUGUST 28, 6:00 pm Central Time (U.S.)

Resources for Veterinary Teams

• Not One More Vet is a website dedicated to elevating sustainable wellbeing in the veterinary profession. It is a community of more than 26,000 practitioners, providing education, support, and resources to help advance mental wellness and reduce suicide in veterinary professionals. Also included are resources to combat cyber harassment.

• Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement is a non-profit organization dedicated to offering resources for pet parents and veterinary teams. One notable resource is the monthly support group for veterinarians and their staff.

• The American Veterinary Medical Association provides a wellbeing resource page for veterinary professionals that lists a number of learning materials and a curated collection of journal articles on wellbeing along with a toolkit for responding to cyberbullies.

I wish you warm hugs on Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.