LibraryScenariosWhen working with animals requires emotional numbing to survive
Scenario

When working with animals requires emotional numbing to survive

I work at an animal shelter and I have stopped feeling sad when we euthanize healthy animals because there is no room, and this scares me about who I am becoming.

Hypatia
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Repeated exposure to animal suffering can necessitate psychological defenses that feel like moral corruption.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Pet Care & Animal Ownership?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.