Episode Details

“I did not sign up for this.” 

It’s the one little sentence that flashes in your brain as you clean up another accident, watch your dog blow up over the sounds of a car door three blocks away, or spend yet another Friday night at home alone. 

It’s one little sentence that sends you, and pet parents all over the world, into the pit of guilt, despair, and shame. 

This week, Emily is joined by Valerie Bogie, Veterinary Social Worker, Pet Harmony team member, and overall empathetic badass. Valerie walks through what caregiver burden, burnout, and compassion fatigue actually are (versus normal stress), why "just push through it" makes things worse, and what to do instead.

If you’ve ever found yourself crying in the bathroom over your pet’s behavior, you’re not alone, and there is help out there. 

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen): 3 Key Takeaways 

1️⃣ You’re not alone – New research found that among dog owners managing behavior challenges, 78% met criteria for elevated caregiver burden, 53% reported feeling alone, and 40% reported social isolation. 

2️⃣ Pushing through doesn’t build resilience, for you, or your pet – Life is a rollercoaster, and you need the release at the top, not just to keep climbing… forever.

3️⃣ "Name it to tame it" is a real thing – One small thing at a time will lead to large lasting changes.

For the full episode show notes, including the resources mentioned in this episode, go here.

Amazon Affiliate Storefront

Find products we recommend at the Pet Harmony Amazon Storefront.

As an Amazon Associate, Pet Harmony earns from qualifying purchases.

More from Pet Harmony

Pet Parents: enrichment ideas and practical behavior tips
📸 Instagram & Facebook: @petharmonytraining

Pet Pros: relatable moments and support for your work with pets and their people
📸 Instagram & TikTok: @petharmonypro

📬 Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://petharmonytraining.com/join/

Subscribe & Review

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to subscribe and review. It helps more pet parents and pros find us. Thanks for being here! 💛

PETPro doors are open! 

Got the certifications, books, and theory down cold? But still feel like a fraud the second a case gets messy? You don't need more knowledge; you need a way to think through it.

PETPro teaches you to work through complicated cases, start to finish. 

Doors close September 23 at 11:59 pm and don't open again until next year.

Join us at petharmonytraining.com/petpro.