- Karyn Stratton
A Note From The Editor :
September is Suicide Prevention Month , a time designated to raise awareness about this devastating tragedy and promote programs and efforts to help avert it . There ' s been an alarmingly high incidence of serious psychological distress and suicide among animal rescue workers and veterinarians in recent years . According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine , people involved in animal rescue share the highest suicide rate with police officers and firefighters , amongst all American workers . People in those sectors are not typically working for money , but to help save lives , and that can be emotionally draining . Experts have dubbed it " compassion fatigue ," emotional exhaustion from the stress of caring for traumatized or suffering animals or people . It ' s actually a form of post-traumatic stress disorder . Symptoms to be aware of include isolation from others , poor self-care ( particularly regarding hygiene and appearance ), difficulty concentrating , and bottling up emotions . Health researchers are trying to better understand how people who deal with an endless supply of sad situations can focus on the positive and maintain a healthy balance in their lives . Ask people who work with animals what the number one problem is , other than abuse , and they ' ll tell you it ' s overpopulation . You ' ve likely heard about the passing of animal rights activist Bob Barker last month . He hosted the longest running game show in television history , The Price is Right , for 35 years . Much to the delight of animal advocates everywhere , he closed each episode asking viewers to spay or neuter their pets , and donated millions of dollars to clinics to aid those efforts . Roughly 2.7 million dogs and cats are killed each year because shelters are too full . And that number has dropped precipitously since the 90 ' s , since spaying and neutering rates have increased . The U . S . is already experiencing a veterinarian shortage , and many local shelters and rescues are at maximum capacity . Admittedly , most of us cannot be as financially generous as Barker , but we can certainly continue to spread his favorite message - spay and neuter your pets - and lessen the load on our compassionate , vulnerable friends in the animal industry . And watch for signs - if you or anyone you know or care about is struggling emotionally , don ' t hesitate to seek or suggest therapy . Keep the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline handy : 988 - the cost is free , the service is confidential , and someone is available to talk to 24 hours a day , 7 days a week .
- Karyn Stratton
In This Issue :
Pet Calendar of Events ......................................... page 2 Upcoming Pet Events ........................................... page 3 Around the Hydrant : News You Can Use ........... page 4 Your Cat ' s Vomiting Habits ................................. page 4 Hope ' s Dream Rescue .......................................... page 5 Breed All About It - The Percheron .................... page 7 Cute & Crazy Critters .......................................... page 8 Health Highlights : Horse Care ............................ page 9 Adoption : A Loving Option ................................ pages 10 , 11 Pawsitively Delicious ........................................... page 12 Ask the Groomer - Winter Grooming ................ page 13 Win a Kong Max Dog Toy ................................... page 13 Wise Words from WAGZ .................................... page 14 Subscriptions - Let Us Fetch Your Next Copy .... page 15
On our cover : “ Belle "
Thanks to
Angela Duff of Beavercreek , Ohio
for providing us with her photo !
Pawsitively Pets -- September
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