Compassion fatigue and suicide in the veterinary community is SUCH an important message to share. I used to follow Dr. Yin's work and was as shocked as everyone else was to learn of her suicide. I work in the lost pet recovery field and am well aquainted with compassion fatigue. The charity that I am currently forming will ultimately host pet memorial retreats and compassion fatigue retreats, including a specific retreat just for veterinarians. We plan to build a pet memorial site that will include a Companion Animal Memorial building and we plan to have a memorial wall for all the vets and veterinary staff who were lost to suicide. This is many years away of course, the this topic is near and near to my heart. Thank you for sharing this topic with your peeps.
The patients rarely if ever tell the human caregiver what is going on. Equally, the patient won’t tell the doc anything. Going to put on my I love my vet! shirt and drop off some food at the clinic.
Susan Williams
Servant & caregiver to one GSD and 3 feral felines.
My dogs are my only family, their well-being the basis of my life. As a rescuer, my vet is one of the most important people in my life. I used to be in the office at least once a week for some vet problem. I had the run of the small facility, and more than once I went in back for some reason only to find her crying, usually about a patient she lost or could not help.
Thank you Dr. K! For the reminder. For your amazing writing. For all of it. I was just talking about Sophia last week as I very often do- her work is still so relevant and important it always brings a pause to me when I describe something she taught all of us or when I show something like her amazing 4 min video where she turned an absolute land shark 10 pound dog into a kitten taking treats and allowing his nail trim! She and all of the vets we’ve lost - 4 in Santa Barbara alone! Each a superstar! It reminds us to be kinder to each other. To take stress and burn out more seriously and to remember to prioritize your own health because the world needs you - and healthy is the only way to stay around a long time! Easy to forget. Your work never ceases to impress Dr. Kay! I recommend your book a lot as well! So many frustrated clients come into our practice - your writing may help them see things from the other side of the exam table while your book helps guide them towards knowing more about how to communicate with their vet. That way both sides of the table and the patient between them!
As the mother of a veterinary student, I appreciate the work you are doing to elevate the emotional toll and to advocate for better self-care and community support.
Dr.Kay, I was shocked to learn about this tragic situation among vets. For decades, my animals (now 11 indoor rescue felines living their best lives) and I have been blessed with caring professional vets. When I lost two of my senior cats this year and also recently one of the ferals, they sent beautiful sympathy cards and messages, signed by Dr. Ottenbreit and each member of the team. I try to always thank them and show my appreciation with little gifts, especially around holidays. It’s often difficult demanding high stress work, so thank you for reminder to treat our vets with respect, compassion and gratitude♥️
Compassion fatigue and suicide in the veterinary community is SUCH an important message to share. I used to follow Dr. Yin's work and was as shocked as everyone else was to learn of her suicide. I work in the lost pet recovery field and am well aquainted with compassion fatigue. The charity that I am currently forming will ultimately host pet memorial retreats and compassion fatigue retreats, including a specific retreat just for veterinarians. We plan to build a pet memorial site that will include a Companion Animal Memorial building and we plan to have a memorial wall for all the vets and veterinary staff who were lost to suicide. This is many years away of course, the this topic is near and near to my heart. Thank you for sharing this topic with your peeps.
Outstanding ideas Kat! Best of luck with these ambitions!
I’m excited to learn more about the veterinary support system you are building, Kat!
The patients rarely if ever tell the human caregiver what is going on. Equally, the patient won’t tell the doc anything. Going to put on my I love my vet! shirt and drop off some food at the clinic.
Susan Williams
Servant & caregiver to one GSD and 3 feral felines.
Would love to see your "I love my vet" shirt! And food is always such a welcome treat in any veterinary hospital.
My dogs are my only family, their well-being the basis of my life. As a rescuer, my vet is one of the most important people in my life. I used to be in the office at least once a week for some vet problem. I had the run of the small facility, and more than once I went in back for some reason only to find her crying, usually about a patient she lost or could not help.
Thanks for sharing this Jane and thanks for appreciating your veterinary staff.
Thank you Dr. K! For the reminder. For your amazing writing. For all of it. I was just talking about Sophia last week as I very often do- her work is still so relevant and important it always brings a pause to me when I describe something she taught all of us or when I show something like her amazing 4 min video where she turned an absolute land shark 10 pound dog into a kitten taking treats and allowing his nail trim! She and all of the vets we’ve lost - 4 in Santa Barbara alone! Each a superstar! It reminds us to be kinder to each other. To take stress and burn out more seriously and to remember to prioritize your own health because the world needs you - and healthy is the only way to stay around a long time! Easy to forget. Your work never ceases to impress Dr. Kay! I recommend your book a lot as well! So many frustrated clients come into our practice - your writing may help them see things from the other side of the exam table while your book helps guide them towards knowing more about how to communicate with their vet. That way both sides of the table and the patient between them!
With gratitude,
Dr. Kraen Rabin
California Animal Rehab
Hi Kraen. Thanks so much- I'm truly flattered. Your statistic about Santa Barbara is heartbreaking.
Dr. K, can you share with us new followers the title of your book please?
Of course. The title of my book is Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life.
Sweeeeeet! Thank you!!
As the mother of a veterinary student, I appreciate the work you are doing to elevate the emotional toll and to advocate for better self-care and community support.
Yes, I bet this hit home for you. Where is your child in school?
University of Minnesota. I’m lucky she is close to home. She doesn’t feel too lucky when the weather turns cold.
Dr.Kay, I was shocked to learn about this tragic situation among vets. For decades, my animals (now 11 indoor rescue felines living their best lives) and I have been blessed with caring professional vets. When I lost two of my senior cats this year and also recently one of the ferals, they sent beautiful sympathy cards and messages, signed by Dr. Ottenbreit and each member of the team. I try to always thank them and show my appreciation with little gifts, especially around holidays. It’s often difficult demanding high stress work, so thank you for reminder to treat our vets with respect, compassion and gratitude♥️
Thanks for treating your veterinary staff so well!
As they deserve but should receive so much more!
Wow, thanks
Most welcome.