Abstract
For many who work closely with animals, it is inevitable that an emotional connection is forged between animals and their human caretakers, especially for those who perceive their work in animal care and welfare as a calling. There is often a deep emotional investment in the animal’s life and wellbeing, and the experience of caring for that animal comes with a range of positive feelings suchas joy, love, and trust—and, inevitably, a range of negative feelings such as sorrow, pain, and grief when the animal reaches the end of her or his life. It is essential to recognise the importance of the human experience as it pertains to the relationships and bonds between animals and those who care for them, and the impacts these experiences can have on human wellbeing. The human experiencecan be especially pertinent when it comes to making decisions surrounding quality of life and euthanasia. Those working with animals must feel sufficiently supported in their emotional experiences including through opportunities to remember and mourn the animals they have lost. Bonds are to be celebrated and nurtured as foundational to the human–animal care experience; to experience grief is to have experienced profound love and care. Fostering a culture of care and respect allows for humans to be at their best for the animals they care for, feeling involved in all management decisions and safe to express their emotional experiences with animals. This can be achieved through providing safe spaces for staff to share in their mutual experiences, providing opportunities to celebrate animals they have lost and pay their respects such as through memorial services, and supporting the mental wellbeing of those who may be struggling with the loss of a beloved animal.
Originalsprog | Engelsk |
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Titel | Optimal Wellbeing of Ageing Wild Animals in Human Care |
Redaktører | Sabrina Brando, Sarah Chapman |
Forlag | Springer |
Publikationsdato | 2023 |
Sider | 235-251 |
ISBN (Trykt) | 978-3-031-30658-7 |
ISBN (Elektronisk) | 978-3-031-30659-4 |
DOI | |
Status | Udgivet - 2023 |