#143 - Enriching Your Pet When You Feel Like You’re Drowning

Sometimes life hands you broken bones, cranky tendons, surprise vet trips, or a whole new set of limitations you definitely didn’t order. And meanwhile, your pet still needs… well, everything. In this episode, Emily and Allie talk about what happens when your needs and your pet’s needs feel impossibly misaligned. 

They dig into emotional detachment (yep, it happens), guilt vs. grief, the fallacies our brains weaponize against us, and the surprisingly creative ways you can support your pet without sacrificing yourself. This one’s for anyone who has ever whispered, “I’m doing my best, I swear,” while tossing kibble across the yard from a lawn chair.

TLDL (too long, didn’t listen):

1️⃣ You aren’t failing. Life is just happening. - Everyone hits moments when their needs and their pet’s needs don’t line up. It’s not a moral failing; it’s a normal part of being a human with a non-human roommate.

2️⃣Small, doable shifts beat “perfect” every time. - When circumstances get messy, creativity matters more than ideal routines. Adventure boxes, porch “find it” games, trusted helpers—tiny adjustments can carry you through big challenges.

3️⃣ You can’t problem-solve while beating yourself up. – Compassion leaves space for creativity. Remember to breathe.

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

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