Being a caregiver

“Help!” our kid cried, teetering unexpectedly off the curb. In an instant, we, his parents, were there, arms ready, crisis averted. The unspoken trust that he had in us, knowing we’d be there to catch him, resonated deeply with me, especially when I considered our own professional community.

These reflections made me consider our own ‘curb moments’ in the business of pet care. Day in and day out, we are the catchers, the caregivers, the ever-present support for the pets in our charge. But when it’s our turn to lose balance, who is there to catch us?

Here’s some straight talk: our collective superpower extends beyond our individual talents or our shared love for animals; it lies in our unity, our community, our pack. We are a network, a professional family. And like any robust family, we draw our greatest strength from our mutual support. Just as naturally as a child reaches out for help, knowing their guardians are nearby, we too should feel comfortable doing the same.

However, let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room - asking for help is not always easy. We, as leaders and business owners, often build our identities on self-reliance and independence, sometimes forgetting that it's perfectly fine to extend a hand for assistance. I want to encourage each of us to activate that 'help' reflex. Be it navigating a complex pet-care challenge, managing a demanding client, or just getting through a rough patch, let's cultivate a practice of reaching out.

Remember, every call for help that’s answered fortifies our community. It's a reminder that our responsibility isn't solely the well-being of the animals we adore but also the well-being of each other.

So here's our collective challenge: let’s proactively build the habit of seeking assistance in all facets of our operations, no matter the size of the hurdle. Whether it’s the verge of a stumble or just a moment of uncertainty, or even when seeking validation for a tough decision.

Let us not only extend our help but also welcome it. Have faith in the collective resilience of our network. Your willingness to seek help offers someone the opportunity to be there for you, echoing the support you readily provide.

Stay safe, take care, and never hesitate to signal for support — it's the cornerstone of keeping our entire community thriving.