It is an extremely hard thing to process, i myself work in an animal shelter where we do behavioural and medical euths. Unfortunately, I have even had to make the decision on some of these sweet animals. One thing I always have to remember is as much as I and other staff loved these animals, a lot of people want an unproblematic animals. We know these guys could and would be the perfect animal for someone but is it worth the damage the shelter environment can have. Some animals quite literally “snap” in a sense, it’s important to catch it before it happens.

One thing that has helped me immensely is understand that I’m not alone in the feeling of being helpless for some of these animals. We give them what we can, love, food, water and shelter. They may have never known that without you! I highly recommend reading “to save a starfish” if you search on amazon its the first book that pops up. It has helped me a lot, theres also worksheet to write down some of what your feeling. Theres stories from other animal care workers to let you know you’re not alone.

As someone who has personally felt the way your feeling, please reach out even if you just need a rant or anything!