To Save a Starfish: A Compassion Fatigue Workbook for the Animal Welfare Warrior

by Jennifer A. Blough

***New edition - updated and expanded in February 2023***

Make your passion for helping animals sustainable! Learn to manage the compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress so often associated with animal caregiving and protection.

Jennifer Blough, a mental health therapist and former animal welfare professional, helps readers to An invaluable resource for shelter workers, animal rescuers, animal control officers, humane investigators, veterinary professionals, sanctuary staff, wildlife conservationists/rehabbers, dog walkers and trainers, pet sitters, animal attorneys, TNR volunteers, animal rights activists, vegans, and anyone else on the front lines of fighting to protect animals.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Activism, Self Help, Psychology

190 pages, Paperback

Published February 14, 2023

About the author

Jen Blough, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor who is certified in compassion fatigue, pet loss grief, and trauma. As a vegan and former shelter worker/animal control officer, she has an extensive background in animal advocacy and activism and is passionate about helping those who love, care for, and work to protect animals! In addition to her books, she offers many free mental health resources for animal welfare warriors on her website. jenblough.com.

Instagram: @jenblough.compassion.fatigue
YouTube: jenbloughlpc

Reviews

[Shani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I was very surprised by this book. I hadn't really stopped to think about the fact that there are compassion fatigue workers outside of those who work with people.

Once I got into this book, it made complete sense. I really appreciate the way the author not only shared their personal struggles but how they've battled to make changes. Not only that, but it doesn't read like an instruction manual or preaching to the reader. Instead, it reads more as a guide on how to recognize the signs, exercises on how to regulate, practicing self-care, and relaxation.

It's quite interesting and insightful.

[gracie agnes :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

seemed repetitive at times, but overall was really good. definitely needed this :)

[Darlene Kindle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have it!!!!

Very good book. I am a long time rescuer over 40 years. I realized I as a person was changing and I didn't know why. I didn't want a therapist or a support group. I wanted to know why so I started searching and reading. Found an article and bingo I diagnosed myself.

[Rei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential to any worker in vet industry (with heart). Explains the phases and symptoms of compassion fatigue (Ch. 2). Introduces many self-care activities, within one week of practising recovered from compassion fatigue. Most importantly explains a lot of unhealthy thinking patterns (Ch. 6) that trips me up a lot.
A book to reread periodically. Say 3 months.
Self-care should be performed daily.