Author Archives: Andria Corso

Why Animal Care Workers are at High Risk for Compassion Fatigue

Why Animal Care Workers are at High Risk for Compassion Fatigue

October 6, 2020 | Andria Corso

If you’re an animal care worker, then it’s no surprise to you that your work can be filled with a range of emotions. These include the joy and satisfaction of saving or rehabilitating an animal to the sadness, guilt, and frustration of having to witness … More …

I Think I Have Compassion Fatigue – Now What?

I Think I Have Compassion Fatigue – Now What?

September 22, 2020 | Andria Corso

This article is a follow up to the one I wrote previously on how animal care professionals are impacted by compassion fatigue. If you’re an animal care worker and think you’re experiencing compassion fatigue symptoms, it’s important to address them. Ignoring them can make them … More …

5 Signs of Compassion Fatigue in Animal Caregivers: Is this You?

5 Signs of Compassion Fatigue in Animal Caregivers: Is this You?

September 8, 2020 | Andria Corso

A day in the life of an animal care worker includes many emotions, including joy and satisfaction that results from helping save or rescue an animal in need, or sadness and burden the of witnessing animal suffering, neglect, and (often) euthanasia. If the distressing emotions … More …

Animal Lovers: Are We Contributing Our Disenfranchised Grief?

Animal Lovers: Are We Contributing Our Disenfranchised Grief?

August 25, 2020 | Andria Corso

The first time I lost an animal, I was 39 years old. It was my first pet, Lynx, who I adopted as a kitten when I graduated college at age 22. He was 17 when he passed and meant the world to me. I spent … More …

My Dog is Dying. Now What?

My Dog is Dying. Now What?

August 11, 2020 | Andria Corso

“Lily has a tumor [hemangiosarcoma] that has attached itself to every blood vessel near her hind legs. I don’t know what else we can do for her…” I sat there in shock as I heard my veterinarian tell me this at the other end of … More …

Anticipatory Grief: What it Is and How to Cope

Anticipatory Grief: What it Is and How to Cope

July 27, 2020 | Andria Corso

“I feel like we just brought one-year-old Hokie home from the shelter, and now he’s suddenly a senior dog with a terminal illness. I can’t imagine my life without him” ~ Debra G. If you’re a pet owner, chances are you’ve experienced a thought or … More …

Stop Defending Yourself

Stop Defending Yourself

August 6, 2019 | Andria Corso

I recently had a conversation with a client about her need to defend herself and her choices to her (grown) children.  Without sharing too many details, suffice it to say, as she enters into her retirement years, she is making some new choices on who … More …

Give Yourself Permission

Give Yourself Permission

July 2, 2019 | Andria Corso

I’ve been working with a client recently who’s had a tough few months. Last week she came to Ashlyn Cottage for a private retreat and had an interesting breakthrough. Perhaps some of you will be able to relate to this.  She’s been in business for … More …

Wherever You Go, There You Are

Wherever You Go, There You Are

June 18, 2019 | Andria Corso

Did you ever think about the fact that the one common denominator in all your life experiences is you?  I say this because I used to think that if I moved to enough new houses or made enough external changes in my life, then things … More …

Are You Saving Face?

Are You Saving Face?

May 28, 2019 | Andria Corso

I recently had a conversation with a friend about how we both wasted so much time in our lives, making decisions to “save face.” The dictionary definition of this is to avoid humiliation or retain respect. In our situations, these decisions were both related to … More …