1. Coping with Animal Loss in the Research Environment Michael S. Rand, DVM, DACLAM University Animal Care University of Arizona

2. Necessary characteristics of an animal care worker: Kindness and concern for animals Compassionate Patient Sensitive

3. Why are these characteristics necessary?

4. More skilled at applying restraint and other procedures with animals.More skilled at applying restraint and other procedures with animals. Leads to earlier recognition of signs of disease and distress.Leads to earlier recognition of signs of disease and distress. Reduction of stress.Reduction of stress. Ensures that the animals live in conditions that provide for their health and comfort.Ensures that the animals live in conditions that provide for their health and comfort. Increased job satisfaction.Increased job satisfaction.

5. Historically: Stigmatized as subjective Naming of subjects rejected

6. Coping with Laboratory Animal Morbidity and Mortality

7. Grief and Guilt These emotional responses are not individual isolated incidents but happen to everyone doing this work!

8. Caused by: Providing health care and environmental enrichmentProviding health care and environmental enrichment Then, inducing disease or carrying out euthanasiaThen, inducing disease or carrying out euthanasia

9. Human-Animal Bonding: Centers on the capacity to empathize Highly developed sense of social awareness Demonstrated by our ability to: –reach out to another –ease each other’s sorrow –share in each other’s joy –identify with animals & want to care for them –anthropomorphize

10. Grief may result in: High staff turnoverHigh staff turnover Loss of workdaysLoss of workdays Decreased moraleDecreased morale Diminished productivityDiminished productivity Stress-related burnoutStress-related burnout A callous attitude toward the animalsA callous attitude toward the animals

11. Grief can lead to: Disassociation Anticipatory grief Compassion fatigue

12. Disassociation Also called detachment Isolation of feelings Placing physical and emotional distance between actions, including: –Intellectual and professional responses –Intuition Used to prevent internal conflict, feelings of guilt, sadness, bonding

13. Danger: Unable to feel empathy and compassion→ Failure to recognize behavioral changes in animal → Increased pain or distress → Jeopardy to research project

14. Anticipatory Grief Early mourning → Detachment → Feelings of grief and guilt return at death of animal

15. Compassion fatigue (caused by excessive and long-term stress) may lead to: Headaches Stomachaches Inability to sleep Poor appetite Impatience Difficulty concentrating or staying on task Severe mood swings

16. Irritability Impaired social relationships Hopelessness or frustration Fatigue Depression Nightmares Substance abuse

17. Methods to increase tolerance to stress Regular exercise and relaxation Developing interests outside of work Having pets Religious involvement

18. A healthy diet A good sense of humor Open communication with friends, family, and coworkers Concentrate on the benefits of research

19. Seek out professional help if: Feelings of frustration, fear, or a sense of having no control persist!

20. Additional resources for staff and faculty are: The Employee Assistance Counseling Service The Pet Grief Support Service For students, the Counseling and Psychological Services