Bailey, resident at Central Texas Pig Rescue
I have been volunteering with the Central Texas Pig Rescue since this summer and have fallen madly in love with the porcine residents. Bailey, pictured in this post, is one of the sweetest creatures I’ve had the honor of meeting. There is something incredibly humble in the ways animals offer a place to be present with them and shift our perspectives.
I recently heard an interview on NPR about a Carefarm in Arizona. I had not heard about the concept before but was drawn to its mission. This sanctuary allows people to process their grief and trauma in the presence of rescued animals.
As a trauma therapist, grief is a significant part of the healing process. Grief over what happened and did not happen. grief for the present and past impact of the trauma. Layers of grief.
I know that as clinicians we must be open to new ways people can experience healing and I imagine loving, caring for and serving animals who have faced their own traumas might be part of that.
“Grief is like a long valley, a winding valley where any bend may reveal a totally new landscape.
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“Animals are such agreeable friends—they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms.”
-George Eliot
