Companion animals are part of our families, plain and simple. The bonds we share with our furry, feathery, or scaly friends run deep. So when tough times hit - illness, loss, or just a ruff patch - it can feel absolutely gutting for their human companions. That's one place where animal chaplains come in, offering a supportive shoulder to lean on for animal guardians when they’re going through it.
Marshall & Prior looking out on the Blue Ridge from Mt. Pisgah, circa 2017
The Warm Hug of Animal Chaplaincy
Animal chaplaincy is a beautiful, growing field! There are a multitude of roles that Animal Chaplains can play, from supporting folks after animal loss to assisting in a wildlife conflict in your neighborhood to companioning shelter workers through compassion fatigue.Â
Animal chaplaincy is about providing emotional and spiritual care in a myriad of situations involving animals, including folks navigating the rollercoaster of caring for an animal companion. (Sort of like healthcare chaplains, but for when your bestie has four legs instead of two.)Â
Their superpower? Being a non-judgy presence with an open ear and an open heart.
Companions Through the Chaos
One of the biggest ways animal chaplains show up is by simply being there during the hard stuff. When your animal companion is sick, has crossed the rainbow bridge, or both of you are going through an ultrasound-level of emotional turbulence, an animal chaplain brings comfort. They get that friends and fam don't always understand the primal anguish of your bond with a companion animal being strained.
Feeling All the Feels
Grief is a twisty, turny path, and up until now, our societal status quo can make it feel even more (p)awkward talking about how you’re processing the loss of a beloved animal companion. Animal chaplains are pros at helping human companions process the tidal waves of sadness, guilt, anger, and loneliness that often crash through. With their healing presence, you've got a safe space to honestly express yourself as you heal and accept the process.
Spiritual TLC for Your Soul
For those who find comfort in faith and spirituality, animal chaplains can offer their expertise in sacred rituals to honor your one-of-a-kind human-animal bond. Blessings, prayers, and ceremonies can soothe the soul when you're struggling with a big life transition or the devastating loss of an animal companion.
Finding Your Pack Â
But it's not just about one-on-one care. Animal chaplains also nurture whole supportive communities for animal guardians through group meetups, support circles, and online havens. Places you can share your journey and get that "they just get it" vibe from kindred spirits.
Healing, With Extra Snuggles
At its core, animal chaplaincy taps into the incredible healing power of compassion and connection. By recognizing the cosmic magnitude of human-animal relationships, animal chaplains help guardians and animals endure life's challenges with resilience, grace, and an abundance of snuggly self-care.
So whether you're a dog’s or cat’s human housemate or any other proud companion of an animal friend, just know there are caring souls who've got your back through the ruff and the rainbows. Warm fuzzies, anyone?
Resources:
For more understanding, read A Day in the Life of an Animal Chaplain by Sarah Bowen. She has many articles on the topic if you search "animal chaplain."
Interested in training to become an animal chaplain? Learn about Compassion Consortium’s 9-month Animal Chaplaincy Training program.
Are you a care-seeker looking for support? Search and connect with animal chaplains at FindAnimalChaplain.com.