Sometimes things happen to us that we can’t anticipate. Things that make it hard to bounce back. This past weekend, my dog was attacked by a neighborhood dog who was loose, and in those horrifying first seconds, I realized this other dog was not in a spat with my dog, but was out to kill her. I tried kicking him, but he just tightened his grip on my dog’s head. I let go of the leash and threw my whole body at this dog. He still held on and my dog was bleeding and crying out in pain. My Aunt Jean told me years ago to lift the back legs of a dog in a fight as that will make them loosen their jaw. It worked. I then grabbed this dog’s collar, and with the help of another woman, kept the two dogs apart. My dog had to go to the emergency vet, and I sustained bites to both legs.

In speaking to diverse groups about burnout, I share burnout busters, and talk about how we must care for ourselves as we care for others. But this incident made me realize that sometimes we’re traumatized and then need to treat ourselves very gently. I’ve cut back on my work, am having lunch with a friend, and am giving myself time to get the garden ready for winter. And slowly, I’m feeling better. I wish I could say that I bounced back as quickly as my dog did! So when something difficult happens, make sure to take extra good care of yourself and let your friends and co-workers help you.