What if you could receive the same compassion you give to animals?
Here's the thing—I've been where you are. I spent over 25 years as a dog trainer, pouring my heart into helping animals and their people, often at the expense of my own wellbeing. When compassion fatigue finally caught up with me, I realized something important:
We're so good at showing up for animals and their people, but we've forgotten (or perhaps never learned) how to show up for ourselves.
My Helping Yourself to Help Others notes were born from that realization. In them, I share gentle wisdom and practical insights specifically for pet professionals who care deeply, but are running on empty. These aren't generic self-care tips or overwhelming assignments—they're thoughtful reflections that meet you exactly where you are, helping you reconnect with your inner strength while still serving the animals you love.
I share these because I believe every pet professional deserves support that truly understands their world. You shouldn't have to choose between caring for others and caring for yourself.
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Colleen’s messages remind me that I’m not alone. My thoughts and challenges are shared. My impact is more than I see. My introverted self loves this sense of community without the social efforts.
Often in our seemingly hectic lives we don’t show our best selves to others. Pet professionals (and anyone, really) can be cliquey and quick to judge. This is a safe place to find your community and work through self-doubt, interpersonal relations, and all the business of being human.
Thanks, Colleen!!
Sheila Newenham, DVM
Veterinarian & Wildlife Photographer
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I look forward to Colleen’s messages every week! She brings up topics that are so relevant to me, both as a dog behavior consultant and as humans trying to navigate this world. The questions really help me take a moment to ground myself and recenter. I still have much to explore in the FREE meetups as well as Colleen’s personal coaching; everything I have joined has been really lovely and helpful.
It’s been difficult for me as a pet professional to find spaces with other pet pros who understand exactly what we encounter in our line of work. Colleen’s space is a lifeline and a way for us to connect in an often lonely and isolated field. It’s beneficial to me and I’m sure it would be beneficial to many others!
Kellie Stevens, CDBC
Dog Trainer
What You'll Receive
No pressure, no homework—just authentic support when you need it most. Most weeks you'll receive two notes in your inbox:
Tuesdays
Reflections on what's happening in our world, updates about upcoming sessions and programs, and insights that feel relevant to where we are right now.
Fridays
Gentle wisdom and practical insights specifically for pet professionals, including four coaching questions to help you reflect and grow at your own pace.
Sometimes I only send the Friday note—because I'd rather share something meaningful than just to stick to a schedule.
Ready to give yourself the same care you give to others?
Your email address stays with me—I'll never sell it or share it. You can unsubscribe anytime with one click, though I hope you'll stick around to see how these small moments of reflection can create meaningful change in your life.
Join us