Shelter’s Edge

The results of the largest human development study ever undertaken prove that animal welfare work is good for your health. Okay – that’s an exaggeration. But, according to Dr. Howard Friedman, coauthor of The Longevity Project, here’s what the data from an 8-decade study of some 1,500 people does tell us: “It was clear that working hard to overcome adversity or biting off more than you can chew – and then chewing it – does not generally pose a health risk. Striving to accomplish goals, setting new aims when milestones are reached, and staying engaged and productive are exactly what those heading to a long life tend to do. The long-lived didn’t shy away from hard work: the exact opposite is true.” If “working hard to overcome adversity” and “biting off more than you can chew – and then chewing it” isn’t an apt description of work in this field – I’m not sure what is!

It’s summer – the hardest time of year for most shelters, rescues, clinics and TNR groups – so this should come as good news to all of you who are pushing rocks up mountains every day to save more lives. Not only are you making a difference for animals and your community, but you are very likely doing something very important for your own long-term welfare, too. And as a bonus, in another data set within the study, researchers also found that having strong ties with a group of people and working together toward a common end is another plus for those who want to live a long, healthy life.

So whether you’re gearing up for the $100K Challenge or you’re aiming to bust some other lifesaving goals this summer, give it all you’ve got – it’ll be as good for you as it is for the animals!

Related links
“Breaking Our 4-Minute Mile”
Stress and Animal Protection Work
Preventing Staff Burnout
ASPCA Rachael Ray $100K Challenge

Tags: Board & Leadership, Personnel and Policies, Shelter Management

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