I know its late, but after some negative and upsetting comments online, I want to share a deeply personal part of my pet care journey. Not as an excuse, but in hope that my current, and new clients will better understand.
In September 2022, I survived a major car accident that left me with nine broken ribs, a partially collapsed lung, and a brain injury. The physical recovery was grueling, but the mental and emotional challenges have proven to be even more significant. The aftermath of this accident compounded my existing struggles with ADHD, PTSD, and other mental health challenges. It’s been a long road, and I’m still navigating it every day.
The impact of a brain injury
A brain injury changes the way you see the world and yourself. It brought memory issues, difficulties with focus, and moments of feeling completely overwhelmed. Paired with the emotional toll of PTSD and the complexities of ADHD, there are days when I feel like I’m climbing a mountain just to stay balanced.
But here’s the thing: these experiences have taught me resilience, patience, and a deeper understanding of life’s fragility. They’ve also deepened my empathy.
How this affects my work
Frankly, it doesn't. Caring for pets is more than a job for me; it’s my passion and my purpose. My mental health struggles and brain injury don’t hinder my ability to care for animals, in fact, they’ve strengthened it in many ways:
- Heightened Awareness: I’m incredibly attuned to the emotions and needs of the animals I care for, often picking up on subtle cues others might miss.
- Patience and Empathy: My challenges have taught me the value of patience, which translates beautifully into working with pets of all temperaments.
- Dedication: Every ounce of love and energy I have goes into ensuring the safety, happiness, and well being of the pets entrusted to me.
Your pets deserve someone who sees them as individuals and adapts to their unique needs. That’s the care I promise to provide every time.
Acknowledging my humanity
I’ll admit, my struggles sometimes affect how I communicate or present myself, especially when it comes to online. I may not always express myself perfectly or conduct myself in the “most professional” way by society’s standards. But let me assure you that this has no bearing on the care I give your pets. They are my priority, always.
If someone feels the need to make snap judgments based on how I conduct myself in my personal life or in moments of struggle, then, honestly, they aren’t the kind of empathetic and understanding client I want to work with anyway. I value kindness and mutual respect, and I want to surround myself with clients who see the bigger picture of who I am and what I offer.
Standing my ground
While I strive to be open and transparent, I also want to be clear that I don’t tolerate attempts to discredit me or my business. After everything I’ve been through and everything I’ve built, I find such behavior ridiculous and childish. I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished despite the hurdles, and I refuse to let negativity define me or my work.
Why I'm sharing this
For years, I've believed in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, brain injuries, and trauma recovery. These struggles don’t make me weak, they make me human. If you’ve faced similar challenges, I want you to know that you’re not alone, and your struggles, and mine, don’t diminish your worth or abilities.
To my clients, thank you for trusting me with your beloved pets. Your kindness and support mean the world to me. And to the animals I care for every day, you’re my daily reminder of why I keep going.
At the end of the day, I’m human. I’m flawed, resilient, and deeply passionate about what I do. Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Until next time.
Amanda Sharp
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