A SELF-CARE COMPANION FOR ANIMAL PEOPLE
When Helping Animals
Breaks Your Heart
A book that speaks to moral injury, exhaustion, compassion fatigue and the complicated emotions that come with animal advocacy.Written for animal rescuers, activists, conservationists, enforcement and veterinary professionals and anyone who has fought for animals.This is not a guide on how to do more. It is an invitation to pause, to name what hurts, and to feel less alone.Each chapter, also known as a "companion note", stands on its own, offering reflection without pressure and understanding without judgment.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
Testimonials
There wasn't a chapter of this book that didn't resonate with me. I saw a piece of myself on each one of those pages.
- Lisa Beggio, Executive Director, Columbia County Humane Society
It brought me deep into my own heart, to places I walled off a long time ago. It showed me some of my humanity that I thought I had lost.
- Dr. Ann Langer, DVM, Shelter Medicine and High-Volume Spay/Neuter Specialist
I think a book like this, written by someone who has experienced the breadth of what we see in rescue, will be very valuable to many.
- Kathleen Metcalf, Founder/Executive Director, Sacred Paws Animal Rescue
INSPIRED BY THE COMPANION NOTE "NO END IN SIGHT"
THE CHAIN DOES NOT
HOLD WITHOUT YOU
We did not arrive at the beginning of animal suffering. And we will likely not see its end. But we each serve as a valuable link in a chain of compassion and inspiration.This necklace serves as a gentle reminder that we are in this together. We are connected in our love for animals. Our work is about continuity, not culmination. And when the day comes, when we have given all that we can give, there will be another hero to pick up what we carry.Made to be worn every day because the work is every day too. Stainless steel won't tarnish or fade. Just like the people who wear it.Twenty inch stainless steel chain with an animal-themed charm. The charm may vary based on availability.
The Author
R. A. Rodriguez
R. A. Rodriguez is what happens when sheer determination, creative chaos, and a lifelong love of animals collide. She founded Guam Animals In Need in the late 1980s, ran the animal care department at the largest humane society in the Pacific Northwest, worked as a program manager at The Leonard X. Bosack and Bette M. Kruger Charitable Foundation and invented the EVACSAK, an emergency animal transport carrier now used worldwide. As an award-winning filmmaker, her animal-themed content has garnered over 1M views.She currently runs a small animal focused foundation and hosts Rescue Road on KXRW 99.9FM. Podcast coming soon!When Helping Animals Breaks Your Heart comes from four decades of living every chapter.
Copyright 2026 RebRod, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BUY YOUR COPY TODAY
Whether you prefer a physical book or an e-book, you’ll find options through KDP. Non-profits, bookstores and libraries can order bulk copies through IngramSpark. Audio and Spanish versions coming soon!
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
One Leaf Publishing
Copyright 2026 RebRod, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
We'd Love To Hear From you
Stay connected for updates on the audiobook, the Spanish edition, and new episodes of Rescue Road.
Copyright 2026 RebRod, LLC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED