I have often thought about the power dynamic in our relationship with dogs, particularly relating to the way we 'train' them to behave in ways acceptable to humans, as well as the choices we take away (rights around reproduction, personal freedom, diet, death...).

As an animal lover this has always niggled my conscience and the huge ethical can of worms that such an awareness creates.  What are the moral implications of keeping an animal as a pet?

This well-researched article discusses our relationship with dogs beginning with the early domestication of wolves 30,000 years ago, and goes beyond the animal welfare conversation to investigate this socially constructed relationship and "the duty to live up to the trust that dogs place in us".

​Language is always important, and I love how these authors critique the term companion  which they suggest indicates a mutual relationship instead of an exploitative one.  After all, dogs are our property, right?  In my work with veterinarians this is a common dilemma, where the patient is the animal but the client is the human, and the vet has to attend to the needs of both.  Tricky hey?!

The paper brings an in-depth discussion into the history of dog domestication utilising a wide range of empirical studies on dog social cognition to inform how dogs perceive us, and how their social tolerance and social attentiveness has enabled this trusting bond.

They conclude that this relationship remains a fragile construct in light of the dogs dependency on her caretaker. 

Relating to social work, this article sparks my thinking in so many areas where we use dogs in animal assisted interventions, the link between animal and human abuse, and the ethical dilemmas relating to veterinary practice where the dog has no voice in the interaction between owner and practitioner. I hope this ethical conversation becomes more mainstream and challenges our anthropocentric practice.

I acknowledge the FREE ACCESS of this paper: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.584037/full

Dadirri is a word and concept from the Ngan'gikurunggurr and Ngen'giwumirri languages of the Aboriginal peoples of the Daly River region in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Ngen'giwumirri Elder Miriam-Rose Ungunmerr describes Dadirri as their most unique gift; “It is perhaps the greatest gift we can give to our fellow Australians. In our language this quality is called dadirri. It is inner, deep listening and quiet, still awareness.  Dadirri recognises the deep spring that is inside us. We call on it and it calls to us. This is the gift that Australia is thirsting for. It is something like what you call "contemplation". [i]

This concept resonates with me in many ways.

On a personal level I have always felt a strong connection to the natural environment and the animals we share it with.  Whenever I need some space to heal, I head out to the bush, either alone, with a dog companion or on the back of a horse.  Indigenous knowledge encourages us to engage with the stillness and silent awareness of nature as a way of healing.

As a social work professional I observe the effects of our modern world with systems of inequality, feelings of constant ‘busyness’, materialism, and expectations to adhere and aspire to societal norms.  Dadirri teaches us to slow down, be still, connect with nature and suspend our judgements.  It also encourages us to deeply listen to the Indigenous people of Australia and engage in genuine open conversation.

In my work as a counsellor I strive to use deep listening as a process of “listening to learn”[ii] about the person I am with.  I encourage them to be still within themselves and be willing to receive new information in this supportive, non-judgemental space.  Not being afraid of silence allows us to really hear.

In the words of Miriam-Rose, “When I experience dadirri, I am made whole again”

Veterinary social work is an emerging field of practice that attends to the human side of the human - animal bond.  Social work is a profession that supports individuals, families, groups and communities to improve their wellbeing.  Social workers build on the strengths and resources of people in the context of their physical, social and cultural environments.  Veterinary social workers (VSW’s) use knowledge and skills relating to the human - companion animal bond and have insight into the specific challenges that may be experienced by vets and staff working within the veterinary profession.

The areas which relate to veterinary social work include:

• Compassion fatigue management in the context of vet mental health and wellbeing
• Animal related grief and bereavement
• The link between human and animal violence
• Animal-assisted interventions

 
People and Companion animals
 
Social workers have long known about the relationships people can have with animals, as a companion animal can provide a significant emotional bond and are often described as family members.  Walking your dog increases social opportunities and benefits physical health.  If this animal becomes sick or dies it can be a significant loss which may not be validated by society, termed disenfranchised grief.  Vet social workers can support people and families with treatment or end-of-life decisions, bereavement and education around further resources and/or services, through individual counselling or pet grief and loss groups.
 
Veterinarians
 
There is a current conversation relating to the high level of mental health distress and suicide within the veterinary profession both within Australia and internationally.  Research in 2008 found the rate of suicide by vets is up to four times the Australian national average[i], and most vets know of someone in their profession who have taken their life.   Vets describe higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress and burnout than the general population.  Possible reasons include job stressors and unique work conditions, ethical dilemmas leading to compassion fatigue and moral stress, and access to lethal drugs.  Vet social workers can provide education / support around compassion fatigue management, grief, conflict and ways to emotionally support both staff and clients.
 
Community
 
Vet social workers have knowledge of the link between human and animal violence, which is often related to family and domestic violence.
VSW’s have training in animal assisted interventions and the unique therapy that animals can provide for people to improve emotional, social or cognitive functioning.
Social workers work holistically and have collaborative working relationships with many organisations and can link people with community supports and further resources.
 
While there is no specific training for Veterinary Social Work in Australia, there are overseas programs such as the University of Tennessee which offers a post graduate Certificate program.

[i]  Jones-Fairnie H, Ferroni P, Silburn S, and Lawrence D. (2008). Suicide in Australian Veterinarians. Aust Vet J. 86:114–116. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]