Is ‘extreme animal empathic’ a real term?

[TX55]

Extreme animal empathic! I have discovered that this is what I am......extremely empathetic to animals.....strays, neglected, hurt, etc, to the point of feeling physical tightness in the pit of my stomach, so to speak, deep heartache/heartbreak and long-lasting sadness. I’ve been this way all my life, seems to increase as I grow older (65 years old currently). I’m beginning to think this is abnormal. Does anyone experience this? Does anyone know how to cope with it, other than avoid being exposed to it, which is impossible and there is absolutely no way I can volunteer to work in a vet’s office, shelter, etc. I know the heartache I would put myself through and I am already dealing with depression and grief. I have literally kept my blinds closed as not to see a stray animal when I know there has been one ‘dumped’ on the road I live on, which seems to be a favorite dumping spot for cruel people to throw away their pets. I find that I could be having a great day emotionally, and like this morning, see a stray dog in my yard for example and I will spiral downhill emotionally. Help!!!!!

[TX55]

Wounded_Soldier, Thank you for your comments. I have 3 pets, currently. I have always had pets as far back as my memory goes. They have all been strays/rescues (except for one, sad story behind the reason for this). Currently I have 2 dogs and a cat. I live on a mostly rural road, it is not extremely busy so it makes an ideal place for people to ‘throw away’ animals. Breaks my heart. The 2 dogs I have now were ‘thrown away’ on my road. We found our cat is a tiny kitten at the edge of the marsh in the marsh grass as we were crabbing with our grandchildren. I don’t allow myself to go to the shelters because I know my emotions can’t handle it. I will not watch those horrible commercials on TV either. So anyway, it is very sad there are so many abandoned and mistreated animals. I have always wondered why it hits me so hard tho.