Ever wonder why your pet seems cranky despite all your care?

In this eye-opening episode, Sarah and Finn respond to a letter from Bentley, a dog struggling with his codependent owner's over-helping behaviors. Through Bentley's story, they explore how codependent patterns show up in pet relationships and why "helping" can actually harm those we love most.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Codependent behavior with pets mirrors parent-child dynamics where we fix feelings instead of allowing them
• Over-helping pets (or people) removes their opportunity to build self-esteem through their own accomplishments
• When we focus on everyone else's needs while ignoring our own, resentment and anger build up
• Boundaries may start out harsh when we're not used to setting them, but they can be refined with practice
• Pack animals need to interact with their peers, not just be attached to one human
• True helping means allowing others to experience consequences and build their own confidence

NOTABLE QUOTE

"We are not responsible for other people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The most important thing is to notice what is happening for me and what do I need." — Dr. Sarah Michaud

Connect With Us

Website: https://drsarahmichaud.com

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Hosted by Finn and Dr. Sarah Michaud. Codependency healing with humor, honesty, and hope. Subscribe and buckle up.

For educational and entertainment purposes only. Not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.