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People Are Animals Too
Self-awareness, according to an animal doctor
by
Shona Kowtecky
Discover a fresh perspective by stepping into another’s… paws? “Chase what you want. Advocate for your needs. Set boundaries and goals. Learn to let go. Take care of yourself.” This can be good advice, but what if you don’t know what you want? Or need? What boundaries are worth setting for you? Or how to decide what to let go of, and what to hold on to? What if focusing on yourself seems uncomfortable, selfish, unnecessary, or a bit too “fluffy”? As a veterinarian, Dr. Shona Kowtecky has spent almost 20 years learning about, paying attention to, advocating for, and taking care of thousands of animals… while simultaneously watching thousands of people struggle to do the same for themselves. Whether or not you are a pet-parent or animal-lover, self-awareness is a key starting point for optimal health and a good quality of life, yet it’s often overlooked, oversimplified, or too ambiguous to be practical. People Are Animals Too provides a structured and creative approach to encourage self-examination, compassion, and curiosity through insightful questions and humorous anecdotes centered around the question: What if we cared for ourselves the way we care for the animals we love? Or better yet, what if we simply remembered that people are animals too?
Shona Kowtecky is a fear-free certified veterinarian, educational content creator, speaker, and consultant who helps individuals and veterinary leaders across Canada make informed decisions about complex challenges and discover practical ways to navigate them. She thrives on exploring new ideas, understanding how things work, and connecting the dots between seemingly unrelated concepts. In addition to caring for animals (as well as the people who care for animals), she is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys everything from rock climbing and mountain biking to cold-dips and trail running. She currently lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and dog, Archer.
Contributors
- Author
- Shona Kowtecky