I am a doctoral candidate in Psychology.  I also work full-time as a teacher and as most of you know...I oversee our "Bunny Luv" pet therapy program at our therapeutic school.

I was just informed today that I have been referred for academic dismissal from my school for failing a course (my second course over 6 years in the program).  I now have to prepare for an appeals process which includes providing several plans of action.  It was highly suggested that I will need to leave my job in order to complete my program.  Unfortunately, financially this will kill me!  I can't afford to leave my job...even if it means finding a part time job.  However, I must make plans to do so at this point.

B/c this may be the inevitable possibility, I don't know what I'm going to do about my pet therapy program?  Jessica moved into my house b/c Oreo attacked her, so now I'm bunny full.  Our homesite would take the other 3 buns to live in our primary animal assisted therapy program...but I just feel like I'm letting those buns down.

Maybe its too much to think about right now!  I'm just so hurt and upset and of course the first thing I thought of was our bunnies.  I'm so angry w/ all this....please give me some suggestions.  I don't know what I'm going to do financially...but anyway...please give some thoughts for me.

First of all, I am so sorry to hear about everything going on. I might get some flack for this from some of the others, but you have to take care of yourself and your career goals first. If the homesite would take the other 3 buns to live in the primary program, it sounds like you are lucky and have a good option. There is nothing to feel guilty about. Would you keep Jessica? Is it not possible that someone else trustworthy could take over the program at the school? maybe you could see if any of the kids' parents would be interested in adopting the classroom bunnies.

It might save your place in the program if you quit your job. It would show dedication to the program, and the school year is almost over so finish out the year and maybe seek some tutoring opportunities for fall, while you are in school still. How long do you have left? 2 year? It does seem that it is necessary for you to focus on your studies.

Best of luck, and keep us posted!

your career comes first. i'm sure the bunnies will be fine without you.. maybe finding homes for them might be a good idea if you're not certian if they'll be taken care of properly when you are finishing school. I mean, after school you should have more time and energy to invest into the bunny program.. I'm so sorry to hear of your situation.. good luck with everything- oh and being from chicago, you might find it amusing to know that it's snowing right now... it's april and snowing... yuck

agree with above

Hi!  I think the best way to help the bunnies is to focus on your education so that you will be even more prepared to expand the pet therapy even further once you are done! Don't think of it as letting them down, think of it as becoming even more qualified to help them

Thanks for the input everyone!  I'm still attempting to put together my plan of attack at this point.  I'm basically putting together 3 options and all of those options would include leaving my job and trying to find some part time work. 

My hubby and I decided that its very important to keep our kitties, Jessica, and our Gecko together as our family.  Jessica has become a member of our family and its going to stay that way.  I believe that ....I have a very high expectation for our Bunny Luv program.  That high expectation includes the bunnies getting everything they have when I run the program......in short, I spoil them and I know it and I feel I'm giving them less if I am unable to do this.

As you are all aware the drama that occurred w/ Jessica, the baby bunnies dying, and the Jessica attack...well I had said that at the Progress Meeting and the Vice Chair said...I know about grief and loss and the role that animal's play...I've read plenty of papers from students and professionals on the topic and know that animal loss can be a challange, but it seems that you are avoiding self-care.  I think she really missed the boat on what I was saying.  I was merely trying to explain that all these issues occurred w/in a 2 week period and it was very difficult to handle this situation and attempt to help the kids feeling the loss.

It makes me think...if ever anyone needs to seek help for grief/loss issues from a professional..I sure wouldn't go see her....but wait...she's read lots of papers about it!?!?!?!?!?!

Egads! I'm so sorry for all of this!  I ditto what everyone else says.  Regarding what the Vice Chair said - from that tiny tidbit of what you posted about the conversation, it sort of sounds like she already has her own mind set about what you're about or dealing with.  I wonder if you could have said anything and it would have come down to...."but it seems that you are avoiding self-care"

Echh, but who knows. I am just judging it from one perspective and a tiny tidbit. 

I sure hope it all works out for you, and I am sorry you have to deal with it.  My mother was a teacher, my sister is a teacher, and my brother was a teacher, and they have all had complaints some of the ridiculous stuff that goes on.

Sending happy peaceful pathway vibes to you....and your bunnyluv bunnies.