Pets are Important
If you are like me, animals are an integral part of the family. If you have ever lost a pet you know the sadness one can feel. The loss of your pet would leave an emptiness for each of us.
You know how it is, the dog you had for twelve years gave up a valiant fight from illness. You go to work and want to tell people,
“My dog died,” and you even feel a little foolish saying so. You may even feel foolish you are so sad about the death. And does anyone really care? Some might. Others think it was just an animal- get over it.
The Humane Society suggests that the grief process is as individual as the person, lasting days for one person or years for another. The Humane Society also lists ways to explain the loss of a pet to a child, when to get another pet, and if your other pets will feel the loss of their companion.
A recent survey found that pet owners spare no expense for their “best friend” and found that more than 96 percent of those polled would forgo gourmet coffee to save money for their dogs’ expenses.
Ninety-seven percent said they would give up massages or spa treatments in order to afford a veterinarian bill, and nearly 79 percent said they would cancel a teeth-whitening appointment so that Fido could have his annual teeth cleaning.
Great things we can do for our pets
-Spay or neuter your pet. Spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives. You will reduce or eliminate the occurrence of cancers and other diseases, and your pet will be more affectionate and less aggressive.
-Take your pet to your veterinarian for regular check-ups. Be sure his vaccinations are current, and pay special attention to his weight and to the health of his teeth.
-Be sure your cat or dog wears a collar and an ID tag that includes your name, address and telephone number. Losing a pet can be heart-wrenching; an ID tag greatly increases the chance that your companion will come back home.
-Exercise your dog. Playing with your canine companion, along with walking him daily, provides enough exercise. Don’t forget to clean up after your dog when you go for walks.
-Play with your cat every day. Your favorite feline needs physical exercise and mental stimulation, and the interaction will strengthen the bond you share.
-Keep your emergency/disaster kit up to date. Call the Humane Society if you need a list of items to include in your kit.
-Groom your pet often to keep his coat healthy, soft and shiny. Problems created by shedding dogs and cats are greatly reduced by regular brushing, and brushing your cat prevents problems such as matting and hairballs.
-Let your child share pet-related responsibilities. Children, depending upon their ages and abilities, can take responsibility for exercising, feeding, and/or grooming the family pet.
-Make provision for the care of your pet should you suddenly become ill or die. Learn what steps you can take to plan and provide for your pet’s future without you.
-Get stickers for your windows to alert fire/rescue workers of pets in the home. Check with HS for locations to get stickers.
Great things our pets do for us
-Research shows that pet owners have fewer minor health problems, such as headaches, colds and hay fever, and that they visited their doctors less frequently than those patients who did not have animal companionship.
-Studies have also shown that having a pet can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, thus making pet owners less prone to heart attacks and stroke.
-Dog walking, pet grooming and even petting the cat may not seem like exercise, but any activity that gets you up and moving makes for a healthier body.
-Caring for a pet is good for our emotional health. Even watching a feathered friend or an aquarium of fish can reduce our feelings of stress.
-Companion animals are natural teachers. They help people of all ages learn about responsibility, loyalty, empathy, sharing and unconditional love.
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