Monday, January 4 2010  |  No Comments

The end of another year is near and once again it is time to reflect on what we have accomplished in 2009, and focus on what we can improve in 2010. A new beginning, a fresh start, this year will be different. A quote from Proverbs states that he who fails to plan, plans to fail. Norman Vincent Peale also says if you plan for nothing, you’ll get it.

So what New Year’s Resolutions could you make involving your pet or love for animals? Here are a few ideas:

1. The most common resolution is to lose weight, so why not make it fun and exercise with your pet? It’s always easier to exercise with a partner, so why not one who truly enjoys it and is only a leash length away? Find an animal friendly walking trail, or a local dog park and make the commitment. For added inspiration pick an event like “Jog with Your Dog” in downtown Winter Haven on Saturday, March 12, 2010, and really burn off the calories and dog biscuits.
2. Make a commitment to support your local animal shelter. You could donate supplies or volunteer your time for a fund raiser, and certainly money is always appreciated. The Humane Society and the SPCA are non-profit organizations that exist on the generosity and compassion of the community. If 2010 is the year for a new four legged family member, they have many adorable purring felines and tail-wagging canines to be adopted.
3. Take a class with your pet. Many behavioral problems can be avoided or improved with obedience training. It is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your new puppy or older dog (yes, they can be taught new tricks). Agility training has become popular and is also great exercise for both you and your pet.
4. Get your pet certified as a therapy pet, and spend a few hours visiting the elderly in nursing homes with your special friend. Research has shown our pets improve our quality of life, relieve stress, and even lower blood pressure. That’s good medicine.

There is nothing better than the unconditional warmth, love, and joy given to us by our pets. The human animal bond is powerful and empowering. It transcends age, wealth, beauty, race, and IQ, and there it sits, on our lap or at the foot of our chair. Often we overlook, or neglect the gift and magic of our pets. Today is a new day and tomorrow is a new year. Let’s resolve this New Year to share that gift and cherish the magic in 2010.