National Love Your Pet Day

Doesn't this "holiday" strike you as a bit odd?
Seriously.
I mean, that's a given ... right?
 
Sadly, many of us know people for whom this is not the case.
Pet owners who, frankly, shouldn't be.
I'm not going there today.

Instead, I want to look at us.
Animal advocates, people who love their pets. People whose pets are family.
How might we spend the day?

Consider: we're not immune to the more minor moments of neglect.

Which one of us hasn't ended up so entangled in the tyranny of deadlines and family stresses that we don't do much more than ensure clean litter, fresh water and decent food?

How often have we passed hurriedly by, with a brief pat on the head or scritch behind the ear, promising "...later..." ?

This is the perfect day to slow down - even if for a brief moment.

Remember: pet ownership is a good health choice.

It can increase longevity.
It can reduce the risk of heart disease.
A purr's resonant frequency can actually promote healing.

So take a moment to snuggle. Take your dog for a walk - yes, even in the cold.
Work that red dot or mousie wand toy long enough to make even Faraday feel he's conquered his prey.

There's a term for that: it's called Pet Enrichment.

Because time spent with a loving pet is time that's beneficial to you both.

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