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Wednesday, January 1, 2003 Consider resolutions for pet careAUNT MARY'S PET TALK | By Mary Motley Many of us who are interested in improving ourselves and our lives are making New Year's resolutions in the hope of doing better in 2003. We may attempt to stop smoking, lose weight, save money, use our time more productively or perhaps try to be more caring of others. Those are among many ways we might try to better our own lives, but what about the lives of our pets? We're responsible for them, too. To help determine if there are areas that could stand improvement, let's think about some of our responsibilities as pet owners. – Are all my pets spayed or neutered? – Do I give them the praise and approval they crave? Do I make them aware of my love with an abundance of talking, playing and exercising? Do I always remember that my attention is essential to their happiness? That I'm the center of their universe? – Are my pets isolated and banished to the outdoors? Are they tied up or restricted to a run? If I can't, or won't, allow them inside as part of the family, do I realize that I really shouldn't have them? – Are they neglected and left home alone with no companionship for long periods? Are they lonely and depressed, or exhibiting anxiety at being separated from people? – Do I scold them unjustly? Is their bad behavior -- chewing or barking, for example -- because they're bored and not getting enough exercise or attention? – Do they have their own "beds" -- clean, comfortable places of their very own somewhere in the house? Places where they can rest and feel safe? Ones that are off limits to the children? – Do I brush my animals daily? Are their coats and skin in good condition? Do I keep parasites under control? – Are my dogs trained in canine etiquette? Or do they jump on people, pull on leashes, fail to come when called or disregard simple commands like "sit" and "lie down?" Do they need obedience training classes to make them acceptable canine citizens and happy, well-adjusted companions? – Am I always alert to danger to my pets? Do I protect them from poisons, open paint cans, over-heated cars, tempting but indigestible items and other potential hazards? – Do I police their exercise areas and litterboxes daily, keeping them clean and odor free? – Is their health checked annually by a veterinarian? Are inoculations current? Are they on a heartworm preventive? Do they have proper diets with meals served regularly in clean bowls? Is fresh water always available to them? – Do I ever allow them to run loose and be neighborhood nuisances or concerns? – Do I have a plan for all my pets in case of a hurricane, tornado, fire or flood? Are all family members familiar with the disaster plan? – Have I planned for the future of my pets in case something happens to me? – Are my pets licensed and wearing identification tags so I can be contacted if they are lost? Do I have photographs to help if a search for them becomes necessary? The above questions are only meant to stimulate your thinking. You are the only one who can judge the happiness, safety, health and well-being of your pets. |
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