Happy National Pet Week!

Are are you celebrating?  You could do something fun with your pet, like some extra play time, or give him his favourite treat.  You could help your kids draw pictures of the family pet or talk to them about the importance of being kind to animals and pet health care.  You could use it as a reminder to make an appointment for your pet's next check-up, volunteer at a pet shelter, make a donation, sign an animal issue petition, or even just post a photo of or poem about your pet online!

The American Veterinary Medical Association has a site full of ideas, information and even games for you to check out.  But of course, the best things you can give your pet are affection, attention and letting her know you love her.  Take a little time out and give your animal friends love and appreciation.  They'll thank you in return.

I Get So Emotional, Baby

Clients sometimes tell me that they try to communicate with their animals, but they get frustrated.  They feel that they keep trying to work out the same problems again and again, or they feel “she just won’t listen to me like she listens to you… her trainer… my husband.”  This can frequently happen not because a person is not capable of communication, but because they are too close to the situation.

If this happens to you, you’re not alone.  Just as physicians are advised not to treat their own family members, we animal lovers can sometimes let our emotions about an animal close to us interfere with our judgment and ability to communicate with them. 

Winterizing for Animals

As the weather changes for those of us in temperate climates, I notice animals putting on winter coats, eating more and snuggling up in cozy places – whether that is a special nest or their person’s lap. The tree squirrels in our local park spent the recent last gasp of warm weather busily stashing winter foods and preparing their dreys (nests), while my cats at home have been howling for more wet food and curling up with me on their favourite “mommy blanket” – a deep, furry throw that reminds them of their mama cats’ bellies. Have you noticed the critters around you preparing, too?

Of course, you can also help your animal friends prepare for and get through cold weather. Here are some ways: