- 2024 Resolutions For An Animal Lover -
- 2024 Resolutions For An Animal Lover -
I don ’ t know about you , but I can ’ t imagine a day without the group of cats that share my life . Through them , I see a different world , and I am reminded that the animals on this planet are truly our cousins . The quirks , the conversations , even the times when they are annoyed with me all make life richer . In that spirit , here are a few New Year ’ s resolutions .
Be consistent with the animals that share our homes . Our pets delight in knowing what we are going to do . It ’ s so cute to see a little dog , cat , or rabbit beg for something from your dinner , but rewarding begging will mean that this is how your animal asks for attention - from everyone ! When a cat sinks his claws into you or a guest to get a treat , or when your 100-pound dog is muscling in on dinner , it ’ s not cute . Whatever you allow , please always allow . And it ’ s hard , because circumstances can change , confusing your friend . Jasper was allowed to beg and to inspect everything his former owner ate . We try to gently curb that behavior now . Whether it ’ s getting on your table or counters , chewing fabric or plastic , or peeing in a certain spot in the house - is this always allowed ? Which leads to ….
Plan ahead . Being consistent and making sure that our pets are safe takes planning . One of my resolutions is to make certain that my cat Jasper - the one with the food inspection habit - has a small treat away from the table as people are gathering at my table . Planning ahead means healthy food and treats , checking water dishes daily , and cleaning up after pets . If you travel , or if you need to be away when your pet needs you for walking , food , companionship , plan ahead . A friend of mine who loves larger dogs always dropped her Shepherd at a doggy day care when she worked . That gave him exercise and companionship and made their walks at night enjoyable for both of them . We ask our animal friends to work in our world . Let ’ s make it safe and easier for them .
Respect others . My rules and thoughts about how to live with animals is right - right ?? But other wonderful people and their animals do things differently . If an animal is not being truly abused or violating an ordinance in your area , respect the decisions of others . Here at the bookshop , I have indoor / outdoor cats . Why ? I have people coming into my shop . That means that doors are open . An indoor only cat could escape and not know how to be outside . The cats here know they can be out , and usually head from the open door to many of their safe spots in the yard and porch . Do you walk your dog , or put him in a fenced area ? Depends on the dog and the owner . Horses in paddock in barn or in field with a shelter ? Again , it is a matter of circumstances , and may have to do with temperament of animal and owner .
Donate to your shelter regularly . It ’ s easy to remember the people that provide the safety net for so many animals in our area at the holiday season and the end of the year . But shelters need supplies and volunteers all year through . A monthly priority ? Once every 3 months ? A regular donation is needed . And donations are not just money . Shelters need volunteers to help with the work , and to be companions with animals that have lost their home and people . You can make a huge difference to animals of all types .
May you have a peaceful and joyous 2024 with the people and animals that you love best .
- by Linda Roller , Bookseller , Writer , & Owner of Liberty Book Shop in beautiful downtown Avis , PA .
LIBERTY BOOK SHOP Linda Roller
Hours : Thursday & Friday 10-6 , Saturday 10-3 , or by appt .
“ Where yesterday ’ s books are today ’ s treasures .”
LibertyBookShop @ comcast . net www . thelibertybookshop . com
570-753-5201
Pawsitively Pets -- January 5