1) ADOPT! When considering a pet, please visit your local SPCA. You couldn’t possibly imagine how many good pets need homes. The benefit to this: Your new pet will come spayed or neutered, with its basic shots, and micro chipped, all for a much lower cost than a breeder would charge. Do you have allergy concerns? Or have a particular breed in mind? Breed specific adoption groups exist virtually everywhere, and are always run by dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.
Here is a quick link to some great recommendations when looking into rescuing your next pet.http://www.canadasguidetodogs.com/rescue.htm
2) Go for a walk. Even if you are exhausted from a long day, and can’t get your regular workout routine in, do it. A brisk walk will at least keep you in the habit of maintaining regular physical activity, will get you out in the fresh air, and will let your pooch explore the many scents outside has to offer.
3) If you can’t pronounce it, it’s probably not good for you. This almost always holds true. There have, however, been times where I could not pronounce the name of a certain vitamin that had been added to certain dog foods and treats, and some plant based cleaning agents may be unrecognizable in certain cleaning products, but this doesn’t make them harmful. My suggestion? Google. Write down the name of the mysterious ingredient and do a Google search from a reputable source. Google Scholar offers peer-reviewed, reliable search results, so I often use this option when Googling something important.
4) This brings me to my next reminder. What may be good for us may not be good for our pets. Case in point: Avocados. Stella LOVES avocado and I would always be sure to give her a slice when eating it myself. I later found out that avocado can be harmful to dogs. Many household cleaners are also extremely toxic to our furchildren. I have yet to find a list which covers everything, and so to the blog my own list will soon come. If in doubt, a little research can often go a long way.
5) Cheat when you eat. Not always of course, but nobody is perfect, and this takes the pressure off. Indulging in a cheat meal, or cheat day is nothing to feel ashamed about. Everything in moderation. If I am cooking with something I know Stella really loves, I often try to throw a bit in her food dish for her as special snack. Brown rice and apples make a boring meal great for her.
6) Try things. Maybe you are bored of your regular routine and are finding yourself in a rut. Why not try 4 different memberships throughout the year. 3 month memberships are a great way to try something out, without the large financial commitment. Maybe throughout the summer you are going to join a running or cycling club? And in the fall, a yoga membership? In the winter, why not try a kickboxing club? Or joining a gym with a pool? The same can apply for you and your dog. I recently enrolled Stella in agility lessons, and am trying out a few private lessons with some local dog trainers. It can never hurt to try and keep things exciting.
7) Give back. Volunteer. This doesn’t mean giving up full days, or giving up hours of your time, but find some way to give back in a way that is fulfilling to you. A great way to volunteer with your pet is to enrol in Therapy Dog Certification.
Here are two links that may help:
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