A New Year’s Brief To Pet Owners (Or Is It Grief?) 872

Marjorie Dorfman

What can you do for your dog or cat to make his or her life more pleasant in the coming year? The question is not unlike John F. Kennedy’s immortal words about “not asking what you can do for your country.” Read on for some thoughts on the matter and, I am sure, a few appreciative woofs and meows in the background.

The first rule of the road is to never take your pet’s love for granted. You have to love back, even though a dog’s devotion is almost always unconditional. (With a cat, it’s a different story; you might have to make an appointment.) Keep your pet’s tail wagging with joy over treats, healthy bones, catnip and most of all, quality time and attention. Plan to spend more time with your pet. Incorporate that with family time if necessary. Remember that your four legged companions wait around all day for you to come home so they can tell you about all the things they have done in your absence. If you don’t let them recount to you in their own special way, other objects may become targets for both appreciation and depreciation.

While spending time with your pet or pets, don’t forget to talk to them and share your thoughts. Animals understand “human language” even if they can’t respond in words. “Dogese” and “CatSpeak” are based on tones of voice, and while I have never heard of a dog or cat reading lips, they can easily ascertain our moods and from that, our needs at the moment as well. (Simple ones, not high finance or rocket science. The need to be hugged, comforted, nuzzled, etc.)

If you take your dog for a walk, don’t just stand there like a bump in the park. Share in his or her fun. Wear a matching leash and collar as a symbol of bonding. Go and dig for that bone; chase that other dog or bird. Get down to basics. If you don’t know what they are, your pet will gladly show you, if you give him or her the chance. Watch and learn. Learn and watch. (Your views on bones, catnip, birds, other dogs, playing tag and maybe even trees will never be the same again.)

Give your pet or pets a special treat once in a while. More than likely, you are already doing this, but tip the scale. Do it more often and associate it with some fun activity, like doing your taxes or calling the dentist to schedule a root canal. This way, association rubs off on you too!

Pet foods and diets can be very boring. (All of my pets have told me so at one time or another.) Sometimes, very little variety is offered with specialty foods. Share a sundae or ice-cream soda with your pet, but don’t forget separate straws. If dieting, suggest sugar-free ice cream. Most dogs will settle for that just as long as you sit down and eat it with them. (Cats may not go for this unless there’s a mouse or some appealing catnip appetizer served on the side.) Bring many napkins and watch out for other dogs who might want a share of your new and different treat. Or buy the ice cream and try this at home. It’s more interesting alfresco, however.

Take your pet to new places. It can get pretty dull just walking around the block and/or litterbox. Use your imagination. Try the zoo, the flea market, parades, community walks, etc. Wear special hats and carry identification, just in case some activists mistake you for a participant in whatever activity you happen to stumble across in your search for new and interesting haunts.

Read to your pet. It’s not true that they can’t understand. It’s just that they “listen” in a different way. For cats, pages are for rubbing against and sitting on top of while you are trying to read them. For dogs, the nice edges of books and the pages can be yummy, chewy toys. That’s why it is so important to find a story that the animal can identify with. Stick with “Lassie Come Home”, but avoid “Cujo”. “Puss in Boots” or Cat in a Hat” might work for feline listeners, and if we are talking about a horse, “My Friend, Flicka” or “National Velvet.”

In general, appreciate your pet more than you have in the past. They will notice the difference and love you all the more for it. You may notice a difference in unexpected ways as well. Perhaps you will look out a window and instead of looking for a parking spot may yearn for a romp among the trees. Maybe a passing bird might seem like a nice lunch. Whatever the result, you will be better off for it because your pet and his or her needs has made an impression on your spirit. Don’t carry this too far. Remember that you are the superior being and that no dog has ever been elected president. (The way things are going, however, one can only ask if your pet could do any worse than some politicians whose names I won’t mention.)