Your relationship with your pet may be one of the most important bonds in your life. They have an incredible influence on our health and wellbeing. Pets are family, and we can’t say that enough. Mine inspire my work daily, and keep me grounded.
But what about the relationships our pets have with people or other pets outside of our home? Here are 5 stars in your pets’ relationship constellation.
5 Important Pet Relationships (in Addition to You)
Their trusted veterinarian.
Next to you, your pet’s vet may be the most important person in their life, so it’s vital that you cement that relationship with an annual checkup besides visiting when your pet doesn’t feel well. Karma-Kat finally doesn’t mind the vet chec…well, maybe a little. With the dogs, we regularly drop in to say “hi!” so vet visits aren’t always scary.
When Bravo-Dawg went through his cancer treatment, the veterinary staff not only supported him, they gave me a shoulder to lean on (and weep on). They help through the tough times but also celebrate the joy. One of the vet techs gave Shadow a squeaky toy as a “welcome to the family” gift.
Their experienced trainer or behaviorist.
Your pet’s trainer is both their coach and therapist. Their relationship can be life-changing. They not only help you teach your pet how to navigate human expectations, but they are also there to answer fitness and behavioral questions throughout their life.
As a certified animal behavior consultant, much of my work focuses on helping YOU understand dog talk and cat talk. Most behavior problems are normal for your pet–and only a problem for humans. Understanding how to provide legal outlets for these behaviors–from play and barking, to scratching furniture or potty accidents–saves relationships and lives. Here’s how to find professional trainers and behavior pros.
Their reliable pet sitter.
Some pets grow to really love their pet sitter, whether they are a professional or your generous nearby neighbors. Not only do they go to great lengths to make sure your pet has loving company, food, water, and exercise, they make sure your home is safe and secure, too. When you choose a great pet sitter they become part of the family.
Their best furry friend.
Humans are great! But for romping in the yard or curling up for a nap, some pets really enjoy the company of their own fuzzy kind. Shadow-Pup adored playing with Bravo, and now he and Karma-Kat tease each other like furry brothers. They have great fun romping and then snuggling together. If your pet craves companionship, call a fellow pet parent for a hike or a playdate. Or if there is room in your heart and your home, it may be time to adopt another pet as a full-time best friend.
Their doting Grand-pawrents.
Let’s face it – if your parents love pets, chances are good your pet loves them, too. Even if the toy basket is stuffed full, family members love to bring treats or a new toy for the “grandpup” or “grandkitty.” I’m a pet lover because I was raised that way–with multiple dogs, and lots of time spent with Grandma’s critters. I live too far away for in “furr-son” visits, but Dad gets a huge kick out of hearing about Karma and Shadow’s antics. What about your folks? If they live close by, they may do double-duty as their pet sitter or walker, too!
Who are the people in your pet’s relationship circle? Friend, family, or professional, be sure to let them know how much you both appreciate their expertise, care, and affection. A note, text, or just a heartfelt “thank you” will say aloud what your pet can only articulate with a happy nudge and welcoming eyes.
I love hearing from you, so please share comments and questions. Do you have an ASK AMY question you’d like answered? Do you have a new kitten and need answers? Stay up to date on all the latest just subscribe the blog, “like” me on Facebook, and sign up for Pet Peeves newsletter.
Stay up to date with the latest book giveaways and appearances related to my September Day pet-centric THRILLERS WITH BITE! Amy Shojai, CABC is a certified cat & dog behavior consultant, a consultant to the pet industry, and the award-winning author of 35+ pet-centric books and Thrillers with Bite! Oh, and she loves bling!
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2 Comments
Wanda
on April 9, 2022 at 8:58 pm
It’s funny that you said that if your parents love pets, that your animal will love them too. My daughter has a cat and my husband and I are the only ones who the cat doesn’t run and hide when we visit. I will be honest, he won’t let me hold him. I can get an occasional head pat if my daughter is holding him and he can’t see who it is. But, my daughter is amazed that he doesn’t bolt through his cat door (it goes to the basement), so I am the new assigned cat sitter when they go on vacations.
With the latest awful weather and more on the way, it’s time to revisit your pet disaster plan. You do have one, right? Everyone should understand the importance of disaster preparation.
I posted this in June for National Pet Preparedness Month. September is Disaster Preparation Month. And May 8 was National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day. Being prepared doesn’t rely on a special date, though. Here’s what you need to know.
When the holidays or business travel rolls around, pet sitters can be a big help when you plan vacations with or without your dog or cat. .Time off from work and a change of routine offers humans much-needed stress relief. But the same is not always true for furry family members. That’s where pet sitters come in. Do you have a pet sitter for your furry wonders? Here’s what you need to know!
Maybe you have a regular dog walker (your kid? a company?) that manages when you can’t walk your dog or go on vacation. Good pet vacation plans depend on the individual pet and your special circumstances. When my mother became ill and then passed away, we need to find a pet boarding place for Shadow-Pup and Karma-Kat to stay. Here’s what to consider whether to take your pets with you, or find a place for them while away.
Would you know what to do if your cat slipped out during a party or pet sitter visit? Statistics show that one in ten cats will go missing. Learn how to be ready for an emergency when every hour counts. If your cat does go missing, learn the details on “How to find a lost cat” from the lost cat expert Kim Freeman.
Here in Texas with heat rolling over the land, flash fires threaten all summer long. I wrote about disaster preparation on the blog recently, and fire hazards and smoke inhalation issues are another issue affecting pets. All across the country, too many folks have already lost homes, property, and even the lives of human and animal loved ones. Here’s what you need to know.
Do you have pet insurance for your cats and dogs? After what we’ve gone through with past pet’s health challenges, it seemed a good time to revisit insurance for pets. If you have an aging cat or a dog that’s a golden oldie, it may be a good idea to look into insurance for pets…
Do you have a pet 1st aid medicine chest for your dogs and cats? The audiobook version of my first aid book for pets includes some DIY home remedies for old pets. While your veterinarian diagnoses and prescribes for your pet’s health issues, pet first aid and minor problems may benefit from human medicines.
Home remedies for pets save $$ and pet lives because Fido and Sheba rarely tears a claw or eats something iffy during regular clinic hours. It’s helpful to know how to use your pantry supplies and human medicine chest to help your cat or dog. Some people prescriptions can be dangerous (especially for cats!) so it’s a good idea to have a handy list.
Revisiting this funny post from the past, when Karma-Kat decided to steal my (ahem) unmentionables. Learn why pets love underwear–yep, dogs do it, too.
When you have a puppy, every day is puppy day, with puppy proofing a requirement. Whether you plan to adopt a puppy, or already live with a cute puppy-kid, it’s important to know the top puppy proofing tips to save dog lives. Loving a puppy goes beyond teaching them where and when to potty. When Shadow-Pup showed up at our house, we revisited all the must-know puppy issues!
Dogs excavate for a variety of reasons. Dog digging is a natural canine behavior that developed as a means of survival. With spring coming soon, and digging gardens in my future, my Shadow-Pup wants to help digging and kicking up dirt. Some dog breeds dig holes more than others do, so read on for more details if you have a digging dog.
Learn more about why dogs dig, and how you can manage this normal canine behavior.
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Amy Shojai CACB is an award winning author. You can find all her publications and book her to speak via her website.
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It’s funny that you said that if your parents love pets, that your animal will love them too. My daughter has a cat and my husband and I are the only ones who the cat doesn’t run and hide when we visit. I will be honest, he won’t let me hold him. I can get an occasional head pat if my daughter is holding him and he can’t see who it is. But, my daughter is amazed that he doesn’t bolt through his cat door (it goes to the basement), so I am the new assigned cat sitter when they go on vacations.
Yep, seems like more times than not, the pets know. *s*