Today, I had the pleasure of meeting a wonderful gentleman who is enjoying retirement. My new friend left quite an impression. After engaging in a fascinating and enjoyable conversation, I learned that this gentleman decided not to devote his twilight years to traveling the world. Instead, resulting from his extraordinary devotion to his faithful animal companion, he is choosing to focus his attention primarily on his dog, a highly intelligent, loving, and beautiful Labrador Retriever. After wrapping up our conversation and final pets of his Lab "Cocoa," I was inspired to share with you the many benefits of spending quality time with your beloved animal companions.
Pet relationships are an important part of our lives. Our relationships with our furry friends have great influence upon our well being and happiness. These days it seems that a cat or dog is almost a requirement for family life. Children and adults love their little (or big) critters, and find pleasure in spending time with them.
People who are lonely rely on their domesticated critters for companionship. Disabled individuals and people with special needs may have hearing or sight dogs, and millions of people rely on the family pooch as an alarm system. Therapy dogs bring smiles to the faces of traumatized and emotionally challenged children and lonely senior citizens. Along with my own parrots, Dudley and Sing-Sing, I have observed people's lives touched after touching the soft fur or feathers of therapy dogs and birds. Bomb detection, rescue and police dogs help us live better lives by contributing to our society in meaningful ways.
We owe a responsibility to our furry friends to care for their physical and emotional needs, and to provide adequate companionship for them. Our pet relationships should work equally well for both human members of the family and not so human members, not just for the human owners. Today’s responsible animal owners want to find ways of improving their relationships with their animal friends and of being the best possible owners.
Pets Need Social Contact
A dog is a pack animal. Social by nature, it needs to be involved with its human family members, or its canine friends. It needs to feel a part of the family. It wants and needs relationships. To deny a dog its emotional needs, or to treat it like an object, devoid of emotion, is to abuse the animal emotionally.
Cats are not as social as dogs, but they need human companionship. Horses, too, do not benefit from living a lonely life out in the pasture. They need training and socialization. They need to be used for the intended purpose.
Making the Most of Your Pet Relationships
Work on your relationship with your pet. Think of ways you could possibly improve the care you give your pet, ways to be fairer or more appropriate. Ways to get your dog more exercise, feed him a better diet, or obtain high quality medical care.
Make ample time to spend with your pet. Resist the temptation to give your new kitten less attention when the initial excitement wears off. Pet ownership is a permanent relationship. Your pet will want to be with you for as long as he lives. It's a good idea to leave instructions for your pet's care in the event of your death. Think ahead. Don't leave your pets stranded if something should happen.
Most owners teach their pets only what they need to know, but they can be trained to learn and do more. Spend time training your canine or feline friend, and getting to know how his wonderful mind works. Go to obedience training workshops, if you have dogs. The more you do with your pet, the happier he will be. The stronger your relationship with your elegant furry friend the easier it is to give you and him great joy.
The Story of Cocoa - A Lucky Dog
Earlier I mentioned that I spoke with a gentleman who brings his Labrador retriever to a park I happened to be walking dogs at today. He walks with the Lab and gives the dog time to sniff all his favorite spots. He says Cocoa loves to come to the park and won’t let him miss a day.
But the outings are good for Cocoa’s owner, too. And he said he loves the quiet time, which he uses to get some exercise and check out the beautiful landscaping. Interestingly, I have seen this gentleman before at this same park on a number of occasions. I often see Cocoa and his owner relaxing under a spreading oak tree. They always seem so happy. Ah, the simple life is good.
Cocoa’s owner is retired and widowed. He describes Cocoa as one of his best friends, and one of the reasons he was able to deal with his wife’s passing so well. When Cocoa goes to the park, he is all eyes and ears, and full of excitement. His owner delights in watching him pursue a squirrel or follow the scent of a groundhog, or gently nose a butterfly on a lily. Talk about one of the greatest Pet Relationships!
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