If your resolution for 2012 is to get in shape, here’s a little something to get you started! Happy new year, and may your 2012 be a healthy, happy adventure!
New Year’s resolutions for animal lovers: #5 – Learn something new about animals
December 30, 2011 By 2 Comments
One of my goals for 2012: learn more about otters! (Photo credit: Jacqueline Yockey)
To say that I read a lot would be an understatement; I try to average a book a week, and my topics range from pop fiction to indepth nonfiction on a variety of subjects. But one this is for sure: on my reading list every year are books about animals. All kinds of animals.
This year, for example, I stumbled upon a book called “Red Tails In Love” at the used bookstore, about the birds in Central Park, specifically the red tailed hawks that made headlines when they nested on a posh building. That led to “The Big Year”, a book about three guys chasing a dream of seeing the most birds in a single year.
Note that I am not a birdwatcher. I just like learning stuff. I’m fascinated by facts and figures and trivia and stuff that makes me go, “Ooo, now that’s interesting!” (For example, did you know that people used to use dogs to turn the spits that roasted meat in a fireplace? They were called … Turnspit dogs!) I think it’s important to keep learning – it makes me a better pet owner, a better person, and a better member of my community. (And maybe even a little more interesting … or at least it gives me an edge when I watch “Jeopardy”.)
So my last suggestion for a New Year’s resolution: #5 – Learn something new about animals! [Read more...]
New Years resolutions for animal lovers: #4 – Volunteer
December 29, 2011 By 2 Comments
Walking dogs is just one task you can do at the shelter.
If you’re looking for ways to make 2012 a better year for both you and your animals, here is resolution #4 for animal lovers: Volunteer!
I have a lot of animal loving friends who tell me they can’t even consider volunteering at a shelter, because they don’t know if they could handle seeing what happens to animals that don’t find homes. I understand. I saw a lot of sad things during the year I volunteered at our local animal shelter.
But there are lots of other things you can do to help animal causes: [Read more...]
New Year’s resolutions for animal lovers: #3 – Be a better pet owner
December 28, 2011 By 4 Comments
Scout hates going to the vet, so we make it fun by playing "catch the bubbles" until the doctor comes in. Make the visit a game!
As we continue to talk about ways we can make 2012 a better year for our animal friends – or “anipals” – here’s #3: resolve to be a better pet owner.
I know that in my lifetime of having dogs, I’ve been a good, responsible dog owner – and a terrible dog owner. I confess I had the dog that ran the neighborhood. I didn’t always pick up poop. But twenty or thirty years later, I’ve learned more about my four legged friends and quite honestly I’m embarrassed and ashamed at the way I treated them.
So here are a few ways you can move from average pet owner to super fantastic: [Read more...]
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