How Your Pet Can Help You with Your New Year's Resolutions

With the New Year comes change.  Whether you like it or not, things just... change.  Rather than hide beneath the covers when thinking about New Year's Resolutions, why not embrace them this year? Your pet can be a big motivator when it comes to meeting your goals.

Here are just a few of the ways that your dog or cat can help you reach your goals in 2013:

  • Get more exercise.  Here's your excuse to get active! Take your dog for longer walks or play with your kitty throughout the day. Buy yourself a pedometer and aim for a set amount of steps daily. Make extra trips to the kitchen to check your pet's food and water bowl if you need an excuse to get up and get moving.
  • Volunteer for a worthy cause.   Contact schools and healthcare facilities in your community to see if you can volunteer to bring your dog or cat in for a visit. Children and the elderly love interacting with animals. Studies prove that stroking a pet's fur has a calming effect. Become a regular volunteer and spread happiness wherever you go!
  • Be more patient.  Ever caught yourself getting irritated with things that are out of your control? Don't worry; we've all had moments like that. Pets teach us patience.  Like children, they depend on us and love unconditionally. If you want to learn how to be more patient, spend time with a puppy or kitty as they're being potty trained. If you don't loosen up your high expectations after that experience, you never will!
  • Love without limits.  One look into your dog or cat's eyes will allow you to see the love and appreciation that they have for you. Pets don't hold grudges.  They're willing to greet you after a long day at work with a wag or flick of their tails. Love others the way you love your pets. Without expectations. Without judgment.
  • Travel often.  With pet-friendly lodging widely available, there's no reason for you to leave your dogs and cats at home. Pay the pet fee and rest assured that your furry friends are being well cared for. Many hotels and resorts offer special amenities for pets. Don't forget to inquire about these things before making your reservation. Travel well and travel often. Your pets will enjoy it every bit as much as you will.

Enlist the help of your pet this New Year's and reap the benefits of sticking to your resolutions. Make 2013 your best year yet!