The ball has dropped, we’ve sang “Auld Lang Syne” and everyone has made their resolutions to kickoff the new year. Let’s face it though, come February 1st how many of you will have already discarded your resolutions and fallen back into your old habits. Well this year, let’s make a change and keep it in place! Plus by incorporating your pet into your resolution you may be more inclined to stick with them! Here are just a few common resolutions people make this time of year and how your pet can keep you on track in reaching your goals.
Resolution #1: Drop Some Pounds
Lace up those tennis shoes, grab your dog’s leash and start moving. If losing weight is on your list of resolutions this year, then it may be time to create a workout that incorporates your dog, too. Who wants to walk on a boring old treadmill when you can get outside and enjoy the weather with your furry friend? Already taking your dog on walks, why not extend your walk an extra 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes in the evening. Find new, longer routes so your scenery doesn’t get boring. If walking isn’t that challenging for you, try to run portions of your route with your pet. You can even sign up for a dog-friendly 5K race such as the Humane Society of Greater Dayton’s Furry Skurry 5K on Saturday, May 14th. By incorporating your pet, you not only will keep yourself in shape, but your pet, too.
Resolution #2: Learn Something New
As humans, we are inclined to always want to learn and grow. It seems that many make one of their resolutions to be to learn something new. Your pets can help you with this? Want to take a photography class? Your pet can be the perfect muse to help you hone your skills. Want to take up cooking? Learn how to make homemade treats for your pet.
Resolution #3: Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
The little stresses of life can pile up and become daunting. If your resolution is to stress less and relax more, then why not incorporate a pet into the mix. Many studies have been done on stress and pets and most have found that interacting with an animal can drastically lower your stress level in just minutes. No matter how busy you become, block off time in your day when you can focus solely on your pets. Love on them. Play with them and relish the time you have together. This will help you keep stress at bay for both you and your pets.
Resolution #4: Meet New People or Reconnect with Old Friends
Do you have a family member or friend that you have grown out of touch with? Do you just want to get out of your box and meet new people? Pets can make a great buffer to help you connect to others. Invite an old friend to go on a walk with you and your pet or take your pet to a new dog park or training class where you can meet like-minded animal-loving individuals. Pets can be an easy way to get conversations started and the rest can grow from there.
