Paw Prints
By Shannon Hartley
After a tumultuous 2020, we all need to hit the refresh button and set new goals for 2021. Fortunately, you may have the perfect accountability partner, your furry friend.
Whether it’s “pet-demic” pounds, you want to shed or re-grouping to get back on a more effective schedule, I promise you it will be more fun with your pet by your side. You’ll be more successful if you put a hop in your step and a wag in your tail with your best friend this year.
Start 2021 off on the right paw! Here are two of my favorite goals to help you, and your pet live your best life:
Change your diet: Humans aren’t the only ones who need a balanced diet. While you’re blending that green machine protein shake, boil some chicken with a side of fresh peas to add to Fido’s plate.
Learn something new together: this can be as easy as picking out a new TV show, pop a bowl of popcorn and see what the Discovery channel has to teach you.
The three other most popular resolutions are exercise, quality time, and social skills.
Including your furry friend will also allow for more quality time together, which sometimes you don’t realize you need. I interviewed a few pet parents who shared their New Year’s resolution they started for their pets.
Aria (Shetland SheepDog), Matisse, and Santos (Labrador Retrievers):
Alison is the proud mom of these beauties. Allison is still adjusting to working from home and going to school virtually while being a dog mom. Allison’s main resolution is to increase the physical activity for everyone in the house, even herself. Allison is working on her own goal of making sure she has time set aside to give to the dogs to achieve their goals. Matisse & Santos are the puppies of the group; they are just two-years-old and have lots of energy. Allison found an obedience & safety class to help manage their high energy level. She is looking forward to having such fun accountability partners by her side this year.
The Lionhead Bunny, Winnie:
Chrissy & Tom own Winnie, a six-year-old litter box trained loving bunny. The family recently moved, throwing off Winnie’s need for consistency. Their goal is to maintain a schedule with her potty-training since it was disturbed from the move. Tom explained how they want to utilize 2021 to increase her socialization skills around people. Before Covid-19, their house was usually flourishing with guests coming and going. When guests arrive, Winnie seems to transform from sweet and friendly to frightened and irritated. This stress causes Winnie to thump her feet with frustration and hop down the hallway away to hide. They are hopeful that these signs of distress will ease over time with the proper social interaction techniques.
Riding Into 2021 With Vivvi:
Vivi is a 13-year-old Warmblood horse who lives at the Caltabiano Stable. Laura is an experienced English-style horseback rider who met Vivvi a few months ago, and they have become the best of friends and strong riding partners. Laura noticed that Vivvi needs some exercise and flexibility training. Laura and Vivvi spend much of their time jumping hurdles, which requires the horse to be strong and flexible so that neither of them gets injured; this will also improve their performance. Laura’s new year resolution for Vivvi is to find ways to increase her range of motion, flexibility, and overall exercise ethic. Laura hopes these goals will allow them to make the most of their time together.
Cooper & Roscoe, The Lake Weenies:
Cooper & Roscoe are dachshunds that live on the lake, here in Mays Landing with their parents Dave & Amanda. The duo tends to think they own the street they live on and won’t let so much as a single leaf blow across the street without barking until their energy runs out. The weenies parents had to rearrange the living room furniture to take away the outside views from the “fierce watchdogs” lookout. Even though the dynamic duo is not thrilled, the neighbors appreciate our efforts!” Amanda said. Another goal they have for both weenies is to find a way to decrease everyone’s level of anxiety and stress during nail trimming sessions. Dave and Amanda are trying different things to let the pups know that nail trims with mom and dad are safe.
