Do we move with them in inspiration?
Do we move in a glorious green glow of healing light with and for them?
Do we move to be more whole, more compassionate and full of soul because they are a part of our lives?
Or, do we journey with them to a higher level of intelligent enlightenment?
As we look to discover how we move with our pets, let’s take a moment to consider how we can give the gift of movement back to them. On all levels our pets depend on us for their very existence. When we support them with love, health and healing we move within them. Of course it’s a commitment to pour a bowl of food and water every single day, set a bath for clean up or sacrifice a late night out with friends, because we have to get back home to walk the dog, take care of the cat or feed the ferrets. But what will happen when your pet really needs you to sacrifice. Will you know how to stand up for them and be their voice should they be faced with a serious crisis?
Learning the ways that your pets might move within you, could lead you to learning how to move within them, for the benefit of, them. By taking the basic principles they live by, and applying love, loyalty and commitment, you can look forward to being there to move them when they need it the most.
In times of crisis’, whether it be a serious health issue like disease, or an emotional disturbance like separation anxiety, pet owners can learn how to stand up for their pet’s health needs as their personal health advocates.
Making the choice to speak for who does not have a voice is a gift of love. Sounding off with verbal concerns and communication is being supportive and speaks of loyalty. Sticking with your pet and finding, searching or leading the way to helping them live and heal is a sign of unwavering commitment.
Today you might be a friend, tomorrow you might need to be a nursemaid, and next week you might become a hero. Be courageous today, stand up tomorrow and be confident that you have the power to move on behalf of, for the betterment of and as an integrated partner in the life of—your pet.
Here are some thoughtful tips on how to work towards a happy and healthy life with your favorite companions!
Learn to be conscious of your pets needs
It’s easy to cuddle and fuss over your pet and feel great about your relationship. But learning to be aware of their individual needs will encourage you to care for them both emotionally and physically, which ultimately will deepen your relationship with them.
Watch your pet and learn their behaviors in good times and bad
By being able to recognize how your pet acts when they are happy or sad, you can count on developing your extra-sensory radar to screening them for changes. When an animal exhibits a change of behavior, it’s usual a tip off that they might need some sort of special emotional or physical care.
Keep a journal of your pet’s actions, when they are healthy and when they are ill
Most of us, when we are feeling sad, have a habit or ritual we follow. Some of us cry, others withdraw, and many hide. The same is true of our pets. Watch for their happy days and make an entry in your journal, either mentally or in pen, of your pet’s happy habits. When they are not feeling well, try to journal and remember what their sad or sick behaviors are. Your dog might curl up in a small ball when they are in pain and your cat might hide under the bed if they aren’t feeling well. These signs can be easily transcribed and conveyed to houseguests, veterinarian staff and extended family members. Maybe your dog has accidents in the house when they are nervous, if not, indoor accidents could be a sign of a bladder infection. This type of information is highly valuable and what you want to be taking notes on. In the event you need to travel, are sick yourself or need to leave your pet, as you tend to work, habitual behaviors will be important to know. This information will alert yourself and others on how your pet is feeling and what their overall emotional and physical health status is. If something doesn’t look or sound right, a quick check up can alleviate concerns or address medical issues at the onset. This can save time and money, since chronic health issues left untreated usually wind up being very costly or life threatening
Fill your world with a kind and supportive network of other pet owners
Having an animal friendly support network is vital to the well being of your pet. New moms and dads call upon their mothers and fathers, sisters/brothers, aunts and uncles and girlfriends/guy-friends to support them, as they learn how to be nurturing caregivers. Your pet network can offer you the same helping hand in your times of doubt and uncertainty. When you have questions or need to discuss concerns, it’s these caring individuals that will be able to offer you helpful guidance.
Spend time searching for how to offer healthy choices for your pet’s body
Keep yourself up-to-date on the latest pet health care news. Subscribe to forums and join groups that are informative and send valuable updates on changes to medications, new research findings and all things related to your pet’s physical well being. Learning where to go and who to listen to might be challenging so choose your informational leads wisely. Adhere to the basic practices of medical science and holistic health-care choices and read, read, read!
Learn about your species health needs in regards to food, lifestyle and housing
Check a book out at the library, stop by your local bookstore or ask a friend if they have a recommended reading list for you. Educating yourself about whether or not your pet will live comfortably in a quiet setting or an open living space is important to their physical safety. Did you know that if a rabbit is startled in their cage, they can jump and kick so hard they could break their backs? By learning everything you can about how your pet will thrive in your home, you will be able to provide the best for them according to their special needs. It’s up to us as pet owners to take responsibility for our pets and to provide the very best of environments for sleeping, playing and housing.
Search your area and surroundings for the ultimate in health care options.
You will need a well-educated, kind-hearted and sensitive health care provider. In an ideal world your veterinarian will meet you and your pet, and follow your companion’s health year after year. Follow the rules of how you would choose your own family physician. If you are doubtful, about your family vet, then find a new one. A good practitioner will listen to you, take the time to get to know your pet, hear you when you voice concern and take you seriously. An up-to-date medical facility will have life-saving equipment on hand that your pet will be able to count on in the event of an emergency. The staff will be caring, kind and social with you and your pet. Your ideal physician will encourage you to learn, lead and guide them. Since you live with your companion, you are the only one that can describe their ailments, changes in behaviors and health concerns. Your pet will need a medical doctor that will consider their whole body and treat their symptoms by finding the root cause of their illness. Anything less will not be beneficial to you or your pet.
Enable your friends and family the choice to support you by sharing your pet’s issues and how you feel about your companion as a family member
Don’t be afraid to talk about your housemates to others. Sharing your feelings can open the door to a wealth of incoming information. Should you be looking for a new animal-friendly medical doctor, friends often have other friends that they talk with, who in turn might know of someone that could be of interest. Your network spiders out a thousand times when you share information, experiences and concerns.
Be courageous and help your pet be a whole-person by supporting their health the best way you can—through being their primary healthcare advocate.
Stand up and pull up your bootstraps when the time comes. Should you find yourself in the middle of a devastating health crisis – be the leader of the pack. Your medical team will need a strong center-focused commander. Be the voice of your pet if they need an advocate. If there is no cure, research online, in books and find alternative health care options that are supportive and relevant to your pet’s needs. Command your health care team like a football captain coaches his teammates in the huddle. Don’t count on your pet’s medical doctor to pull a magic wand out of their pocket, sprinkle healthy sparkle dust on your pet’s head or make it all go away with a wiggle of their nose. Doctors are people too, they get confused and they too wonder how to best approach a situation. Physicians are also human and simply cannot be expected to know everything all the time. As your pet’s health advocate, it will be ultimately up to you to be a part of your pet’s successful healthcare team. By being a team captain and highly communicative leader, your vet will be able to focus on their job, making the necessary medical connections to help your companion be the healthiest they can be.
We all can enjoy an endearing life with the companions we choose. Whether you have 1 year or 16 or more to count on, being there and allowing yourself to be moved by your pet’s needs can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Animals are courageous themselves every time they step up and brighten our day. They shower us with their love every time they show us unconditional acceptance and their undying loyalty never fades away. By letting them inspire us, they move us to a better place of Being, with them, for them and in support of them. Enjoy your journey as you strengthen your bonds with your animal friends. Their innocent lives will open yours.
Donald and Sara Hassler are co-authors of the award-winning children’s book, Loving Marley, and reside in Connecticut with Marley and Belle the real-life inspiration for the PugTale Adventures storybooks www.lovingmarley.com. The Hasslers are active members of the press and write exclusive feature articles for several publications. Their columns are also published in Pug Talk Magazine. Donald and Sara and Marley and Belle, write, produce and host their own talk radio show called The Responsible Pet Owner aired live on Good Company 14/WILI in Connecticut. Visit them online at www.responsiblepetowner.com