Pet-Pawsitive Promises For 2017

We all make promises to improve ourselves in the coming year, but have you ever wondered what resolutions your dog may be pondering this year?  Here are a few New Year's Resolutions from your dog's perspective.  Just don't say anything if they don't quite meet the goal...you keep their secrets and they'll keep yours!

 Resolution #1: I will eat less and exercise more.
Too many nights on the couch, too many dog treats, and too little time running and playing in the backyard has made me a little, well, fluffier.  I don't think the old "I'm just big-boned" excuse will work anymore.  I promise to bug my owner to take me out for some real exercise and playtime as often as possible!

Resolution #2: I will beg less.
I've got begging down to a science, but somehow I don't think my owner appreciates it very much.  I promise to reserve the begging for worthwhile things like going out for a car ride or a taste of that delicious steak!

Resolution #3: I'll stay out of the cat's litter box.

I vow to resist the urge to snoop around the cat's private laboratory - even though it's a whole lot of fun and really makes the cat go nuts!

Resolution #4: I won't bite the vet anymore.
I'll remember that the vets and their staff are just trying to help, although they really know how to push my buttons with those needles!

Resolution #5: I won't steal food as much.
I won't go out of my way to steal food, but all bets are off if my owners make it really easy for me!

Resolution #6: I'll introduce myself in more appropriate ways.
In other words, I'll focus my attention above the waist when introducing myself to new humans.  Somehow, I get the feeling my normal greeting invades their private space!

Resolution #7: I'll bark at the mailman less.
Even though it works to put him in his place, I'll try not to exercise my authority over him and other delivery people, although my self-esteem does get a boost when I see them  retreating!

Resolution #8: I'll be more tolerant of those silly outfits and homemade bandannas.
My owner has gone to a lot of trouble to buy or make these things, so I guess I'll just put up with the way they feel and the taunts of other dogs!

On a more serious note, we can learn so much from our pets that maybe we should consider using some of these lessons as our own personal New Year's resolutions for 2017.

Resolution #1: Make new friends - adopt.

The best and most important lesson learned from animals is that it doesn't matter what someone's background is to find amazing, life-long friends.

Resolution #2: Say you're sorry.

Pets are masters at getting into trouble and then giving us the most heart-felt "I'm sorry" looks...even if they do go and do the exact same thing the very next day.

Resolution #3: Never worry about how others see you - go for it.
There's nothing like a dog chasing a ball to remind us that we just need to be ourselves and let others view us as they will.  Lesson - go for what you want and what you feel is right.

Resolution #4: Nap often.

A nap helps us refresh ourselves and can bring a whole new perspective to the way we see something.  Ever wonder why cats always have that wise, all-knowing look?  Cats spend most of the day napping...they've definitely got the right idea!

Resolution #5: Laugh loud and often.
After all, who's better than our pets at making us crack a smile when we're having a really bad day?

Resolution #6: When the time is right, pounce.
Pets maintain some of the best focus in life.  Granted, that focus may be to catch a ball or treat, beg for dinner, or...well, you get the idea!

Resolution #7: Never forget to give and take.
Now that we've learned to go after what we want, not worry about how others see us, and pounce when the time is right, we must always remember to give and take.  It's a delicate balance that (somehow) our pets seem to master much more easily than we do.

Resolution #8: If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.
Need I say more?

Well, I hope these pet-pawsitive promises make you smile and give you a little something to think about throughout the year.  Let's resolve to make 2017 a happy and healthy year for us and our favorite furry friends!  We all deserve the very best each and every day of the year!       

Happy tails to you until we meet again!