Our pets give us love, loyalty and patience, and ask for nothing in return. Here’s how we can show them that they are members of our family.
Just like us, animals too become bored and lonely when they are left in the same place for hours on end. For example, a pet that’s caged in a kennel or tied to a gate all day will become depressed over time. Keep pets indoors, play with them and take dogs for walks twice a day. Both cats and dogs need access to clean drinking water at all times.
Always keep your dog on leash when you’re walking her and never let her go off on her own, even if it’s just down the street. It’s for her own safety, for she might run off when she sees or smells something interesting. This is how many pets go missing.
Our companion animals don’t know right from wrong like we do, and sometimes do mischievous things or exhibit behaviour that’s perfectly normal for their age or species. So a puppy going through the teething phase might unwittingly chew up your shoe, and cats may scratch on furniture legs to keep their claws sharp and declare that your home is part of their territory. Never hit, starve or punish them, as this causes fear and pain. Instead, use positive teaching methods — so when your puppy is chewing up a shoe, offer him his chew toy and praise him and pet him when he lets go of the shoe and takes the toy from you. And remember, shoes and furniture are mere things, but our pets’ love is forever!
Regular vaccinations keep pets safe from diseases. Your veterinarian will provide you a card that helps you keep track of them, so you do not miss a shot. And when pets fall sick or grow old, they need us to take special care of them. A good owner would never abandon a pet on the street (or at a shelter) when they are ailing or aging, for that’s when they need our kindness the most.
