Love your pets every day
I have yet to take them out and see the world. But for now, we’ll just enjoy each other’s company at home
Whenever I come home and see my pets waiting for me, I just know that I’m never alone.
All it takes is one look at them — it’s as if love has become tangible with furs, wagging tails and chonky paws.
Although 20 February is celebrated annually as National Love Your Pet Day, pet owners know that every day is a chance to shower fur babies with the love and affection they deserve.
My pets make me feel safe. It’s the way they ask to snuggle after chasing each other around the house, knocking over everything blocking their way.
There were times I was so busy that they would jump over my keyboard to just sit and scratch their body. It was their hilarious way of seeking attention, but it makes me happy. Sometimes, I would sneak bits of time while working from home to play with them. Though in most cases, I ended up with a few scratches and bites. But I knew my pets were just being playful.
It has become my routine to check up on them as soon as I wake up. Sometimes, I find them sitting by the sofa beside my parents. Some fall asleep, with their heads on pillows and bellies out so anyone who walks by can easily rub them to their liking.
I have yet to take my pets out and see the world. After the pandemic, maybe we could visit the mall or take long walks at the park. But for now, we’ll just enjoy each other’s company at home.
Spay day
Every last Tuesday of the month of February, the pet owners’ community observes the World Spay Day.
Advocates take this opportunity to campaign for animal birth control in an effort to lessen the population of unwanted cats and dogs. Unfortunately, these poor animals end up living on the streets — forced to fend themselves for the rest of their lives.
Spay and neuter decreases your pet’s urge to mate. Not only that, the process also helps reduce chances of your pet contracting breast cancer, uterine infections, pyometra for females and testicular for male pets.
Pet owners can book for a spay/ neuter session at the Philippine Animal and Welfare Society (PAWS) website, paws.org.ph/programs/spay-neuter/.