Pamper Fido, Fluffy during National Pet Month

May is National Pet Month, so this is a perfect time to shine the spotlight on the love your pets bring to you and your life. While pets do require much care, they offer it back tenfold. The unconditional love you receive from your pet in not quantifiable. Consider the peace, joy and fun your pet offers.

In these modern-day times, humans can get so busy that they may forget to focus on how grateful they are for the animals in their lives. It’s true that if you’re too busy to properly take care of a pet, then perhaps you’re not able to have one. Maybe you take joy and comfort from your neighbors’ pets or animals you encounter outside. We are tickled to cross paths with butterflies, birds, deer, hawks and other species in our environment.

Animals are often used in therapy to help heal the sick and wounded because they are naturally loving beings. Veterans in hospitals often get visits from trained dogs. Sick children enjoy visits with rabbits, frogs and other animals. Service animals are used to help owners with anxiety, fly in airplanes and navigate the world in general.

Of course, we can’t forget the dogs who help our first responders. From police animals to forensic trained dogs helping detectives find missing people, they truly contribute so much positivity to the world.

Below are some ways you can show your pet some extra love:

Buy a comfy new animal bed or fun toy.

Schedule a photo session. (This may make you happier than your pet, but it’s fun to preserve the memory.) Buy some new treats.

Make some extra time to play with your pet.

Take an outside adventure to the park or beach.

Give your pet a massage or try some tapping (EFT) for relaxation.

For The AJC Angela and Dennis Buttimer