New Year's Resolutions for Your Pet

The end of 2014 is quickly approaching and we’re all left wondering when the whole year flew by. We are also wondering what promises we’ll make ourselves for the new year. New Year’s resolutions are a time for us to reflect on the past year and come up with ways to better ourselves in the coming year. These resolutions come in a variety of forms for people across the world. But, have you ever thought about your pet’s thoughts for the future.

Is Sparky feeling a little heavy following all those holiday meals? Has Lucky been a little lazy the past couple months? And is Daisy needing to get out of that toxic relationship? We have a feeling that dog and cat resolutions may look more similar to our’s than we may have originally thought. Here are eight New Year’s resolutions your pet may have this year.

1. Lose Those Extra Ounces
The number one New Year’s resolution for people and animals alike is to get back in shape. Everyone has that goal weight in their mind, so now is the time to achieve it! Losing those last couple ounces is the hardest. In order to lose that extra weight, exercise is key. A dog park membership is a great way to find motivation to get back in shape. Your pup will have the opportunity to make friends while getting in shape. Maybe your local dog park has classes and exercise groups that will make this New Year’s resolution the easiest to keep on top of. If a dog park seems unfeasible, why not take up running with your canine companion. This new bonding activity will fulfill both of your New Year’s resolutions at once.

2. Get Out of That Terrible Relationship
Is your furry friend stuck in a relationship that is going nowhere? Do they get bullied by other dogs at the dog park. Perhaps the pretty dog next door they’ve been pining over just isn’t interested. A New Year’s resolution to get out of that dead-end relationship may be just the motivation they need to stand up for themselves as move on. It’s not always easy breaking up with your significant other or moving on, but if sometimes is it necessary to make advances in your personal life. A pup’s gotta do what a pup’s gotta do.

3. Find the Dream Job
Having a job you really love can make all the difference in your life. When you feel accomplished at work, you feel accomplished in life. Finding the dream job, however, isn’t always easy. Maybe your dog has always dreamed of using their talented nose for good. Is it time for them to find a job in search and rescue? Would your cat like to finally break into the pest control field? It takes perfecting your resume and acing the interview to land that dream job. Luckily, for most pups and kittens, their adorable face is all the material they need to land the position they were born to do.

4. Eat Healthier
A resolution that goes paw-in-paw with the goal of losing some weight and getting back into shape,eating healthier is an important goal to set in 2015. A bad diet can not only add to obesity in many animals, but to dental problems and other health issues. Our suggestion to those motivated furry friends out there: eat more fruits and veggies and cut back on the fatty foods. In no time you’ll see that your coat is more shiny and you’ll have more energy (to your parent’s dismay).

5. Go Back to School
Continuing your education is a nobel pursuit. It takes time and energy. If you are willing to put forth the effort, it can help make strides in your personal and professional life. Every dog and cat wants to learn more, whether they know it or not. Dog’s aren’t only interested in eating your homework, they often want to complete their own. Going back to school is a fantastic resolution to have for this new year. Perhaps they want to try their paw at an agility class, or finally buckle down and complete the old obedience school degree. If your furry friend follows through (doesn’t sleep through class) and gets their degree, their future will be bright!

6. See More of the World
Getting out and experiencing the world is not only exciting, but it can help you grow. Being immersed in other cultures and in uncomfortable situations will broaden your idea of the world, and hopefully, help you to become more grounded. Every animal should see new areas and aim to experience new things. Having a goal of seeing a new place each year is a great idea! So, dogs (and yes, even you cats) make it a point to travel somewhere. It doesn’t even have to be too far from your normal hangouts.

7. Spend More Time With Family
The most important part of any person or animal’s life is their family. We often get caught up in daily responsibilities and working to improve ourselves, as the previous resolutions indicate. Spending more tie with your family is a sure way to increase happiness in your life. No matter what your family looks or acts like, make extra time to do fun things together. You’ll appreciate this time when you look back.

A Peaceful Farewell provides compassionate at home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area.