The third week of January is often when New Year’s Resolutions begin to go by the wayside. We either choose to make too many changes at once in our lives and can’t keep the pace, or select goals that are unattainable. Maybe we’re lazy or lack motivation, or just can’t be consistent. Regardless of the reason, it’s never too late to make improvements, especially FOR the four-legged members of your family, so instead…let this be a time to reassess, and choose one new task, habit or addition to your routine for each week or month of the new year, and stick to it!
Resolutions to Help
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Live a Longer, Happier, Healthier Lifetime with Me
I PLEDGE TO be responsible for my pet for its entire life. I understand DOGS & CATS usually live 15-20 years; HAMSTERS, GERBILS & other POCKET PETS as well as FROGS & FISH have a life span less than 5 years; PARAKEETS & CANARIES can live 15-20 years, and exotic birds (MACAWS & COCKATOOS) can live 30 years or more! TURTLES (even box turtles) can live up to 50 years, while tortoises can make it to well over 100.
I promise to:
Walk my DOG and exercise him daily I will feed my pet a high-quality diet, keep him well-groomed and provide plenty of fresh water, love and attention. Sometimes the best exercise for a cat is to have another cat to play with, so if my lifestyle permits, I will consider adopting a second feline for life to keep her company. I will properly feed my BIRD, POCKET PETS, FISH & TURTLES making sure their cages/tanks are clean and that they get exercise.
Do a weekly HEAD-TO-TAIL check-up, really getting acquainted with my pet’s body and habits so that I may discover a small problem early and get it looked t.
Schedule a visit with our veterinarian at least once yearly. I will also check into pet insurance of have a Plan B (emergency credit card) so that I will be able to provide needed care, and I will make sure vaccines are up-to-date and that my pet’s microchip is properly registered.
Make my schedule work for the sake of my pet, even if I have to forego a fun time out. Regardless of how much time I must be away from home, I will make sure my pet is attended to and remains in a safe and temperate environment with someone checking on him when I can not.
Consider my financial position before adopting additional pets, but once I’ve made the commitment, I will do everything in my power to provide properly for them including quality FOOD, SUPPLIES (toys, cage/crate, bed, shelter, litter box, seat belt, collar, leash, ID tags), VETERINARY CARE (annual check-ups, vaccinations, flea & tick prevention, dental care, micro-chipping), LICENSING, PET SITTING, TRAINING and UNEXPECTED EXPENSES.
Make sure my DOG is a good citizen by always walking him on a leash and picking-up after him. I will make sure that he is obedience trained using positive methods and that he is never bored, so that he doesn’t disturb the neighbors with excessive barking. I will make sure my CAT never roams getting into neighbors’ yards or being hurt by cars, other animals or poisons.
Learn Pet First-Aid & CPR because in spite of my diligent attention, life happens, and I must be prepared to help my pet in the event of any emergency or sudden illness. I will keep a well-stocked Pet First-Aid Kit handy as well as a Disaster Preparedness Kit for my pet.
To give my pet at least as much unconditional love as he give me and spend quality time with him daily as that is the great joy of being a pet parent!
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Signature of Loving & Responsible Pet Parent & Date
