May 5-11 is Be Kind To Animals Week!

As Conscious Companions we do this every day, but this week we have the opportunity to be proactive about it and encourage others.  Here are a few of my suggestions on what YOU can do:

• Adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue

Every year over 3.7 million animals are euthanized in U.S. shelters because they could not be adopted into loving homes. Help animals find a second chance at happiness by adopting your next animal companion from a local shelter or rescue group. If you can’t adopt, consider fostering a parrot, cat, or dog.

• Take excellent care of your animal companion

Our animal companions need us to help keep them healthy and safe throughout their lives.  We do this is by ensuring they are well hydrated and on the healthiest foods, provide nourishing foods when they are sick, being aware of their proper body functions, and scheduling regular visits to a trusted and well respected veterinarian.  We can also make sure they are wearing proper identification, prevent boredom, and provide mental and physical enrichment every day!  These are just a few ways that we can be a responsible animal guardian and show kindness to the animals with whom we share a home.

• Thank Them. 

Have fun together and praise your animal companion!  It’s not all about the well behaved moments or the correct behaviors. It’s about the connection you have together. It’s about them trying. It’s about you trying. It’s about your bond. And thank them for just showing up.

• Celebrate Them.

Let’s stop waiting for birthdays to do “special things” with our animal family members. Go on an adventure together on a Wednesday! Offer him that rare, special treat on a Tuesday! Spend quality time with her on a Thursday! Make time for them every day.

• Listen to Them.

Learn to listen more, observe more, and react less. Learn to Mind Your Mood. Watch what happens.

• Build Trust.

With the right tools, patience, and determination, we are all capable of making positive impacts and lasting improvements with the animals that we share our homes with. We can do this without fear, force, or intimidation.

• Keep Your Promises. 

What I give to (or withhold from) myself parallels how I treat others.  What I practice in life parallels life with my animal companions. What we give and receive to ourselves will be reflected in our pets at home.

• Appreciate wildlife

All animals deserve to be treated humanely — family pets, and animals in the wild.  You can do this by creating an inviting space in your yard and/or garden for butterflies, hummingbirds, and other creatures.  If wildlife comes too close to home, look for ways to coexist with animals, or to protect your property humanely.  Avoid chemicals, pesticides, and over fertilizing; these can kill native insects, amphibians, and drain into your local watershed.  

• Report animal abuse

Animal cruelty and abuse is not only tragic for animals, but also an indicator that other forms of abuse such as domestic violence could be happening. If you see something that looks suspicious don’t hesitate. Let the proper authorities know.

• Spread the Word

Volunteer in your local shelter, learn about the animals you live with, and the animals you share the land with. Find how you can support local and global conservation.  Then share your message with friends, family, and your community!

We are One.