
Do’s and Don’ts With Family Pets
UPDATED: Nov 14, 2013
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.” – Roger Caras, lifelong pet enthusiast (1928-2001)
Dogs and cats are miraculous creatures. One might argue that life is not complete without them. Whether you are a casual pet owner, an avid pet enthusiast or someone who admires them from afar – few people can deny the love and kindness that comes from those four-legged darlings.
Do you remember when your love for pets started?
In my household growing up, we always had at least two pets running around. My little sister, Cassaundra, was born with a love for pets that is incredibly contagious. So infectious that my mother could almost never refuse her when she came inside with yet another “adopted” sick pet to nurse back to health. We lived in the country (at the end of a dirt road) where stray cats and dogs were common. I’ve learned a lot about pets in the family over the years, including some pet do’s and don’ts.
While I go through my seven DO’S or DON’TS, I will also be sharing seven photos from a few Pet Health Central Facebook fans (thank you so much for sharing!) These photos represent precious childhood memories and an early love for pets. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
1. DO: Take family photos with your pet. The memories are priceless.
2. DON’T: Leave your cat out of the holiday fun. Who says they don’t deserve a few new toys for Christmas or Mother’s Day (hint, hint)?
3. DO: Go for walks and play with your dog until you’re tired. If you wait for them to give up, you could be waiting all day.
4. DON’T: Try to play “kitchen” with your kitten. Cats don’t like to be stuck in a high chair for too long.
5. DO: Lay on the floor and cuddle with your dogs once in a while. It’s cozier than you think.
6. DON’T: Sit down and relax (in your fanciest dress) without inviting your best friend to join you!
7. DO: Create millions of beautiful memories with your pets. They brighten up our lives!
What’s your favorite childhood memory with your pet? Share your story in the comments below, or post a picture on our Pet Health Central Facebook page.
-Photo Credit: Thanks again to Pam, Kelly P., Kelli, Hilary, Mary, Amy and Joy for sharing these beautiful photos. Feature image: by Kretyen.
Tags: cat, dog, healthcare, holiday, petcare
Great blog, Nichole! I love the photos and the background on when your love for pets started.
Thank you, Erin!
I hope to help make these kinds of wonderful memories for my children!
Thank you for the comment! I feel the same way about my pets and my daughter. This reminds me that I need to be taking more precious photos l like these! Thank you for reading the blog. I really appreciate it! ~Nichole
That’s a GREAT piece, Nichole! Thanks for sharing the memories and pictures with us. As much as I grumble when I step in a hairball at 2am or the dog knocks over my wine, I love them all. I am so happy that my kids are growing up with a housefull of love and wet noses (plus the chickens, snakes and fish, of course!)
7 Do’s and Don’ts With Family Pets http://t.co/6YaS03yGSb
7 Do’s and Dont’s with Family Pets http://t.co/j69M4dQy53 #pets #dogs
Do you remember when your love of #pets started? Precious memories HERE: http://t.co/v6JiUoThtc
Thank You!! great and peaceful read.
You are very welcome! Thank you so much for taking the time to read it. Happy 2014! ~Nichole
Thx love this site. Especially since 3rd pic is of my baby (well looks just like her….Westie) and so very true about the energy! Luv animals but especially my bff Bailey.
Karen, Thank you so much for the feedback! It’s so fun to write about pets and their wonderful owners. Please continue to read our blog. We really do appreciate it! ~Nichole
Love the blog and the pix! Thanks for sharing! <3
Thank you very much!!! It was fun to write. ~Nichole
I love the get on the floor and get cloose!!
To honor my Father, a great animal trainer. He trained Jackie, my German Sheppard to pick me up without hurting my wrists and would bring me to my Father.
Five stars for Jackie.
Celine
Some of my best memories involve one or more of our pets. They are true family members and give more love than they get. I would be lost without my little guys.