The Most Important Relationships in your Pet’s Life
[IF YOUR AUDIENCE IS SPECIFIC TO DOGS, CAT, OR ANOTHER SPECIES, SWAP IN THEIR TYPE INSTEAD OF “PET,” AND OMIT RELATIONSHIPS THAT AREN’T A MATCH. INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR OWN VETERINARIAN, GROOMER, ETC. WHERE APPROPRIATE, AND IF YOUR PROFESSION IS INCLUDED BELOW, ADD A SHORT STORY OF A PET WHO CONSIDERS YOU ONE OF THEIR BEST FRIENDS!]
Your relationship with your pet may be one of the most important bonds in your life. They have an incredible influence on our health and wellbeing. But what about the relationships our pets have with people or other pets outside of our home? Here are X stars in the constellation of the other people who are important to your pet’s own happy, healthy life.
YOU! [ADD A SENTENCE OR TWO ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL 1:1 RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR OWN PET, MENTIONING HIM OR HER BY NAME AND INCLUDING ACTIVITIES YOU DO TOGETHER]. In what unique ways do you and your pet bond?
Their trusted veterinarian. Next to you, your pet’s vet may be the most important person in their life, so it’s vital that you cement that relationship with an annual check up in addition to visiting when your pet doesn’t feel well. Or just drop in to say “hi!” so vet visits aren’t always scary. [DISCUSS HOW YOUR VETERINARIAN HAS CHANGED YOUR PET’S LIFE FOR THE BETTER: ANNUAL VISITS? DID THEY CATCH A HEALTH ISSUE YOU MISSED? A STAFF PERSON WHO IS PARTICULARLY COMPASSIONATE?]
Their soothing groomer. A genuine bond between a pet and their groomer often lasts a lifetime. A great groomer can take a stressful bath event and turn it into a feel-good spa day. [ADD A SENTENCE ABOUT SOMETHING SPECIAL YOUR GROOMER DOES FOR YOUR PET OR IF YOU ARE A GROOMER, SHARE SOMETHING ABOUT A FAVORITE CLIENT] Your pet’s monthly relationship with their groomer involves trust and respect on both ends of the table.
Their experienced trainer or behaviorist. Your pet’s trainer is both their coach and therapist. Their relationship can be life-changing. They not only help you teach your pet how to navigate human expectations, but they are also there to answer fitness and behavioral questions throughout their life. [HOW HAS A TRAINER – WHETHER IN PERSON, ONLINE, OR ON TV, HELPED YOU TRAIN YOUR PET OR GIVEN YOU INSIGHT INTO A BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM? SHARE IN TWO SENTENCES HERE.]
Their good-time dog walker. Cue all the butt wiggles when the dog walker shows up! When you can’t be home, the dog walker is the one you and your dog trust for potty breaks, exercise and just plain good fun. [SHARE A SENTENCE ABOUT HOW YOU FOUND YOUR DOG WALKER, OR THEIR SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG].
Their reliable pet sitter. Some pets grow to really grow to love their pet sitter, whether they are a professional or your generous nearby neighbors. Not only do they go to great lengths to make sure your pet has loving company, food, water, and exercise, they make sure your home is safe and secure, too. [GIVE AN AFFECTIONATE SHOUT OUT TO YOUR PET SITTER, AND IF THEY ARE A PROFESSIONAL, LINK TO THEIR BUSINESS]
Their best furry friend. Humans are great! But when it comes to romping in the yard or curling up for a nap, some pets really enjoy the company of their own fuzzy kind. [MENTION YOUR OWN PET’S BEST BUDDY IN A SENTENCE, IF THEY HAVE ONE]. If your pet craves companionship from a fellow [CANINE, FELINE, OR OTHER PET] call a fellow pet parent for a hike or a playdate. Or if there is room in your heart and your home, it may be time to adopt another pet as a fulltime best friend.
Your own best friend or fantastic neighbor. Sometimes does it seem like your pet loves your neighbor [OR FRIEND] more than you? [INCLUDE A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR YOUR PET LOVES AND A SENTENCE ABOUT HOW THEY WON YOUR PET’S AFFECTION]. If they keep a ready stash of treats or look after your pet when you’re away, your neighbor [OR FRIEND] may be your pet’s favorite aunt or uncle.
Their treat-dispensing Mail Carrier. When the mail arrives, does your pet bark to scare him off [OR HIDE UNDER THE COUCH, ETC. IF MORE APPROPRIATE TO THE SPECIES] or run out to say “hi!” [IF YOUR PET LOVES THE MAIL PERSON, SHARE Check out “UPS Dogs” on Facebook to see pets of all species run to meet their uniformed friend. [LINK https://www.facebook.com/upsdogs]
Their doting Grand-pawrents. Let’s face it – if your parents love pets, chances are good your pet loves them, too. Even if the toy basket is stuffed full, family members love to bring treats or a new toy for the “grandpup” [OR GRANDKITTEN, ETC.] [DO YOU HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO SPOILS YOUR PET WITH GIFTS OR AFFECTION? SHARE HERE IN A SENTENCE] If they live close by, they may do double-duty as their pet sitter or walker, too!
Who are the people in your pet’s relationship circle? Friend, family, or professional, be sure to let them know how much you both appreciate their expertise, care, and affection. A note, text, or just a heartfelt “thank you” will say aloud what your pet can only articulate with a happy nudge and welcoming eyes.
Fun Ways You and Your Dog Can Have a Blast Together and Express Your Individuality
It all begins with an idea.
Enjoying fun activities with your dog not only strengthens your bond of togetherness but also is a great way to add physical and mental stimulation to your pup’s life, which promotes overall good health, of course. [ADD A SENTENCE ABOUT AN ACTIVITY YOU AND YOUR DOG SHARE REGULARLY. MENTION YOUR DOG BY NAME]. Whether you have a new puppy or old faithful by your side there are plenty of ways to express yourself and have FUN with your dog!
Create a social media fan page. Are you and your pup ready to be internet sensations? Creating a TikTok or Instagram page with your dog is one of the most enjoyable ways to show off just how incredible your bond is. [IF YOUR DOG ALREADY HAS A PAGE OF THEIR OWN, SHARE A SENTENCE ABOUT WHY/WHEN YOU STARTED IT & INCLUDE THE LINK]. Not into managing a budding social media star? Share a photo of your dog every week on your own social media profile. [INSERT A SHORT SENTENCE ON HOW OFTEN YOU SHARE PICS OF YOUR DOG ON SOCIAL MEDIA. IF IT’S YOUR BUSINESS PAGE, LINK TO A POST]
Wear matching outfits. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, and fashion is the ultimate way to express your individuality. [DO YOU HAVE ANY MATCHY-MATCH CLOTHING? IF YES, CALL IT OUT HERE. IF NOT, ADD A SENTENCE ABOUT WHAT YOU WOULD THINK WOULD BE CUTE TO BUY. SHARE A LINK]. Snag matching gear for yourself and your dog that shows off your purest personalities!
Have an Instagram-worthy photoshoot. [ADD A FEW SENTENCES ABOUT BEAUTIFUL OR HISTORICAL PLACES IN YOUR REGION THAT WOULD BE A GREAT BACKDROP TO PHOTOGRAPH DOGS – OR WHERE YOU HAVE ALREADY] Pose your pooch at the local spot in your town with a little character, and you’re bound to get all the Instagram likes.
Go on a walking tour of your city. Play tourist in your own town! [INCLUDE A FEW SENTENCES ABOUT A PLACE YOU RECENTLY DISCOVERED IN YOUR OWN TOWN, OR A LOCATION YOU PLAN TO EXPLORE SOON]. Grab your matching gear and plan your route around your city’s most pet-friendly spots for treats and attention.
Enjoy a stay at a pet-friendly bed and breakfast. Dogs are welcomed guests at some of the most exciting places across the world. [SHARE A VACATION DESTINATION YOU HAVE ENJOYED WITH YOUR DOG OR A VACATION YOU PLAN TO TAKE THIS SUMMER. IF YOUR DOG DOESN’T TRAVEL WELL, YOU CAN MENTION THIS AND CALL OUT A PLACE YOU WISH YOU COULD VISIT TOGETHER, OR WHERE YOU HAVE SEEN OTHERS VISIT WITH THEIR DOGS]. So if your pup travels well, plan a mini vacay for the two of you. Splurge on luxury amenities like pet-pampering packages for the ultimate FUN!
Netflix and nap. Rainy days don’t mean you can’t have fun with your dog! [SWAP IN YOUR STREAMING/TV SUBSCRIPTION OF CHOICE OR CHANGE THIS TO ‘A GOOD BOOK AND A NAP’ IF YOU PREFER]. All you need is the comfiest spot on the couch, a canine-friendly flick and a few hours to nap the afternoon away.
Grab a puppuccino. This off-the-menu item is a bit cheesy, but chances are your dog will love it. [HAVE YOU GOTTEN A PUP CUP WITH YOUR DOG? SHARE WHERE YOU WENT, IF YOUR DOG LOVED OR SPURNED IT, OR IF YOU PLAN TO GIVE IT A TRY SOON] As long as your dog is dairy-tolerant, you’ll have a coffee companion for life.
Plan a pet party. How long has it been since you’ve been together with all of your dog-loving friends? Plan a party for both people and pooches. [INCLUDE A SENTENCE ABOUT A PAST PARTY YOU’VE HELD FOR YOUR DOG OR DOG-FRIENDS OR ABOUT PLANS YOU HAVE TO GET TOGETHER WITH THEM THIS YEAR]. Have everyone bring a present and swap so each pup gets something new to play with. Home-baked treats are an easy extra-special touch and can be whipped up in less than an hour. [INCLUDE A LINK TO YOUR FAVORITE DOG COOKIE RECIPE OR PET-PARTY WEBPAGE].
Learn a fun new sport or mini-sport. Maybe learning an entire agility course isn’t on your list of goals, but how about introducing your dog to a single tunnel or a few simple jumps? How about a flirt pole (a dog-version of a cat’s toy-on-a-stick)? [IF YOU AND YOUR DOG LOVE A CANINE SPORT OR ARE CONSIDERING TRYING ONE, ADD TWO SENTENCES HERE]
Cook a dinner for two…or three, four or more if you have a whole pack of pooches. [SHARE A TREAT OR MEAL YOU AND YOUR DOG HAVE SHARED TOGETHER IN A SENTENCE]. You can find treats online (frozen yogurt dipped strawberries – yum!) [SHARE THIS ARTICLE OR ANOTHER YOU LIKE BETTER http://www.riverlandingsanimalclinic.com/news/2017/6/26/pet-friendly-recipes-1] Frozen yogurt dipped strawberries – yum! Or you can even buy a recipe book [HERE’S AN EXAMPLE https://www.amazon.com/Cooking-Two-Delicious-Recipes-Favorite/dp/1510714952].