Tag: cats

Why Owning a Pet Could Be the Key to a Happier, Healthier Life

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image via Pexels

Anyone who has ever shared their home with a pet will agree that pets provide benefits that go far beyond companionship. Ziggy and Zorro seem to sense when I’m stressed or down and jump up in my lap to offer big purrs and kitty kisses.

My current series is called the Canine Defense Series. Each story centers around a working dog. The next one, Uncovering the Truth, releases in January and features a chocolate lab named Apollo, who the hero received through K9s for Warriors. This wonderful organization rescues dogs and trains them to be support animals for struggling veterans, cutting down on veteran suicide and helping these brave men and women regain independence from debilitating PTSD. (Check out K9s for Warriors to learn more about this amazing organization. For info on Uncovering the Truth, including an excerpt, click here.)

Today Ryan Goodchild is back to share all the benefits of pet ownership. Take it away, Ryan!

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Having a pet can bring a range of health benefits, going far beyond companionship. Pets have a unique way of lifting our spirits, encouraging healthier routines, and bringing comfort during challenging times. Their presence can positively shape both mental and physical well-being, offering joy, support, and connection that enrich everyday life.

Alleviating Stress and Enhancing Well-being

Owning a pet can be a powerful antidote to stress, offering companionship that brings comfort and a renewed sense of purpose. Pets provide a reliable presence, easing feelings of loneliness and creating a calming effect through their affection and loyalty. Caring for a pet introduces routines and responsibilities that add structure to the day, giving owners a positive focus outside of their own concerns. This bond, built on mutual trust and care, can significantly reduce stress levels, helping pet owners navigate life’s challenges with a sense of calm and fulfillment.

Calming Effects on Blood Pressure

Interacting with pets can have a soothing effect on your body, helping to lower both heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that pet owners often have lower blood pressure levels compared to those without pets. Simply petting a dog or cat can trigger a relaxation response, reducing stress hormones and promoting a healthier cardiovascular system. This natural remedy for stress can be a delightful way to support your heart health.

Helping with Weight Management

Regular walks and playtime with pets offer more than just exercise for furry companions—they also encourage pet owners to stay active. Engaging in daily activities like walking, jogging, or playing fetch naturally integrates movement into routines, helping to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of obesity. These enjoyable, shared activities don’t feel like typical workouts, making it easier to stick to consistent, health-boosting habits.

Nurturing Responsibility Through Pet Care

If you have children, caring for a pet is an excellent way to teach them about responsibility. Daily tasks such as feeding, grooming, and exercising a pet help children develop a sense of accountability. This responsibility fosters empathy and respect for life, as children learn to prioritize their pet’s needs. Moreover, the routine of pet care instills consistency and commitment, essential traits that contribute to a child’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Encouraging children to take an active role in pet care not only helps them grow into responsible individuals but also strengthens the bond between them and their pets.

Offering Emotional Support

Pets can serve as powerful emotional support, offering stability and comfort for individuals dealing with PTSD, depression, and other mental health challenges. Their presence alone can provide a sense of security, helping to ground people during times of stress or anxiety. Studies have shown that interacting with pets increases feelings of calm and improves mood, making them valuable allies in managing symptoms. For those facing mental health struggles, a pet’s loyalty and unconditional affection can become an essential part of their healing journey, fostering resilience and emotional stability.

Planning Time Together

Setting aside time for bonding with your pet can strengthen the unique connection between you and enhance overall well-being for both. Leisure activities, whether it’s a scenic walk, playful fetch session, or simply relaxing together, create moments of mutual joy and relaxation. Regular quality time not only helps pets feel secure and valued but also provides a mental break for pet owners, encouraging mindfulness and reducing stress. Prioritizing these shared experiences fosters a deeper, more fulfilling relationship.

In many ways, pets enrich our lives, offering companionship and subtle yet profound health benefits. The joy, routine, and comfort they bring often translate into improved well-being, fostering a deeper sense of connection and purpose. For many, having a pet is more than a commitment—it’s a partnership that encourages healthier habits, eases stress, and provides a source of unwavering support. Bringing a pet into your life might just be one of the simplest and most fulfilling ways to nurture your overall health and happiness.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. Makes you want to rush right out and adopt a furry buddy, huh? For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

It’s Zaturday – Ziggy and Zorro’s Cross-Country Adventure!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we, Ziggy and Zorro, take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Mommy and Daddy took us on a long trip, and boy, was it fun! They have this little house that they pull down the road, and it’s really cool. It has a comfy bed, where we sleep with Mommy and Daddy and a couch that’s comfy, too.

       

At home, Mommy and Daddy never let us get up on the kitchen table or counters, but in the little house, they do. I’m glad, because that’s where we have the best views of what’s going on outside.

The views looking out the door and sitting on the back of the couch are pretty good, too, even at night.

   

It’s fun watching everything outside. We see lots of birds and squirrels. One day, we saw this. Mommy called it a turtle. We’d never seen one of those before.

Sometimes there are scary things out there, too. Like when this big thing came and emptied the trash. Mommy called it the Garbage Truck Monster. It was reeeeallly noisy! I hid under the covers, and Zorro climbed into a pillow case. All that beeping and clanging around was just too scary for us.

     

Going down the road in the truck is pretty fun, too. Sometimes I ride between Mommy and Daddy and look out the front window. Zorro usually sleeps in Mommy’s lap when we’re traveling. She says it’s hard to write with a cat in her lap, but Zorro doesn’t seem to mind. He just uses her computer for a pillow.

   

Sometimes he stands up to look out the window or gets in the back seat and cuddles up to me.

   

One day Mommy rolled the window down a little bit to get some fresh air, and I got to ride with my head hanging out for a minute. She was hanging on to my harness, but boy, was that fun! Mommy said I looked like a dog. That wasn’t true at all, because I didn’t have my tongue hanging out. I’m much too dignified for that. But the wind blowing my fur sure felt good.

Finally, Mommy and Daddy took us back home. We were sad, then. In fact, for two days, Zorro sat at the door looking out at the little house and crying. He was ready to go again.

But the other day, I heard Mommy and Aunt Kim talking about planning another trip next year. Zorro got really excited. We’re not sure when next year is, but we’re hoping it’s tomorrow!

 

Double Duty: Mastering a Business Startup and Pet Care Simultaneously

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Freepix

Many years ago (before becoming an author), I had a special events decorating company. I worked out of a shop on my property and met with customers in my home. I also had two cats at the time. Although they usually were no problem, one day I was meeting with a customer to plan décor for her wedding, and when I looked down at Suki, my Siamese, she was methodically emptying my customer’s purse! After shooing her away twice, only to find her right back at it, we finally figured out her fascination—there was a French fry in the bottom of the purse!

Juggling taking care of pets while running a home business can be tricky, but today, Ryan Goodchild is back with some great advice. Take it away, Ryan!

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Starting a new business while introducing a new pet into your home can seem like a juggling act of emotional and professional commitments. However, with a well-organized strategy, it’s possible to nurture the growth of both your entrepreneurial venture and your new furry companion. This article explores effective methods to harmonize your dual responsibilities, ensuring that your business flourishes without compromising the care and bonding your pet deserves.

Caring for Your New Pet

Scheduling Breaks for Rejuvenation

Plan regular breaks in your workday dedicated to pet care and bonding. These pauses not only tend to your pet’s needs but also provide you with necessary mental refreshment. Use these moments to stretch, play with your pet, and detach momentarily from business stresses. This can improve your concentration and productivity when you return to your tasks. Incorporating these brief but vital breaks not only caters to your pet’s needs but also reinvigorates your enthusiasm for your ongoing projects.

Establishing Daily Routines

Set a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walking, and playtime. Consistency helps your pet adapt to their new environment and stabilizes their behavior. A predictable routine lets you efficiently plan your work segments around your pet’s care times, ensuring neither your pet’s needs nor your business tasks are neglected. This routine also instills a sense of security and trust in your pet, fostering a calm atmosphere at home.

Prioritizing Early Training

Start basic training and socialization for your pet as soon as possible. Early training helps your pet develop good habits and adjust to new people and environments, which reduces potential disruptions during work hours. A well-trained pet is easier to manage, freeing you up to focus more on your business activities. Consistent training sessions also strengthen the bond between you and your pet, enhancing the overall quality of your mutual relationship.

Business Development Strategies

Defining Business Objectives

Begin by clearly outlining your business goals, strategies, and financial expectations. This blueprint guides your entrepreneurial journey, ensuring you stay aligned with your vision despite the demands of pet ownership. Detailed planning helps you manage your time and resources efficiently, crucial when juggling multiple responsibilities. It also prepares you for unforeseen challenges, allowing for agile responses that keep your business on track.

Networking and Mentorship

Connect with other business owners and seek mentors. Networking is invaluable, providing support and advice that is particularly relevant when balancing business development with personal life changes like adopting a pet. Mentors can offer practical strategies and emotional support as you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. These connections often lead to opportunities and collaborations that might not otherwise be accessible.

Efficient Contract Management

For a new business, establishing clear and legally sound contracts is essential to protect your interests and set expectations with clients and partners. Business contracts should cover all relevant terms, conditions, and obligations, ensuring mutual understanding and compliance. Utilizing e-signing tools simplifies the process, allowing contracts to be signed quickly and securely. Additionally, using a tool that enables you to sign and fill out PDF forms online ensures that your clients can sign documents seamlessly without the need to print anything out, enhancing efficiency and convenience—click for more information.

Streamlining Operations with Digital Tools

Leverage digital tools to handle business operations, including project management and marketing. These tools simplify task management, enhance communication, and improve your marketing outreach, all while saving time. Implementing efficient digital solutions allows you to maintain a smooth workflow, crucial when your attention is divided. This digital integration supports a scalable business model, facilitating growth without proportionate increases in stress or workload.

 

The simultaneous challenges of raising a new pet and launching a business can transform into opportunities for personal and professional enrichment. The integration of thoughtful pet care routines and strategic business management creates a dynamic that promotes well-being across all aspects of your life. As you navigate these dual responsibilities, the growth you witness in your business and the bond you build with your pet will serve as a testament to your ability to harmonize diverse commitments. Ultimately, this journey can lead to a more fulfilling entrepreneurial lifestyle and a deeper companionship with your pet.

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Thank you, Ryan, for all the great info. For inspiring stories about man’s best friend, check out Ryan’s website, A Pupper’s Love.

Creature Comforts: Essential Life Hacks for New Pet Owners

Posted on by Carol J. Post

Image by Freepix

Anyone who has talked to me for more than a few minutes knows I am an animal lover. Almost all of my books have at least one cat or dog and sometimes even a horse or two. Today, John Dunbar is returning to offer some great advice for new pet owners. Take it away, John!

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The decision to bring a new pet into one’s life is both exhilarating and filled with responsibility. Regardless of whether this is a person’s first pet or they’ve had the experience before, there are universal guidelines that can elevate the level of care given to a new animal companion.

Find a Pet That Fits Your Lifestyle

The first crucial step in responsible pet ownership is selecting an animal that suits one’s lifestyle, home, and daily habits. Someone living in a small apartment may find a big dog inconvenient, while a person with a big backyard might opt for a more energetic breed. Assessing one’s circumstances is vital because it impacts not just the owner’s life but also the quality of life the pet will experience.

Safeguard Your Living Space

Once a pet is chosen, the next step is to prepare the household for its newest member. A home with a pet should be a safe one, free from hazards like small objects that can be swallowed or toxic substances that can be ingested. PetCoach suggests organizing a designated space with a bed, water, and toys will also help the pet adapt to its new environment.

Manage Stress Turbulence

During the initial days, it’s crucial to manage the stress levels of both the owner and the pet. The principle here is simple: pets are highly sensitive to human emotions, thus keeping your own anxieties in check so your pet doesn’t pick up on them is essential. Adopting calming techniques for oneself can translate into a smoother transition for the pet into its new home.

Organize Veterinary Documentation

Medical records are a critical aspect of pet care. These should be saved in an organized manner — if you need to create a PDF online, it can make life much easier. Furthermore, saving documents as PDFs with Adobe Acrobat offers benefits such as maintaining formatting across devices, having compatibility with different operating systems, and easy sharing and storing of files. This kind of organization is particularly beneficial during emergencies or while traveling.

Establish a Veterinary Partnership

Establishing a long-term relationship with a qualified veterinarian is crucial after the initial stages of pet ownership. Regular medical examinations are vital for monitoring your pet’s well-being and catching potential issues early. Staying up-to-date with vaccinations provides an additional layer of protection against various diseases. Being proactive about your pet’s health can lead to a happier, more fulfilling life for your furry friend.

Engage in Strong Connection

Building an emotional bond with a new pet is more than a mere feel-good activity; it’s a requirement for a healthy pet-owner relationship. Engaging in games, offering cuddles, and investing time in activities that both the pet and owner enjoy will lead to a more balanced and happy life for the pet.

Maintain Physical Activity

For dog owners, regular physical activity is non-negotiable. Walking the dog daily not only keeps the pet fit but also mentally stimulated. Opt for locations that are pedestrian-friendly and conducive to walking to ensure safety and enjoyment for both the pet and owner.

 

Pet ownership brings with it many responsibilities, but the rewards are endless. Implementing these guidelines ensures that one is prepared to select an appropriate pet, set up a safe and welcoming environment, manage stress levels, maintain organized health records, build a relationship with a reliable vet, cultivate a meaningful emotional bond, and provide adequate physical activity. The collective outcome is a lifetime filled with love, companionship, and the enriching experience of caring for another being.

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Thank you, John, for all the great info. If you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home, you will want to check out John’s website, Housing Secrets.

It’s Zaturday – Happy Festival of Sleep Day!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog. Zorro here.

Did you know that Festival of Sleep Day was this week? You probably think I’m a really smart kitty, but I only know because Mommy told me. She said humans have that day to catch up on the sleep they lost during the Christmas season. Ziggy and I don’t really see the purpose of a day to catch up on sleep. I mean, we aren’t behind at all.

Mommy didn’t do what she was supposed to that day, though. She didn’t take a single nap. In fact, she never takes naps. We think she needs to take lessons from us. We get up in the morning, and once our bellies are full, we sit on the windowsill to watch the birds and squirrels for a little while.

Then it’s time for our first nap.

The next thing we know, we’re waking up to sounds in the kitchen, which means Mommy is getting ready to feed us lunch. After that, we take another nap. Ziggy and I never have problems falling asleep. We can sleep anywhere:

In Mommy’s duffel bag…

In the cat bed…

Snuggled with stuffed animals…

All alone…

Or with each other…

When it comes to naps, we’re not picky at all.

We hope all the kitties and puppies out there had a happy Festival of Sleep Day. We sure did!

It’s Zaturday – Winter is Here!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog. Ziggy here.

 

Okay, I know I said winter is here. Technically, it’s not winter yet. Mommy says that doesn’t happen until December 21. But when it’s cold enough that I can feel it, even with all this fur, it’s wintertime! This week, though, I figured out how I can still enjoy the sunshine on my catio while keeping my body warm in the house.

 I thought that was pretty smart. The only problem is that wherever Zorro is, he’s stuck, because I take up the entire cat door.

Speaking of Zorro, Mommy and Daddy like to build fires inside the house when it gets cold. That doesn’t sound very safe to me, but I guess Mommy and Daddy know what they’re doing. Zorro isn’t so sure, though. When there’s a big fire in the fireplace and Zorro has to cross through the living room, he runs through like something is going to jump out and eat him! The noise of the fire freaks him out, too, especially when a log falls.

He is getting a little braver, at least if the fire burns down enough. Last night, he was even sitting on the coffee table watching it.

Our favorite way to keep warm, though, is snuggling.

Sometimes Mommy will cover us up, which is kind of nice, too.

All you kitties out there, stay warm! Doggies, too…I guess…

It’s Zaturday – Wet Paint!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Zorro here.

Our house has really been a busy place lately. Mommy decided to remodel another room. This time she tore up the living room. Fortunately, she had us stay downstairs while most of the work was going on, because it was really noisy. Ziggy and I don’t like noise, unless we’re the ones making it. Like when we run up and down the stairs when Mommy and Daddy are trying to sleep, and they say we sound like a herd of elephants. We’re not sure what elephants are. Maybe they’re like cats but bigger.

Anyhow, they finally let us come back upstairs when they were finishing the room. All while they were working, the house was a mess. Furniture was piled up in the dining room and the music room. But Ziggy and I still found a comfy place to sleep.

When Daddy finished painting the window sill, I thought it would be fun to get up there and walk around on it. When Mommy came back into the room a while later, this is what the floor looked like:

She didn’t know who did it, so first she checked Ziggy’s paws. No paint. Then she picked me up. Guess what she found. Yep, white paint on my paws. I couldn’t deny it when the evidence was right there.

Mommy scrubbed the paw prints off of the wood floor but wanted to leave them in the paint on the window sill. She said it’s like when parents have their kids put their hand prints in wet cement, and we’re sort of like her kids. Daddy didn’t think that was a good idea, but he hasn’t gotten around to sanding and repainting yet. I kind of hope he leaves my paw prints there.

Now the work is all done. We really like the new room. Ziggy and I have lots of fun chasing each other from one end to the other and sliding on the new wood floor. There’s even a fireplace. On cold days, Mommy and Daddy put a fire in there to keep us warm. Lately it’s been too warm for a fire, but we still like to hang out in there.

Well, I gotta go. It’s time to see what other trouble I can get into.

It’s Zaturday – Missing Daddy

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday—the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog! Ziggy here.

Okay, I think Mommy really needs to rename this “It’s Zunday!” Because this is two times in a row that she’s been late posting. She sort of has an excuse, though. Last week, Mommy and Daddy left the house to go exercise and didn’t come home. (Fortunately, they fed us before they left.) Mommy finally got home late that night and Daddy still hasn’t come home. Mommy said he fell playing pickleball and broke his hip. We’re not quite sure what that means, but they’re not letting him come home. Zorro and I really miss him, so we’re hoping that, wherever he is, Mommy is going to break him out.

A long time ago, Mommy broke Zorro out, too. Before Mommy came, this is what Zorro looked like:

Then Mommy broke him out and brought him home. He looked really sad at that other place, but he’s really happy now. In fact, we’re both really happy. See?

We hope Daddy’s not too sad. It’s been more than a week since we’ve seen him, which seems like FOREVER! And Mommy has been gone from early in the morning till dinnertime. But Aunt Kim and Uncle Chris have taken good care of us. They feed us lunch and dinner too if Mommy isn’t home yet. Daddy says Uncle Chris is a good fill-in butler and Aunt Kim is a good fill-in ladies’ maid.

A long time ago, Mommy and Daddy watched a program called “Downton Abbey.” Zorro and I watched it with them. It was okay, but there weren’t any cats on there. Daddy said that show helped him understand how cats think about their humans. Now he says Mommy is Mrs. Patmore, because she makes our kitty food, and he’s Pappy the Butler. If we think about it that way, Mommy and Daddy are good servants, because they take really good care of us. They make sure we have yummy kitty food…

Fun places to climb…

A comfy bed…

And lots of love.

Whether Mommy and Daddy are our servants or not, we think we’re going to keep them.

It’s Zaturday – Ziglet the Piglet

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Zorro here. Okay, I guess it’s Zunday instead of Zaturday, because Mommy’s slow! She didn’t get this put up when she was supposed to.

Recently, Ziggy and I went to the doctor. Mommy had to find a new doctor for us since we live in North Carolina now. Our old one is in Florida.

I checked out good, but Ziggy is too fat! I’m not surprised. He gobbles his food down then stares at me while I eat, hoping I’ll leave some for him. Daddy calls him Ziglet the Piglet. Now instead of calling “Kitty, kitty, kitty” when it’s time to eat, Daddy hollers, “Sooie, sooie, sooie, pig-pig-pig,” and we both come running! Mommy says it’s a pig call. I don’t care how they call us, as long as they feed us.

Every time Daddy calls Ziggy fat, Mommy says he’s just fluffy, and Daddy reminds her that that’s not what the vet says. I agree with Daddy and the vet. I think he’s getting fat, especially when he pounces on me.  He’s HEAVY! Even so, I don’t want Mommy to put Ziggy on a diet. Since we always eat together, that would mean they’d have to give me less, too. Instead, I’m helping Ziggy get more exercise by chasing him around the house and wrestling with him.

I’m glad I have Ziggy for a buddy, even if the vet says he’s fat. He helps me not to get too lonely. We hang out together in our catio…

and play with our toys together…

and take naps together…

…LOTS of naps. In fact, I think it’s time for another one!

It’s Zaturday – Lonely Kitties!

Posted on by Carol J. Post

It’s Zaturday, the day we (Ziggy and Zorro) take over Mommy’s blog!

Ziggy here. Zorro and I were sad kitties last week. Mommy and Daddy left us! They went to Florida and didn’t take us with them! They were gone a really long time—almost a week! We missed them, but Aunt Kim took really good care of us. We got to hang out with Grandma a whole bunch, too. We also had each other to snuggle with.

Zorro and I like going for car rides. When Daddy’s driving, we both get in Mommy’s lap. It’s a little crowded, because she usually has her computer there, too. When Mommy’s driving, she only lets one of us lie in her lap. Zorro always beats me to it. He curls up there and doesn’t move until Mommy stops for gas.

When Mommy and Daddy first got back, Zorro pouted for a whole day. Mommy couldn’t get him to purr no matter what she did. But he finally got over it and forgave them for leaving him. One thing that helped was that the day after they got back, Daddy went to the store and bought a bunch of meat. Then they made a batch of fresh cat food. Mommy and Daddy make really good kitty food. We like it better than the food that comes out of cans. Zorro even stands up for it.

We think we have good parents, even though they do sometimes leave us. But Mommy promised they wouldn’t leave us again until June. We’re not sure when June is, but we’re hoping its reeeeaally far away. Do you think if we try really hard, we can get them to cancel their trip?