The Gifts We Give our DogsWritten by Carolyn Schweitzer
Whoever coined phrase, "It's a Dog's Life" wasn't familiar with 21st century dogs. Time was when average canine slept outside, ate whatever scraps of food were tossed his way, and if he was lucky, was thrown occasional bone. He was even expected to earn his keep! Times have changed. As world has grown more affluent, so have our pets. We're obsessed with keeping our canine companions happy, healthy, and properly accessorized. So much so that many of us worry about our own welfare less than that of our dog. This didn't happen overnight-- trend started decades ago. Take, for example, my grandmother Rose. During 60's and 70's, Rose and Henry discovered cruise vacations. On every cruise, whenever they pulled into port to "shop", Rosie made it her mission to find stray dogs and feed them. She'd head straight for butcher, buy a few pounds of fresh meat, and comb islands for hungry and homeless. She would exclaim, "It's a crime way these animals live!"-- in spite of fact that people of those islands were desperately poor! Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not passing judgment on Grandma, or anyone else. I spoil my pets as much as next guy or gal, and take immense pleasure in it. Truth be told, I'd rather hang out with my dog than with a whole lot of people I know. We share a special bond, my best friend and I. Hey, admit it... lots of you feel same way! The fact is, man has always had a close relationship with animals, and has enjoyed having pets around for companionship. Having a pet can bring great pleasure into our lives, and is believed to have a therapeutic effect on owner. For empty nesters and those who've delayed or opted out of having kids, pets almost take place of children. We bond with our pets especially because they don't judge us. Dogs in particular offer kind of unconditional love we all crave. They're always thrilled to have us around! So, how do we spoil our pets? Probably in much same way that we spoil our children! Aside from all of care attention lavished on America's pets, a tremendous amount of money is spent providing goods and services that were once deemed a luxury-- but are now considered essential. Today's dog sees vet for regular checkups. She eats premium dog food and munches on gourmet doggie treats, is enrolled in obedience classes, and runs agility courses. She has her own collections of toys, clothing, and possibly even dog jewelry and canine cologne. She sleeps indoors on a luxury orthopedic bed and takes shelter outdoors in her cedar dog house. She wears a safety harness when riding in family car, a reflective vest on hunting trips, and rain gear in foul weather. She can even dodge UV rays with a pair of doggie sunglasses. Her responsibilities are few. I could go on (don't worry, at some point I will!). But one of most notable signs that we regard our dogs as members of our family is fact that we buy them gifts. A dog gift for holidays, a dog gift for a special occasion, or a dog gift to show our appreciation for how much our dogs appreciate us. Any reason will do. Heck, we even wrap our dog gifts! Here are some very interesting statistics regarding gifts for pets:
| | Make Role Modeling a HobbyWritten by Michael G. Rayel, MD
Like in most families, children are around you everyday. Whatever you show to your children is what you teach and impart to them regardless of your intentions. In eyes of your children, you are a teacher. Everyday you are teaching “live” — whether you like it or not. You’re like a walking lecture in your child’s life.What are you willing to show to your child? What are you going to teach your child through you? Do you want to be credible? The Best Way to Teach is to Model What You Preach Parenting articles and books tell us that we should be role models for our kids. However, finding a reliable source on how we can become one is a challenge. Being a role model is not an easy task. It requires determination, self-control, self- reflection, and discipline. One of best ways to become a role model is to simply practice what you preach. Obviously, you can’t tell your child not to smoke or drink when you smoke a pack a day or you have several drinks before going to bed. Likewise, you appear phoney to your kids if you advise not to use foul language when you criticize or verbally abuse your spouse at dinner table. Your Teachings Should be Followed by Action “Talk is cheap,” as saying goes. Your advice is of most value to your children if you back your pronouncements with action. I know a father who preaches to his children not to punch back if they are hurt by a playmate but same father never hesitates to grab his kitchen knife every time his neighbour in same apartment building makes a noise. Show your children behaviour that you want them to show to others. Talk way you want them to talk to others. If you want your child to practice self-control, then you have to show self-control yourself. If you expect household rules to be followed, then don’t violate these rules yourself. Don’t Preach Anything that You are Willing to Violate Don’t make a household rule that you can’t follow. Never make a rule that you intend to break if no one is watching. A rule is only effective if it is consistent and properly implemented.
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