Our Lives and the Lives of Those in Our Community Are Made Better with Pets
At the beginning of November I was invited to NYC for the Better with Pets Summit for the third year in a row. Each year Purina asks how our lives are better with Pets. For me I know that without a doubt I wouldn’t be where I am today or have the career that I do without Davinia and Indiana. Every single day they inspire me to think creatively, learn, and grow in order to provide the best life I possibly can for us. They provide emotional support on the hard days, adventure companions, and a physical reminder of why I do what I do. Each big decision I make I weigh to determine how it will change our lives and if it will make our lives and their emotional and physical well-being better. Even the seemingly simple act of getting on a plane to attend the Better With Pets Event is done knowing that they are happy and well taken care of at grandma and grandpa’s house while I am gone. Having lived in Queens when the girls were younger I know that Davinia has no love for the Big Apple she prefers the mountains. Indiana on the other hand would have love to come with me and I did consider bringing her but the girls have not been separated in so long that I wasn’t sure what they would think about it. That and the fact that I was flying up for the Better With Pets Summit but spending the rest of the week at my NYC office I figured Indiana would be happier at home. Though she thinks her friends at the office are pretty cool too. I did bring their Flat selves with me to the event. Here they are hanging out in the Cat Grass!
This is one of my favorite events of the year because of all of the amazing speakers they always bring out to speak and share just what it means when we say our lives are Better with Pets. This year’s topic was about shining a spotlight on the emotional wellness of pets and the people who love them. How do pets help us be well? How do we help them in return?
How Has Your Life This Year Been Made Better With Pets?
It’s not just about buying a few bags of dog food over the course of your dog’s life or the yearly vet visits. It is about so much more. It is about a commitment to your pet for its lifetime. A pet that is going to enhance your life cognitively, physically and emotionally. According to Dr. Arleigh Reynolds Humans and dogs are the healthiest both physically and emotionally when we share our lives through work, play and love.
Did you know that kids that take responsibility for their pets develop a sense of empowerment and purpose? Being a positive role model around pets teaches your kids to be role models around pets. A child that is a role model for how to act and behave around pets can change an entire communities thoughts and actions towards the pets in their care. All it takes is one to make the lives of pets better. In return dogs can help build, grow, and support emotional well being of an entire community.
While pets can teach children about responsibility and and empower them in homes they can also help calm and empower them to speak out after traumatic experiences. From getting a child to speak after a natural disaster to helping calm them after a tragedy pets are even being used in courtrooms to help children tell their stories of being abused in order to bring their attackers to justice. Pets calm children and help adults get them to open up where before they would stay silent.
How has your life been made Better with Pets?
I don’t know what we would do without our pets. The dogs are such a wonderful sight when you return home after a long day of dealing with people! They are instant happiness!
I honestly don’t know what I would do without my Loki! I adopted him earlier this year and my life has really changed for the better. I’m much happier and healthier thanks to him. Pets are the BEST <3
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That was one of my favorite events of the year too. I know my life totally changed when I adopted, Chester, my first dog as an adult and adopting Gretel utterly transformed me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.
The Better with Pets Summit sounds like a great event! Pets really do provide comfort and companionship. We adopted our Abby about 7 months ago and she has brought so much joy into our lives!
Well I am not a pet person but I admire those who care for and love pets
We are not pet people and we also have allergies, but I do love little puppies, they are so cute. Our daughter has always wanted a pet!
We don’t have any pets yet, but when the boys are old enough to care for one, we will be getting one. I think it’s a great way to teach responsibility and love. Sounds like a fun event too.
I am not a pet person and my son has bad allergies to cats. My kids keep me busy enough
tara pittman recently posted..How To Keep Your Items Dry When Doing Water Activities
It’s so true. We had one dog he is called Yoda and is 1 year old and then this month we adopted a new dog (older one) called Casper and they fill us with joy.
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Ever since I owed cats I have been happier, so I totally agree with you! My pets are part of our family!
We have two dogs and a cat. WE love our pets just like our kids!
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We don’t have a dog, but used too and I can say she was a lot of extra work for us. I don’t think I am a dog person, but we do have a bunny and my kids love him.
I am not a pet person because I’m scared of dogs and I don’t have enough patience for all the pet-work. I live in a condo so it’s also not advisable to have one.
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i do not have a pet anymore as my cat has died and i cannot have a pet in my current living situation. i miss the companionship with a pet. my cat made my life even happier and i miss her everyday
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Aw what a lovely event. Sadly I don’t own any pets as I live in another persons house.
I’ve never been a pet owner but my kids have been hounding me for a fog. We’ve been visiting different shelters so hopefully we find a match!
They are not only stress relievers they are a great motivation to keep living life. I thank life for giving us pets, they are the best!
Yes, pets add to our lives but I am not sure I could have one again, especially a dog or cat, as it is quite costly to take care of them. I do travel and getting them into a pet care is costs a bit. That’s the downside for me.
Mom can’t imagine life without pets! Pets are a must for her!
Have you seen those bumper stickers with the paw print that say “who rescued who?” It is so true that pets bring such joy and purpose to our lives. That’s one of the reasons there are therapy animals to help those who need them. Our lives were forever changed for the better when my husband and I decided to adopt our dog Buck. In fact, I wrote about him on my blog recently: http://rockymountainmrs.com/meet-buck-our-rescue-pup/
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My pets have always meant the world to me. I hated the short time I lived without any. It was a long year!
My pets are my joy! I couldn’t imagine my life without them! Love your post!
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My life is significantly better with our pets. My dog has comforted me through some really hard times!
OMG they are the cutest. We don’t have any pets but plan to get a dog within the next year or so. I have so much to learn.
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Those puppies are adorable! I want to get a dog, but I travel so much I don’t think it would be fair for a dog at this point. 🙁
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so beautiful! love my puppy
My life is indeed better with my dog Oscar and my albino Fancy Leopard Gecko Snowflake. It is hard to believe that my Snowflake indeed is the one to make me smile every day no matter what. She acts more like a cat than a gecko. Oscar is there every day to lesson my stress and calm me down. Thanks for sharing
We don’t have any pets in our home at the moment. I grew up surrounded by pets and miss those moments. My parents at the moment have two dogs, one cat, budgie birds, a rabbit, and some goldfish. There is just something about pets that give a home a more calm and relaxed feeling.
We actually do not have any pets in our home. We’ve been going back in forth on either getting a cat or a dog but we want the kids to be ready for that responsibility first!
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It’s amazing what a special place our pets have in our homes and hearts. Love your post.
Oh your doggies are so cute! We have a cat at the moment, and she brings us all much joy – she is so funny! Kaz
I have always had pets in my life and I seriously don’t know what I would do without them. We have two rescue dogs and they are definitely members of our family!
Over the years my allergies to dogs and cats have become worse, so my doctor said I really shouldn’t have any pets now. I miss having dogs. They are definitely a comfort and help me relax.
I wish I could say my life was made better with pets because I dont have any! I have always wanted a cocker spaniel they are so cute!!!
Although I do not have pets now, I did have them in the past: birds. They were cute and we had a great time with them. I also liked our fish 🙂 Hmmm…. maybe it’s time to get a new fish tank….