Mood boosters, loneliness reducers, and calmness providers. They also offer us companionship, unconditional love, and no questions asked acceptance. They live in about 68% of all households in the U.S. according to the National Institutes of Health, and they are happy to see us anytime we’ve been apart. Who are they? Our spouses? Our kids? Maybe! But the “they” I am referring to is…our loving and loyal pets!
From my journal: March 7, 2024, Newbury Park, California
“Kippers is such a sweet dog! He’s coming along, learning so much…glad he’s a part of our family…”
Just three days from today, National Pet Day will be celebrated. Launched on April 11th in 2006 by Animal Welfare Advocate and Pet Trainer, Colleen Paige, it is a day to honor our pets at home, and to shine a light on the importance of adopting pets from animal shelters. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that about 6.5 million animals are brought to shelters each year and only 3.2 million are rehomed. A staggering number! But on the upside, it is also estimated that 99% of animals in shelters are healthy enough to be adopted. Something to keep in mind if you’re thinking of expanding your family anytime soon.
When I hear the word pet, dogs and cats come to mind first. They are after all the most common animals people share their lives with. The website PetHelpful.com lists eight others that round out the top ten. They include: fish, birds, reptiles, rabbits, poultry – think chicken and ducks, hamsters, guinea pigs and ferrets. Horses, mice, and snakes are also popular choices.
And the strangest or should I say most unusual pets living with folks? Here are three distinct ones, for sure. Hailing from Mexico is the fennec fox that are about the size of a Chihuahua when fully grown. Best kept indoors, they can be trained like cats. Hard to locate and expensive, fennec foxes can be aggressive, so they’re not for everyone. Another pet on the smallish side is the degu. It is a cross between a Guinea pig and hamster. Simple to handle and care for, they’re only active during the day, so anyone living with a degu will be guaranteed a good night’s sleep, every night! And as far as easy care pets go, you can’t beat this pet that is about one to three inches long. Very social, it’s best kept with a few buddies in an aquarium with a heat lamp. This type can be held in your hands, but is not so affectionate. It’s none other than the Madagascar hissing cockroach!
Not all pets are alike, but what is the same is what they bring into our lives. Joy, friendship, and love. Common or unusual, big or little, high or low maintenance, National Pet Day is a great time to celebrate them all and give them an extra dose of tender love and care. For pets at home, perhaps you can honor your best friend with a special treat, new toy, or a fun play session. For pets in shelters, maybe consider adopting one to be a new member of your family. Or volunteering your time to help feed and play with the animals there. Or donating supplies to a humane society in your area. All beneficial ways to make any pet’s day!
Wishing all beloved creatures, great and small, a Happy National Pet Day! Together, people and pets make the world a better place, for us all.
A Journal Journey 