Experts Share New Year's Resolutions for Pets

by Steve Dale

Here are some New Year's resolutions for pets from luminaries in the pet world, readers of this column, and friends on my Facebook fan page:

"The American Veterinary Medical Association hopes you resolve to keep your pet's health in mind all throughout 2010 with proper nutrition, regular exercise, a wellness visit to the veterinarian and some scheduled time to just enjoy each other's company!" -- Dr. Larry Corry, president AVMA, Buford, GA

"I resolve to continue encouraging adoption, adoption, adoption. There are so many wonderful dogs and cats in shelters through no fault of their own. Make your own resolution to give one or more of them a warm, loving, forever home." -- Marie Belew Wheatley, president, CEO American Humane Association, Englewood, CO

"To put an to all puppy mills, pet stores selling animals, and (let's have) a temporary freeze on breeders until there are no animals without a home or that have to be euthanized because they are unwanted." -- Shiro, Highland Park, IL

"My resolution: To do all I can to stop the supply of puppy mill puppies to pet shops in order to stop the pain the owners go through with a sick puppy, and the suffering the puppy goes through in its struggle for life." -- Dr. Shelly Rubin, president American Heartworm Society, Chicago, IL

"My New Year's resolution is to make sure I do not overfeed my cats." -- Rosalynne, Toronto, Ontario Canada

"I'm tired of being tired. My resolution for the New Year is to become more active. I'm not alone. Boris my 6-year-old beagle, can exercise with me; the truth is, he needs to. My veterinarian has been hinting about Boris being overweight, and I resolve to stop ignoring the problem." -- Sharon, Tampa Bay, FL

"Bailey's (my chocolate lab) New Year's resolution is to fight the temptation to counter surf. Izzy's New Year's resolution is to practice obedience." -- Kate, Rockford, IL

"Think about buying toys for pets in need, and think about sharing toys you do have with your furry friend," -- Miss Meowsky, www.barkerandmeowsky.com, Chicago, IL

"We are going to start our big German Shepherd, Max, in agility." -- Victoria, Chicago, IL

"I plan on making a donation each month to some animal group or charity. There are so many and they all need help! For my own darlings, a different type of toy each month." -- Ruth Ann, Kankakee, IL

"I am personally committed to collaborate with many organizations and individuals to insure all cats find loving and caring homes." -- Dr. Jane Brunt, executive director CATalyst Council, Baltimore, MD

"People don't think about how dirty a collar gets when a dog or cat wears it constantly. Use saddle soap on leather collars. Use a bit of shampoo on a nylon collar, and an old toothbrush makes a dandy brush. What's important is that pets wear a collar." -- Su (cq) Ewing, president Cat Writers' Association, Jamestown, NY

"There's a colony of stray cats nearby. Through your columns, I learned about Alley Cat Allies and TNR (trap, neuter, return). I will now step up to help these cats." -- Joyce, Henderson, NV

"To be more consistent and clear when communicating with my dogs. Sometimes I send mixed signals." -- Kim, Beaumont, TX

"Raise awareness of the basic needs for cats with regard to vaccinations, routine veterinarian care, and the resources available to answer any question an owner might pose. We are working here at Winn Feline Foundation to improve the life of 'every cat, every day,' and we'd like to share that goal with all cat owners." -- Betty White, president, Winn Feline Foundation, Albuquerque, NM

"Mine is to volunteer and to help others, both humans and animals. I recently enrolled some of my pets in an animal blood donor program and I'm working on training my dog for animal-assisted therapy." -- Lizzi, Chicago, IL

"I find it hard to get my pets to comply with resolutions." -- Lynn Brezina, dog trainer, Chicago, IL

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