So much has changed in the last few months and hasn’t this been a lesson to all of us? I’m sure a lot of us have spent more time looking inwards for happiness instead of looking outwards all the time. With no option other than living ‘for today’ as tomorrow is so uncertain. This is how I believe our pets live. They are not constantly thinking of the future or planning their lives, they are just ‘being’ and I think we can all learn from them.
Some of you may have spent the time at home fostering a pet from the RSPCA and to you I thank you. What a perfect time to be caring for another furry friend. Hopefully some foster pets have found their life long homes. I will mention that it is overwhelmingly obvious how grateful these pets are when I see them in my clinic, the bounding happiness they have for their new found homes is palpable. If you have decided to take this time to bring a new puppy into your life then see my previous blog posts on new puppy ownership.
Another positive we can all draw on is that some our wild animals have been more active within their environments, undisturbed by the likes of us. So while we have retreated into our homes, the natural environment we live in could be thanking us. With so much change in our own country alone this year with the devastating fires then the abundance of drought relief with much needed rain. Our Mother Nature is in control, when we are not. Don’t get me wrong, these are hard times for everyone in their own way but being grateful for what we do have in our lives is something we can all draw upon especially during these times of uncertainty.
You have probably found that you’re able to spend more time with your dog or cat at home, what a rarity. Finally they can enjoy your company throughout the day and you don’t have to rush out the door, although to some cats I’m sure this has disrupted their daily rituals. Spending more time with your pets is definitely a positive that has come out of the COVID-19 crisis. Appreciating the small things in life- a wagging tail before a daily walk, the warmth of the sunshine on your face, meal times with family are all examples of what I have found highlights of my day. These would’ve previously been taken for granted or easily looked past but in these times of uncertainty they are the small, beautiful things that are occurring all around us, all the time and for that I am grateful.
Stay safe everyone,
Andy.