| The holidays are a time for family and pets | |||||||
| by BUDDY AMATO | |||||||
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It is once again the Holiday Season and a time for family and friends. First, I want to wish everyone the very best for the holidays and the coming year. One very important part of each of our families is our pets. The family dog or cat is no less a member of the family than any other member. While there is a big difference between people and animals, our pets are among those who wait for us when we come home and look forward to seeing us every chance they get. It has been said that people hope to become the people their dog thinks they are. “They” say this because, when a dog sees us, they are looking at a parent to them, someone who thinks of you as their entire world. That has to mean something to even the most cantankerous person in the world. Our pets suspend all judgment and suspicion about their owners. They accept us unconditionally for who we are and they simply love us. What do they ask in exchange? They want food and water, perhaps a rub on the back of the ear and a warm place to sleep. All in all, it is a great deal: A friend that will stand by you through thick and thin throughout their entire life in exchange for some dog food. The holidays are a special time. They are times when people have an opportunity to reflect about what they have, and set aside for a little while thinking about the things they do not have. I am very blessed to have a wonderful family, good friends and a full life. My dog is also something I am grateful for, and someone who is very important to me. Whenever the day has had more of me than I have had of it, I have a great family to come home to. One of the faces I come home to is my dog. I’m thankful for everything, including my dog. Each of us should be thankful for our two-legged and four-legged friends. Whether someone is Christian, Jewish or Muslim, the things that are most important to us are our families. Our pets are important parts of our families and loved ones that also deserve our love and attention. There are so many ways to appreciate what we have. Maybe one of the best ways is to simply enjoy the moments with those who we are close with, family, friends…and pets included. With that said, I want to make a special note when it comes to regular veterinarian visits for your pet. For the coming year, I think a great resolution to make is to get your pet seen for regular checkups. Your dog or cat has no way of letting you know if they are feeling bad. While inevitably an owner may notice behavior that makes them believe their pet is ill, early prevention and medical intervention is key to your pet’s long-term health. Once again, have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. (Chief Victor "Buddy" Amato is the chief investigator for the Monmouth County SPCA, headquartered in Eatontown. For more information about this column, call (732) 671-9555.) Buddy Amato is a Hazlet business owner, who operates Amato's Karate and Weapons Academy. For more information, call (732) 671-9555.
Copyright Buddy Amato Amato's Goju-ryu Karate, Nunchaku, Bo-staff, Aikido, Sword, Kendo, Sais, Kick-boxing, Tai-Chi and more 589 Palmer Ave, Keansburg and is the author of Buddys Animal Kingdom, NJ 07734 (732) 671-9555 |
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