New year! New start
Include helping pets on your list of resolutions
BY DR. MARTY BECKER and GINA SPADAFORI Universal Press Syndicate
Many of us resolve to turn over a new leaf at the beginning of the year. We'll lose weight, exercise more, save more money - you name it, the list is as long as that of the bad habits so many of us have in common.  | | RICHARD SCHMIDT / COX NEWS SERVICE Include your pets in your New Year's resolutions - and vow to help all pets more, too. |
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But while you're vowing to shape up, why not add a resolution or two that will help animals? After all, you'll never have any regrets when you vow to help pets.
Don't set yourself up for defeat by setting the bar too high. The fact is that every little bit helps, especially if a lot of people contribute. We have our own list, and we're happy to share our ideas for a better 2008 for you and your pets.
Look before you leap. Choose a pet who fits your family and lifestyle well, and be sure you have time to handle training and behavior issues before you choose your animal companion. Make sure you understand what's necessary for your pet's nutrition, preventive health care and training, so you can set up your pet to start on the right track and stay there. Many pet problems are easier to prevent than to fix.
Work to keep your pet healthier and happier. Simple measures such as spaying and neutering and keeping your pet at a normal weight can prevent many serious health problems and improve your pet's quality of life. Ensuring that your pet gets enough exercise can go a long way toward helping with behavior issues and is good for the relationship you have with your animal companion.
Prepare for health emergencies. The time to find a good veterinarian is before you need one. Establish a relationship now with a veterinarian who'll answer your questions, present all options and support you in your decisions. Consider getting pet health insurance before you have a pet health crisis, or have another plan at hand in case you need to pay for a pet's accident or unexpected illness.
Be a responsible pet owner. Don't let your cats roam or your dogs bark constantly. In addition to being inconsiderate, people who allow their animals to be a nuisance give ammunition to communities looking to pass laws against pets. Train and socialize your dogs so they can be "model citizens" wherever you take them. And don't forget to pick up after your dog when walking him.
Help others keep pets in their lives. Do you have an elderly relative, friend or neighbor who could use some help? Pick up food or litter, or offer to take the pet to the veterinarian when needed. Many times, people who rely on others for assistance are reluctant to ask for more help on account of a pet. Ask if you can help. After all, if you're already going to the pet-supply store or veterinarian, is it really that much trouble to pick up some extra supplies or stay for an additional appointment?
Volunteer your time. You can bottleraise motherless kittens, foster rescue dogs, socialize pets in the shelter or offer to help with raising funds or finding needed supplies. The possibilities are endless, and there's hardly a charity around that can't use some volunteer assistance.
Make a call for animals. Animal cruelty is often shrugged off by the judicial system, even though studies have long shown a link between cruelty to animals and crimes against people. Call, e-mail, fax and write to prosecutors and judges in animal cruelty cases and demand accountability. You can also get involved when it comes to laws regarding animals: Make sure your elected representatives know where you stand.
Of course, we'll be working throughout the year and beyond to help you do what's right for your pets and for all animals. We wish all our readers and their pets nothing but the best in 2008.
Animal charities: How to choose
Charities of all kinds pull out the stops in December when it comes to filling our mailboxes with pleas for donations. Before you give, be sure you agree with the focus of any group you're considering, and research it to be sure the charity isn't spending more on fundraising and staff salaries than on helping animals.
Improving animal health is one good use for donations. Your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine will have a fund set up to accept donations, either for scholarships or ongoing research into animal health.
To find your nearest school or college of veterinary medicine, visit VetNet (www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vetnet.html). You can usually find out where to donate on the school's Web site.
The Morris Animal Foundation
(www.morrisanimalfoundation.org), AKC Canine Health Foundation (www. akcchf.org)
and Winn Feline Foundation (www.winnfelinehealth.org) also accept donations to
support research into animal health.
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