In addition to showing love and providing good food, is providing good care for our pet.
Watch to learn and know what activities your pet enjoys. Many pets enjoy toys to play with. A friend of mine has a dog who loves catching a ball. This dog is so attached to balls they are able to find stray ones when out for a walk. Our dogs love toys, especially those they can drag. She’ll drag a blanket out of the bed if she finds no handy toy. Though we have many toys in the house, she wants one close at hand that she can drag away, only to leave it just a few feet away. All of our dogs love having a bed to curl up in. So we have several beds throughout the house. It always amazes me which bed they will choose for comfort and security.
An important part of pet care is knowing what brings your pet a sense of security. Ours appreciates having a bed to cuddle down in and occasionally hide from another, or to snuggle together on a cold evening. For another, security may be in a favorite person or toy. A cat client goes straight to a window bed when in need of a safe place of comfort. And a horse client will leave the paddock for their stall when looking for a moment of security. We have one dog who, no matter what other things we’ve tried, chooses to sit in the basement staircase during fireworks and storms as their safe place. Only when sitting on those basement stairs do they feel secure enough to not shake and pant, but rather lie calmly secure. (On a side note, sitting on that narrow stair does not bring a calm, secure feeling to me. Frequent checks, seeing them sit there and not roll down the stairs, bring some relief.) A friend’s bearded dragon wanted to curl up behind their person’s neck during storms. It’s through observation that, as the person in their life, you learn from their clues what offers them security—and be sure to show them trust by offering what offers them security.
Just like us, they have a way that brings fun to life. As said, for many, toys are an important part of life. While for another, it may not be a toy but another item that brings them joy. A therapy horse client gets excited when a new child comes to receive horse therapy. For a few minutes, he wiggles and dances to show his joy at having this opportunity to help another. This horse’s greatest joy is serving a child during a therapy session. Interestingly, this same horse was an abused animal, yet security and joy come to him when he helps another find safety and security through the therapy sessions.
Celebrating your pet is learning what helps them feel secure and what brings them joy and pleasure. It may be hard when what seems to give them security does not bring us that same comfort. Unless it is harmful, through observation, we need to respect that this is what comforts them. Give them their way of feeling safe and secure, as much as is reasonably possible. Their way is not always what we want, but it is still their way.
Safety and fun are not exclusive of one another. And each pet has their own way. Know your pet and know how best to offer them the way that fits for them. That is another way to develop mutual trust and respect for this dear one who shares your world.