New Goals and Resolutions for 2022
Year 2021 was nothing like we have experienced before. While we (our pets included) struggled with the uncertainties, it brought new lessons and experiences that we are eternally grateful for. And as we get ready to ring in the new year, we thought of five (5) goals and resolutions we hope to keep (we promise to try our best…Franklin does too) to make sure that we and our pets enjoy a safe, happy, and healthy 2022.
Spend more quality time. Having experienced the loss of a pet last year, the very first question we asked ourselves was whether we spent enough quality time with Finley. This year, we want to make sure that we schedule more playtime, dates, and all sorts of adventures with our new addition to the family, Franklin. Beyond our daily walks, we want to make sure that he gets the exercise and playtime he needs to remain active, happy, and healthy.
Enroll in obedience training classes. In our case, adopting an older rescue dog requires having to teach him new behaviors (in some ways, undo some old behaviors) and new tricks. An older dog is a bit set in his/her ways, and if it had not been trained before, it could be a bit challenging. We are grateful to Franklin’s foster mom for teaching him to be gentle and to be social. Next year, we want to set him up for more success by enrolling him in an obedience class to give the basic training and structure he needs and deserves.
Keep the house clean, organized, and pet-proof. We feared letting Finley on his own when left in the house by himself, free-range. Most of it is really the fear of him chewing, eating, and/or breaking something that might be harmful to him. This year, we try keeping a bit more organized to ensure Franklin is safe when he is by himself. So far, it has worked well. We don’t get “bark” alarms and he seem mellow when we come home (we have a home camera as well, so we watch him…fervently.)
Schedule regular health checkups. This year, we want to make sure that we take a more preventative approach to pet care. Our experience with Finley gave us enough knowledge to draw from when dealing with Franklin’s medical issues. Our goal this year is to be on top of his health and be consistent and proactive with his conditions.
Chronicle Memories. Finally, our goal this year includes taking lots of photos and videos with our pets. As they say, “Our pet’s only flaw is that they don’t live long enough.” From our experience, the photos and memories we had with Finley helped us with our grieving. Till today, the photos and videos we took of him (and with him) remind us of the beautiful life we shared together. We hope to do the same for Franklin.
What about you? Share the pact you and your pet made for 2022. Wishing you and your pets a safe, healthy, and happy new year.