TIPS FOR PET CAREGIVERS DURING THE HOLIDAYS

By Elizabeth Parker

It’s that time of year again and the holidays are approaching quickly. If one were to look at the commercials and all of the beautiful decorations in the stores, the common theme is to find the utmost happiness during this time of the year.

While we strive to make that happen, often times it’s not that easy. As pet owners, we know what a blessing our pets are, however, during the holidays being a caregiver can prohibit us from doing certain things, such as seeing family members or friends, or traveling out of state to be with loved ones during this time of year. This happens especially when one is a caregiver to an older pet, or one that has special needs.

In turn, it can actually wind up being a very lonely and depressing time of year for many. It’s not easy to leave a healthy pet and enjoy the holidays without them, but when pets need a little more special attention, it makes leaving them even more difficult!

There are ways to circumvent this. Little adjustments that can turn the holiday into one of peace and inner joy. Although the holidays fall on a specific day every year, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate before or after. If you have family and friends in town but know that they won’t be able to visit your home on the holidays, why not have a small gathering at your own home before the holidays begin? This way you don’t need to feel like you are abandoning your pet, and at the same time, get to partake in the festivities, albeit a few days earlier. It doesn’t need to be a fancy shindig, nor do you even have to cook! These days, ordering in is simple, and you can make it a day of spoiling both you and your pet, while having your loved ones close by.

If you can normally leave your pet, and would need to travel to see family and friends, you might find pet sitters are booked for the holiday. Again, you can travel the week before or after. You might be able to get the perfect pet sitter and also might score on some decent prices to travel as well! If being with family and friends is not an option for you at all, perhaps you can make the holidays a time to pamper you AND your pets. If you have dogs (and they are capable) maybe take them on that hike you’ve been meaning to go on. If they are not well, or not up for too much exercise, they might enjoy a little car ride as their adventure. Dust off your good camera and take some quality pictures, or create a scrapbook. Use this day to indulge in your creative side and while you’re at it, put on your favorite movie (Hint- it doesn’t need to be a holiday special)!

Also, cook your preferred meal! Just because you are not celebrating in the traditional sense, doesn’t mean you can’t gather your ingredients and cook up something you enjoy!

Use this holiday week to call and get in touch with those whom you haven’t spoken to in a while. Rehash happy memories and catch up on all of the things you haven’t had a chance to speak about.

In addition, make some time to spoil yourself. As caregivers for pets that are not well, we often neglect our own needs and start to feel withdrawn and even unhealthy. While we want to focus all of our energy on our pets, the only way we can effectively do that is if we feel up to the task. It’s crucial to take even just one hour out of the day to go on that long walk or enjoy a relaxing pedicure. In order for your pet to feel healthy and happy, you also need be well rested and have plenty of nutrition, hydration and rest!

Elizabeth Parker – Author of Finally Home, Final Journey, My Dog Does That!, Bark Out Loud!, Paw Prints in the Sand, Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished, Unwanted Dreams, Phobia, Evil’s Door and Faces of Deception. Available on Amazon.com!

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