Pets Are Family

from Lake Norman Woman Magazine September 2021

Navigating Personality Differences In Your Family

pets family are !

FOR MOST OF US, PETS ARE NOT JUST ANIMALS,

they are our best friends, our confi dantes, and yes, a treasured part of the family. They steal our hearts with their unconditional loyalty and love, so it’s actually fairly easy to treat them like the family members they truly are. After all the joy they bring to us, it only seems fair to show our pets how much they mean to the entire family by giving them our very best in return. Here are some tips on making sure our furry family members thrive.

keep your pet healthy

Just like with human health, prevention is the key to treating a multitude of conditions that can affect our dogs and cats. Sure, they will always need your love and companionship, but there are plenty of other things you can do to make sure that your dog or cat is living life to its fullest. For one, you should take your pet to visit a veterinarian at least once a year. There, the staff can help you make decisions about vaccinations, parasite prevention, and spaying or neutering. You’ll also want to keep your pet at a healthy weight by feeding them a nutritious diet and giving them plenty of exercise.

Despite our best efforts, though, sometimes our pets get sick or hurt. DENVER ANIMAL EMERGENCY (1420 NC-16 Business, Denver; 980-222-7115) is aware that many pets get sick or injured while all other surrounding animal hospitals are closed, and that early detection and medical attention can be key to saving a pet’s life. The staff at Denver Animal also understands how stressful such situations are for both pets and their parents and so they strive to create as positive of an experience as possible. The highly skilled team of veterinarians at Denver Animal Emergency does so by offering state-of-the-art, compassionate care for challenging conditions and by being there for you and your pet when you need help the most.

give them boundaries

Setting fi rm, clear, and (most importantly) consistent boundaries for your dog is a great way to help curb behavioral issues, both as a puppy and later in life. Setting boundaries for your dog will result in a happier and more fulfi lling dog-parent relationship. It will also make it easier for your pet to adjust to his family role and understand your expectations, not to mention aiding in breaking any bad habits. Dogs like to please their owners, but they need to know what the rules are in order to live successfully in our human world.

provide rewards & treats

Dogs are a social species, just like humans and both can benefi t from the social aspect that displaying love and affection through the sharing of yummy treats provides. That’s why Heather Mclean decided to combine her love of animals with her second passion in life, cooking. The result is YAPPY HOUR BAKERY (704-750-9357; www.yappyhourbakery), the Greater Charlotte area’s very fi rst dog treat truck. Heather visits various locations around the lake (visit the website to see the schedule) with a truck load of dog biscuits, ice cream, cakes, and other products that are as unique and fun as our tail-waggin' friends. The gourmet treats are available in a variety of shapes and sizes for all occasions, are handmade and free of preservatives. And though you’re certain to fi nd the Yappy Hour truck around the Lake Norman area visiting pet-friendly facilities or making deliveries, you can also get the treats at a number of Lake Norman retail locations. Leaving one’s pet behind during a vacation should not be stressful. That’s why choosing a great dog boarding facility is so important. PAMPERED PETS INN in Mooresville (2993 Charlotte Hwy 21; 980-447-2023) offers luxurious, stateof-the-art boarding and care for both canines and felines. Cats stay in their private condos, separate from the dogs, and receive daily wellness checks, playtime, and room service. Canine lodgers enjoy a luxurious, private suite as well, with an attentive staff carefully monitoring their well-being and providing everything they need to feel right at home—including a dip in the pool or a spa treatment! You can also bring Fido in for a play date or some training—the staff at Pampered Pets Inn knows life with your dog is more enjoyable when he has outlets for his energy and knows the rules.

provide excellent care when you're away

celebrate your love for your pets

A pet owner’s worst fear is losing a beloved companion. PET PILGRIMAGE CREMATORY & MEMORIALS (Two locations: 494 East Plaza Dr., Mooresville, 704-6645484; 2279 N. NC-16 Business Hwy., Denver, 704-9662376) understands that the death of a pet can be a truly traumatic experience , which is why they offer pet cremation and memorial services that are equal to the services you expect for all family members. By having a private on-site pet crematory and compassionate dedicated staff, they can assure your faithful companion will be treated with the care and respect they deserve. w

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