10 Ways To Show Your Pet You Love Them

Dogs are man’s best friend. I should know, I’m two shades away from being a crazy dog lady. I grew up with dogs and I couldn’t imagine my life without pets. I know dogs aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but I for one love them and I know many others do too! A while back on the Grandpa Shorter’s blog, I wrote about Boyne City’s Ridge Run Dog Park. Ridge Run is a popular destination for area residents to bring their dogs for exercise and socialization.

Drive downtown Petoskey on any day of the week and you will be sure to see local residents out walking their dogs. Our downtown is pet friendly and some shops even put water dishes outside during the warmer months for our thirsty four legged friends.

If you love your dog as much as I love mine, you know there are lots of ways to show him affection. Today on the Grandpa Shorter’s blog I’m sharing 10 ways to show your pets you love them.

10 Ways to Show Your Pet You Love Them

1. Show your pet affection: This one is a no brainer. Your furbaby loves nothing more then being affectionate with their owners. Whether you let you pet up onto your favorite chair with you or you loving snuggling in bed every morning, your pet is sure to know you love them.
2. Giving your pet toys: This past Christmas I bought a stuffed tree trunk filled with stuffed squeaky squirrels for my furbaby Charlie. I don’t normally go overboard during the holidays but this toy was super cute AND on sale. I knew she would love it. I was right, she immediately took a liking to it and loved pulling the squeaky squirrels out of the tree trunk, running and hiding them.
3. Companionship: Pets crave companionship just like humans do. Just like us, they get lonely. Your pet loves nothing more than being by your side and knowing you enjoy being with them.
4. Taking walks: My dog loves to run and she loves getting outside with me. We love hiking through the woods on our property while she runs in and out of the trees chasing squirrels and enjoying the fresh air.
5. Praise: Your pet loves the sound of your voice, especially praise. My dog know when she is in trouble just by the tone of my voice. The same goes for when I’m happy with her. She pops her head up, cocks it to the side and her eyes get all wide. She loves when I talk nice to her.
6. Take them for a ride/drive: My dog used to LOVE going for car rides. I used to take her everywhere and she was the dog who stuck her head out the window. Times have changed and she’s now terrified of riding but if your pet enjoys it, indulge him every now and then!
7. Feed her by hand: Pets love treats. Well, all the pets I know do. Charlie loves getting a ‘cookie’ from her special treat jar every time she comes in from outside. She has me trained really well!
8. Train your dog: Dogs are smart. Training your pet is a great way to show you care about them. Rules are important and setting boundaries for your pet tells them you care.
9. Body language: Just like humans, pets can tell us how they feel with their body language. We all probably know what our pet looks like when she is sad, happy, bored or even angry. Knowing your pet and his or her body language helps you help them.
10. Play with your pet: Another no brainer. Pets love to play, regardless of age. Take a few minutes out of your morning, afternoon and/or evening and play with your pet. It’s important for both of you.

If you are in the market for a pet, new or old the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society here in Emmet County is a great resource. Little Traverse Bay Humane Society not only offers adoption, they also have veterinary services, boarding and grooming, doggy daycare and training classes.