Happy New Year! Woof, woof!

This is the year to make you and your dog happy, healthy and full of life.
Here are some suggestions to keep that tail wagging all year long.

Better food for your dog. Find the best food for your dog. Take some time to do some research, ask questions. It really does make a difference in the quality of your dog’s life. Don’t be fooled by fancy advertising or slick packaging, read the ingredient list. Be your dogs’ advocate, only you can control what your dog eats.
Exercise. Take the time to make the time. You and your dog both need to have some kind of active life. Dogs need to walk, run and play everyday. Find the closest dog park. Find the nearest trail. Find the nearest bike path. These are three easy ways to get started in a more active and healthier year. There are many options to find a healthy balance for both of you.
Doggie Friends. If your dog does not have a pack of best friends waiting for him to run or play at the dog park, then this is the year to get social for your dog. There are many social events and groups that regularly schedule activities and doggie play dates. You can also make doggie friends at the Dog Park or doggie daycare. If your dog has a new friend, ask their humans if they can hang out and play together once in awhile. You might not have a great social life, but your dog can!

Take a vacation…with your dog. It is so much easier now to travel with your dog. There are so many hotels, inns and B&B’s that now cater to dogs, that there is no excuse not to bring the dog on your next long weekend getaway.
Give back. Volunteer at local shelter or rescue group. Call or email them today and ask what you can do to help. If you don’t have any spare time to volunteer, maybe you could donate money to a local rescue charity. To give monetary support to an organization that is working and fighting for animals and their rights is a nice thing to do. Give generously.
Shop Local. Supporting local dog stores, doggie daycare centers, and groomers is a great way to show your dog you are part of the community. Making the extra effort to purchase your dogs’ food, toys, bedding and healthy treats from a local store is a great resolution.

Happy New Year to all and to all your dogs. The amount of time and love you give to your dog will come back tenfold in so many other ways. Unconditional love is a wonderful thing.