Quality Time
12/20/04

Time may be our most precious commodity these days. I find too many opportunities to be busy and not enough time to be calm. With the holidays swirling all around us our calm time may be reduced to the bare minimum. Most of us have, however, sitting right at our side the perfect outlet for stress relief. We need only pick up the leash and take a walk with a family member.

Spending quality time with our pets may seem low on our priority list. We all have “important” things to do and precious little time to do them. I submit to you that spending quality time with your pets may actually improve your ability to complete your long “to do” list. As I throw the ball for the dog or pet the cat on my lap I have time to organize my priorities. I’m less inclined to simply put out the nearest fire. The rest of the family might be included in these activities. If we can’t get them all together at the dinner table then use your time with the pets as another opportunity for family time.

One important feature of this plan is to consider the time spent with our pets as an opportunity instead of a duty. It’s an opportunity to relax, to spend time with family, to get some exercise, to get away from the computer and the TV, and to make sure our pets are happy and healthy. Dogs and cats make very good companions. They’ve also been proven to reduce the occurrence of stress related diseases in people, but only if we give them the time to do their magic! So put it on your resolution list to carve out some time in your week to spend quality time with the family pets and you’ll both benefit! 

Have a Peaceful, Joyful Holiday Season and a Prosperous New Year from the staff of Dripping Springs Animal Hospital !!