Me? Need a Job?

Ahhh…I don’t think so. Charlie Bear here. I already have a job. It’s to love my Dad Peep and Mom Peep with all my being.

I’m a lump on the sofa, a blob on Dad’s lap, a smear of fur across Mom’s legs. I love all those places, but the ASPCA is telling me I need to get up and MOVE IT, especially since I’ve put on a couple of pounds lately. Here’s their article (with my comments in italics):

Furry Friends Need Fun, Too:
How to Keep Your Pet Happy and Active

Our pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too: ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives.

“They need jobs,” says Kristen Collins, CPDT, ASPCA Animal Trainer. Dogs and cats need to stay busy and engaged, but unfortunately most pets are unemployed—daily they sit at home, chronically bored and waiting for their humans to return from work. And as we all know, an idle pet can quickly turn into a naughty pet when restlessness becomes overwhelming.

“With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,” explains Kristen. “Their activities of choice often include behaviors we find problematic, like excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture.” (I never do any of that…ha ha ha….do you?)

To prevent behavior and health problems, Kristen recommends the following physical and mental workouts—both when you’re there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone.

•Move it! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day (wow…twice a day?). Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy. (Not lifting weights…lol)
•Engage in structured games, like fetch and tug-of-war—they’re not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you. (I only play fetch when I feel like it…which isn’t often.)
•Keep your dog occupied when he’s home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, like the Kong, or some tasty chew toys. (I love the Kong with peanut butter in it! Yum.)
•Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice. (If I had a cat, that’s what I’d teach it to do.)

Kristen adds: “The bottom line is that you’re responsible for enriching your pet’s life. Providing opportunities to exercise your cat or dog’s mind and body will keep her healthy and happy—and enhance your relationship, too.”

* * *

Okay, so Mom and Dad are responsible for enriching my life. Hmmm…seems only fair since I enrich their lives! lol

So Mom takes me for long walks (and she typed this post before she fractured her elbow), and Dad plays with me outside. What do you do?

Wiggles and woofs to all,
Charlie Bear

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