It’s Love Your Pet Day so, in honor of my beloved Newton, I’m posting this one for all our furry friends out there. Today, I’m urging you to LOVE YOUR PET!

We often say that our loyal, loving pets are members of the family, but when we’re feeling the drain of demanding careers and hectic schedules, our pets are the first ones to be neglected. With little energy and “no time” to spare, we can make excuses all day long for not giving them back all the love they shower on us, but we all know they deserve more from us.

You and your pet both need exercise, so try to multi-task the healthy way. Take a few laps around the block together for some real quality time.Do it consistently and the routine will create a strong bond between you and your pet which is proven to promote longevity for both of you.

Every morning, every evening, ain’t we got fun? If you truly want to make your pet a priority, skip the snooze button. Get out of bed ten minutes earlier and spend that time focusing on your pet and you’ll feel good all day about putting them first. Then bookend your day with a bedtime ritual, like sharing a healthy snack with them, or ten minutes of cuddling.

Whatever time you dedicate to your furry friend each day, make sure that you keep the focus on them and only them for at least one uninterrupted ten-minute stretch. It’s not that much time – two or three YouTube videos out of your day – to make them feel as loved as they are. Like any important relationship in our lives, trying to “focus” on your pet while staring at your smartphone or tablet screen is not the way to forge a meaningful bond. Turn off all devices and give your full attention to your pet. Wouldn’t they do that much for you?

If you have a pet who brings love and light to your life every day, share with us one way you plan to make them a priority!