At a time when more American households have pets than ever before and are spending more on their pets than at any time in history, we can only speculate as to why consumers are spending approximately billion per year on care, accessories, toys, garments, jewelry (yes, jewelry!), grooming, pet sitters, boarding and daycare as well as travel, kennels, crates, bowls, food, collars and leashes, and other pet "necessities", we may wonder why we care about our pets so dearly and why we are willing to spend so much on them - especially in any economy that offers us anything but an optimistic outlook.
For so many of us, our pets are beloved family members - loyal, steadfast and true who provide us with unconditional love and loyalty - who are nonjudgmental and offer us everything they have to give - unlimited affection and attention and the desire to share our joys and sorrow, failures and successes - and above all, to be there for us regardless of our religion, politics, position, attire, appearance, eccentricities, educational background and socioeconomic status.
There are 10 things only a beloved pet can do for us:
1). Love us unconditionally
2). Offer us unconditional loyalty
3). Refrain from judging us
4). Teach us to "live in the moment"
5). Allow us to be genuinely who we are without pretense, affectation or façade
6). Offer empathy
7). Provide comfort and support
8). Forgive us no matter what
9). Accept us just as we are
10). Teach us gratitude and humility
Our animal companions are truly our friends, teachers and guides. Some of our most joyous experiences and memorable moments are spent with these friends. Just by spending time with and observing them, we can learn so many of life's simplest yet profound lessons. We simply need to change our perspective and remind ourselves of this fact.
