Home Less?
Creative Companionship Made Easy
One thing, above all else, is true. If left to our own devices, almost any pet gets bored. And you
know what they say -- a bored pet is a destructive pet. Fortunately, the entrepreneurs of the world
have leaped into the gap with a multitude of entertaining devices, among them scratching posts for
cats, circular trays with balls in them for cats, catnip mice for cats....
Hmmm.....seems kind of
one-sided, doesn't it? Of course, there are some toys for dogs, too. None spring to mind right
now, but I know they must be out there. But, there are other things you can do for your pet to
provide entertainment in your absence.
For instance, my human plays music for me. My favorites
are the sounds of nature with a little bit of piano laced through them. Sounds of rain and water are
very soothing, also, but I like the ones with the bird and animal sounds.
I've heard that there are
some nice videos made especially for dogs and cats (cats get a bigger kick out of them than most
dogs, however). I am older now and my eyesight is not what it used to be, so I don't really care
for videos or television, for that matter.
Here's something to think about, though. This would depend entirely on your living situation, so
take all that into consideration. I have raised many kittens during my lifetime and I still dearly love
to mother small, cuddly little fur balls. Your pet might benefit from the companionship of another
pet. You just never know. Even an aquarium provides an interesting diversion.
Is there a window in your home that is accessible to your pet? Sometimes a sliding glass patio
door is the only window at our level. When practical, try keeping the curtain open just a little so
your pet can see out. You might even install some wind chimes, mobiles or those funny-looking
wind propelled lawn ornaments for our viewing pleasure.
One of the simplest toys ever invented is one that most cats dearly love, and it's fully operational
even when a human is not attached to the other end. You take a yard long piece of yarn and a strip
of colorful magazine paper and after folding the paper as if you were making a fan, you tie one end
of the yarn around the middle of the folded paper. You fan out the ends of the paper and tie the
whole affair to a door knob. When you're home, you can drag the paper along the floor in front of
the cat, for added appeal.
One of the very best outlets for our excess energy is an outing, especially for dogs. It doesn't have
to be a big deal (anywhere I go with my human is a thrill beyond measure). Sometimes we hop in
the car, drive to the bank (get a doggie bone from the drive-up teller), go to a park and smell the
grass and get dew on our feet. It only takes a few minutes. Even a walk in the neighborhood is
great! I even like accompanying my human to the laundry room, out to the mailbox -- whatever!!
It's all wonderful just to be with her.
Your pet feels the same way. Trust me.
Recommended Reading: "Fun and Games With Your Dog :
Expert Advice on a
Variety of Activities for You and Your Pet
by Gerd Ludwig,
Availability: This title usually ships within
2-3 days.
Paperback - 63 pages (September 1996)
available through the following Amazon link:
Fun and Games With Your Dog
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