The Most Important Relationships in your Pet’s Life

[IF YOUR AUDIENCE IS SPECIFIC TO DOGS, CAT, OR ANOTHER SPECIES, SWAP IN THEIR TYPE INSTEAD OF “PET,” AND OMIT RELATIONSHIPS THAT AREN’T A MATCH. INCLUDE LINKS TO YOUR OWN VETERINARIAN, GROOMER, ETC. WHERE APPROPRIATE, AND IF YOUR PROFESSION IS INCLUDED BELOW, ADD A SHORT STORY OF A PET WHO CONSIDERS YOU ONE OF THEIR BEST FRIENDS!]

Your relationship with your pet may be one of the most important bonds in your life. They have an incredible influence on our health and wellbeing. But what about the relationships our pets have with people or other pets outside of our home? Here are X stars in the constellation of the other people who are important to your pet’s own happy, healthy life. 

YOU!  [ADD A SENTENCE OR TWO ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL 1:1 RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR OWN PET, MENTIONING HIM OR HER BY NAME AND INCLUDING ACTIVITIES YOU DO TOGETHER]. In what unique ways do you and your pet bond? 

Their trusted veterinarian. Next to you, your pet’s vet may be the most important person in their life, so it’s vital that you cement that relationship with an annual check up in addition to visiting when your pet doesn’t feel well. Or just drop in to say “hi!” so vet visits aren’t always scary. [DISCUSS HOW YOUR VETERINARIAN HAS CHANGED YOUR PET’S LIFE FOR THE BETTER: ANNUAL VISITS? DID THEY CATCH A HEALTH ISSUE YOU MISSED? A STAFF PERSON WHO IS PARTICULARLY COMPASSIONATE?] 

Their soothing groomer. A genuine bond between a pet and their groomer often lasts a lifetime. A great groomer can take a stressful bath event and turn it into a feel-good spa day. [ADD A SENTENCE ABOUT SOMETHING SPECIAL YOUR GROOMER DOES FOR YOUR PET OR IF YOU ARE A GROOMER, SHARE SOMETHING ABOUT A FAVORITE CLIENT] Your pet’s monthly relationship with their groomer involves trust and respect on both ends of the table.

Their experienced trainer or behaviorist.  Your pet’s trainer is both their coach and therapist. Their relationship can be life-changing. They not only help you teach your pet how to navigate human expectations, but they are also there to answer fitness and behavioral questions throughout their life. [HOW HAS A TRAINER – WHETHER IN PERSON, ONLINE, OR ON TV, HELPED YOU TRAIN YOUR PET OR GIVEN YOU INSIGHT INTO A BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM? SHARE IN TWO SENTENCES HERE.] 

Their good-time dog walker. Cue all the butt wiggles when the dog walker shows up! When you can’t be home, the dog walker is the one you and your dog trust for potty breaks, exercise and just plain good fun. [SHARE A SENTENCE ABOUT HOW YOU FOUND YOUR DOG WALKER, OR THEIR SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR DOG].

Their reliable pet sitter. Some pets grow to really grow to love their pet sitter, whether they are a professional or your generous nearby neighbors. Not only do they go to great lengths to make sure your pet has loving company, food, water, and exercise, they make sure your home is safe and secure, too. [GIVE AN AFFECTIONATE SHOUT OUT TO YOUR PET SITTER, AND IF THEY ARE A PROFESSIONAL, LINK TO THEIR BUSINESS] 

Their best furry friend. Humans are great! But when it comes to romping in the yard or curling up for a nap, some pets really enjoy the company of their own fuzzy kind. [MENTION YOUR OWN PET’S BEST BUDDY IN A SENTENCE, IF THEY HAVE ONE]. If your pet craves companionship from a fellow [CANINE, FELINE, OR OTHER PET] call a fellow pet parent for a hike or a playdate. Or if there is room in your heart and your home, it may be time to adopt another pet as a fulltime best friend. 

Your own best friend or fantastic neighbor. Sometimes does it seem like your pet loves your neighbor [OR FRIEND] more than you? [INCLUDE A FRIEND OR NEIGHBOR YOUR PET LOVES AND A SENTENCE ABOUT HOW THEY WON YOUR PET’S AFFECTION]. If they keep a ready stash of treats or look after your pet when you’re away, your neighbor [OR FRIEND] may be your pet’s favorite aunt or uncle.

Their treat-dispensing Mail Carrier. When the mail arrives, does your pet bark to scare him off [OR HIDE UNDER THE COUCH, ETC. IF MORE APPROPRIATE TO THE SPECIES] or run out to say “hi!” [IF YOUR PET LOVES THE MAIL PERSON, SHARE    Check out “UPS Dogs” on Facebook to see pets of all species run to meet their uniformed friend. [LINK https://www.facebook.com/upsdogs]

Their doting Grand-pawrents. Let’s face it – if your parents love pets, chances are good your pet loves them, too. Even if the toy basket is stuffed full, family members love to bring treats or a new toy for the “grandpup” [OR GRANDKITTEN, ETC.] [DO YOU HAVE FAMILY MEMBERS WHO SPOILS YOUR PET WITH GIFTS OR AFFECTION? SHARE HERE IN A SENTENCE] If they live close by, they may do double-duty as their pet sitter or walker, too!

Who are the people in your pet’s relationship circle? Friend, family, or professional, be sure to let them know how much you both appreciate their expertise, care, and affection. A note, text, or just a heartfelt “thank you” will say aloud what your pet can only articulate with a happy nudge and welcoming eyes.