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Health & Fitness

New Year, New You - Pets and People, Too!

HAWS has an idea for a New Year’s Resolution for both you and your pet!

An old rerun of the TV show “Mad About You” was on the other day. Paul and Jamie realized their life was getting so crazy that Murray, their lovable dog, was often being left off the priorities list. After much back and forth (the usual for those two), they decided to hire a dog walker.

All went well initially – Murray and Nat got along famously, with Nat going above and beyond for his new charge. Of course, Murray bonded to Nat and there was some jealousy – but balance was achieved and the arrangement ended out working well for all involved.

The recurring joke of the situation initially was the constant question from family, friends and strangers alike:  “What kind of person HIRES someone to walk their dog?!” Paul and Jamie had a difficult time explaining this at-the-time foreign concept.

Here’s a quick answer for them: “The kind of person who cares about the physical and emotional health of their dog, that’s who!” In our busy lives, things have to give – many of the animals at HAWS are the victims of lack of time in a household. Additionally, when we don’t make time for our own good health, chances are we’re not too worried about our pet’s health, either.

For 2014, resolve to take care of both of you! No need to train for a triathlon; just get off the couch and take a walk around the block with your best dog buddy. Teach your cat how to fetch a crinkle ball. Read those food labels and make sure you’re both optimizing your calories.

And if you’re without a pet these days, c’mon over to HAWS and help exercise one of ours – or adopt if you’re ready. You’ll BOTH gain a lot (but not in the weight department, we promise)!

By the way – HAWS’ hits the ground running in the New Year, with our Winter Symposium on 1/11, a visit from the WKLH Workforce on 1/15, our own Waukesha Jan-Boree event on 1/18…and that’s just the tip of the iceberg! Learn more at hawspets.org – resolve to Advocate, Donate and Volunteer, and help HAWS Build a Society that’s Humane.


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