Welcome 2024!
My Top 10 List of Dogcentric Resolutions
So, when it comes to resolutions, I’m pretty much an expert in breaking them right away. I mean, why wait for a month or two to break them when you can do that right now?
But this year, I wanted to make my resolutions around my dogs, to make their lives better. So, I spent a little time reflecting on things I could resolve to do in 2024 that would enrich the lives of my dogs.
So, without further ado, here’s what I came up with for my personal Top 10 List of Dogcentric Resolutions.
1. Walk Dogs Daily
So, this was my resolution last year and I pretty much failed on this when we had a week of cold weather. I know. I live in Florida and that’s what they make sweatshirts for but I’m really, really going to try to work on this as my Noelle and Choco Taco live for their walkies.
2. Feed Healthier Diet and Treats to Pets
We’re already doing pretty well on this and both Havs are at a good weight. We’ve even found a joint supplement that they don’t seem to mind, and they’ve been getting that daily. (And we’ve really seen a difference, so I highly recommend joint supplements – vet approved, of course.)
3. Brush Pet’s Teeth Daily
Yeah…. I will try this. I know to start with a finger brush and then move up to a brush. I know to choose a tasty paste made for dogs. And I know how much of a struggle this will be with my two Havis but I’m going to try… Not gonna lie, this one will probably be the first fail of the year..
4. Keep Toxic Substances Out of Pet’s Reach
As some of you know, we nearly lost Noelle May 2023 to acute renal failure from exposure to something that we never did figure out (though we suspect it was something to do with our lawn service that is not supposed to ever ever ever go in the backyard, but Noelle fell ill later that day.) We are religious about keeping OTC meds and prescriptions out of harm’s way (and when we do take any meds, we take them over a counter or sink always so that if a pill drops, it’s never on the floor). We also have grandchildren, so we only let them have raisins in the car (not in the house).
And just to be on the safe side, here's a link to the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center and their phone number: (888) 426-4435.
5. Attend Training or Obedience Classes
Old dogs do indeed love new tricks (just as much as new dogs and puppies) AS do their owners -- no matter how seasoned or skilled. I did train the top hound/whippet in the US in obedience and was on the cover of the AKC Gazette magazine (it was a while ago); however, I LOVE learning new training methods and tricks, so going to a training class will be just as much fun for me as for Noelle. So, on my resolution list for 2024 is to get into a class with the awesome Chrissy Dulano at All Fur Pets, Inc., here in Jacksonville, and have some fun!
6. Join a Private Dog Park
I’ve been saying this for years that I want to join one of Jacksonville’s awesome private dog parks: Brewhound Dog Park and Kanine Social (they are going to have a second location this year!). Both have the ability to let small dogs play with small dogs and they both have soooo many activities for dog owners. And I’m an espresso fanatic, so Brewhound’s espresso bar is a huge plus and both have regular visits from food trucks. And Randy loves trying new brews, so there’s that at both parks.
7. Visit My Dogs’ Favorite Places More Often
Choco and Noelle love their walkies (noted in #1 resolution) and they especially love trips to the Jacksonville Arboretum and the beach at sunrise. I always intend to take them to these places but often get rushed and then it’s the neighborhood walk. This year, I’m going to try to put dates on the calendar so that I make time for these special events for them.
8. Stay on Top of the Heartworm Schedule
It is so critical to stay on top of this and I have reminders on THREE calendars for this once monthly medication but (and I am being painfully honest here) I can’t tell you how many “OH C**P” moments I’ve had when I realize I’m late or (big gasp here) even missed a dose. We have been very lucky so far but I want my dogs protected and it would kill me if it was my fault that they got heartworms!
9. Get Uber Creative with My Dogs’ Imagery
I’ve been pretty good at this but like the tale of the cobbler’s child never having new shoes, this is an easy trap to fall into. I know I treasure all my images of sweet Carmen and Jolie, both recently passed, and I’ve not gotten as creative pieces of Noelle and Choco – but I plan on fixing that this year with some over-the-top concepts that will really capture their personalities and pure joy.
10. Hit Pause and Enjoy TODAY
With no doubt, 2023 was an amazing, wonderful year for us at The PAWtographers. We photographed hundreds of dogs and believe me when I say this brought us so much joy. We’ve loved meeting everyone’s pets and every pawrent, too. This year, however, I need to schedule time to enjoy my Havis and family because we all know that the quote from American Cartoonist Bil Keane is so very, very true: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.”
What are your resolutions for 2024? Let us know in the comments below!
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