A lot has changed in the world over the past few months. One of the most obvious changes has been how much more time most of us have been spending at home. Although it has been difficult, an overall silver lining has been the increased time spent with pets. Social media has been packed with posts gushing about more time for dog walks or cat cuddles. So how do we show our furry friends how much we appreciate them? Read on for a few ideas. 

• Take them for a professional grooming. If, by the time this article publishes, non-essential businesses have reopened, treat your buddy to a wash, haircut, nail trimming, or ear cleaning. If you’re still staying safer at home, try a home spa day. Added bonus, your dog won’t be upset if his haircut turns out less than ideal.
• Continue the trend of increased walks. As much as your schedule will allow, make time to take your pup out as much as possible. Maybe leash train your cat and bring him/her along as well.
• Arrange a play date with a friend’s pet. Remember to introduce animals to one another slowly and calmly for the best results. 
• Teach your pet a new trick. We often think of tricks as something a pet does for our entertainment, but the one-on-one interaction is great for your pet’s enrichment. Pets generally love to please us and getting treats for a well-executed trick is an added bonus.
• Get a new toy. Dogs generally enjoy toys that hide treats inside. Cats appreciate toys with feathers or strings to bat around. Rabbits love digging through newspaper or hay. 
• For an indoor-only pet, create a “pet theater” by setting up a bird feeder or an enclosed safe space where your pet can watch the outside world.
• Add a new member to the family and get your pet a playmate. Adding a new pet is a huge undertaking so make sure you consider your resources and the temperament of the other animals and people in your household before taking the leap.

There are many ways to show our fuzzy buddies how much we appreciate their company and unconditional love. The most important is to provide the necessities of life and a safe place to live. But it’s important to remember that our pets don’t care if we buy them expensive toys or get them fancy haircuts. What they really want and need is our time and attention. Sometimes the best appreciation is a scratch behind the ears and a “thank you.”