Editor's Note
Happy New Year! I know what you’re thinking, “Isn’t it February already?” But the Chinese New Year was celebrated just a few weeks ago and it deserves a special shout-out because according to their calendar, 2006 is the Year of the Dog. Imagine, a whole year devoted to the dog!
In Chinese mythology, people born under the Year of the Dog possess the best traits in human nature. They tend to be loyal, honest, compassionate, attentive, and good listeners. They care little for money and make good companions. Does this sound like any people you know born under the Year of the Dog? Better yet, does this sound like the dog in your life?
We here at Tails think it would be great if every year of the zodiac represented an animal we could keep as a pet. Imagine 2007 as the Year of the Guinea Pig or 2008 as the Year of the Ferret. The Vietnamese zodiac includes the Year of the Cat, but it swapped out the rabbit to make room for Whiskers! Instead, the zodiac includes animals we don’t recommend having as pets such as dragons, tigers, and oxen (for more on the Year of the Dog, see the story by Lauren Lewis on page 11). However, we’d like to propose something new that is inclusive of all pet lovers. We declare 2006 as the Year of the Pet.
Isn’t it time we bestowed a year of honor to the animals in our life who continue to bring us so much joy? Let us take not just a day, but an entire year to celebrate the dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, and all other animals who bring so much joy to our lives.
I’m constantly amazed at how much people have integrated pets into their daily life. I received a letter recently from a woman asking if we knew of any companies that allowed people to bring their pets with them to work. She went on to write that she was middle-aged and had already lost many close people in her life. Her pets were important to her and because life is short, she didn’t want to spend anymore time without them by her side.
It’s great that pets have become the ultimate companion of the new millennium. Here are a couple of ways we can honor them now:
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recognizes February as Adopta-Rescued-Rabbit Month and March as Adopta-Rescued-Guinea-Pig Month. Both animals can make wonderful pets and these cutie-pie critters are often overlooked at shelters in favor of dogs and cats. Take it from someone who once adopted a rabbit—they make great companions and ours lived for over 12 years. Visit www.ChicagolandTails.com for more information about adopting these lovable animals today.
February is National Pet Dental Month. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, more than two-thirds of pet guardians aren’t giving their pets responsible dental care. Unfortunately, the trouble isn’t just bad breath. Oral disease can lead to heart, lung, and kidney disease. Let’s use February as a reminder to give our animals proper dental care.
Another early marker in the 2006 calendar is Spay Day USA, which takes place on February 28. Spay Day was started by the Doris Day Animal Foundation as part of its mission to end the pet overpopulation problem. Since the program’s inception in 1995, more than one million pets have been spayed/neutered. This year’s theme is “Do it for Love in ’06” and hundreds of shelters nationwide have organized events in honor of this important initiative. To help the foundation reach its goal of spay/neutering more than 155,000 pets this year, please visit www.DDAF.org for more information.
From our companion animals to yours, enjoy the
Year of the Pet!
Jason A. Heidemann
jason@StLouieTails.com
