Take Some New Year's Advice From Your Pet 

The beginning of a year is often a time for reflection. It is a time to set new goals and consider changing habits. Many of us feel a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to be better or do better. As you reflect on your goals and resolutions this year, we would like to offer some suggestions taken directly from those who we love most: 

Our pets. 

Love Unconditionally 

Loving unconditionally can be a tricky undertaking for some of us at times. But it is worth adding to your list for this coming year. No one shows us more unconditional love than our pets. We know what a wonderful and healing experience it can be to receive that unconditional love. It would serve all of us to take a deep breath, find the place of unconditional love, and pay it forward. 

Take More Naps

We know that kids and pets need naps, but what about grown-ups? While healthy adults don’t necessarily need to nap, napping actually does provide many positive benefits. A quick nap can make you feel refreshed to meet the demands of your day, help you keep going when you may be short on sleep, and naps can also help improve your mood. Many report that a 20-minute nap improves mental clarity and focus. If you can find a space to fit a nap in, we say go for it.

Accept All of Life’s Treats with Gratitude

When imagining accepting all of life’s treats with gratitude, there is no better image than that of a grateful pet. . An attitude of gratitude means making it a conscious habit to express thankfulness and appreciation for every part of your life. ... When you develop an attitude of gratitude you feel happier and more positive. Gratitude increases compassion and self-care. It also makes you grateful for the people and things that matter.

Kick Dirt Over That POOP and Move On

As you are setting goals for the year, you might notice some not-so-pleasant parts of your life. These can be habits that hold you back or maybe relationships that aren’t good for you. For those areas of your life that… well… STINK, follow your pet’s wisdom. Kick some dirt (or kitty litter) over the poo and move on. Bonus points if you can do it with a smile like those two.

Keep Digging Until You Find What You Want

Our little furry friends are persistent, aren’t they? They will dig or meow or nuzzle you until they get what they want. That same persistence can help you in this coming year. Channel your cat or your dog when you feel like giving up. Remember how they continue to “dig” until they get what they want. 

Be Loyal, Faithful, & Forgive

It would be hard to find another being more loyal, more faithful, and more forgiving than our pets. They are a stable force and a true example of a loyal friend. While dogs have a reputation of being the most loyal, any cat person will tell you that cats are loyal too. They just show it in their own way. 

From all of us at Heavenly Paws, we wish you all the best in this New Year. It is sure to be wonderful, especially if you are willing to follow in the footsteps of your four-legged friends.