All you romantics out there are probably looking forward to spending Valentine’s Day with the love of your life and best friend. They’re a bit hairy, and sure, they shed quite a lot, but they’re also the most loving, sweetest beings on the planet. They’re always happy to cuddle when you need it, they’re excited to see you after every long day, and they never think twice about giving you kisses. And How to Return the Love 1. Gift them a toy that engages their mind. For dogs and cats, toys like puzzle bowls, treat-dispensing balls, or snuffle mats are great ways to challenge and engage them. These toys mimic challenges our pets would face in nature and keep their active minds engaged. 2. Teach your dog a new trick. Teaching your dog a new skill not only benefits you but also builds their confidence and strengthens their mind. Try a simple one to start with, like teaching them to touch the palm of your hand with their nose. Always use positive reinforcement and be sure to take frequent breaks. Stop for the day if your dog shows signs of stress or tiredness. Working with them for 5–10-minute intervals is a good place to start. 3. Make them a tasty homemade meal . Just like whole, unprocessed food is healthier for humans, it’s also healthier for our pets. You can find some great recipes in Dr. Jeff’s cookbook, “Cooking With Buck: Healthy Recipes for Dogs.” For cats, offering them a fishy treat or catnip is a great option. 4. Get their teeth cleaned. Looking after your pet’s teeth is one of the best gifts you can give them. It can help prevent infection and disease down the road, and when they have annual cleanings, it makes the process much easier and faster. WHY YOUR PET IS THE BEST VALENTINE Yes, your pet really is the best valentine! Here are a few ways to reciprocate some of the love they bestow on you all year long.
The DogWho Helped Take Down al-Baghdadi MEET CONAN On Oct. 28 last year, President Donald Trump tweeted a photo that quickly went viral. It showed an adorable snapshot of a bright-eyed Belgian Malinois, tongue lolling, still wearing its camo military vest. In the caption, President Trump explained that the pup, Conan, was a national hero who was instrumental in taking down ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. With four years in special operations forces and roughly 50 missions under his collar, Conan was selected to be part of the team that pursued al-Baghdadi through a network of underground tunnels in northwest Syria, where the terrorist ultimately died. It’s unclear whether Conan was there to track al-Baghdadi or to spot improvised explosive devices that may have been planted on the route, but either way, he performed well. According to NBC News, Conan was injured by some live electrical cables during the mission, but he recovered quickly and was back on duty within the week. Meanwhile, President Trump invited the brave pup to the White House and tweeted out a doctored photo that showed him awarding Conan a Medal of Honor. President Trump captioned the photo “AMERICAN HERO!” and he’s not alone in his appreciation for the hardworking dogs that have been helping our military since World War II. “To me, they’re the first line of defense,” United States War Dogs Association President Ron Aiello told Vox after the news about Conan came out. “They’re such a great asset to our military today.” Military dogs are put up for adoption after 6–8 years in the service, which means a lucky civilian could take Conan in as early as 2022! Meanwhile, dozens of other smart canine heroes are looking for homes. To learn more about military and other working dog adoptions, visit MissionK9Rescue.org.
Come into Surface Creek Vet Center this month and get 20% off any dental- related services for your pet! Now that’s love.
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