Pet Appreciation Week: June 7-13

Did you know that June 7-13 is Pet Appreciation Week? I just found out about that today. I sure dropped the ball on this important event, and wonder how I could have possibly missed such an important time of the year.

My cats are not at all happy about that... and they are letting me know how they feel. After all they want to be appreciated.

But I think that I may have "psychically" tuned into this week long celebration without consciously being aware of the dates. It is possible that our cats may have given me a subliminal message. I actually purchased a Furminator grooming device to assist me in removing the remnants of their winter coat. I was impressed . . . and wow . . . their coats felt so silky after I finished. I was shocked at the amount of fuzz that came off their little bodies, since I brush and comb them regularly to maintain a healthy and attractive coat. Well, the Furminator got a huge paws up as evidenced by their deep and resonant purrs.

I also got them a new cat tree. I found a sale, "by accident' while doing some research about cats, and I can't wait until it is delivered. After all, it is always a great idea to have a few cat trees around the house, and our cats heartily agree! The only problem that I foresee is that I have no talent for putting things together. This medium-size cat tree has a rather complicated assembly process from what I could glean from the photograph.

The manufacturer touts it as a very simple process, but the jury is still out. Hey . .. the price was right and shipping was free! I suspect I am going to have to lasso my husband for this task. I shudder in abject terror as I picture my husband and I crawling around the carpet, searching for stray nuts and bolts, trying to read the schematics and decide what goes where. Stay tuned for a blow by blow progress report once the tower is erected.

So to celebrate Pet Appreciation Week with aplomb, here are some humorous suggestions I ran across for those folks who love their pets and want to demonstrate their appreciation. In addition to spending extra time with your pets, offering special treats after their evening supper, and bestowing lots of hugs and kisses upon them, of course:

- Join them by eating your dinner on the floor. - Learn to purr. After all there is nothing better than direct communication. - Bury a juicy roast beef bone for your dog. - Present your cat with a dead rodent. This demonstrates that you know how to hunt. Your kitty will appreciate that. - Roll in something very malodorous with your dog. - And while this activity may endanger global warming, eat lots of cabbage or baked beans, adding a carbon footprint, donating to the methane production in the house.

My favorite suggestion was:

- Give your dog a canine kiss. Lick your dog's face.

So without further ado, have a wonderful time celebrating this auspicious occasion. Get creative and your pets will so appreciate your appreciation.

What are some ways you might consider showing your pet appreciation? Leave a comment and let us know your plans.