Make Your Pet Feel Like Part of the Family

It’s said that pets can be people’s best friends, but the relationships between people and their four-legged friends often run even deeper. In fact, many consider pets to be an integral part of their families.

From eating and playing together to matching outfits and more, consider these practical ways to make dogs and cats feel like they’re important members of your household so you can become two peas in a pod.

Play Often

Playtime is an easy (and fun) way to bond with pets, whether your furry friends prefer fetch, tug-of-war or any other game that keeps you both active. On top of the emotional benefits, it can help keep them in better physical shape — you might even be able to get a little exercise, too.

Feed Human-Grade Food

Sharing a meal with people is a common way to connect, and that same connection can be made with pets. Feeding them at the same time you sit down for a meal can create a special bond. Though it’s tempting to feed them off your plate, consider a human grade food option like Freshly Crafted from Full Moon Pet. Created for pet parents who seek homemade quality ingredients free from additives or preservatives, this fresh frozen food includes 100% human-grade ingredients like real USDA chicken breast and blueberries, meaning it looks, smells and tastes just like food you would cook in your own kitchen while providing complete nutritional benefits pets need to thrive. With flavors including Homestead Turkey, Ranch-Raised Beef and FreeRange Chicken, these curated meals promote skin and coat health, support immune health and encourage muscle growth.

Set Up a Special Space

Just like humans, pets need a little quiet time now and then. Creating an area they can retreat to with a bed, blankets and favorite toys offers a “safe space” where they can be comfortable. Plus, it’s a perfect spot for them to nap when you’re away and the house is empty.

Schedule Regular Wellness Visits

The veterinarian’s office may not be your furry friend’s favorite hangout, but scheduling regular checkups is an important part of owning pets. A balanced, quality diet can reduce trips to the vet to just essential visits — often annually or bi-annually — and help your pets live happy and healthy lives.

Show Affection

Belly rubs, freshly brushed coats and simply spending time together are all effective ways to show pets your affection. Another way to share your love is to reward dogs with their favorite treats like Full Moon Chicken Jerky, which is a high-protein, meaty treat made with few ingredients, including USDA chicken breast, so you can feel good about providing your pets with a treat that tastes good and is good for them.

To find more ways to bond with your pets, visit FullMoonPet.com. (Family Features) 

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Napa Auto Parts 20541 Soledad Canyon Rd. (661) 252-8011

Oil Stop, Inc.

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O’Reilly Auto Parts 26850 Sierra Hwy. (661) 299-9270

O’Reilly Auto Parts 23323 Lyons Ave. (661) 222-7367

Parkway Cadillac Buick GMC 24055 Creekside Rd. (661) 253-4441

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Pep Boys

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R & S Automotive 24773 Valley St. (661) 254-4589

Valencia Auto Care Center 24233 Creekside Rd. (661) 255-3448

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Solutions

A Trio on the Tennessee Three

We have the latest from the trinity of Lois Eisenberg, Thomas Oatway and Jonathan Kraut about the “Tennessee three.”

You would think from reading these contributors that the Tennessee Three were poor helpless victims of racism by the Tennessee House of Representatives, who expelled two of them because they were Black. They conveniently ignore the actions of these three in interfering with House proceedings, using a bullhorn and joining with an unruly crowd of protesters who were staging a riot to pressure the House into passing gun control legislation they desired, rather than the legislation a majority of the representatives favored. Contrary to Mr. Kraut’s assertion, the First Amendment does not protect “heckling,” the “hecklers’ veto,” or non-peaceful protest — it protects the right of peaceful protest.

As we have learned following Jan. 6, it is a crime to interfere with the proceeding of legislative bodies, and hundreds of protesters on that day have been charged with that crime. Those of us on the center right agree those charges were justified by the conduct of some. Our major concern is overcharging and denial of bail. However, these three are insisting that we should applaud such conduct, where rioters and the three members did exactly that. The two members who were expelled had seized the floor of the House, and, using a bullhorn, had joined with the rioters in closing down the proceedings of the House. They were expelled for engaging in this disruptive conduct. The one member who was not expelled (the motion failed by one vote) defended herself on the basis that she had not engaged in disruptive conduct, but simply stood on the floor silently protesting. Having thus avoided expulsion, she had the audacity to suggest that the expulsion of the other two, but not her, was the result of racism.

Stephen Maseda Santa Clarita

A Trio of Thanks

Neil Fitzgerald: Thank you for your perfectly expressed opinion column on May 13. I just don’t understand how anyone could read your column and not care that our government is giving our country away.

Diane Zimmerman: Thank you for reminding all Santa Claritans the changes we are having to make in our voting for City Council is all based on racial gerrymandering (letters, May 12).

Maria Gutzeit: Thank you for reminding all of us on May 13 of the importance women play in doing most of the household chores as well as working a full-time job, of moms paying bills with their name on the bill but addressed to the male of the house. Point taken. The evolving role of moms.

I want to thank all of you for your beautifully worded, easily understood articles. And more importantly, to let each of you know that there are those of us out there reading your writings.

Ronald Perry Santa Clarita