Second Chance: Reflections On 2016 Resolutions

06 Jan Second Chance: Reflections On 2016 Resolutions

Writing the first pet column of a new year is an honor I take very seriously. But with the honor comes pressure to put something together that will have a strong impact on our readers throughout 2016… So I put a lot of thought into what I am about to say: I am not recommending New Year resolutions for 2016, rather New Year awakenings…

Reid

Last year, the distinguished New Year’s Pet Column author advised against new year resolutions as they “are typically rather boring and unachievable – I mean – way to take the zing out of a new year by promising to do things you couldn’t do the year before?”

I am in partial agreement with that opinion.

It has also been suggested that resolutions be positively affirming – such as “I will find my new loving family this year.” But then again, a dog wrote last year’s story and I am not a dog. I am a proud cat. We are not into overachievement: bring on the status quo and we will love you forever.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not encouraging mediocrity in 2016. I am even willing to recommend some resolutions about changing behaviors that are not beneficial to one’s well-being. And I believe over-indulgent habits should be tested and revised. For example, instead of taking super long naps and not getting things accomplished, rests should be intermittent throughout the day to ensure bursts of energy and motivation when enthusiasm is really needed.

Another resolution I strongly endorse is to not roll over and accept everything life throws at you. If I had rolled over, I would not be alive to tell the tail – err – tale. Finding myself suddenly alone and homeless in the winter was not part of my life plan – but it happened. And you will for sure face challenges, hopefully not that dire, in 2016. Everyone does.

Fortunately I decided to do something about my issue and found my way here to Second Chance Humane Society. This is a place where furry felines like me are launched into our new careers as family pets. I am not quite a year old, but my goal is to hold onto my affectionate playful and upbeat attitude – despite the fact my first year of life was a bit rough.

Sorry, I digress…

My most critical resolution is one I am hoping all pet column readers will share with me: it is a renewed focus on enjoying what you have, rather than chasing what you don’t (unless, of course, we are talking about joyfully chasing a toy across the floor). Positive change is good, but without deep gratitude for all our gifts we’ve been given in the past, 2016 will be just another typical year.

Don’t change your life.

Change how you live it and see it.

And may 2016 bring you all the love and excitement any cat could dream of…and more.

Purrs…2016 is going to be great!

Because we are great-ful.

Editor’s note: It’s no secret. The Telluride region is dog heaven. Well, pet heaven. Unless you are one of our furry friends who gets caught in the maw of neglect and abuse. Then heaven is on hold until Second Chance Humane Society comes to the rescue. Second Chance is the region’s nonprofit dedicated to saving animals’ lives and promoting responsible pet parenting and human-animal bond. In her weekly blog, executive director Kelly Goodin profiles at least one, generally two of the many animals now living at the no-kill shelter, Angel Ridge Shelter, a dog and a cat, hoping to find them loving permanent homes. The column is sponsored by Ted Hoff of Cottonwood Ranch & Kennel, who from time to time exercises his skills as a dog whisperer, partnering with Kelly and her staff to help train a particularly challenging animal.

Ted Hoff &  Magnificent Mae

By the by, there is no better place to park your pup than Cottonwood whenever you head out of town (for locals) or are heading to town and staying somewhere that does not allow pets. Consider joining Ted’s Very Important Dog (VID) Club for added benies. (Details on Ted’s website.)