Like most pet owners, I’m a busy person with a full schedule and a lot of responsibilities. Between school and work and the kids, some days it’s just enough to have the pets fed and the litterboxes cleaned.

Sometimes we forget how important we are to our pets. They rely on us for food, shelter and affection…but if we’re honest, we’d admit that last one is easily neglected. I catch Peanut’s eye as I bustle about my room. Not hard to do, what with her head tilted and her left eye permanently gazing upwards. “What’s up sweetie? Need some more hay?”

So I grab the hay, or change their water, or give them a new blanket. But today it struck me that I don’t always stop just to give her a nose rub. Most of the time, that’s all she wants. A scratch behind the ears, a gentle snuggle, a kiss on the nose. Their physical needs are important, but a little love means more to them than we may realize.

Take the time. Love your pets.

~ the zookeeper