Have you heard this recently?: technology is ruling our lives! I know you’re probably sick of hearing it. There’s so much discourse. Is technology making us smarter or dumber? Better or worse? Healthier? Freer or more dependent?
Don’t worry – that is NOT what we are here to talk about. Wherever you fall in the camp of phones = good vs. bad, we can all agree quality time is hard to come by in today’s day and age. We are all so busy!
In my opinion, it is great how much dialogue there is around the importance of self-care, self-reflection, and presence. Stick with me here; we won’t be falling down a woo-woo rabbit hole but rather discuss what it means to be a present pet parent.
What does being a present pet parent look like?
Let’s start by assessing what being a present pet parent means. You are going to love this answer: it depends and is totally and uniquely up to you! Whether you want to spend less time on your phone or more time outside or just more time with your pet, period – that’s being present.
This can take so many shapes throughout your day. Maybe first thing in the morning or last thing at night you take a few extra minutes to say “I love you!” and give your furry friend a little extra love or even a treat, if they are so lucky. Maybe it’s reminding yourself in the middle of the day at work that your beloved four-legged family member will be anxiously awaiting your return home!
Routine, routine, routine
When life gets crazy, especially as the days get longer (thus, usually busier), it is important to make sure you are regularly carving out time for your pet. Even if your pet isn’t a traditional dog or cat, it is important to spend time prioritizing your bonus family member!
You likely already have a pet routine like taking them outside or for a quick walk and feeding them, at minimum. What if you took that time to get extra focused on your connection with them?
Better Walks: Prioritize Screen-Free Time
Although not our human children, our pets often feel like a beautiful extension of our beings and our families, and it is important to celebrate and recognize this! Consider reminding yourself during your next walk to leave the phone at home or turn on Do Not Disturb…
This will allow multiple things to happen. Firstly, you will be able to pay better attention to your pet. For instance, maybe you take this enhanced focus to shoo them away from eating some trash on the sidewalk or to work on some better behavior training.
Secondly, you will have the chance to better connect with the outdoors. Life can feel so passive. The days, weeks, months, and especially seasons pass us by. Take some time to look around and acknowledge the weather, season, any nature nearby – even if that is just what the leaves (or lackthereof) look like on a nearby tree.
Thirdly, you will get the chance to connect with yourself. Take a second to reflect – how are you really doing? Is this walk just another attempt to check-mark a box on the to do list? What’s on your mind?
This can be a great time to integrate a gratitude routine which is simply a moment of reflection for something you are grateful for. Take a second to remind yourself how much you and your pet mean to each other! What do you think would be on your pet’s gratitude list?
Don’t Forget Playtime!
As life gets busy, don’t let yourself forget some playtime. Even if it lasts just a minute or two, take a second to play a quick tug with your dog or dangle a string toy for your cat. This allows for you and your pet to take a second and enjoy each other’s company.
Tip: this can be especially beneficial if you work from home. Consider taking pet-motivated breaks to take a moment for yourself. Even a quick little pat on the head is a good reminder of who we work so hard to provide for!
Taking Pet Parent Presence to the Next Level
If the idea of being a present pet parent really resonates with you, consider integrating pet quiet time into your schedule. Throughout my life, I have loved taking some time, laying on the floor, and having a quiet pet session. Nothing makes me feel more grounded when life feels like too much.
Take a second to clear your mind and let yourself not worry about the next thing. Notice how good your pet is at this! They aren’t worried about what’s coming next or feeling embarrassed or stressed about what happened the day before.
This may not work for all pets, but you can take this to the next level by meditating with your furry friend. If your floof loves laying on or near you, consider taking a beat to focus on your calmness and relaxation in their company.
Finding What Works for You and Your Pet
Remember to take cues from your pet! If you see your dog getting antsy at the end of your work day awaiting a walk or your cat is ready for a little nap mid-afternoon, don’t forget we are all animals! They aren’t always so different from us and can maybe teach us a thing or two about being calm and present in our lives with them.
