We've all made New Year's resolutions a time or two -- resolving to lose weight, exercise more, eat healthier, spend more time with the kids. But how about including your furry family into your resolutions this year? I'm determined to set a regular walking schedule with my pups and break up the workday with a game or two of fetch. What do you want to try to do better by your pets this year? Here's what 10 women around the U.S. shared with me:
"In 2012, I resolve to pay more attention to what my dogs have to say about the men I choose to let in my life. They have never been wrong -- it's time I listened better." - Leigh Anne, Eugene, Ore.
"I am going to teach my service dog, Maisie, to use the litter box. It is getting more difficult for me to get around and taking her outside isn't easy. She has used the litter box, on her own and in a pinch, so I think she'll pick up on it really fast. She has learned everything else quickly." -- Emma Riley Sutton, Oklahoma City, Okla.
"I resolute to not only feed myself healthy and fresh food for the new year but also my two dogs, Cally and Hershey. I'll be eating more salads and vegetables (not just pasta, which I love) and feeding my dogs a better, more natural food." -- Lindsey, Los Angeles, Calif.
"For 2012, I want to help my cat Butters lose about 5 pounds, since he is about 20 pounds. I plan to do this by buying him more toys, and trying to make time to play with him more in between writing and housework." -- Jeanne, Batavia, Ohio
"We lost a pet this past year, and it really bothered the kids. My resolution is to not have any pets this year, but to really encourage the kids to bond with other animals in our extended family." -- Katie, Vancouver, Wash.
"My resolution involves my pet's health. I'm going to (try) and brush his teeth much more often than I do. I also want to get him on a healthier food option. And, of course, play more ball. You can never have enough fetch!" - Natalie, San Francisco, Calif.
"My son has an emperor scorpion and a dagu while I have 4 parakeets. My resolution is avoid obtaining any more pets until we move to a house. For the next year, I want to focus on improving the quality of life of our pets and also to provide some financial learning for my son using the pets and the way he takes care of them for the foundation of these lessons. Our pets live a loving life now (except for the scorpion because there just is no way to cozy up to that guy), but I would like to add more stimulation and interaction to their current lifestyles." - Kathy, Hamlet, Ind.
"CornNut and I own a dog clothing company and my resolution is to donate more to pet charities." - Samantha, San Francisco, Calif.
"While my husband and I continue to collect items for shelter animals and take our new non-profit organization (Rock & Rawhide) national, I'm planning to foster pound puppies this year as well! Fostering animals helps to provide temporary care for those who only need a home for a few weeks or months and can prepare them for adoption into a permanent home. For anyone who knows me and my love for dogs, I might end up with an apartment full of puppies by February." - Kylie, New York, N.Y.
"I work from home and sometimes get so involved in my work, that I don't give my little guys enough attention. They let me know about it with a resounding bark and then I feel bad. We are going to resolve to change that! A job is a job, but they are my babies!" - Donna, Pocahontas, Ill.
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