Pets

Winter is a natural time of stillness and reflection, a time for recalling special relationships and memories. As you reflect on your memories of the past year and make your plans for a new year, don’t forget to take some time to think about the pets in your life that have brought you joy, comfort, and companionship, and remember to include their needs and well-being in your planning. We talked with two pet lovers and experts in the community who shared their thoughts and wisdom on celebrating and caring for our furry four-legged friends.

Danielle Nielsen
Barks N Brews

“To me pets are not just important for the family but they are part of the family,” said Danielle Nielsen, owner of Barks n Brews. “The bond between a pet and an owner is unimaginable. Pets are always there for you, whether you’re thinking about it or not. Take care of your pet! In addition to providing basic needs such as food and shelter, make sure your pet is mentally and physically stimulated. If your pet is older, up the mental stimulation (mind games, lick mats, treat balls etc). If you have a high-energy dog, make sure it gets the exercise it needs to be a happy pet for you.

For anyone who is considering getting a pet, educate yourself on its general needs before bringing it home. This is one of the best things you can do.

At Barks n Brews, we offer daycare during the day to help your pup not be stuck in a kennel every day while you are working.  That way your dog is tired and more manageable at night. We also offer indoor socialization for pets and their people! No one wants to or should be out when it is freezing cold. We offer a unique space for owners to bring their dog and to interact with it in a climate-controlled environment. Not only do we strive for the dog and human to interact and bond in a safe environment, we also are connecting dog owners with each other, which is so fun for us to see!”

Jason Elmore
Paws & Remember of Nebraska

Jason Elmore, owner of Paws & Remember, also shared his thoughts on pets:

“Pets are very important for the happiness and wellness of their families. They offer comfort, companionship, and affection, and they’re always there for you when you have a bad day. There are so many benefits to having a pet. Not only do they bring a sense of connectedness and wellbeing to their owners, but they can also offer protection. If you have kids, they can be a protector, companion, and playmate for them as well.

One of the most important ways to take care of your pet is to offer them attention. Don’t leave them outside alone, especially in the cold! Take them to the park. Play with them. Give them a rub and some physical affection. They have many of the same needs as humans. Show them that you care about them, and they will love you for it.

At Paws & Remember, we offer the gift of final comfort and peace after a beloved pet’s passing. Losing a pet is like losing any other family member. We provide compassionate cremation services for pets along with the highest quality of care for grieving pet owners. We handle every pet with the dignity and respect they deserve and treat each pet as if it were our own.”

Remember to take time to be grateful for your pets this winter, and take advantage of the professional services that help you honor their lives and provide for their well-being.