Sharing your home with animal companions

Something that has been on my mind lately is the idea that when we make the decision to share our home with animals, it is important to fully consider it as their home also. This means thinking about their needs and comfort, even when it may be a bit inconvenient.

For example if your dog is laying on your "spot" on the couch perhaps sit next to him instead of expecting him to move so you can sit there. It is unlikely we would ask a person to vacate a chair in our home so that we could have it when there are other seating options.

If you know the blender scares your cat, maybe refrain from turning it on until you've moved kitty to a different room. If they feel safe, eventually normal household noises will blend into the background and not be so scary. No one likes to be startled by an unexpected loud sound.

If my cat daughter is lounging on a pillow watching the birds through the screen door, I may go outside via a different door rather than expecting her to move because I am "coming through." It is about considering them as "full" family members in every way. Of course there are places that are not safe in the home for animals, such as near/on stove tops, and it is reasonable to ask your fur kids to avoid those. I'm simply thinking about small gestures that let your animal companions know their needs & comfort matter too.

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