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The Pet Maven Newsletter  

Bring in the New 
January 2015
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We hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready for your best year yet. New Years is a time to embrace the new and say so long to the old, so this newsletter offers a little bit of both! 

 

Have you made your resolutions yet? Some of your furry roommates have, and they've set some very lofty goals. Check them out and be inspired!  

 

Speaking of furry roommates: we've learned about some new research that examines the pet and personality paradigm and how it might help an important animal-related service. 

 

The New Year also encourages us to discard out-dated ideas and beliefs, so what better time to toss these ridiculous and persistent myths about our feline friends?

 

Out with the old, in with the new; Happy New Year! 

 

Helen Adler
Pets' New Year's Resolutions


I promise to try really hard to stop drinking out of your water glass, or at least only do it when you're not looking. - Muffin, Calico, UWS.

 

I resolve to finally learn the answer to that question you always ask: Who's the best dog, Scrappy, who? - Scrappy, Terrier Mix, Tribeca.

 

I resolve to be more decisive about things ... no ... wait! Can I choose something else? - Kimmy, Orange Tabby, Astoria.

 

I resolve to slow down and enjoy life, to stop and smell the behinds! - Max, Labrador Mix, Park Slope.

 

I hereby resolve to stop helping my folks bathe by licking the water off their bare skin after they shower. - Stella, Siamese, Union Square.

 

I promise to not pass gas during very important dinner parties. - Bruce, French Bulldog, Financial District.

 

I will try really hard not to pee in the guest bedroom every time your in-laws visit. - Felix, Tuxedo Cat, West Village.

 

I promise this is the year I will finally quit my nasty habit of licking myself and then trying to give you kisses. - Jack, Pug, UES.

 

I promise, from the bottom of my heart, to give you unconditional love and joy for as long as I live. That's a no-brainer! - Love, Your Pet!!

Pets and Personality Matching Offers a New Leash on Life! 


The age old schism between cat and dog people has long been seen as simple partiality, but a recent study suggests a person's pet preference is a telling indicator of their personality, as well as what environment and qualities they most value. 

 

This will come as no surprise to animal-lovers, but the study's applications might. The study of personality patterns in pets and people has great potential in fields like Pet Therapy. Researchers hope that by better understanding which animals complement which personality traits in humans, they can facilitate more therapeutic and effective matches.  

 

Organizations including the North Shore Animal League offer a variety of pet therapy programs, and the ASPCA offers classes and assessment services to those who are interested in seeing if their pet could make a difference in someone's life.  

Cat Myths That Need to Scat!

Perhaps more than any other pet, cats are burdened with some rather persistent myths. Here are just a few of the most grievous! Read on, then follow the links to find the facts and help end these tall tales!

Cats Aren't Social: Cats are actually quite social, both with their favorite humans and with other cats.

Cats Always Land on their Feet: While a cat's spine is incredibly flexible, they don't have a magical ability to always land upright. Make sure to keep your furry friends safe by installing screens on windows and balconies.

Cats Gain Weight When They're Neutered: Just like the latest fad diet, this myth is simply not true. Too much food and too little activity lead to weight gain: end of story.

Cat's Aren't Trainable:That's just plain silly. Cats are entirely trainable, just like dogs, and they can do a lot of fun things!