Today is National Love Your Pet Day. I’m known among most of my friend as “the crazy dog lady.” To my other friends who have dogs I’m simply “normal.”

So, how much do I love my dogs?

• They eat breakfast and dinner before I do

• They pee before I do in the morning

• When I hurt my elbow the other day, I didn’t go to the doctor because I wanted to use my money on Molly’s annual check-up vs. my co-pay.

• My dogs have more winter coats •han I do

• I bought a house 45 minutes away from work primarily for the backyard that I fenced in for the two little monsters

• I bought my new car with their comfort in mind

But there are other, more important ways to love your animals. A big thanks to the Rockland County Department of Health who put out a fabulous list of ways to love your pets.

Here goes (courtesy of those fine folks at the health department.)

• Make sure your pet’s license is up to date.
• Microchip your dogs and cats or put identification tags on them so they can be returned to you if they are lost.
• Take your pets with you if you have to evacuate your home in an emergency. The County Animal Response Team of Rockland (CARToR) has prepared information cards to help you make plans for your pet in an emergency. These “Leave No Animal Behind� cards are available at pet stores and vet offices. You can also get the cards by calling 845-364-2594 or to join CARToR, call 845-364-2274.
• Keep your animal’s vaccinations up-to-date. The RCDOH offers free rabies vaccinations for healthy dogs, cats and ferrets older than three months. The next rabies vaccination clinic will be 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, April 13th, at the Fire Training Center in Pomona. For more information call 845-364-2656.
• If you smoke, quit. Numerous studies indicate that second-hand smoke is harmful to your pets and may contribute to heart and lung disease as well as cancer in dogs and cats. For help in quitting or for more information call the RCDOH at 845-364-2651.
• Spay or neuter your pets – millions of beautiful, loving animals are killed needlessly every year because there aren’t enough homes for them.
• Keep cats indoors at all times; it’s safer and healthier, and they will live longer.
• Never leave your dogs outside in the cold weather.
• Make sure your pet has fresh, clean water throughout the day.
• Love your pets every day and they will give the same to you.

(Photo: Joey gives me his best “come hither” look.)