Help Protect Our Right to Own Pets

There is a very disturbing trend happening in the US right now and most people are unaware of it. States all across the country are making efforts to pass laws that will limit our rights to own pets. These laws range from spay/neuter laws to limiting what breed (breed specific laws) can legally live within town, city and state limits. Some laws even go as far as to dictate how many pets are allowed per household. You can view some of the legislative activity in your state by visiting The American Kennel Club.

Pets are our family; we love them and care for them as if they were our children. To think one day our government, be it local, state or federal could have the right to say we can no longer own our dog because of what breed it is, is beyond scary.

View the list of pending laws in your state, contact your local or state representative and voice your opinion against this new type of regulation. Those who want to limit pet ownership are slowly winning the right to do so by quietly getting laws passed. As pet owners and pet lovers we need speak up and be heard. You don’t want to wake up one day and get a knock on your door telling you to dispose of the dog who you so dearly love because of the breed it is or the number you own.

The American Kennel Club issues legislative alerts. You can be updated on a regular basis as to what is happening on a state by state basis by subscribing to these alerts. Click here to subscribe.

The American Dog Owners Association also issues legislative alerts which can be found by clicking here.

Below are some links to informative resources related to the right to own pets across the country.

The American Kennel Club

The American Dog Owners Association

National Animal Interest Alliance

We all have the right to own a pet, care for a pet and love a pet. Don’t let those who think otherwise take this inherent right away from you and your family.

Take the 10,000 Step Challenge

Here is the challenge; take at least 10,000 steps a day everyday. Keep walking, getting the steps in and you will be burning calories and getting in shape without even feeling the pain. Every step counts so park a little further away in a parking lot, walk to the bus stop rather than drive and you can even go up and down the steps a few extra times a day. It all adds up!!!

To track your steps you can purchase a pedometer like the one pictured here. The goal is to keep moving and getting those steps in. Track your steps over a period of a week or more and you will be able to see what days you need to make the extra effort. It may be days that you are at work and sitting at a desk or maybe a lazy Sunday. Either way you will become much more aware of how much you are moving.

If you need help or motivation organize walking groups with friends, neighbors or even at your gym. My trainer set this challenge up at my gym. It is great to have the camaraderie of a group and the friendly competition always makes it more exciting.

It is a little over a week since I started the 10,000 steps a day challenge. I must say it has changed my habits. I take walks when I have free time, park further away in the parking lots and overall have been more active. If it is getting to be evening and I don't have enough steps I jog in place, run up and down the steps a few times or jog and around the house.

So go for it!!!! Check in and let us know if you are taking the challenge and how you are doing.

Good Luck!!!

Enjoy this holiday season by knowing you are burning more calories and keeping your body healthier.