Pick Your Pet

Last week I saw a woman bringing a dog into a senior living facility across the street. My first reaction was that of excitement as she was carrying the dog in a SHERPA Bag, the first soft-sided pet carrier that I invented in the 80s. Yes, even after all these years I still get excited to see people using my brainchild that become a global staple in the pet industry! My second thought was how wonderful it is that animal therapy has become popular among seniors. I have experienced the benefits of pets and the unconditional love they give(especially when going through a transition in life), and I think it is so important for people to recognize joy and happiness animals bring. There are many different pets (not just dogs!) that can positively affect the lives of people.

Birds

Birds make a great companion. Think about it. When out in the wild, they typically flock, so it is in their genetic makeup to want to be with others!  Birds also do not require walking or extensive bathing, so can be an ideal companion for someone who prefers to spend more time inside. Birds love to talk, chirp, sing… depending on the breed. If you want to fill your quiet home with some sound, birds will do the trick. Although be careful – while some people could consider the chirping nature-like and therapeutic, others might find it noisy!

Rabbits

If you are looking for a quiet pet, a rabbit might be a good fit for you as they typically make little noise. Rabbits bond closely with their owners, and will become affectionate to you if you have positive interactions with them, like playing, grooming, and cuddling.

Cats

While dogs are the most popular pet in the United States, cats are close behind – and happen to be the most popular pet on a global scale. Cats love interaction with their humans, despite the myth that they’re aloof, and they’re self-sufficient in that they can use a litter box rather than depend on timed walks. Generally speaking, they can tolerate their owners being away from the home for longer than dogs can, for example, but who want to spend time away from a warm purring furball on your lap – talk about stress relief!

Fish

If you want a pet but not a lot of responsibility, fish might be a perfect fit. Fish don’t require much interaction, are affordable, and can even improve your mood! Fish do not need to be walked, bathed, or have someone watch them while you are away, making them an easier pet to have. The biggest commitment is cleaning the tank and monitoring water quality.

What kind of pet do you have? What kind of pet would you want? I am a dog mom to my beautiful girls, KoKo and KARTU, but I love hearing about all the various pets that make people happy.

Gayle Martz is the SilverDisobedience Pet Ambassador who will be sharing her insight on a variety of pet-related topics. Gayle is the founder of The SHERPA Pet Trading Company, where she single-handedly designed, manufactured and marketed the iconic SHERPA Bag you see everywhere! This carrier, which millions have bought for their dogs, cats and other animal companions, continues to be THE top-selling, prize-winning, globally-popularly soft-sided pet carrier. Further, it is because of Gayle’s advocacy and entrepreneurship that pet travel on airlines is now possible and common. Gayle’s the author of “IT’S IN THE BAG”, which is part memoir and part business book.