How to Care for Animal Companions

When we adopt an animal-individual, it becomes part of our family. It is then up to us to provide them with everything they need to live a happy and healthy life. Our canine companions need at least two hours of our attention spread throughout the day. Try playing with your cat-person two to three times each day, for periods of 10 to 15 minutes each. Have you ever wondered what food will keep your cat or dog companion healthy and strong? Well, vegan food, of course! In 2022, one study found that dog-people who eat a fully vegan diet live 1.5 years longer than those that consume animal-person meat. Wow! That is equal to living a decade longer in human years!

Founder of PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, and Shining World Compassion Award recipient, Ingrid Newkirk says it's always better to walk with a leash and harness. “And let them sniff. That’s the way they read the news. It’s their internet. Don’t drag them along. That’s a very special occasion for a dog to be outside and to smell and to look. It’s more than a bathroom break. It’s an excursion.”

“I spotted what I thought was a deceased dog. I pulled over to the side of the highway. I was told that he’d never be able to walk again and that his best option would be euthanasia. I just saw something in Shiloh’s eyes that he wanted to live and that he was willing to fight. My first step was full range of motion. I would take my hands and move his legs. And when he stood on his own. It was just like our hearts just filled with joy.”

When this terrified dog was rescued, he had never felt the touch of a kind hand. “I was spending four hours of my day sitting in the bathroom with him, talking to him. I was going to show him that I’m safe, I’m not going to hurt you. Now, he gets to be relaxed and know what love is, and be social, and a normal, happy dog.”

These stories really illustrate the incredible ability humans have to love and care for their animal companions. We kindly ask all members of our audience today to please expand that love to all our animal co-citizens by going vegan!