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 Can you imagine looking back after an animal you love has died and thinking, “I wish I’d done more to make him happy”? It’s horrible, but true: Sometimes we forget even the basics, like that Trixie wasn’t walked enough this morning or that Teddy’s cage needs cleaning. Because animals usually suffer in silence and can’t yell, “Hey! What about me?” it’s up to us to keep them healthy, clean, and, most of all, happy. Can you see yourself in any of the stories below? If so, consider treating every day with your animal friend as if it’s the last you’ll ever spend together. |
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 Tamara Murphy My family had four dogs—three stayed indoors with us, but one was always kept outside alone. She would sit by the glass door, looking in, wondering why she couldn’t come in like everybody else. I felt sorry for her, all alone out there, and I would let her in sometimes, but I never asked my mom and dad to let her live inside. She must have been so lonely. |
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 Dan Paden I got a rabbit for my 10th birthday. He lived in a cage in the garage. We only let him out when people came over, to show him off. When he got bigger, my dad and I took him to a park and let him go. It didn’t dawn on me until later that there was no way he could take care of himself and that he probably starved or was killed by dogs. I can’t believe I was so dumb. |
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 Kelly Ernst When I was in school, I was so busy that some days I didn’t let my rats out of their cages for even a few minutes. They would press their noses against the bars and it looked just like they were in jail. After they died, I felt so guilty not to have let them have a real life and wished I had spent more time with them. |
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 Brandi Valladolid I looked after my parents’ dog for a year while they were traveling. She missed them terribly and was so upset that she started having accidents on the rug. I remember yelling at her, which only made her more depressed. If I’d played with her and walked her more and showed her I loved her, she wouldn’t have been so sad. |
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 How to Be a Better Friend Take your dog for long walks every day and let him or her stop and sniff the trees and bushes. Keep your hamster or parakeet’s cage clean and let them out of their cages (in an escape-proof room!) at least once a day. Make sure your companions get plenty of attention and toys. Don’t yell when they get sick or do something they weren’t supposed to do. Remember, you’re the best friend they’ve got! |
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