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We all spend a lot of time sitting and for many of our pets; they’re as sedentary as we are while
they wait all day for us to get home from work. So, it’s as important for them as it is for us to
get out and enjoy each other’s company, and get some much needed exercise. While I might feel
tired after a long day at work, doing a few simple chores like replenishing hay, filling waterers
and feeding grain, helps to re-energize me. If I look at it as exercise and not as chores, I’mmore
motivated to get them done. In exchange for my efforts, my reward is getting to spend some
quality time with the animals I love. They’re calming and I know that just by being around them
and watching them, my blood pressure drops. They make me laugh, too! In the heat, they like to
get a hose bath and, the way they vie for position in front of the hose and then dance in the
stream of water is pretty funny. They’re very curious, give lots of kisses and love to get
carrots. They don’t need to do much to lift my spirits and keep me moving. So, no “butts”
about it, there’s nothing like being outdoors with my alpacas to help keep me off the couch!
Mary Siep, Portland
Renegade and Ricochet
Woodland (just north of Vancouver) Fantasia