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Need a reason to celebrate? We've got 2

Tribune photo by MICHAEL SPOONEYBARGER

Pet Week is widely observed in this country, as well as other parts of the world.

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By KRISTEN LEVINE Kristin Levine

Tribune correspondent Petcetera

Published: May 1, 2009

Updated: 05/01/2009 05:56 pm

It's a big week for the animals in our lives: National Pet Week (the theme is, Pets - The Spice Of Life) and Be Kind to Animals Week.

Pet Week was founded by the American Veterinary Medical Association and its auxiliary in 1981 to celebrate the human-animal bond and promote public awareness of veterinary medicine. It's widely observed in this country, as well as other parts of the world.

Be Kind To Animals, created by the American Humane Association, is 94 years old and commemorates the role animals play in our lives, promotes ways to treat them humanely and encourages others, especially children, to do the same.

Each organization's focus is tailored to its mission, but both aim to educate us about ways to help pets enjoy longer, healthier, happier lives.

Unlike most celebrations, Pet Week and Be Kind to Animals Week don't have to cost you a dime. Pets are not impressed with materialism. A dog will enjoy a car ride in a clunker as much as a Mercedes-Benz. Cats covet wadded paper or empty grocery bags.

Pets value the gift of your time more than anything. Time to play, walk, ride or snuggle. And since our pets' lifetimes are short relative to ours, time together is exponentially valuable.

Here's what a few local pet owners are doing to celebrate their best friends this week.

•"Molly got a bath and I bought her a new pool floatie," said Sue Gardner of Tampa.

•Tona Bell of South Tampa says it's a good time to cycle out old toys, get new ones and give favorite meals or treats.

"Tara and Twelve-Oaks love shrimp and chicken from the Fresh Market."

•"Chuckie and Cooper will get belly rubs, meaty treats, rides in the golf cart - you know, the usual," said Jennifer Rockhill, a longtime Tampa resident who relocated to McDonough, Ga. "Every week is pet week around here, or it should be."

•Arielle King loves to make Peanut Butter Carrot Cake for pugs Libby and Shana, so she'll be baking.

•"My dogs already run the household," admits Wayne Bronson of Tampa. "Now I have to celebrate that fact?"

Bronson has a beagle and supports Tampa Bay Beagle Rescue. He plans to talk to the group about how to celebrate this week.

Check the Critter Calendar for other ways to enjoy your pet's company this week. Or visit www.petweek.org or www .americanhumane.org.

Are you living a pet-less life? With all the stresses we face today, now is a good time to change that.

"No matter what the problem in life, dogs are the answer," said Ben Stein on "CBS Sunday Morning" last month. (Check out his video, "The Divinity of Dogs," at www.benstein.com; click on "Stuff Ben Wrote.")

Whether it's a dog, cat or another animal, consider seeking your perfect pet at a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Go to www.petfinder.com to find one near you. It'll be a great way to celebrate this special week.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; or e-mail kristen @fetchingcommunications.com.

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