The 2013 holiday season is on us, and this year it is suddenly shorter! Talk about adding stress. Can you believe Hanukkah starts on the night before Thanksgiving? And the shopping season got shortened by a week. Of course, we all have the same amount of errands, mailings, and cooking in less time.

Now exhale! Yes, we are stressed and we are sharing it with our pets.

So let’s all stop for a minute or five minutes. Exhale. Clear your mind by listening to your breathing. Turn off the mind chatter.

Now go over to your pet, and slowly exhale again. You may try yawning while you sit with your dog. Very slowly blink your eyes as you sit with your cat.

Exhale quietly again. You are in the present moment. Slowly stroke your best friend. If you know TTouch, do a few TTouches on your pet and yourself. Exhale.

As a way of giving thanks to your pet and yourself, try to spend five minutes a day enjoying the present moment with your pet. You will feel better and so will they!

Is your dog stressed with people visiting? Click here to schedule your complimentary 15 minute About Your Pet Session.