Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
It may not quite feel like summer is on its way out with temperatures still nudging triple digits, but the next couple of weeks will usher in one of the tell-tale signs that fall is coming soon — it’s time to start thinking school supplies and before long the big yellow buses will be hitting the roads.
In search of ponies
For kids, the last days of summer vacation are most likely filled cramming in as much time with friends, water play, video games and sleeping in as possible. Somewhere in-between those critical activities are the trips to find the newest fashions, coolest shoes, perfect pencils, stacks of blank paper and all the other bits and pieces needed to get the year off to a good, fresh start.
Compared to the slow, lazy days of summer vacation, gearing up to return to the structure of the school year can even be exciting for some — especially when it means getting to reunite with friends and make new ones too.
Kids aren’t the only ones getting revved up this time of year. Parents, too, are probably a little excited (or a lot) at the prospect of their cagey kids having somewhere to be other than hanging around the house.
There are, however, some family members who may not find the return to school quite so pleasant.
As much of an adjustment as the return to school can be for all the humans in the house, pets too get thrown into the change, and, especially since they don’t understand the reasons, may struggle when all of a sudden their sleepy kids march out the front door and the house sinks into quiet.
Worse yet, pets that have had companions and playmates to occupy their days may find themselves in kennels while everyone is gone for the day and back on strict schedules when things have been relaxed for months.
It can be rough for the critters and as many as 26 percent of pet owners report observing boredom and separation anxiety from their pets when the kids go back to school, according to a survey conducted by Petplan, a pet insurance company that also provides information and tips to help people care for their pets.
In contrast, the same issues are only reported by about 10 percent of pet owners who are not sending kids back to school.
Added to boredom and anxiety, about 36 percent report clingy behavior from their pets when the kids go back to school and more than 10 percent report their pets have accidents in the house and become more destructive when the kids leave.
Some of the things experts recommend doing to help pets prepare for the big day when all the kids head out is to start helping the pets adjust ahead of time. Getting schedules back in place and acclimatizing the pets to the family leaving in the morning by doing dry runs are a couple of ways to help the critters ease into things.
When the big day comes find ways to ease the shock, such as giving treats or toys that occupy pets’ minds and help pass the time. Also, try leaving televisions or radios on with the volume low so the house doesn’t feel quite so empty and consider having someone walk the dog during the day or using a pet daycare service as an alternative to leaving them home alone.
The return of the school year can be a tough adjustment for the entire family but with a little flexing, everyone will make it, and soon enough, there will be another summer vacation to enjoy.
Sharna Johnson is a writer who is always searching for ponies. You can reach her at: