By Tanya M. Ursual

From The Lanark Animal Welfare Society (LAWS) L.A.W.S., P.O. Box 156, Smiths Falls, ON, K7A 4T1:

2008 Resolutions:

As we approach 2008, all of us at LAWS would like to wish our readers a very Happy New Year! May the year ahead see all your wishes come true. As a shelter, we hope that 2008 will see more people spay/neuter their pets, fewer abandoned and unwanted animals and even more wonderful adoptive homes. Thanks to those of you who have supported LAWS in 2007. Here are ten animal-friendly resolutions to make for 2008!

1. Make a commitment to purchase the highest-quality food available for your pet.
   

2. Ensure your pets have two forms of identification -- a tag on the collar and either a microchip or tattoo.
   

3. Commit to walking your dog twice a day (remember this is good exercise for you too!). Alternatively, volunteer to walk dogs at your local shelter.
   

4. Remember that toxic ethylene glycol antifreeze is lethal to animals and purchase pet-friendly propylene-based antifreeze.
   

5. Purchase a Pet Emergency Kit to take care of your pet in case of a disaster or sign up for a pet first aid class so you'll know what to do if your pet suddenly becomes sick or is injured.
   

6. Talk to friends or colleagues about the importance of spaying or neutering their pets. Thousands of kittens and puppies are abandoned every year because no home can be found for them.
   

7. Make a financial donation to an animal welfare rescue organization.
   

8. Register to volunteer at LAWS or your local shelter. We can't exist without our amazing volunteers.
   

9. Visit your local animal shelter regularly to donate at least one item on their wish list (towels, cleaning supplies, canned cat food, etc.).
   

10. Help make important changes to animal welfare by signing action letters to join the fight for stronger animal cruelty laws in Ontario.