Responsible Business & Employee Engagement

The Pets of Aflac Wish You a Happy National Pet Month

May 24, 2023 11:00 AM ET
Campaign: Aflac Stories
Phoebe has taught us plenty of things. She is a pit mix, which tends to carry a certain stigma, but if they only knew what a pushover she is! I’m amazed every day at just how much she loves people and other dogs. — Jason Pearce and dog, Phoebe
The biggest thing is showing them love and care. These cats are spoiled, but I get a thrill when I say “snack” or “eat,” and they take off to their food bowls. — Brian Penn and cats, Snickers and Kira
Our dogs are members of our family and get all the love in the world. Freddie has always been Mr. Personality and is so popular that some of our neighbors know his name, but not so much ours. Belle, on the other hand, could not care less about socializing with the neighbors. Too many bugs to stalk and stuffed toys to decapitate. — Mandy Flynn and dogs, Freddie and Belle
One of our dogs is an escape artist, so now we have a very tall, very secure fence around our five acres that allows our dogs and goats to have lots of room to safely roam. We are all just one big happy herd. — Rachael Unger with dogs Rocky and Dingo, goats Bubba, Pooter, Morty, and cat Sharlet.
We have three cats (Tug, Sage and Kiki) and one dog (Blossom). It’s a lot of work to have so many pets, but it is rewarding. It truly is a stress reliever to have a bad day and have a cat or dog snuggle up in your lap for some love. — Somer Mason and cat, Tug
I like to say that Bella has been trained by the best — her big sister Gracie (yellow lab, partially pictured) — and has “big dog swagger,” despite being such a small dog. Gracie passed away recently and left a big hole in our hearts, so we are especially thankful we have Bella. — Serafina Tannehill and dogs, Bella and Gracie
Luna was adopted from a farm in Georgia when she was a puppy and “purrs” when she’s happy. Tommy was a rescue from Alabama with a sad history of abuse from his first owner. We love giving them lots of playtime and cuddles! — Monica Miller Rodgers and dogs, Tommy Boy Shelby and Luna Suki
National Pet Month is extra special for those of us who are pet lovers, but even more for those of us who were not able to have children. Our pets truly fill up that hole that is left in our hearts. I wish they could know how much they bless my life. — Ruby Jones and cats, Roscoe and Lola Ray
I met Olivia when I met my husband in 2019, and a favorite story is from the first time he took her outside on a kitty harness. At home, she runs to every open window and will sit there for hours, but the moment she saw the outside for herself, she immediately climbed up Jason’s leg and clung to him until he brought her inside. Now, her only exposure to the outdoors is by looking through the screen door of the patio. — Kat Chaykovska and cat, Olivia
Alfredo is the king of our household and keeps our three dogs in line. He is very affectionate and is a very happy cat with his motor running all the time (purring). — Michelle McLaurin Price and cat, Alfredo

Originally published on Aflac Newsroom

The tail that wags when you walk in the door. The purrs that provide comfort and love. The neighs, bleats, barks and meows that make you laugh. There is no denying that pets bring so much joy to life’s everyday moments. In fact, multiple studies indicate that there are correlations between pet ownership and benefits for mental wellness1 and cardiac health.2

At Aflac, we love our four-legged family members, so much so that there is an entire page on our intranet dedicated to the Pets of Aflac. In honor of National Pet Month, the pet owners of Aflac share their stories and tips for celebrating and caring for their pets during this special month and all year long.

Show them lots of love, and give them your time and attention — every day.

Pets need regular exercise and engagement. Go for plenty of walks and let your pets explore new environments occasionally. You can also play games — indoor and/or outdoor — that offer both mental and physical engagement, like fetch, treat or treasure hunts, toy chases and obstacle courses. There are also pet day care facilities and professionals that specialize in giving your pets plenty of engagement outside of the home. And of course, lots of playtime, snuggles and special treats for pets are all great ways to spoil them.

Pet ownership is a big commitment — something to always consider is your schedule and ability to stick to a routine — but what it requires in responsibilities, it more that pays off with unconditional love and comfort.

Invest in training. 

When you bring a pet into your life, you are building a relationship with a creature that does not speak the same language as you, which is why a quality and regular training regimen is critical.

In the training process, not only will you be able to teach your pet how he or she can communicate with you, but you’ll also learn how to understand what your pet is trying to tell you. By paying attention to their body language and how they act around other people, you’ll pick up on important cues that your pet is trying to signal to you.

Put in the time to train when they are young, and it will pay off in the long run. And remember to be patient, as they are always learning.

Protect them.

Our pets rely on us to take care of them and to protect them. Start with the basics: quality food, access to fresh water, grooming, dental care, routine veterinary visits — including exams, vaccinations, etc. — and pay attention to any behavioral changes that could indicate health issues. It’s also important to establish a relationship with and stay close to your veterinarian, as they can help you find the best ways to care for your pet and ensure his or her wellness.

Expect the unexpected from your pet.

With video calls still a part of daily life, many pet owners know the cute chaos that ensues when their pets sneak up on the screen. It may not be what we usually mean when we say that Aflac practices diversity and inclusion, but isn’t it just the cat’s meow when your pet unexpectedly joins hybrid team meetings?

Want to see more Pets of Aflac? Read the full story on Aflac’s Newsroom.

1 Depression, anxiety, and happiness in dog owners and potential dog owners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. PLOS ONE. Accessed April 20, 2023.

2 Pet Ownership and Cardiovascular Risk: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association. Accessed April 20, 2023.

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