Boulder, April 11, Thursday was National Pet Week. Today, instead of Featured Dog Of The Day, let’s chat about “PETS.”

Fido, the AboutBoulder Canine Mascot                   

National Pet Day, celebrated on April 11th every year, is a heartwarming occasion dedicated to recognizing the joy and companionship that pets bring into our lives. It serves as a reminder of the love and loyalty our furry, feathered, or scaly friends provide and encourages pet adoption from shelters and rescue organizations.

What’s NOT a pet.

Some popular “pets” are not really pets but are feral animals at heart which humans have worked at domesticating with varying success. Examples of these are wolves (illegal and dangerous), wolf/dog/coyote/fox hybrids are legal within limits and government control. Within the limits of other restrictions, the government is involved in Colorado. Individuals who wish to own a wolf-dog hybrid in Colorado must obtain a special permit from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) agency. The process of acquiring this permit involves meeting certain criteria, such as providing evidence of secure containment facilities, demonstrating knowledge of wolf-dog hybrid behavior, and adhering to specific care and welfare standards.Illegal Backyard Wolf or a wolf/dog, or perhaps a coyote/dog        Pic Debi Dodge

Semi-Legal Controlled Possession Hybrid?

The genesis of National Pet Day can be traced back to animal welfare advocate Colleen Paige, who established the day in 2006. Paige’s aim was to shed light on the plight of animals awaiting adoption in shelters and to celebrate the incredible bond between pets and their owners. Since its inception, the day has garnered global recognition, prompting pet lovers around the world to celebrate in various meaningful ways.

People often mark the occasion by spoiling their pets with extra treats, new toys, and extended playtime or walks. Social media platforms buzz with pet owners sharing adorable photos and stories of their beloved animals, using the hashtag #NationalPetDay. This virtual celebration not only spreads joy but also raises awareness about the importance of pet adoption and responsible pet ownership.

National Pet Day also emphasizes the critical role pets play in our well-being. Studies have shown that pets can significantly improve mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. They offer unconditional love, companionship, and even health benefits, such as lowered blood pressure and increased physical activity. Another common pet is the cat. These independent felines are more like dogs than people think. They are generally not aloof self-amusing beasts of the wild, but are right at home in the family.

Phlash Is A Red-Eared Slider Turtle.                    Pic Lensworth

He is 64 years Old And VERY Aware of His Surroundings, and Recognizes People. He Loves Watching Me Work Next To His Aquarium. Even Phlash Keeps Pets. When He’s Fed 12 Feeder Goldfish, He’ll Eat 10 In A Day Or Less And Keep The Two as “pets” For As Long As A Year Or More. His Plecostimous Lasted Perhaps 4 Years.

Even birds are popular pets. Layla, A Conure Parrot, Love Music.”Layla” by Clapton, Original Ver., is Her Favorite

Moreover, National Pet Day is an opportunity to support animal shelters and rescue organizations through donations or volunteering. These institutions often operate on limited resources and rely on the generosity of the community to continue their vital work in rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing pets.

Lenny Lensworth Frieling

Shared Knowledge Is Power!

Leonard Frieling
  • Senior Counsel Emeritus to the Boulder Law firm Dolan + Zimmerman LLP : (720)-610-0951
  • Former Judge
  • Photographer of the Year, AboutBoulder 2023
  • First Chair and Originator of the Colorado Bar Association’s Cannabis Law Committee, a National first.
  • Previous Chair, Boulder Criminal Defense Bar (8 years)
  • Twice chair Executive Counsel, Colorado Bar Association Criminal Law Section
  • NORML Distinguished Counsel Circle
  • Life Member, NORML Legal Committee
  • Life Member, Colorado Criminal Defense Bar
  • Board Member Emeritus, Colorado NORML
  • Chair, Colorado NORML, 7 years including during the successful effort to legalize recreational pot in Colorado
  • Media work, including episodes of Fox’s Power of Attorney, well in excess of many hundreds media interviews, appearances, articles, and podcasts, including co-hosting Time For Hemp for two years.
  • Board member, Author, and Editor for Criminal Law Articles for the Colorado Lawyer, primary publication of the Colorado Bar Assoc. 7 Years, in addition to having 2 Colorado Lawyer cover photos, and numerous articles for the Colorado Lawyer monthly publication.
  • LEAP Speaker, multi-published author, University lectures Univ. of Colorado, Boulder, Denver University Law School, Univ. of New Mexico, Las Vegas NM, and many other schools at all levels.
  • http://www.Lfrieling.com
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