By Dr. Gary Pusillo:

Does it matter?

It does not matter if I have a fireplace today when it is 28 degrees outside; it matters if I am warm.

It does not matter if I have the best hand soap in the world; it matters if I get the swine flu or not.

It does not matter if I have the most highly advertised pet food in the world; it matters if my pet has a quality of life that is the best that I can provide. This is key to being a “petatarian.”

My fireplace is blazing right now, but it did not start itself. Earlier this year I had to cut the trees into usable pieces, split the wood and place it in a place to dry. To get any warmth from all the work I put into gathering the wood, I needed to carefully make a fire appropriate for my fireplace.

Warmth, comfort and an improved quality of life come with a personal responsibility for action.

The Center of Disease Control in the United States has adopted the most successful strategy they know for preventing the spread of H1N1; washing your hands while singing Happy Birthday.

My mother used to inspect my hands before I was allowed to eat; the importance my mother placed on clean hands stuck with me my entire life.  I wish all those men in the public rest rooms that refuse to wash their hands would just stop and think of the benefits that soap and water can have on society.

Don’t let the bad become normal.

In our pet’s life we must recognize our expertise; or lack of it; and then take the appropriate steps to assist our responsibility for providing a quality of life to our pet. Taking action to change undesirable outcomes from using pet products is our responsibility.

It does not matter if your pet is living in a perfect home; it matters if your pet’s quality of life reflects the care and love you provide.