My Pet World: These New Year's resolutions are for pets

Asking my Facebook fans (https://www.facebook.com/Stevedalepets) about their New Year's resolutions for their pets (or all pets) has become an annual tradition. Here some responses I've received for 2014:

"To have my cats stop using my credit cards to buy toys and treats on the Internet. They drool on everything and then it can't be returned." -- M.S., LaGrange, IL

"More walks with my dog and more play sessions with my cats." -- H.H., Cairo, Egypt

"My dog howls every time I sing. In 2014, I will stop singing, at least when my dog is around," -- C.H., Henderson, NV

"I'd love to see a decline in funds going to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and more money going to local shelters. This would do more good to directly help dogs and cats in need. -- V.R., Seymour, IL

"Wow, I don't know what happened this year. It seems a notch on my belt buckle has changed. I need to lose a few pounds. And to be honest, I'm not alone. My kitty and puppy are sporting a bit too much 'baby fat.' In 2014, you'll see us all working to be the biggest losers." -- P.H., Orlando, FL.

"Over the summer, our house was remodeled, and in the process our back yard was destroyed by the workers. It's still a total mess, and I feel bad the dogs have no grass to play on. I want a total dog-friendly and kid-friendly back yard, fully landscaped. Our New Year's resolution is to get this done ASAP." -- K.F., San Jose, CA

"To help keep families together and pets out of shelters by continuing to support Noah's Ark, a Rockford, Ill.-based no-kill shelter that also has a pet food pantry for families having a tough time affording kibble for their furry babies." -- H.S., Rockford, IL

"My hope is for all pets to have a home, love and respect. My own three cats are spoiled rotten, just like they should be." -- M.H., Copenhagen, Denmark

"More walks, homemade treats and squeaky tennis balls for my fur babies! For all pets, may they have full bellies and loving homes." -- A.K., Indianapolis, IN

"I will finally begin volunteering at an animal shelter this year, especially a shelter for cats, because everyone else does dogs," -- B.G., Las Vegas, NV

"I want to try that TNR (trap, neuter, return) thing to help feral cats. I'm a 67-year-old man who will turn into a 'bonafide cat lady' in 2014." -- S.T., Hartford, CT

"Recruit an army of volunteers at Chicago Animal Care and Control." -- S.R., Chicago, IL.

"To find more time to give more individual attention to each of my six pets." -- L.B, Rolling Meadows, IL

"Go on more therapy dog visits with Sedona at local schools." -- J.P., Peoria, IL

"All I want for is for Boss and Felix to be healthy." -- C.S., Dalton, GA

"Over the past few years, three cats have adopted us. They were all indoor/outdoor cats. We believe they're safer indoors only. Two of them now are inside only. In 2014, I want to bring the third inside for good. -- S.H., Barcelona, Spain

"I play with my dogs every day, but sometimes forget to play with my cats, but no more." -- A.G., Montreal, Canada

"Have my dog learn better leash manners. We got lax on training this year, so our Timmy girl has a tendency to pull us around on walks." -- M.K., Chicago, IL.

"We gave up on keeping our five cats off the counters. For 2014, we'll try to keep them off the tables. Will be succeed? Well, it's hard to say 'no' to those faces. (Pay no attention to the cat beds on our tables.)" -- B.F., Des Plaines, IL

"I can't tell you how much I love my dog; it's hard to put into words. Gizmo will turn 16 in January, and realistically, I don't know what the future holds. I will appreciate every moment we have together." -- F.J., Tampa, FL

"I resolve to do a far better job of taking plastic bags with me when I walk the dog, and even to carry an extra one for a neighbor who might also forget. We need to pick up." -- J.S., Buffalo, NY

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Steve Dale welcomes questions/comments from readers. Although he can't answer all of them individually, he'll answer those of general interest in his column Send e-mail to PETWORLD(at)STEVE DALE.TV. Include your name, city and state. Steve's website is www.stevedalepetworld.com; he also hosts the nationally syndicated "Steve Dale's Pet World" and "The Pet Minute." He's also a contributing editor to USA Weekend.