What Pets Can Teach Us

If you want to learn more about living in the moment, adopt a pet. According to Warren Eckstein, pet trainer and author of Pet Aerobics, these little friends—furry, feathered and otherwise—have a lot to teach us about the here and now.
 
"When you're hungry, you eat. When you're tired, you sleep. And when you wake up, you play," says Eckstein of the life of a pet. Just having them around acts as a much-needed reminder to spend more time doing and enjoying exactly what we need in that moment.
 
Pets offer another precious gift, particularly to children: non-judgmental listening. They're "crucial for building a child's confidence," Eckstein insists, noting how important it is for kids to have someone to talk to who won’t talk back. To parents who don't have time for a dog or a cat, he suggests guinea pigs or hermit crabs, tropical fish or birds.
 
Read more tips and expert advice on adopting a pet.