2017 New Year’s Resolutions and 2016 Review

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Raising Your Pets, Dogs and Cats Naturally

2017 New Year’s Resolutions

Reviewing Life Goals

What does that mean for me for 2017? Like with anything, it's about trying, and getting back up to try again when I’m not successful. We aren't perfect. Just because I didn't reach my 2016 goals doesn't mean I can't try them again for 2017.
Best New Year’s Resolutions

How did you do with your New Year’s resolutions in 2016?

Sticking to New Year's resolutions can be hard. I mean, if you think about, it it's a goal you find challenging. If it were easy for you, you’d already be doing it, and you wouldn’t have it on a list of things you want to change.Click To Tweet

Personally, I know my challenges and try to work on them regularly. But, like so many others, I did set forth with three goals for 2016.

  1. Work on my 3-year plan
  2. Weight-loss and healthy eating
  3. Stay organized and on track

Number one on my list, working on my 3-year plan, was always at the forefront of my day. I’m in my forties, so it is important for me to stay focused on my career and future goals. This 3-year plan encompasses a lot of things in my life, some professional and some personal. This year for my career, I wanted to branch out with more pet freelance work and speaking at pet expos, write another pet book, and work on my personal pet blog.

What I didn’t know was that during this process I would end up totally re-branding my company and the focus of my brand-Raising Your Pets Naturally with Tonya Wilhelm. This rebranding was just what I needed. However, with this, I also ended up taking my main website and 3 blogs and merging them to a new website and host. This was—and still is—a HUGE project. I’m still going over 10 years of online pet articles and reformatting, fixing links, and updating images. Then, there is the issue about SEO and getting my new website listed and linked up across the internet. That’s doing well again, but I still have improvements to make.

#1 is doing well, but like with everything I do, I don’t feel like I am where I wanted to be. Maybe my goal is too high.

Next on my list is the notorious weight-loss and healthy eating. I joined a local gym in January and hit the gym almost daily. Things were on track and I was losing some weight. Eating healthy was going okay, but not fantastic. I’m always so busy and I’m single, which makes cooking a healthy meal quite challenging. At one point I told myself, before buying something to eat, I would ask myself “would I feed it to Dexter?” Basically, that meant it needed to be fresh, not from a box or filled with junk.

My #2 goal of losing weight and healthy eating went by the wayside when number #1 kicked in with the rebranding. That felt so central to my life that I didn’t even want to spend the 60-90 minutes away from other parts of my life, like work. I mean, I ALWAYS make my time for my pets and family, so something had to give, right? Since this goal is more personal and is about me, it always gets lost and deprioritized.

Real food for the human in the house. 🙂

A photo posted by Raising Your Pets Naturally (@raisingyourpetsnaturally) on

My final New Year’s resolution was to stay organized and on track. Not being organized has always been funny to me, because I’m a girl who loves drawers, bins, organizational tools, etc. Everything does have a place, but the problem for me has been to get those things back to their place when I’m finished. Maybe it ties in with the second part, staying on track. For me, I have like five projects I’m working on all on my desk, on the table next to me, over there and here. Don’t get me wrong, though—I never miss a deadline, and usually finish early.

This year, I bought a new computer desk, new office chair, a few wall calendars, and a new blogging calendar. I’m even looking at one of those 32-37” professional computer monitors so that I can have two regular-sized windows open at the same time! Keeping my thoughts and tasks in place comes and goes.

This year, I bought a new computer desk, new office chair, a few wall calendars, and a new blogging calendar. I'm even looking at one of those 32-37” professional computer monitors so that I can have two regular-sized windows open at the same time! Keeping my thoughts and tasks in place comes and goes.
Current workstation

The staying on track part for me is to stick with a daily task plan. But that’s always challenging in my line of work. My main source of income is seeing dog training and cat behavior clients in person or via phone/Skype. So I never know what time of day I will end up booking a session, and what time of day will be free for other work. Or an article idea pops into my head and I feel like I need to write it NOW. My goal, is to just keep my ongoing “to write” list going and when my writing day arrives, go down the list. Or if my website optimization day is here, work on that. At least that’s the goal. 😉

What does that mean for me for 2017? Like with anything, it’s about trying, and getting back up to try again when I’m not successful. We aren’t perfect. Just because I didn’t reach my 2016 goals doesn’t mean I can’t try them again for 2017.

My goal this year is to continue on my path. The first thing I will do is to pull out my trusty calendar, and work on scheduling my daily tasks and goals so I can stick to the plan easier. When something actually makes my planner, I am more likely to follow through.

I plan on writing another book this year, this one about kids and dogs, geared toward kids. I am also thinking about writing a cookbook for busy people who are not cooks! That’s me. My theory is if I make healthy eating part of my career (or my now 2-year plan), I will look at it as a necessity to eat better and cook for myself, instead of something to put off to the side.

It was brought to my attention in a blogger group that we must take time for ourselves. I sort of was looking at this part as #2, but if #2 still has a business angle, am I really putting work aside to JUST BE? Even when I’m in bed trying to unwind from the day, I am looking at my phone on how to improve x. So, I think I will add a #4 to my resolution list, to disconnect from anything work related. This may actually be my hardest challenge for the year!

At least those are my 2017 goals for now.


What about you? Do you struggle with New Year’s resolutions? 

Tell me in the comments.

Are you looking for even more ways to stay up to date with Raising Your Pets Naturally? Sign up for the newsletter for more tips and promotions. Don’t forget to be social and Like, Follow and Subscribe. Comments below are always welcome.

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Google Adsense—> Is pet insurance worth the cost? This is my personal experience and might not reflect everyone’s experience. Should you get pet insurance? Is pet insurance worth it? I get asked these questions a lot. I do believe pet insurance is important because you just never know. As a dog mom who has used pet insurance with Dexter for many, many years, I’m still pro pet insurance. I want to share a few things to look for in a good pet insurance company and share my personal story regarding Dexter’s pet insurance and how his monthly premium went from $35 to now $250. How to Choose the Best Pet Insurance for Your Pet When looking at pet insurance options, there are a few things to think about. First off, consider any hereditary or congenital conditions your pet might be prone to. For example, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is prone to MVD, Chiari malformation, and syringomyelia. 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Having pet insurance that covers this has been so helpful with his care. 🔔 Hit that subscribe button to stay in the loop for more Cavalier Tips and Fun! 🎥 After ensuring the pet insurance company offers the care you are looking for, you’ll want to look at the limits for each condition, the percentage they cover, and their monthly or yearly premium. To give an example, you might find a policy that has a $300 yearly deductible per condition and covers 80 percent of treatment for $x/month. Another policy may have a $400 per condition yearly deductible and cover 90 percent of treatment. These are the ins and outs of what you will be choosing from. Let me tell you about Dexter. He’s been my BFF since he was a pup. Now, at fourteen plus, he’s still kicking it, and I continue to try to provide him with the best care I possibly can. He’s had insurance since the beginning because I never wanted to have to make his care decisions solely based on the cost of treatment. 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Google Adsense—> Understanding and Soothing Nighttime Anxiety in Senior Dogs Oh, Dexter. My fourteen-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has always been a happy, well-adjusted, easygoing, confident dog. When I started to see him struggle with restless nights, my heart broke. He was pacing, panting, and just plain restless. Since he has mitral valve disease, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t heart related, so I took him to his vet. His regular cardiologist visit was around the corner, but I wanted a quick answer to ensure his MVD didn’t progress drastically. Thankfully, the vet ruled out heart issues, leading us to the onset of senior dog nighttime anxiety. I was relieved, yet saddened; my confidant boy was having some stress in his life. If you’re facing similar issues with your senior dog, you’re not alone. Today, I’m going to dive into senior dogs who are restless at night, the causes, possible solutions, and what I’ve done to help Dexter…and me get our sleep back. 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And it’s not just about one solution, but rather a variety of things that can improve their nights, like nutrition, mental enrichment, exercise, and routine. They all work together. Think. Synergy!! I talk about it all the time. Each element contributes in its own way, complementing and enhancing the effectiveness of the others. We are treating the whole dog. Daily Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Keep your senior dog’s mind and body active with gentle walks, interactive toys, and short positive training sessions. Exercise releases endorphins, which can really lift your dog’s mood and make them feel better. Keeping your dog’s mind busy fights both boredom and cognitive decline. Comfortable Sleeping Environment: Provide a supportive bed, ideally in your bedroom. If your dog can’t sleep with a family member, look for a room that is quiet and draft-free with consistent lighting. Familiarity and comfort reduce nighttime anxieties. Also, consider adding blankets or bedding with your scent for increased reassurance. Maintain a Consistent Routine: Set predictable mealtimes, walks, and bedtime rituals to create a sense of security and predictability. I’ve noticed this is becoming more important to Dexter. He starts squeaking and demanding his nighttime snack! Try to keep these routines as close to their usual schedule as possible, as it helps signal to your dog it’s time to wind down and relax. Social Interaction: Ensure your senior gets quality time with loved ones, even if it’s just gentle cuddles. Social interaction reduces stress and provides comfort. Spending quality time with your dog strengthens your bond and helps them feel safe and loved. Calming Supplements: There are a variety of natural calming supplements, herbals, and flower essences can promote relaxation and improve sleep. L-theanine and melatonin are often used to improve sleep quality. As always, please work with your dog’s veterinarian to find the right one for your dog. Even natural remedies can interact with medical issues or medications. For Dexter, his vet and I went over all of his current supplements and medications. We decided to start with L-theanine. She also provided me with his dosing range, allowing me to monitor his sleeping habits, and I can increase or decrease in his range. Calming Pheromones: Diffusers or sprays mimic natural calming pheromones, creating a sense of safety and relaxation. I’ve used them for years in my dog training classes and with private students. When Dex was a puppy, I had one to help him transition to his new home. I now have one in our bedroom, and I plug it in about thirty minutes before bed. I’ve also added in the spray, so I can use it in other parts of the home to help him with his senior dog separation anxiety. More on that in the future.  If you choose the spray, I recommend spraying a blanket. Massage Therapy: Gentle massage reduces muscle tension, promotes relaxation, and eases anxiety. Spend a few minutes each evening gently massaging your senior dog’s muscles, focusing on areas where they hold tension. A loving massage can do wonders for your senior dog’s mind and sleep quality. Canine Enrichment: Food puzzles, scent work, and other mentally engaging activities fight off boredom, cognitive decline, anxieties, and promote a Zen feeling. Consider introducing new toys or rotating existing ones to keep your senior dog mentally engaged and content. These activities not only keep their minds sharp but also give them a boost of self-confidence, something I think is important as their bodies start to not cooperate as before. Mobility and Fitness: Gentle exercises like short, leisurely walks or incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your senior dog’s daily routine will help keep their joints flexible and their muscles strong. Getting regular exercise can make a big difference in your dog’s life, helping them feel better and sleep more soundly at night. If you work with a canine rehab professional, they can tailor exercises like underwater treadmill sessions to your dog’s needs, which can really improve their mobility and health. Dexter has been in rehab for years for his Chiari malformation and syringomyelia. Just over a year ago, we bumped up his sessions to every other week. And boy, what an improvement! He is so much more mobile and spunky than he was prior. PEMF Therapy: PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) uses electromagnetic fields to help the body heal. This treatment is gentle and painless, and the electromagnetic pulses penetrate deep into the body to ease inflammation and pain. It helps decrease discomfort, encourages relaxation, and enhances sleep quality. Dexter has been benefiting from this therapy for years. I try to make it a point to have him relax on his PEM bed in the evening. Read more about PEMF therapy here. Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy is another natural treatment to reduce both pain and inflammation. And, you guessed it, something Dexter has been using for ages. Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), utilizes specific wavelengths of light to target areas of pain or inflammation. Read more about cold laser therapy for pets here. Calming Music: Calming music and natural sounds have a soothing effect, helping to lower stress levels and encourage relaxation. I first used a dog calming CD with my extremely phobic dog Theo. This was back in 2006. And it worked! It by no means cured his anxieties, but it aided him being able to relax in less stressful times. When Dexter came into my life in 2009, I played a calming CD when we went to bed and every time he was crated. He was soon conditioned when the CD played; it was sleepy time. Now, I have a music box I play at night and when he’s left alone. It has a lovely flute sound. As a bonus, it has a blue light; more on that next. By incorporating these comforting sounds into your senior dog’s bedtime routine, you can create an environment encouraging restful sleep. Blue Light Therapy: Blue light therapy utilizes specific wavelengths of light, typically in the blue spectrum, to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Blue light therapy creates a soothing atmosphere, helping to promote deep relaxation. Now, this is not to be confused with the blue light emitted from devices such as our cell phones. Blue light bulbs mix blue with other colors and are on a different spectrum than cell phones. Cell phones emit blue light with a shorter wavelength range, which is considered most disruptive to sleep and potentially harmful to eye health. I learned about blue light therapy for senior dogs through a senior dog group. Blue light doesn’t suit every dog.  In Dexter’s nighttime routine, it’s been a success. To gauge the senior dog’s community’s experience, I conducted a poll within the group. Surprisingly, 64% (25) reported no change, 24% (9) found it helpful, and 12% (5) observed increased restlessness. However, different colors work better for different dogs. Some members found an improvement with colors like red, green, or amber. I tried these colors with Dexter, and they each made Dexter more restless.  What’s great about Dexter’s music and light box is its flexibility; you can enjoy music with or without lights, and change the color and music to cater to individual preferences. I would say to see if it helps your dog.  Acupuncture: Works with your senior dog’s energy flow to target and relieve imbalances that might cause anxiety and restlessness. Acupuncture targets specific points on your dog’s body to help restore balance and encourage deep sleep. And, guess what? Dexter also receives acupuncture. Now, I haven’t actually talked to his veterinarian about targeting anything specific to sleep, but he’s been receiving treatment for his CM/SM and his old man body. Read more about canine acupuncture here.  Fresh Food Diet or Toppers: Nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting both their physical and mental health. Dexter was a raw-fed puppy, a home-cooked teenager, and is now a raw-fed senior. Let’s take a look at some fresh foods and their possible benefits for your senior dog. Fatty fish: Loaded with Omega-3s, which are essential for brain health and reducing inflammation. Consider adding mackerel, herring, salmon, or sardines. If you are feeding raw, freeze the fish for 3 weeks prior to serving to kill any parasites. Coconut oil: Packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are readily absorbed by the brain to provide a quick source of energy and support cognitive function. Adding a spoonful of coconut oil to your senior dog’s meals is a healthy way to improve their cognition. If you have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, please read this article prior to feeding coconut oil. Berries: I love adding fresh berries to Dexter’s diet. Dexter also enjoys them dehydrated as a treat. Berries are packed with antioxidants like flavonoids and vitamin C, which defend brain cells from harm. Adding a handful to your senior dog’s meals is an easy way to support their mental sharpness! Eggs: Eggs are loaded with protein, amino acids, vitamins like A, B, and D3, and essential minerals like magnesium and iron. These nutrients help keep senior dogs healthy by providing the key nutrients their bodies need to function, protecting cells from damage, promoting good bone health and joint mobility, and, of course, nourishing their minds. Eggs contain fatty acids, which support brain health and can reduce inflammation, making them a great addition to your senior dog’s diet. Dexter loves his eggies! You can feed raw, boiled, or scrambled. Learn more about eggs in this article. Leafy greens: Broccoli, kale, and spinach are packed with vitamins and minerals essential for brain health. They’re full of antioxidants and nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, and folate, which keep your senior dog’s brain sharp and protect against cognitive decline. You can chop, blitz, or steam your dog’s greens and mix them into your senior dog’s meals. I do have to sneak them into Dexter’s meals. He’s not in love with his greens. Adjusting to senior dog anxiety may feel overwhelming. I get it. And honestly, I’m just so thrilled Dexter is in his senior years. It makes me incredibly happy he’s fourteen and still going strong. Understanding your dog’s body and mind are going through changes can help with our own interpretations and hopefully help us stay calm and compassionate. Following some of these ideas and having a good relationship with your dog’s vet can create a more Zen-like sleeping routine for both your dog and you. Take a breath, cherish the wins, and know they love you, and your love is everything to them. To the moon and back. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/senior-dog-dementia  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-15837-9   Your questions or comments are welcome below. Are you looking for even more ways to stay up to date with Raising Your Pets Naturally? Sign up for the newsletter for more tips and promotions. Don’t forget to be social and Like, Follow and Subscribe. Facebook   Twitter   Pinterest   Instagram  YouTube                   Google Adsense—>   [...] Read more...

What does that mean for me for 2017? Like with anything, it's about trying, and getting back up to try again when I’m not successful. We aren't perfect. Just because I didn't reach my 2016 goals doesn't mean I can't try them again for 2017.

37 thoughts on “2017 New Year’s Resolutions and 2016 Review”

  1. I have found that in order for New Year’s Resolutions to stick is to make them very specific. “Working on weight loss and healthy eating” is very vague. Set a specific target, as in “I will weight “x” by “date”. I will eat “x” servings of fresh fruit and veggies per day. I will eat no more than “x” unhealthy items per day. Much easier to stick with. Just a thought.

    1. Thanks, Judy! I do have weight loss goal/date. 🙂 Missed it in 2016. 🙁 I think you’re right about having more of a food plan. That might be better for me since eating fresh is so hard for me. Maybe if I force myself to eat those things I will start to enjoy them more and even feel satisfied. Thanks for the tips!

  3. I am so impressed with all you hope to have in store for yourself in 2017! I like the thought of not giving up all you had wanted in 2016 and letting it carry into 2017. Life happens and the goal to just keep striving is the best attitude. My only hope is that you succeed in moving yourself up more to the forefront and not leave yourself at the bottom. Your family human and furry and your friends who care about you..want you to be happy and healthy..not perfect. Give to yourself more often so you can give to others as you choose in a happier state. Putting your family high up in priorities is so important and its admirable that you do. Some have lost sight of this. On the food front, eating healthy as been a challenge for me, I did not meet my goals..at all. I know my body has suffered and most likely I’ve had more migraines as a result. One thing that helps and I hope to utilize more, is to look for uncooked but prepared foods. Like meats and veggies prepackaged together..minus all the extra chunk. I am also going to try harder to have two crock pots going for freezing meals, one for pups and one tweaked more appetizing for humans. I actually love cooking so I guess that motivation and time is lacking..or more accurately time management. Your comment on being organized and liking drawers/containers and such made me laugh..same..same here. I hope 2017 brings you closer to your dream! The beach is waiting..you will get there. 🙂

    1. Thanks, Barbara. That is very kind of you. I really am hoping to take care of myself this year. Reminds me of the old Seinfeld episode, The Summer of George. lol

  4. Long ago I forgo making any resolutions, at least I don’t call it that anymore. Instead I focus on what I would like to do and accomplish in the upcoming year, that way it’s not as overwhelming.
    Professionally I want to focus on my blog – refining it and planning out my posts in advance.

  5. My hardest job is setting aside time just to….be. With nothing else going on. When you work for yourself, and are always “on” with never ending projects, there’s no quitting time. So I’m struggling to get better about that.

  6. You seem like you have your goals figured out with a plan on how you will achieve them. I think that is a really big deciding factor if you’ll actually be able to stick to them. Good luck to you, I’m inspired to set my own!

  7. Oh my gosh, you and I have SO much in common! This year I marked 16 months of a serious lifestyle change, re-branding of my blog (still working on that) and the struggle to pay more quality attention to myself is ever-present. We are twinsies! 😀 You go!!! You can kick butt this year! It sounds like you have already come so far!

    1. Hahaha Thanks, Shannon! I’m glad I’m not the only one with these struggles. You go too!

  8. Hey – I think you are doing fantastic! Good golly, you’re doing a lot and often times it’s when we are busy ‘doing’ that it’s harder for us to practice self-care. But I hear you – exercising and losing weight are tough, maybe if we focused on health (like you asked yourself about “would you feed this to Dexter”). We often laugh when we nibble on Cheetos, admitting that the dogs eat better than us. Hey, maybe we need to start a healthy eating pet blogger support group!! I’m right there with you!

    1. I wish you the best in 2017. Being open for new things would be a great one for you! 🙂

  10. I have had a hard time thinking of resolutions for this year. 2016 was a great year for my blog! I know I need to set some goals to help 2017 to be just as good, or hopefully better!

  11. Those sound like wonderful New Year’s Resolutions! I have found that my own resolutions don’t last that long, so now I’m just try to make better adjustments. Unfortunately, I haven’t been very successful with some of them, especially exercising and eating healthy. I bought some new cookbooks and I hope that will make a big difference.

    1. Thanks for sharing Beth. I hope those cookbooks help. I’m not sure about recipes for me, that’s my downside, I just tend to wing it, hence not such a tasty meal. I need to be better!

  12. You’ve had so much success, that’s wonderful! You tackled a huge project in 2016, that alone is a giant goal. I like to tell myself to set goals but to be Flexible, that way I’m not too disappointed when I go off track with a new idea or opportunity. Flexibility is important. I’m finalizing my goals for 2017 right now, I’m hoping for a successful year!
    Love & Biscuits,
    Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

    1. Thanks, Cathy. I appreciate your comments and support. I try to go with the flow, and I do, but my type A kicks in….haha

  15. Those look like great goals, and you seem to be off to a great start. Well done! I’m working on daily goals and organization. I plan to celebrate each accomplishment and not beat myself on anything that will be carried over to the next day.

    1. Thanks, Sadie. One of my goals is to have daily goals, so I can feel like I’ve done something. 🙂

  16. Good luck on your goals! We have several goals we wish to accomplish as well. Healthy eating is definitely one of them!

  17. Best thing I ever did was focus on nutrition. About 7-8 years ago I slowly dropped sugar, wheat, refined and processed foods and so on … it’s 70% of any weight loss process versus exercise that counts for the remaining 30%. Feel so good…. but it was a HUGE lifestyle change. That is for sure. YOU GOT THIS!

    1. Thanks, Sonja. I’m so scared about trying to drop sugar. I’m such a sugar junkie. Little steps, little steps.

  18. I have to ask myself the same question when I’m about to eat something – I’m picky when it comes to what my dogs eat, but I forget to eat fresh foods myself!

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