Most of us know the general definition of "Embracement" simply means a type of adoption or acceptance of something. However over time, many terms morph and evolve and their definitions take on a deeper meaning. For instance, Roget’s II (1995) The New Thesaurus, Third Edition describes Embracement as, “A ready taking up of something, adoption, espousal; to include as part of something broader, to take up willingly or eagerly: embrace a social cause.” For one senior lecturer at the Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford UK, Ambra Burls, Embracement has a symbolic meaning—a social and personal growth process.*

At times some people experience marginalization from society and experience a general feeling of powerlessness in their world. There is a process that can reverse this feeling of unimportance and allow room for growth. When a person emerges into a new situation that is influenced by internal and external factors, their progress depends on their personal strengths and the opportunities or threats that they encounter on their journey.*

People who are encouraged to grow; given the tools for development, are supported, coached, and trained; and who experience social inclusion by those around them, are likely to experience tremendous personal growth. Social competence alone can be a driving force for a person developing a sense of self/place and healthy levels of self-esteem. People also benefit from their ability to learn new skills, understand what responsibility is, how to be accepting, learning to be satisfied and how to be a companion to another. These types of social exchanges encourages a thrust of personal growth and development that can lead a person into Embracement—the ability to be a part of something broader, willingly and eagerly.*

If we consider all aspects of our social network, we could imagine that our pets play an enormous role in leading us to Embracement. They support us, coach us on how to love, train us when to love, and always include us in their social plans.  Their acceptance of us encourages us to be socially competent and we are more open to talking to strangers and being social if our pets are by our side. Our pet’s unconditional acceptance of us gives us a sense of self/place and a very warm and fuzzy level of self-esteem, too.

So what do we do to Embrace (otherwise known as adopt/accept) our animal companions? We can look to redefine the term Responsible Pet Owner, grow to be their masters and give back to them as much as they give to us.

Defining the Term – Responsible Pet Owner

If we examine each word we understand that:

"Responsibility" refers to: the quality or state of being responsible morally, legally and with mental accountability. **

"Pet" is described as: domestic animals kept for pleasure as well as the pampered, spoiled child or someone who is treated with unusual kindness and consideration.**

"Owner" has a definition of: individuals who want control and mastery over.**

We could consider that with the above definitions a Responsible Pet Owner is: An individual who is responsible morally, legally and with mental accountability to a domestic animal where they maintain complete control and mastery over pampering, spoiling and treating their pet with unusual kindness and consideration.

Though moral and legal obligation, pampering and kindness may not be enough to make someone a Responsible Pet Owner—the desire to do so does. The unusual acts of kindness and love, that our pets shower on us, and we return to them, creates the bond that drives us as pet owners into wanting to become Responsible Pet Owners. Love fosters a feeling of commitment and sharing heartfelt kindness and emotions compels us to want to care for those we love. By focusing on that loving bond and nurturing it, we eagerly and willingly adopt and accept or Embrace our pets.

Because, the very nature of Embracement is defined by some as a symbolic process by which people grow and develop, becoming a Responsible Pet Owner is therefore a journey in itself. With all new experiences, we begin with awkward steps, learn and then grow. Embarking on the quest of discovering what our responsibilities are as pet owners can be done with the aide of supportive coaching and/or training. Having a Pet Mentor is one-way pet owners can feel that their journey is socially acceptable. Like new parents of human babies, it’s natural to reach out to another parent, ask questions, share experiences and listen to each other’s stories. The same is true for people who are hoping to become good pet parents, too. A Pet Mentor can pick up the pieces when everything seems to have been shoved off the table by a big furry tail. They can listen to a new pet parent’s concerns about the four paws that rest on their laps and they can offer consolation and advice if needed.

These Pet Mentors act as tour guides on this type of developmental journey. They make it possible for novice and experienced pet owners to walk tall, learn and grow into Responsible Pet Owners. Pet mentors help us Embrace our pet ownership journey. They act as role models and guides to understanding that it’s not enough to own our pets, its that we need to learn to own the responsibility of our pet’s lives.

We can learn to be Responsible Pet Owners anytime, day or night, early or later in life.  It’s not when we choose that’s important, it’s our choice that defines us.  And if we define ourselves as Responsible Pet Owners, then we undeniably take part in something broader. We eagerly and willingly are redefining the social cause that protects our pets and animal companions. As a collective group, Responsible Pet Owners, set the model and lead by example. This good example automatically applies positive social pressure for the next pet owner in line to step up, walk their path and travel their journey to learning to be responsible for their pet’s life.  Each time this happens, one by one, we change and redefine ourselves and our relationships with our pets, and we protect the well-being of animal companions everywhere.

Embrace yourself, your journey and your pet! Enjoy being a Pet Mentor to someone and enjoy being mentored by another. Thank you for spending time with us this year reading our articles, writing to us and sharing your stories. We wish everyone a very happy holiday and a wonderful start to a new year! May your year-end be enlightening, engaging and may you enjoy the journey of Embracing your pets!

* www.embracement.org: Senior Lecturer: Anglia Ruskin University – Chelmsford UK, Ambra Burls R.M.N., CPN, BSc (Hons), PGCE, MA, TSOLW, MALT, NMC Registered http://www.embracement.org/english/home_english.htm

**Source: Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com)

Donald and Sara Hassler are co-authors of the award-winning children’s book, Loving Marley, and reside in Connecticut with Marley and Belle,the real-life inspiration for the PugTale Adventures storybooks: www.lovingmarley.com. The Hasslers are active members of the press and write exclusive feature articles for several publications. Their columns are also published in Pug Talk Magazine. Visit them online at www.responsiblepetowner.com.