Pet ownership is both rewarding and time-consuming. Sometimes, we feel guilty when we take on the responsibility and cannot fulfill the duty. If you’re beginning to ponder the idea, though, here’s a quick summary of considerations before owning a small pet to help you make the best decision for your family.
Potential Allergens
One of the most significant considerations before owning a small pet is understanding the potential allergies that can occur. An easy way to rule out the upfront allergens is by exposing your family to your friend’s or family’s pets with similar dander. If nobody notices any increased sniffles, watery eyes, or rashes, it’s safe to say you’re in the clear.
Financial Obligations
Before signing on for a pet of any species or size, you need to understand the financial responsibilities it comes with. If you are already struggling with your children or day-to-day financials, taking on a pet is not in your best interest. There are food and grooming costs and veterinary appointments annually. And sometimes, accidents occur and require emergency expenses.
Cleanliness
Though owning a small pet means formally adopting them as one of the kids, they have quite a way to go before mastering personal hygiene. They bring things into the home like dirt and bugs and might have the occasional accident or two on the carpets or bedding. Not to mention the dander requires continual vacuuming.
What To Do in Your Absence
If you travel for work often or take vacations with the family, you need to think about the best plan for your pet while you’re not home. Keeping your pets safe in your absence is a significant and sometimes scary task.
Consider consulting a neighbor to see if they can help or run through your home to make sure it’s a secure environment. Otherwise, it might be best to wait until you’re more grounded before taking on a small friend.
Regardless of your choice of animal, whether it be a cat, gerbil, or fish, remember to treat them with kindness. Owning a pet is always worth it if you can provide for it.
Fat Tuesday and Ash Wednesday sit side by side on the calendar, but they feel very different.
One is full of color, music, and celebration. The other is quiet, simple, and reflective.
Together, they form a powerful transition from feasting to fasting, from Carnival to Lent.
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of February 17, 2026. The first day of fasting will likely fall on February 18. The month will end around March 19, 2026, depending on local moon sightings. These dates may be changed, depending on the country.
A red robin watches a Ramadan family prayer with warmth and wonder.
Ride into the rare Year of the Fire Horse with legends, dragon dances, lucky foods, and a fiery red robin salute to Lunar New Year. The Year of the Fire Horse is one of the most dramatic and culturally charged cycles in the Chinese zodiac. It appears only once every 60 years, and when it does, it ignites stories of passion, rebellion, creativity, and change.
From ancient legends to modern festivals filled with dragon dances and lanterns, the Fire Horse gallops through history
as a symbol of both risk and possibility.
Quick Fire Horse Snapshot:
Rare 60-year cycle • Fiery passion • Bold change • Artistic energy • A time to move, create, and transform.
Fire Horse-inspired lantern art at a Lunar New Year celebration.
As mid-February settles in, Presidents' Day arrives as a welcome pause in the winter season, a moment when
communities across the United States step outdoors for parades, visit historic sites, and reflect on the
leaders who shaped the nation. The holiday blends civic pride with the comfort of a long weekend, creating
a unique mix of celebration, education, and family time.
In 2026, the holiday on February 16th carries added significance as the nation enters its 250th anniversary year,
inspiring expanded programming, special exhibitions, and renewed interest in the country’s founding era.
From record spending to instant downloadable gifts for couples, pets, and families. For late shoppers, these ideas make a great solution for finding meaningful gifts.
Valentine’s Day 2026 is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet. Recent retail surveys show
that total Valentine’s spending is expected to reach record levels, with average budgets per
person climbing close to the $200 mark. Consumers aren’t just buying for romantic
partners anymore; they’re also celebrating kids, pets, friends, and themselves.
At the same time, how people express love is changing. Instead of defaulting to last‑minute
flowers and generic chocolates, many are looking for gifts that feel personal, meaningful,
and easy to deliver, especially when they’ve left things a little late. That’s where
downloadable, print‑at‑home, and digital gifts step into the spotlight.
