Most pet owners enjoy the tactile sensation of running their hands over their pet’s soft, cuddly fur. In fact, studies show petting a cuddly animal can actively reduce stress. That said, we’re generally not as enthusiastic about encountering their abundant fur once it’s fallen out, turned into a gazillion individual hairs and become attached to our furniture, our cars, our clothing or even our food.

If you’re among the many dedicated pet owners who end up shelling out hundreds of dollars in veterinary care every year, you may be wondering whether pet insurance would be a good future investment. The answer to that involves a lot of different factors, including your location, the age, size and breed of your pet and his preexisting conditions. Another consideration could be his projected lifespan; after all, with better pet foods and pet care, our furry friends are living longer and they’re more likely to face an age-related illness.

Most of us understand that barking is a dog’s natural mode of communication, and that dogs bark for a number of different reasons — to ward off perceived threats, to express emotions such as fear, excitement, anxiety or boredom, to greet others, etc. But that doesn’t make a relentlessly barking dog any easier to take when we’re tired, stressed, longing for peace and quiet and/or trying to listen to someone or something else.

On any given day, you may notice that Fluffy continually seeks out a beam of light in which to sunbathe for her afternoon nap. Similarly, Fido may find the warmest, sunniest patch in your yard in which to lay down and relax after a long walk or a morning of play.

Why? Like humans, many animals simply like the soothing feel of the sun on their skin and fur. But there are likely other reasons related to their physiology and their instincts for self-preservation.

Here are some of the most common reasons dogs and cats like to lay in the sun.

Dogs think nothing of leaping up onto the bed, the sofa or into the car so they can get close to their favorite people. However, if your dog seems to need a lot more coaxing to join you, that’s a sign that making the jump is a painful prospect for your best friend. Or, if your dog’s short legs and small stature require Superman-like leaps, they could very well end up injuring a knee or paw, especially if they’re landing on a hard surface, like cement. Bottom line, jumping on and off a higher perch is a high-load activity that can be hard on your dog’s joints, causing inflammation or even injury. That’s where providing a ramp or a set of pet stairs can help your pet move about safely and comfortably.

Boston Terriers are handsome, loyal, packed with personality and love nothing more in life than to tag along with their humans. This makes Bostons an ideal doggy companion for just about any lifestyle. Whether your family is active and always on the go, or if couch potato best describes your weekend style, it’s hard to go wrong with this amazing breed. Thinking about getting one? We rounded up some facts and advice to help you decide.