Ben Stein offers some advice on how to get through tough economic times:

Get a dog. 

I totally agree.

My trip from Phoenix to Portland wasn’t easy. Packing, unpacking, getting lost in a new town, and those first grocery trips for a new place that can top $400. It’s been stressful, so I decided to treat myself to a facial tomorrow morning. But I’m not the only one a little stressed out about the new environment, Maisey is too! She hasn’t been eating as much, she’s not totally comfortable in the new digs and is basically staying as close to me as she can. Right now, she’s fast asleep and I’m glad. Hopefully a good nap will rest her anxious mind. Ever since I set up her crate, she’s been hanging out in there. I’m sure it’s familiar and comfortable to her.

So what are the best ways to make a transition like this easier on our pets? Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way:

• Keep familiar items available and out in the open - As soon as I set up Maisey’s crate, she was eager to jump right in and take a nap.
• Bring their toys out to play - Maisey lightened up when I unpacked her favorite squeeky duck.
• Show them around - Maisey and I scoped out the new digs together. I gave her plenty of time to sniff around the new backyard and to explore each room in the house.
• Don’t leave for an extended period of time, too soon - I’ve been taking short trips out of the house (20-30 minutes). Until this feels like home for her, she might worry I’m not coming back.
• Reward them for the little things – If they go potty outside (even if they’ve been potty trained for a long time) reward them! Practice a few sit and stays with a reward. Dogs like structure and consistency, so this should be comforting to them.  
• Don’t encourage the anxiety – At my old place, Maisey hated the balcony. Here, she appears to fear the refriderator. I’m practicing walking through the kitchen with her and making it no big deal. The worst thing you can do is baby them or pick them up and coddle them, it will make them think the anxiety or fear is warranted.

Most of all, be understanding. The move can be just as, if not more so stressful for your pet, as it is for you. Dogs are creatures of habit and don’t enjoy change. A little care and attention can make the whole process easier on both of you.

I love my dog, and she knows it. I cuddle with her every morning before I get up. I talk to her. I hug her when I get home.  But what do you do if your partner isn’t a pet person, or is jealous of the affection you bestow upon your pet?

Fortunately, I haven’t had this problem. But msnbc.com explains that it can be difficult for people who don’t have a pet to understand the human-animal bond. This can lead to tension and jealousy in the relationship.  However, the tension doesn’t always come from your partner. You dog can get jealous, too. Dogs will nudge, jump, paw and even growl if they are feeling you are giving too much attention to your partner, and not enough to them.  It’s possible they’ll even show aggression toward your partner.

This can be a difficult transition if your pet is used to having your undivided attention or being the one who sleeps next to you in the bed. So what’s a dog mom in this situation to do?

Just as a single mom should take caution when introducing a new boyfriend to their child, take similar caution when introducing your pet to your new partner.  Introduce them on neutral ground. Give your dog a chance to get to know your new beau before letting him into the house. Animal behaviorist Sophia Yin recommends tethering your dog to your new partner, forcing them to be attached at the hip for some time (I don’t think I’d recommend this technique to single moms, though). Your partner should pet, talk to, and reward your dog throughout the day. Your dog will learn that this new person can be a giver of good things too (just like mom), but they have to spend time with that person to get those rewards.

Personally, I’d suggest easing both your partner and your pet into each others lives. Schedule dates with the three of you on neutral territory. Let your partner prepare a meal for your dog or take your dog for a walk. If your partner is feeling jealous that your pup is getting all the cuddle action in the morning, explain why your pet is such an important part of your life and allow your partner to participate in the activities you enjoy with your pet. If your partner can’t understand or at least respect that bond, maybe he’s not the right guy for you or your dog.

The economy is bad, I get it. In fact, if the news could stop reminding me for awhile, that would be great. I promise not to forget. Times are tough, but it’s times like these that make us appreciate the things we do have – and I have a wonderful dog.

Studies show that animals provide anxiety relief and support for stressed out college students and that’s even more of a reason to love that a growing number of colleges are offering animal friendly dorms. There is no denying that animals can reduce stress. During a hardship, it’s good to remind ourselves of that, and use the opportunity to reconnect with our four-legged best friends.

• Stay home! So what if you can’t afford to go out to dinner and a movie tonight. Your dog loves when your home, so curl up on the couch with your latest Netflix arrival and spend some quality time with your pooch. 

• Your dog is your best exercise partner. Need an excuse to get off the couch? Dogs let us know when it’s time to go outside and play. Instead of hitting the gym, take your buddy hiking, for a long walk or a trip to the dog park. You’ll get some exercise, a chance to socialize, feel less stressed and your dog will love you for it.

• They don’t know that toy isn’t new. Gather up your dogs toys, run them through the washing machine, and then give them back to your dog one by one. You can even take the old toy out of a PetSmart bag if you think you’re dog is on to you. I’m wondering if this would work for my closet as well. Maybe I’ll throw an old top in a Nordstrom bag and see if I can fool myself.

• Remember that money isn’t everything. The thought of being broke may stress you out but your dog doesn’t care. Belly rubs are the highest form of currency in their world, and belly rubs never lose their value. I realize no one is going to walk around thinking money doesn’t matter, but when the anxiety kicks in, try thinking like your dog – even if for only an hour. Enjoy the simple things. 

• You are everything to them. Your dog loves you – unconditionally. Nothing makes your dog happier than you walking in the door. Watch how your dog reacts to seeing you at the end of the day. Even if you’ve been ridiculed by your boss, you’re feeling worthless or you just got laid off, your dog thinks no less of you. You are still the best thing in their lives.

Like I said before, times are tough – there’s no denying it. But the love between a girl and her dog is recession proof.